Overview & Route Narrative
The ultimate Northern Pakistan grand circuit. Witness the royal fortresses of Hunza, turquoise Attabad Lake, and Khunjerab Pass (4,693m), combined with the high plateaus of Deosai (4,114m), Katpana Cold Desert, and Kachura Lakes in Skardu.
The Definitive Grand Circuit of Northern Pakistan
For travelers determined to experience the absolute finest mountain landscapes, cultural kingdoms, and historic citadels in Pakistan within a single cohesive journey, our 10-Day Hunza & Skardu Combined Grand Tour represents the ultimate bucket-list expedition. Linking Central Gilgit-Baltistan with the high alpine realm of 'Little Tibet' (Baltistan), this comprehensive circuit traverses two of the world's most spectacular engineering marvels: the legendary Karakoram Highway (N-35) and the newly upgraded Jaglot-Skardu Strategic Highway (S-1).
In Hunza, immerse yourself in progressive Burusho culture, 900-year-old fortresses, cobalt waters at Attabad Lake, and the razor-sharp spires of Passu Cones right up to the 4,693-meter China border at Khunjerab Pass. In Skardu, transition into ancient Tibetan-Balti palace traditions, ride camels over high-altitude sand dunes at Katpana Cold Desert, boat on crystal-clear glacial tarns, and conquer the world's second-highest plateau at Deosai National Park (4,114 m).
Why Combine Hunza and Skardu in One Journey?
Traveling between Hunza and Skardu takes only 4.5 to 5 hours via the smooth Jaglot-Skardu dual highway. Combining both destinations into a 10-day private itinerary eliminates redundant transit from Islamabad, saves significant travel budget, and offers an unmatched comparative journey between the Karakoram and Himalayan cultural realms.
Day-by-Day Master Grand Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad to Chilas / Gilgit via Babusar Pass
Morning departure from Islamabad via Hazara Motorway (M-15). Ascend through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Naran Valley. During summer (June–October), cross the breathtaking 4,173-meter Babusar Pass into the Indus River valley. Check into mountain hotel in Chilas or continue to Gilgit city for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Junction of 3 Mountain Ranges & Sunset at Duikar (Hunza)
Scenic morning drive along the Karakoram Highway. Stop at the unique geographical marker where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush collide. Enjoy lunch at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint gazing directly up at the 7,788-meter ice wall. Arrive in Karimabad; ascend to Duikar (Eagle's Nest at 2,850 m) for a legendary sunset over Golden Peak and Ultar Sar.
Day 3: Ancient Royal Fortresses & Ganish Historic Village
Morning guided tour of the 700-year-old Baltit Fort and the vibrant Karimabad stone bazaar. Afternoon exploration of the 900-year-old Altit Fort & Royal Apricot Gardens overlooking the Hunza river canyon. Visit 1,000-year-old Ganish Village, Central Hunza's oldest settlement. Evening feast featuring authentic local Chapshuro and fresh walnut cake.
Day 4: Attabad Lake, Passu Cones & Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m)
Drive north through the KKH tunnels to Attabad Lake for private speedboating across surreal turquoise waters. Continue past Gulmit, cross the historic Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and photograph the iconic cathedral spires of Passu Cones. Ascend to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) on the China border within Khunjerab National Park, home to Himalayan ibex and yaks. Return to Central Hunza for overnight.
Day 5: Nagar Valley Glacier Excursion to Skardu
Morning visit across the river to Hopper Valley (Nagar) to view the active black gravel flows of Hopper Glacier. Depart along the scenic Jaglot-Skardu Strategic Highway (S-1), cutting through towering Indus River granite gorges into Baltistan. Check into hotel in Skardu; experience sunset on the sand dunes of Katpana Cold Desert.
Day 6: Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake & Kharpocho Fort
Morning visit to the pagoda chalets and heart-shaped lake at Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura). Gentle 15-minute nature walk up to the tranquil turquoise waters of Upper Kachura Lake for private wooden boat rowing and fresh grilled trout lunch. In the afternoon, ascend the cliffside path to the 16th-century Kharpocho Fort for sweeping views of the Indus River.
Day 7: Full-Day 4x4 Expedition to Deosai National Park (4,114 m)
Board heavy-duty 4x4 jeeps to ascend the Satpara gorge past Satpara Lake onto Deosai National Park ('The Land of the Giants'). Cross the wooden bridge at Bara Pani, observe golden marmots, and picnic beside the heart-shaped Sheosar Lake with panoramic views of distant Nanga Parbat. Return to Skardu by late afternoon.
Day 8: Royal Heritage at Shigar Fort & Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Drive across the vast sand dunes of the Sarfaranga Cold Desert (enjoy optional 4x4 quad biking) into Shigar Valley. Tour the 400-year-old Raja's palace at Shigar Fort (Fong-Khar) and the 14th-century wood-carved Amburiq Mosque. Stroll along the Shigar riverbank and visit serene Blind Lake.
Day 9: Khaplu Palace Excursion or Flight Window
Scenic day excursion along the Shyok River through Ghanche district to the royal halls of Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) and 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, stopping at the 180-foot Manthoka Waterfall. (Air-inclusive packages: transfer to Skardu Airport for morning visual flight to Islamabad with free afternoon sightseeing).
Day 10: Return Journey to Islamabad
Scenic highway return drive via the Karakoram Highway and Hazara Motorway back to Islamabad (or airport transfer following domestic flight). Arrive in Islamabad by late evening with unforgettable memories of Pakistan's two premier valleys.
Package Inclusions & Standard Parameters
| Logistical Item | Inclusion Standard | Custom Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle + 4x4 Jeeps | Toyota Corolla / Prado 4x4 / HiAce Grand Cabin with fuel, tolls, and dedicated mountain driver. High-clearance 4x4 included for Deosai. |
| Hotels | 9 Nights Premium Hotel Stays | Serena Inn Karimabad, Luxus Hunza, Shangrila Resort, Serena Shigar Fort, or Khoj Resorts. |
| Meals | Daily Breakfasts & Set Dinners | Authentic Hunza Chapshuro, Balti Marzan, fresh cold-water river trout, and continental buffets. |
| Sightseeing | All Entry Permits & Excursions | Baltit & Altit Forts, Attabad boat ride, Khunjerab National Park, Deosai permit, Shigar Fort museum. |
| Guiding | Certified Mountain Escort | Professional English and Urdu-fluent local tour manager throughout the entire 10 days. |
Transparent Pricing Plan
Our pricing plan for 10-Day Hunza & Skardu Combined Grand Tour Package (10 Days / 9 Nights) includes verified transport, campsite staging, full chef-prepared meals, and expert mountain guiding with zero hidden logistical fees.
| Group Size / Traveling Party | Rate per Person (USD) | Logistics & Package Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 Travelers (Private) | $1,250 / person | Full Private Concierge |
| 3 - 5 Travelers (Small Group) | $1,063 / person | Save $187 / pax |
| 6 - 9 Travelers (Family / Friends) | $900 / person | Save $350 / pax |
| 10+ Travelers (Private Group Charter) | $775 / person | Best Value Guaranteed |
Key Sights & Experiences
The complete 10-day grand circuit covering both Hunza Valley and Skardu Baltistan
Full-day 4x4 jeep safari across Deosai National Park (4,114m) and heart-shaped Sheosar Lake
VIP private speedboating on Attabad Lake and road trip to Khunjerab Pass (4,693m)
Guided royal heritage tours of Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Shigar Fort, and Khaplu Palace
Sunset photography and camel rides on Katpana and Sarfaranga high-altitude Cold Deserts
Fresh grilled trout feasts at Upper Kachura Lake and authentic Hunza traditional dining
Detailed Trip Itinerary
Each stage has been carefully paced for altitude safety, acclimatization, scenic exploration, and comfortable wilderness camps or premium hotels.
Welcome to Pakistan! Arrive at Islamabad International Airport (ISB) where our private logistics concierge meets you. Weather permitting, board the spectacular mountain flight directly past Nanga Parbat to the northern staging hub, followed by hotel check-in and an orientation briefing.
Spend the day exploring historical forts, local bazaars, and suspension bridges while allowing your body to acclimatize to high altitudes. Meet your certified mountain guides for gear verification and logistics overview.
Board private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers for an exhilarating drive through dramatic river canyons and terraced villages to reach the primary trailhead basecamp.
Embark on the primary journey of 10-Day Hunza & Skardu Combined Grand Tour Package. Trek or traverse through untouched wilderness, ancient moraines, and flower-filled meadows with towering snowy peaks on all sides.
Reach the pinnacle elevation of the itinerary. Marvel at unobstructed panoramic vistas across the Karakoram, Himalayan, or Hindu Kush ranges. Enjoy warm chai prepared by our camp chef.
Descend through verdant valleys and mountain settlements, bidding farewell to the high-altitude porter and guiding team before transferring back to comfortable hotel accommodations.
Board the morning return flight from the northern gateway back to Islamabad. Enjoy a farewell dinner or transfer directly to Islamabad International Airport for your onward international flight home.
What's Included in the Tour Cost
- Licensed government mountain guide, cook, and professional field crew
- All domestic mountain flights (Islamabad-Skardu/Gilgit) or private 4x4 AC Prado/Coaster
- Deluxe hotel accommodations & alpine twin-sharing four-season camping tents
- All meals on trail (Hot breakfast, packed/warm lunches, multi-course nutritious dinners)
- Full camping logistics: Mess tent, dining tables, stools, kitchen tent & private toilet tents
- Porterage allowance of personal duffel bags (up to 15kg - 20kg per traveler)
- All national park conservation fees, bridge tolls, and official wilderness trek permits
- Emergency wilderness first aid medical kit & satellite SOS tracking communications
What's Not Included
- International round-trip flights to and from Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
- Pakistan single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa application fees
- Mandatory travel, medical emergency, and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance
- Personal climbing or trekking equipment (down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles)
- Discretionary tips & gratuities for mountain guides, camp cooks, and porter team
- Personal laundry, beverages, minibar, and personal satellite phone call charges
Gear, Packing & Mountain Safety
High mountain travel in Pakistan is an unforgettable adventure when properly prepared. We equip every expedition with certified local guides, comprehensive wilderness first-aid kits, and satellite SOS communicators.
Acclimatization & Hydration
Follow the golden mountain rule: climb high, sleep low. Maintain daily hydration of 3 to 4 liters of clean water and communicate any symptoms of AMS with your guide immediately.
Essential Mountain Layering
Pack in three layers: moisture-wicking base merino, insulating fleece/down mid-layer, and a 100% waterproof/windproof Gore-Tex outer shell. Sturdy broken-in hiking boots are essential.
Permits & Leave No Trace
All official DTS security clearances and National Park wilderness permits are handled by our office. We adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles—carrying out all camp waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it practical to visit both Hunza and Skardu in one 10-day tour?
Yes, absolutely. The recently widened and paved Jaglot-Skardu Strategic Highway (S-1) connects the Karakoram Highway with Skardu in just 3.5 to 4 hours. This makes traveling between Hunza and Skardu seamless, comfortable, and highly scenic without requiring you to backtrack to Islamabad.
Can this tour package include domestic flights between Islamabad and Gilgit/Skardu?
Yes! We offer a popular Fly-in / Fly-out upgrade: you can fly into Gilgit Airport, tour Hunza, drive overland to Skardu, and fly back to Islamabad from Skardu International Airport. This saves approximately 24 hours of road travel while offering breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat and K2.
When is the best time of year for the Hunza-Skardu Combined Tour?
Late June through September is the premier window because Deosai National Park, Babusar Pass, and Khunjerab Pass are all completely open with pleasant summer weather (20°C to 28°C). October is also wonderful for golden autumn foliage and crystal-clear turquoise river waters.
Can this package be customized for honeymoon couples or family groups?
Yes, 100%. All our tours are completely private. We can adjust the pacing, add extra rest days in Karimabad or Shigar, upgrade to luxury boutique suites at Serena Shigar Fort and Luxus Hunza, or tailor menus to dietary requirements.
What is the policy for weather-related flight delays?
Because flights in northern Pakistan operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), we always maintain guaranteed overland luxury vehicles and drivers on standby. If a flight is canceled, your private transport departs immediately by road so that your vacation continues smoothly without missing itinerary highlights.
What should we pack for a 10-day tour across both valleys?
Pack versatile clothing: breathable cottons for warm days in Karimabad and Skardu (22°C to 28°C), a warm fleece or down jacket for cold evenings and Deosai (where night temperatures can drop near freezing), sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and an SCOM SIM card for 4G internet coverage throughout Gilgit-Baltistan.
Inquire / Book 10-Day Hunza & Skardu Combined Grand Tour Package
Complete the form below to receive detailed departure dates, tailored vehicle/porter logistics, and an all-inclusive custom quote within 24 hours.
