Hunza Valley Tour
Altitude
2,438m
Duration
10-15 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza Valley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and historic villages. Travelers explore iconic landmarks such as Baltit and Altit forts, cruise along the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, and enjoy the legendary views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. The journey along the Karakoram Highway provides breathtaking scenery at every turn, with opportunities for short hikes, photography, and interaction with welcoming local communities. Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and relaxing exploration.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our staff will greet you and provide a transfer to our group hotel. This day is dedicated to recovering from your travels. Once all participants have arrived, we will convene for a comprehensive briefing on our upcoming Hunza Valley Tour. Depending on the schedule, an optional afternoon tour of Islamabad—the nation’s purpose-built capital established in 1961—may be available. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Dinner.
Drive to Chilas or Naran
After breakfast, we depart the capital and begin our journey north via mini-coach along the legendary Karakoram Highway. The drive takes us through historical towns and vibrant green valleys as we head toward the high mountains. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in either Naran or Chilas, both serving as traditional gateways to the deep north. Distance: 461km. Duration: 8-9 hours. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Travel to Karimabad
We continue our journey toward Karimabad, traveling along the ancient Silk Road route now occupied by the modern Karakoram Highway. Following the Indus and Hunza Rivers, this drive is a spectacular introduction to the region’s geography; twenty-one of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from this road. As civilization fades behind us, we enter the heart of the Karakoram. Distance: 150km. Duration: 5 hours. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Sightseeing in Karimabad
Today is dedicated to exploring Karimabad, the ancient capital of the Hunza Valley. You can wander through cobblestone streets, browse local handicrafts and rubies, or sample authentic Hunza cuisine. We will visit the UNESCO-listed Baltit and Altit Forts to learn about the region’s complex history. From Altit Fort, enjoy a commanding view of the old Silk Road and a spectacular sunset over the river. Altitude: 2,440m. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Excursion to Eagle’s Nest
Following a morning in Karimabad, we ascend a steep switchback road to reach Eagle’s Nest. Known as the premier viewpoint in Hunza, it offers a 360-degree panorama of jagged cliffs and pink-hued peaks. We will spend the evening here to witness a magical sunset and a star-filled sky, followed by an early sunrise the next morning. Altitude: 2,850m. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Khunjerab Pass and the Chinese Border
Today features an epic drive to the Khunjerab Pass (4,880m), the highest paved border crossing in the world, connecting Pakistan and China. En route, we stop at the mesmerising Attabad Lake and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. The pass is located within the Khunjerab National Park, home to the rare snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep. After exploring this high-altitude frontier, we return to the iconic village of Passu for the night. Duration: 4 hours. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive and Trek to Fairy Meadows
We depart Passu and head to Raikot Bridge, where we transfer to 4x4 jeeps for an exhilarating ride on the legendary Fairy Meadows track. From the end of the road at Tattu Village, a 3-hour hike brings us to Fairy Meadows. Here, you will have your first close-up view of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world and one of the most beautiful peaks in Pakistan. Altitude: 3,300m. Accommodation: Cabins/Huts. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Acclimatization and Relaxation at Fairy Meadows
Two free days are reserved to soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. You can relax at our log cabins, watch the clouds dance around Nanga Parbat, or explore the dense pine forests. For those seeking activity, we offer guided treks ranging from two to seven hours, including the walk to the Nanga Parbat Base Camp. This is arguably the best place in the world to experience high-altitude serenity. Accommodation: Cabins/Huts. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Return to Islamabad
Our tour concludes its mountain phase as we descend to Tattu, take the jeeps back to Raikot Bridge, and rejoin our minibus for the drive back to Islamabad. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a hot shower and the comforts of the city after your wilderness adventure. Duration: 10 hours. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Contingency and Exploration Day
A flexible day in Islamabad to rest, prepare for your journey home, or conduct some last-minute shopping in the local markets. We will enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our journey through the Hunza Valley. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Final Departure
Following breakfast, we will provide a private transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home, marking the official end of your Hunza Valley Tour. Meals: Breakfast.
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