A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Northern Pakistan Private Expedition
Group Trips | October – November | Private journeys available on request
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Pace: Road travel, sightseeing and walking adapted to your interests. Share your preferred pace and mobility before we prepare your proposal.
Premium accommodation where available. Final stays, room arrangements and the daily pace are agreed with you.
INDICATIVE JOURNEY PRICE
USD 3,500–4,200 per person
The final proposal confirms your dates, party size, room arrangements, services and price.
Group departure routes and lengths may differ from this private itinerary. If no dates are listed, enquire about a private journey.
PAKISTAN · THE NORTHERN PAKISTAN COLLECTION
Discover The Northern Pakistan Collection
A longer northern Pakistan programme brings together the mountain regions and cultural stops shown in this daily itinerary. The extra days allow a broader journey than a single-valley visit, with a balance of exploration and transfers.
Follow the complete 18-day route below. Private dates and changes to the pace are discussed after enquiry, with the final stays and services agreed before booking.
Moments along the journey
Journey highlights
Skardu and the Cold Desert
Marsur Rock and Hussainabad
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
Naltar, Hunza and upper valley walks
Your journey route
Explore the main places along this journey. Markers show geographic context; the daily sequence below confirms the proposed stages and overnight stops. Exact mountain camps, glacier lines and trail access are confirmed with the guide.
View the daily route and overnight stops
| Day | Route stage | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival In Islamabad | Islamabad |
| 2 | Islamabad → Skardu · flight or first road day | Skardu if flying; Naran or Bisham if travelling by road · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 3 | Skardu · arrival contingency and rest | Skardu · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 4 | Drive To Hussainabad | Hussainabad |
| 5 | Hike To Marsur Rock – Return To Hussainabad | the guesthouse |
| 6 | Drive To Raikot Bridge | a roadside lodge, Shangrilla Raikot (basic) |
| 7 | Raikot – Jeep To Tato – Trek To Fairy Meadows | wooden cottage (Greenland) |
| 8 | Trek To Nanga Parbat Base Camp – Return To Fairy Meadows | wooden cottage (Greenland) |
| 9 | Fairy Meadows – Trek Down – Drive To Gilgit | Gilgit |
| 10 | Gilgit To Naltar Valley | a basic guesthouse |
| 11 | Naltar To Karimabad (Hunza) | Karimabad |
| 12 | Central Hunza Exploration | Karimabad |
| 13 | Hopar Valley – Attabad Lake – Gulmit | Gulmit · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 14 | Passu, Ghulkin & White Glacier | Gulmit |
| 15 | Drive Back To Gilgit | Gilgit · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 16 | Gilgit → Islamabad · flight or two-day road return | Islamabad if flying; Naran or Bisham if returning by road · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 17 | Islamabad · rest day or completion of road return | Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 18 | International departure from Islamabad | No overnight stay; international departure |
Your 18-day itinerary
A proposed sequence, adapted to your dates and interests. Weather, flight operation and local access may require changes.
DAY 1
Arrival In Islamabad
Altitude: 1,770 ft | Drive Time: Airport Transfer
Arrive in Islamabad, where a Crossroads Adventure representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may rest or enjoy a brief city orientation. Overnight in Islamabad. 108 hotel or similar
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad
DAY 2
Islamabad → Skardu · flight or first road day
Take the planned domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, subject to operation. If it operates, transfer to your accommodation and keep any local visits flexible. If the flight is cancelled, travel by road to Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or to Bisham via the Karakoram Highway, and stay overnight there. The onward road journey continues the next day; do not plan a same-day drive from Islamabad to Skardu.
Domestic flight and local transfers, or the first of two road-travel days. Route selection depends on seasonal access and road conditions.
Overnight: Skardu if flying; Naran or Bisham if travelling by road · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 3
Skardu · arrival contingency and rest
If yesterday’s flight operated, use today for rest and flexible local visits in Skardu. If the flight was cancelled, complete the road journey from Naran or Bisham to Skardu today and check into your accommodation. Keep sightseeing light and begin the next itinerary stage tomorrow.
Second road-travel day when required; sightseeing is optional and depends on arrival time.
Overnight: Skardu · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 4
Drive To Hussainabad
Altitude: 8,200 ft | Drive Time: 2–3 hrs
Depart Skardu for the remote village of Hussainabad, set amid dramatic mountains. After settling into your guesthouse, take a short village walk, meeting locals and experiencing rural life. Overnight in Hussainabad. Basic guest house
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Hussainabad
DAY 5
Hike To Marsur Rock – Return To Hussainabad
Altitude: 9,800 ft | Trek Time: 5–6 hrs (moderate)
Embark on a rewarding hike to Marsur Rock, often compared to Norway’s Trolltunga, offering panoramic views of the Skardu Valley. Spend time soaking in the scenery before descending back to Hussainabad. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. Basic guest house
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: the guesthouse
DAY 6
Drive To Raikot Bridge
Altitude: 4,000 ft | Drive Time: 6–7 hrs
Journey west along the Indus, passing stark gorges and rugged terrain en route to Raikot Bridge, the gateway to Fairy Meadows. Overnight at a roadside lodge, Shangrilla Raikot (basic).
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: a roadside lodge, Shangrilla Raikot (basic)
DAY 7
Raikot – Jeep To Tato – Trek To Fairy Meadows
Altitude: 10,800 ft | Drive/Trek Time: 2 hrs jeep + 3 hrs trek
From Raikot, take a thrilling jeep ride on one of the most adventurous tracks in the world to Tato Village. From here, begin a moderate trek through pine forests to reach the legendary Fairy Meadows, offering your first close views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Overnight in wooden cottage (Greenland).
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: wooden cottage (Greenland)
DAY 8
Trek To Nanga Parbat Base Camp – Return To Fairy Meadows
Altitude: 13,950 ft | Trek Time: 6–7 hrs round trip
A full day trek through alpine pastures and rocky trails to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, standing beneath the world’s ninth-highest mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views before returning to Fairy Meadows. Overnight in wooden cottage (Greenland).
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: wooden cottage (Greenland)
DAY 9
Fairy Meadows – Trek Down – Drive To Gilgit
Altitude: 4,900 ft | Drive/Trek Time: 3 hrs trek + 3 hrs drive
Descend from Fairy Meadows to Tato, take jeeps back to Raikot, and continue the drive to Gilgit. Evening at leisure to explore Gilgit Bazaar. Overnight in Gilgit. Serena Gilgit or Ramada Gilgit.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gilgit
DAY 10
Gilgit To Naltar Valley
Altitude: 10,000 ft | Drive Time: 2–3 hrs
Drive to Naltar Valley, famed for its alpine forests, meadows, and glacial lakes. Visit Naltar Lakes (accessible by jeep) and enjoy short walks in the valley. Overnight in a basic guesthouse. Guest house/Hotel the best available at the time of booking.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: a basic guesthouse
DAY 11
Naltar To Karimabad (Hunza)
Altitude: 8,200 ft | Drive Time: 4–5 hrs
Descend from Naltar and continue along the Karakoram Highway to Karimabad Hunza, surrounded by the iconic Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Diran peaks. Overnight in Karimabad. Serena Hunza.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad
DAY 12
Central Hunza Exploration
Altitude: 8,200 ft | Drive Time: Local touring
Spend the day exploring Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, historic gems of Hunza. Walk through Karimabad bazaar and terraced fields, with an optional cultural evening featuring local music. Overnight in Karimabad. Serena Hunza.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad
DAY 13
Hopar Valley – Attabad Lake – Gulmit
Altitude: 9,200 ft | Drive Time: 5–6 hrs
Morning excursion to Hopar Valley, overlooking Bualtar Glacier. Continue north to Attabad Lake, a turquoise marvel formed by a landslide, before reaching Gulmit village for overnight stay. Luxus or similar.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gulmit · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 14
Passu, Ghulkin & White Glacier
Altitude: 9,500 ft | Drive/Walks: 4–5 hrs
Explore upper Hunza with stops at the Hussaini Suspension Bridge (one of the world’s longest), Ghulkin village and Ghulkin Glacier walk, Passu Cones viewpoint, and White Glacier. Overnight in Gulmit. Luxus or similar.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gulmit
DAY 15
Drive Back To Gilgit
Altitude: 4,900 ft | Drive Time: 4–5 hrs
Return to Gilgit, stopping for photography along the Karakoram Highway. Free time in Gilgit. Overnight stay. Serena Gilgit or Ramada Gilgit.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gilgit · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 16
Gilgit → Islamabad · flight or two-day road return
Take the planned flight from Gilgit to Islamabad, subject to operation. If the flight operates, transfer to your Islamabad hotel; any city or Taxila visit depends on arrival time. If it is cancelled, begin the road return and stay overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. Complete the road journey to Islamabad on the following day. International departure is scheduled after the Islamabad overnight, never on the day the road return finishes.
Flight and airport transfers if operating; otherwise a full road-travel day with breaks. Naran via Babusar is seasonal; Bisham is the Karakoram Highway alternative.
Overnight: Islamabad if flying; Naran or Bisham if returning by road · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 17
Islamabad · rest day or completion of road return
If yesterday’s mountain flight operated, enjoy a day at leisure or optional local visits. If it was cancelled, travel from Naran or Bisham to Islamabad today and check into your hotel. Keep the evening free to rest. This Islamabad overnight protects the following day’s international departure.
Road contingency: a full transfer day with stops and allowance for delays; sightseeing is optional and secondary to reaching Islamabad.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 18
International departure from Islamabad
After your overnight in Islamabad, transfer from the hotel to Islamabad International Airport at the time agreed for your confirmed international flight. No return journey from the northern mountains is scheduled today.
Hotel-to-airport transfer; allow the airline’s required check-in time and additional time for traffic.
Overnight: No overnight stay; international departure
Accommodation along the journey
Premium accommodation where available, selected for the overnight places in this itinerary. Properties, room categories and any remote-area alternatives are agreed after enquiry; named hotels are not confirmed standard arrangements.
Use the overnight line in each daily card to follow the stay sequence. Tell us your room preferences and any requests for longer stays before the personal programme is finalised.
What is included
The services below reflect this journey. Your agreed proposal confirms the final arrangements before booking.
Drinking water & refreshments
- Mineral water and basic refreshments provided during travel.
Accommodation, agreed with you
- Premium accommodation where available, with simpler stays in remote locations as appropriate. Properties and room arrangements are agreed after your enquiry.
- Basic guesthouses and mountain cottages in remote regions (as per itinerary).
Transport & arrangements
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the entire journey.
- Jeep transfers for Fairy Meadows, Naltar Valley, Hussainabad, and other off-road areas.
- Domestic flights included as per itinerary.
- All toll taxes, permits, and parking charges included.
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
Guiding & visits
- Extras
- Professional English-speaking journey Specialist from Crossroads Adventure.
- Entrance fees for all included sites and attractions.
- All road taxes, permits, and service charges included.
What is not included
Meals & personal spending
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are excluded and paid directly by guests.
Other exclusions
- International flights; personal travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities; personal purchases and optional activities not specified in your agreed proposal.
- International flights to/from Pakistan.
- Tips for drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff.
- Any additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances (landslides, weather, political issues).
- Travel/medical insurance of any kind.Optional adventure activities (e.g., paragliding).
Tailor the experience
Yes. We can reduce the number of stops and extend stays in your preferred valleys. The revised day-by-day proposal will show the effect on driving and accommodation.
Plan your The Northern Pakistan Collection journey
Mountain flights, road alternatives & international departure
When a mountain flight is cancelled, the road alternative is split over two days with an overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. The same overnight arrangement applies when travelling north from Islamabad towards Gilgit or Hunza. Northbound road travel replaces local sightseeing or uses the arrival-contingency day shown in the programme. Return journeys reach Islamabad at least one calendar day before international departure, with an Islamabad hotel overnight. Confirm international flight times against this revised sequence before booking.
Season, access & pace
The final road and flight plan should leave room for weather and operating changes. Share whether you prefer more village time, walking or photography when choosing the pace.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 18 days / 17 nights. Share your arrival and departure plans, party size and preferred balance of the visits listed here. Your proposal confirms transport, stays, fees and any flight arrangements for this particular route.
Packing for this journey
Comfortable walking footwear, sun protection, a daypack and layers for the valley and mountain stops on this route. Discuss extra warm clothing and waterproof protection for your dates, particularly for highland visits or mountain lodges.
Travel notes & FAQs
Can this programme be made slower?
Yes. We can reduce the number of stops and extend stays in your preferred valleys. The revised day-by-day proposal will show the effect on driving and accommodation.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
The final road and flight plan should leave room for weather and operating changes. Share whether you prefer more village time, walking or photography when choosing the pace.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are excluded and paid directly by guests.
Seasonal temperature reference
Rounded historical average daytime highs / overnight lows, from a northern Pakistan climate study published in 2002. These figures illustrate valley conditions; they are not a current forecast or modern climate normals. Mountain camps and exposed passes can be considerably colder.
| Valley station | June high / low | September high / low |
|---|---|---|
| Karimabad, Hunza | 26 / 14°C | 24 / 12°C |
| Skardu | 28 / 14°C | 27 / 12°C |
Check the forecast close to departure and confirm layers for your dates and altitude. Source: Science Vision: The Climate and Flood Risk Potential of Northern Areas of Pakistan, Table 1.
Further reading
Explore the official destination and heritage references relevant to this route.
LET’S SHAPE YOUR JOURNEY
The Northern Pakistan Collection, made personal
Tell us your preferred dates, interests and accommodation preferences. We’ll prepare a clear proposal with the itinerary, stays, services and price.
Enquire about this journey →Prefer shared company? Explore fixed departures and confirm current availability. Meet the people behind Crossroads and view our credentials.