A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Hunza & Baltistan Private Expedition
Group Trips – Throughout the Year | Private depending on bookings
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 3,000–5,000 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 · HUNZA & BALTISTAN
Discover Hunza & Baltistan
Baltistan’s fort landscapes and the villages of Hunza give this expedition two distinct regional chapters. Skardu and its surrounding valleys are followed by the Karakoram corridor and the heritage of Karimabad and upper Hunza.
Follow the complete 11-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, Shigar and Khaplu in Baltistan
Gilgit and the Karakoram Highway
Hunza and Nagar valley exploration
Upper Hunza villages and mountain landscapes
Your journey route
Explore the places along this journey. Map connections are an overview, not driving directions.
Your 11-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
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your luxury accommodation. After a restful afternoon, Venture on a experience of Islamabad, visiting the iconic Shah Faisal Mosque, the scenic Margalla Hills, and the panoramic Daman-e-Koh. Enjoy dinner at a renowned food street and explore local markets before a comfortable overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
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 · local visits or completion of road arrival
If the flight operated, enjoy a flexible Skardu day with lake or heritage visits. If yesterday’s flight was cancelled, continue from Naran or Bisham to Skardu by road instead. Local sightseeing is replaced by the transfer and rest. Stay overnight in Skardu before continuing the programme.
Road transfer on the contingency route; local sightseeing only when the flight itinerary operates.
Overnight: Skardu · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 4
Excursion To Khaplu
Drive to Khaplu and check in at the majestic Serena Khaplu Palace. Visit the UNESCO-awarded Khaplu Fort and the ancient Chaqchan Mosque. Return to Shangrila Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Khaplu · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 5
Journey To Gilgit
Drive to Gilgit, with scenic stops along the way. Check in at your agreed accommodation Gilgit and enjoy a delicious dinner in this charming city.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gilgit · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 6
Exploring Hunza Valley
Adventure from Gilgit to Hunza and check in at your agreed accommodation. Explore the ancient Altit Fort and soak in the breathtaking views of the Hunza Valley. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay amidst this stunning landscape.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: amidst this stunning landscape
DAY 7
Venture To Nagar Valley
Venture on a journey to Nagar Valley, visiting the Hopper Glacier viewpoint and exploring the historic Baltit Fort. Enjoy panoramic views of both Hunza and Nagar Valleys before returning to your agreed accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Stay and location confirmed in your personal proposal
DAY 8
Expedition To Gojal Valley & Return To Gilgit
Explore Gojal Valley, take a boat Experience on Attabad Lake, and visit Passu village and the Passu Cones. Return to Gilgit for dinner and an overnight stay at your agreed accommodation Gilgit.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: your agreed accommodation Gilgit
DAY 9
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 10
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 11
Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. If time allows, explore the surroundings before transferring to the airport for your international departure.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal
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 in the car
- .Fruit and dry fruits in the vehicle
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.
Transport
- .Airport transfers
- .Transportation with fuel
- .Land Cruiser (4WD) for the north part and car for Islamabad
- .All toll tax and parking charges
Visa Application
- .Invitation letter and supporting documents for visa application
Extras
- .English-speaking, professional journey guide
- .Entrance tickets to forts and museums
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: Airfare to and from Pakistan is not included in the Experience package.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Optional Activities: Any optional Experiences or activities not specified in the itinerary are not included and may incur additional charges.
Tailor the experience
It adds the Baltistan chapter rather than only extending your stay in Hunza. Read the daily sequence to compare the balance of forts, lakes, villages and transfer days.
Plan your Hunza & Baltistan 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
Allow time for transfers between Baltistan and Hunza. Lake visits, mountain viewpoints and any high-pass excursion are fitted around road conditions and the agreed daily pace.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 11 days / 10 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
How is this different from a Hunza-only journey?
It adds the Baltistan chapter rather than only extending your stay in Hunza. Read the daily sequence to compare the balance of forts, lakes, villages and transfer days.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
Allow time for transfers between Baltistan and Hunza. Lake visits, mountain viewpoints and any high-pass excursion are fitted around road conditions and the agreed daily pace.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are excluded and paid directly by guests.
Skardu to Khaplu travel
The Skardu–Khaplu road stage is approximately 103 km. The regional tourism authority suggests around 3–4 hours one way; sightseeing stops and current road conditions can extend the day. See the official Khaplu destination guide.
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
Hunza & Baltistan, 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.