Hunza Valley Tours
A Hunza Valley tour is a scenic road trip along the paved Karakoram Highway, taking 3 to 14 days from Islamabad. The best seasons are April to October. Headline stops are Karimabad, Baltit and Altit forts, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Hussaini Bridge and the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 m on the China border.
Last reviewed by Saqib U Rehman,
Tour at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting from | USD 900 / PKR 250,000 |
| Duration | 3, 7, 10 or 12–14 days |
| Best season | April to October (blossom in April–May, autumn colours in October) |
| Start / End point | Islamabad / Islamabad (Gilgit flights on request) |
| Highest point | Khunjerab Pass, 4,693 m |
| Difficulty | Easy, sightseeing road trip, short optional walks |
| Group size | Private tours for solo travelers, couples, families and groups |
| What's included / excluded | Confirmed with your quote based on your chosen package |
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Route | Drive time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Islamabad → Chilas via Karakoram Highway (or Naran in summer) | Approx. 10–12 hrs | Chilas |
| Day 2 | Chilas → Karimabad, sunset at Eagle's Nest | Approx. 5–6 hrs | Karimabad |
| Day 3 | Baltit & Altit forts, Karimabad bazaar | Local | Karimabad |
| Day 4 | Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu Cones, Hussaini Bridge | Approx. 2 hrs | Passu / Gulmit |
| Day 5 | Day trip to Khunjerab Pass | Approx. 5–6 hrs return | Karimabad |
| Day 6 | Karimabad → Chilas | Approx. 5–6 hrs | Chilas |
| Day 7 | Chilas → Islamabad | Approx. 10–12 hrs | End of tour |
Hunza Valley month by month
| Month | Weather | Road status | Crowd level |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Freezing, snow | KKH open, Khunjerab closed | Very low |
| February | Cold, snow | KKH open, Khunjerab closed | Very low |
| March | Cold, thawing | Occasional landslides | Low |
| April | Mild, cherry and apricot blossom | Open; Khunjerab reopens | Medium |
| May | Pleasant | Open | Medium |
| June | Warm days, cool nights | Open | High |
| July | Warm, monsoon further south | Open, possible landslide delays | High |
| August | Warm | Open, possible landslide delays | High |
| September | Clear, cooler | Open | Medium |
| October | Crisp, golden autumn colours | Open | Medium |
| November | Cold | Open; Khunjerab closes late month | Low |
| December | Freezing, snow | KKH open, Khunjerab closed | Very low |
Frequently asked questions
- How do foreign tourists get to Hunza Valley?
- Most foreign visitors fly into Islamabad, then travel by road along the Karakoram Highway (roughly 10-14 hours) or take a domestic flight to Gilgit followed by a shorter road transfer. Chaqon Global Tours arranges this transfer as part of a full Hunza itinerary.
- How many days do I need for Hunza?
- Seven days is ideal from Islamabad by road. A 3-day tour works if you fly to Gilgit, and 10 to 14 days lets you add Skardu or slower photography stops.
- How much does a Hunza tour cost?
- Our confirmed Hunza tour starting price is USD 900 / PKR 250,000. Your final quote depends on trip length, group size, hotel level and travel dates.
- What is the best time to visit Hunza?
- April to October. Choose April and May for blossom, June to August for warm weather and Khunjerab access, and October for autumn colours.
- Is the Karakoram Highway safe to drive?
- The KKH is paved and generally well-maintained, but it is a mountain road, so landslides and weather can close sections. We use experienced KKH drivers and check road status every morning.
- Do I need a Chinese visa to visit Khunjerab Pass?
- No. You can visit the Khunjerab Pass border point without a Chinese visa. You only need one to cross into China.
- Hunza or Skardu, which one first?
- With one week, choose one. Hunza is easier and more relaxed; Skardu is wilder. With 10 or more days, you can do both.
- Is Hunza good in winter?
- Yes for snow lovers. The main valley stays reachable, but Khunjerab Pass closes and some road sections can close briefly after snowfall.
- How do I get to Hunza fastest?
- Fly Islamabad to Gilgit (weather-dependent), then drive about 2.5 hours to Karimabad. By road it takes two long days from Islamabad.