Guided tours in Hunza, Skardu & Gilgit-Baltistan Send us a message

Hunza Classic Tour

Karimabad Cultural Easy
  • Duration7 days
  • TypeCultural
  • LevelEasy

About this tour

This is the first Hunza trip for most visitors. You travel the Karakoram Highway with time to stop where the views are good, then settle in Karimabad for the forts and viewpoints before moving up to Upper Hunza.

The pace is gentle. Walks are short, and every day has slack built in for photography, tea and conversation. We can lengthen it with a trek or shorten it by flying one of the road sections.

Highlights

  • Karakoram Highway with Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi viewpoints
  • Baltit Fort and Altit Fort in Karimabad
  • Eagle’s Nest sunset viewpoint above the valley
  • Attabad Lake and the Passu Cones
  • Day trip towards Khunjerab Pass at the Chinese border

Tour Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Islamabad to Chilas

    An early start onto the Karakoram Highway. The road climbs through the Indus gorge, with stops for lunch and views along the way.

    Overnight: Chilas
  2. Day 2

    Chilas to Karimabad

    Pass the meeting of three great ranges near Gilgit, then follow the Hunza river to Karimabad, with Rakaposhi in view for much of the afternoon.

    Overnight: Karimabad
  3. Day 3

    Forts and viewpoints in Karimabad

    Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, walk through the old village lanes and drive up to Eagle’s Nest for sunset.

    Overnight: Karimabad
  4. Day 4

    Karimabad to Passu via Attabad Lake

    Cross Attabad Lake, formed by the 2010 landslide, then continue through Gulmit to Passu for views of the Passu Cones.

    Overnight: Passu
  5. Day 5

    Khunjerab Pass day trip

    Drive towards the Chinese border through Khunjerab National Park. How far you can go depends on the season and the border opening dates.

    Overnight: Passu
  6. Day 6

    Passu to Gilgit

    A slower drive back down the valley with time for the Passu suspension bridge and roadside stops.

    Overnight: Gilgit
  7. Day 7

    Gilgit to Islamabad

    Return by road, or fly if the weather allows and you prefer to save a day.

Included

  • Private vehicle with experienced driver
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Entry fees listed in the itinerary

Not included

  • International flights and visas
  • Lunches and dinners unless stated
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips

Questions about this tour

Do I need a permit for Hunza?

Permit and registration rules for foreign visitors can change, so we confirm the current requirements for your nationality and dates when we plan the trip.

Is the road safe?

The Karakoram Highway is the main route to Hunza and is used daily. We travel in daylight with experienced drivers and adjust the route if weather or landslides require it.

Other tours you may like

Karimabad · Nature

Hunza Apricot Blossom Tour

Six days in Hunza when the apricot orchards flower, timed to the short blossom window in early spring.

Level
Easy
Season
Late March to mid April
PriceOn request
Karimabad · Trekking

Ultar Meadows Trek

A three-day trek from Karimabad up to the high meadows beneath Ultar Sar, with a night camping.

Level
Challenging
Season
June to September
PriceOn request
Gojal & Khunjerab · Photography

Hunza Autumn Colours

The valley turns gold and red in October. Six days between Karimabad and Gojal, built around the best of the autumn light.

Level
Easy
Season
October to early November
PriceOn request