Baltit Fort on its spur above the autumn orchards of Karimabad, the snow face of Rakaposhi lit by the last of the sun behind it.

Hunza Valley Explorer

Seven nights in the valley everyone comes north for

7 nightsApr–Octeasy

The straightforward introduction to northern Pakistan, and the trip we run most often. You fly into Islamabad, drive the Karakoram Highway, and spend four unhurried nights in Hunza with day trips up to Passu and Attabad. No trekking beyond a gentle walk, no altitude to speak of, and a great deal of apricot tea.

Four nights in Karimabad rather than the usual two
Baltit and Altit forts with a guide who knows the history
Sunrise on Rakaposhi from Duikar
The Passu Cones, Hussaini bridge and Attabad Lake
The full length of the Karakoram Highway, in daylight, both ways

About 35 hours on the road across 7 nights. Northern Pakistan is big and the roads are mountain roads. We show the driving day by day below rather than burying it, because the commonest complaint in this business is a transfer nobody was warned about.

Elevation across the trip

Altitude is the thing that most often spoils a trip up here. This is the profile we actually follow, with the acclimatisation nights built in.

Highest point: 2,438 m at Hunza, on day 3. Day numbers along the bottom.

Day by day

Met at the airport and taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, an easy evening at Saidpur village or the Monal ridge for a first look at the Margallas.

What’s included

All accommodation on a twin-share basis, in the tier shown
Private vehicle with an experienced driver for the whole trip
4x4 jeeps where the road requires one
An English-speaking guide throughout
All meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner
All entry tickets and site fees
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Bottled water in the vehicle
Restricted-zone permits and NOC paperwork where needed
Visa invitation letter and hotel confirmations for your e-visa application

What’s not

International flights
Pakistan e-visa fee (typically USD 35–60, higher for some nationalities)
Travel insurance — mandatory, and it must cover the altitudes on your itinerary
Domestic flights unless listed in the itinerary
Tips for your guide and driver (guidance provided, never expected)
Personal expenses, laundry and telephone
Anything not listed under what is included

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