A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Hunza & Skardu Blossom Spring Journey
Group Trips | March–April | 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 3,000–3,500 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 · BLOSSOM IN HUNZA & SKARDU
Discover Blossom in Hunza & Skardu
The spring journey combines Hunza’s orchard landscapes with the Baltistan region shown in the daily programme. It offers a two-region blossom itinerary with cultural visits and transfer stages between the valleys.
Follow the complete 13-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
Spring orchards and seasonal blossom
Skardu and Shigar in Baltistan
Karimabad and central Hunza
Attabad Lake, Gojal and Passu
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 · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 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 | Skardu → Shigar | Shigar hotel |
| 5 | Shigar → Gilgit | Gilgit hotel |
| 6 | Gilgit → Karimabad (Hunza) | Karimabad hotel |
| 7 | Central Hunza (Karimabad) | Central Hunza hotel |
| 8 | Karimabad → Hopper → Attabad Lake → Gulmit | Attabad/ Gulmit hotel |
| 9 | Ghulkin → Hussaini Bridge → Passu → Borith Lake | Passu/ Gulmit guesthouse |
| 10 | Passu → Khunjerab Pass → Gilgit | Gilgit hotel |
| 11 | Gilgit → Islamabad · flight or two-day road return | Islamabad if flying; Naran or Bisham if returning by road · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 12 | Islamabad · rest day or completion of road return | Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 13 | Departure From Islamabad | No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal |
Your 13-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: 540 m | Drive: Avg 2 hrs
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be warmly received by Crossroads Adventure representatives and transferred to your hotel to rest after your journey.
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 · 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
Skardu → Shigar
Altitude: 2,230 m | Drive: Avg 4 hrs
Depart Skardu after breakfast for Shigar Valley, a town rich in heritage and natural beauty. Visit the historic Shigar Fort, fully restored, including its museum, mosque, and orchards. Enjoy a guided walk in the village and meet local artisans. The day provides an introduction to the culture and architecture of Baltistan.
Overnight at Shigar hotel.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shigar hotel
DAY 5
Shigar → Gilgit
Altitude: 1,500 m | Drive: 6 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Gilgit, following the Indus River through its dramatic gorges. Stop for scenic photography along the way. Upon arrival, visit Kargah Buddha rock carving, a 7th-century monument reflecting the region’s Buddhist heritage, and explore Gilgit Bazaar for local gemstones and handicrafts.
Overnight at Gilgit hotel. Express Gilgit.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gilgit hotel
DAY 6
Gilgit → Karimabad (Hunza)
Altitude: 2,500 m | Drive: 4 hrs
Drive north along the Karakoram Highway toward Hunza Valley. En route, stop at the Ancient Silk Route remains and Rakaposhi Viewpoint for panoramic views of the 7,788 m peak. In Karimabad, explore Baltit Fort, and wander Karimabad Bazaar for local crafts and semi-precious stones.
Overnight at Karimabad hotel.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad hotel
DAY 7
Central Hunza (Karimabad)
Altitude: 2,500 m | Drive: 2–3 hrs
Spend the day in Hunza with visits to Altit Fort, exploring its centuries-old architecture and history. Continue to Duikar / Eagle’s Nest for sunrise or sunset panoramic views of Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak, and Rakaposhi. Take a guided village walk through old lanes and traditional homes, and meet locals to learn about apricot cultivation and mountain farming.
Overnight at Central Hunza hotel.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Central Hunza hotel
DAY 8
Karimabad → Hopper → Attabad Lake → Gulmit
Altitude: 2,300–2,600 m | Drive: 3–4 hrs
Drive to Hopper Valley, visit the Hopper Glacier viewpoint, then continue to Attabad Lake, formed in 2010, for a short boat ride across its turquoise waters. Proceed to Gulmit Village to explore historic Wakhi houses and meet local artisans. Return to the lake area for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Attabad/ Gulmit hotel.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Attabad/ Gulmit hotel
DAY 9
Ghulkin → Hussaini Bridge → Passu → Borith Lake
Travel north to Ghulkin, meet a local family, then cross the Hussaini Suspension Bridge under guidance for safety. Continue to view the iconic Passu Cones and glaciers. Afternoon visit to Borith Lake, a wetland that attracts migratory birds and offers a tranquil mountain setting.
Overnight at Passu/ Gulmit guesthouse.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Passu/ Gulmit guesthouse
DAY 10
Passu → Khunjerab Pass → Gilgit
Altitude: Gilgit 1,500 m | Khunjerab 4,693 m | Drive: 8–9 hrs
Depart early for Sost, and continue to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the highest paved international border crossing. Enjoy the stark, high-altitude landscape and take photos at the Pakistan-China border. Descend along the same route with stops for photography before returning to Gilgit.
Overnight at Gilgit hotel.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Gilgit hotel
DAY 11
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 12
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 13
Departure From Islamabad
Altitude: 540 m | Drive: 1 hr
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. Crossroads Adventure staff assist with check-in and luggage, ensuring a smooth departure. Farewell from your guides and support team.
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 provided in vehicles.
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 & arrangements
- Transport
- Airport transfers in Islamabad, Skardu, and Gilgit.
- Transportation with fuel and driver throughout the journey.
- Jeep charges for Cold Desert visit.
- All toll taxes and parking charges.
- Domestic flights as per itinerary: Islamabad ↔ Skardu, Gilgit → Islamabad.
Guiding & visits
- Extras
- English-speaking professional journey guide.
- Entrance fees for included attractions: Lower Kachura Lake, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Khunjerab Pass.
- Invitation letters and supporting documents for visa application.
- All taxes 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, and hotel staff.
- Any services not explicitly mentioned in the “Included” section.
- Travel insurance.
Tailor the experience
Not necessarily. Elevation and weather influence flowering. We discuss the route and dates for both regions and avoid promising identical blossom conditions throughout.
Plan your Blossom in Hunza & Skardu 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
Spring conditions differ between Hunza and Skardu. Blossom timing, northern flights and higher-road access can change the order and pace of visits.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 13 days / 12 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
Will Hunza and Skardu blossom at the same time?
Not necessarily. Elevation and weather influence flowering. We discuss the route and dates for both regions and avoid promising identical blossom conditions throughout.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
Spring conditions differ between Hunza and Skardu. Blossom timing, northern flights and higher-road access can change the order and pace of visits.
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 | March high / low | April high / low |
|---|---|---|
| Karimabad, Hunza | 9 / 2°C | 16 / 7°C |
| Skardu | 12 / 2°C | 18 / 7°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
Blossom in Hunza & Skardu, 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.