Best Road Trips in Pakistan for Nature Lovers

Pakistan is one of the great road trip countries of Asia. In a single trip you can drive between glaciers, deserts, river gorges, forests and a long ocean coastline. This guide from Chaqon Global Tours rounds up the road trips we recommend most to nature lovers, with notes on what to expect and how to plan smartly.

1. Why road trips are special in Pakistan

The country's geography changes faster than almost anywhere else. In two driving days you can go from the cedar forests of Swat to the arid mountains of Hunza, or from the Punjabi plains to a quiet beach in Balochistan. The roads themselves, the Karakoram Highway, the Lowari Tunnel route, the Makran Coastal Highway, are part of the attraction.

2. Hunza road trip

The classic. Drive the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad via Naran or Babusar to Chilas, Gilgit and Hunza. Expect snow peaks, glacier lakes and centuries-old forts. See our dedicated Hunza first-time visitor guide for planning details and Hunza tours for ready packages.

3. Skardu road trip

From Gilgit, the road to Skardu is one of the most dramatic in the country, running beside the Indus through deep gorges. From Skardu you can extend to Shigar, Khaplu, the Cold Desert and Deosai in summer. Read our Skardu travel guide for full route details and see our Skardu tours.

4. Chitral and Kalash road trip

A different feeling from the KKH side. Drive through the Lowari Tunnel into Chitral, base in Chitral town and run jeep loops into Kalash, Garam Chashma and Upper Chitral. This is the route for cultural travelers, see our Chitral + Kalash planning guide and Chitral tours.

5. Swat and Kumrat road trip

Closer to Islamabad and easier for short trips. Pine forests, river camping in Kumrat, alpine meadows near Kalam and Mahodand Lake. A great option for first-time travelers who want northern Pakistan scenery without long driving days.

6. Kashmir road trip

Azad Kashmir has its own character, green hills, Neelum river, lakes like Saiful Mulook and Ratti Gali, and dense forest valleys. Excellent for families and couples who prefer green over rocky. Roads can be slower than they look on the map; plan with buffer time.

7. Makran Coastal Highway and Gwadar road trip

Completely different from the north. The Makran Coastal Highway runs along the Arabian Sea between Karachi and Gwadar, past Hingol National Park, Princess of Hope and the mud volcanoes. Long, lonely roads and surreal landscapes, best with an experienced driver. See our Balochistan & Gwadar tours.

8. Vehicle planning for road trips

The right vehicle changes a road trip completely. We typically match:

• Couples and small families → Toyota Prado / Land Cruiser V8.
• Groups of 4–8 → HiAce Grand Cabin or Hi-Roof.
• Mountain jeep routes (Kalash, Shandur, Upper Chitral) → 4x4 jeep.
• Larger groups → Coaster or pair of HiAce.

Browse the full vehicle fleet or let us suggest one.

9. Practical road trip tips

• Driving times depend on season, road condition, availability, group size and your starting city, never plan to the minute.
• Keep one buffer day at each major leg for weather or roadwork.
• Bring snacks and water for long sections without shops.
• Carry warm layers even on summer trips up north.
• Use a registered local company for vehicle, fuel and emergency support.

10. FAQs

Which is the best Pakistan road trip for first-timers?

Swat–Kumrat for short trips, Hunza for a classic first KKH experience.

Are these road trips safe?

Yes, with proper planning, an experienced driver and the right vehicle. Our local team handles permits and route checks before every trip.

Can you combine two road trips in one tour?

Yes, Hunza + Skardu is very popular, and we can also combine Chitral with Swat. Tell us your dates and we will design it via Customize My Tour.

Plan your road trip with our team

From single-valley loops to long cross-country routes, our team designs road trips with the right pacing, vehicles and stops. See more on our road trips page or message us directly.