

Skardu & Hunza Tour
The two crown jewels of Gilgit Baltistan in one journey — Shangrila, Deosai, Karimabad, Attabad & Khunjerab.
Can I visit both Skardu and Hunza in one trip, and how long does it take?
Yes — a combined Skardu and Hunza loop is the standard way to see both, and needs 10–12 days by road from Islamabad. It covers Shangrila and Kachura lakes, the Deosai plateau, Karimabad's forts, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass. Pakistan Travellers runs it as a private 4x4 trip with a mountain driver.
- 10–12 days by road; 7–8 days if you fly one leg into Skardu.
- The two valleys connect via Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway.
- Best from June to September, when Deosai and Khunjerab are both open.
A combined Skardu and Hunza tour is the ultimate Gilgit Baltistan trip — two of Pakistan's most beautiful valleys, and its two most famous destinations, on a single unforgettable journey. In one loop you take in Skardu's turquoise Shangrila and Kachura lakes and the vast 'Heaven on Earth' Deosai plateau, then cross to Hunza for Karimabad's ancient forts, the electric-blue Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass on the China border. This page covers the route, the Skardu–Hunza distance, real 2026 costs and the itinerary we actually run.
Why combine Skardu and Hunza in one tour
Skardu and Hunza are the two crown jewels of Gilgit Baltistan, and most first-time visitors want to see both. Doing them together in one trip saves a second long journey north and gives you the full contrast of the region — Skardu's wide Indus valley, cold deserts and the famous 'Heaven on Earth' Deosai plateau, against Hunza's dramatic Karakoram skyline, apricot orchards and glacier lakes. It is the single best-value way to experience the north.
Skardu to Hunza distance and route
The road distance from Skardu to Hunza (Karimabad) is roughly 340 km and takes about 7 to 8 hours of driving, following the Indus down to the Karakoram Highway and then up the Hunza River past Gilgit. It is a spectacular drive along some of the deepest gorges on earth, with Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi in view. We break it with photo stops and, on relaxed itineraries, an overnight in Gilgit. Flying Islamabad–Skardu and then driving the Skardu–Hunza leg is the most time-efficient way to see both.
How many days for a Skardu Hunza tour
A comfortable combined Skardu and Hunza tour runs 8 to 10 days by road, or 7 to 8 days if you fly at least one leg. That gives roughly 3 days in Skardu (Shangrila, Kachura, Deosai and a heritage valley), the scenic transfer day, and 3 days in Hunza (Karimabad, Attabad, Passu and Khunjerab), plus travel days. Shorter 6-day versions are possible by flying both ways and focusing on the highlights.
Sample 9-day Skardu & Hunza itinerary
Our classic route: Day 1 Islamabad to Chilas along the Karakoram Highway; Day 2 Chilas to Skardu along the Indus; Day 3 Shangrila, Upper Kachura and the Katpana cold desert; Day 4 full-day 4x4 excursion to the Deosai plateau and Sheosar Lake; Day 5 Skardu to Hunza via Gilgit, arriving in Karimabad; Day 6 Baltit and Altit forts, the old town and an Eagle's Nest sunset in Duikar; Day 7 Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and the Hussaini suspension bridge; Day 8 full-day trip to Khunjerab Pass on the Pak–China border; Day 9 begin the journey south. Fly the Skardu or Gilgit leg to save days.
How much does a Skardu Hunza tour cost in 2026?
A combined Skardu and Hunza tour is priced for the whole party. By road it starts from around PKR 217,000 for a couple — about PKR 108,500 each — covering hotels, a private 4x4 with driver, fuel and guiding, and a longer group departure works out lower per head. Fly-in versions start from about PKR 104,000 for a couple, with air tickets on top at roughly PKR 60,000 return per person from Islamabad. The final price depends on group size, season, hotel tier and whether you fly or drive; we send a clear inclusions list with every quote.
By air or by road
By road you see everything at ground level and keep costs down — ideal for an economical adventure tour with time to spare. Flying Islamabad–Skardu (about an hour, weather permitting) and driving out through Hunza, or vice versa, saves two long travel days and is the most popular premium option. Skardu and Gilgit flights are weather-dependent, so a cancellation means rebooking on the next departure. Going on by road instead is possible and we will arrange it, but it is a long drive and is charged separately.
Best time for a Skardu and Hunza tour
The main season is April to October. Spring (April–May) brings blossom to Hunza; summer (June–September) opens the Deosai plateau and Khunjerab Pass and is best for seeing both valleys in full; autumn (late September–October) turns the orchards gold. Winter is cold and many high roads and passes close, though a fly-in Skardu winter trip is possible for the adventurous.
What's included
- Private transport with a trained mountain driver (Coaster/van for larger groups)
- Handpicked hotels — Standard, Executive, Luxury or Premium on request
- Daily breakfast
- Fuel, toll taxes & driver allowance
- Expert local guide & 24/7 on-trip support
Not included
- Lunch & dinner
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
- Extra activities (boating, jet ski, chairlifts)
- Travel insurance & air tickets (unless a by-air package)
Most Skardu & Hunza trips are fully customised
We rarely sell a fixed, off-the-shelf tour. Instead we build each itinerary around your dates, group size, pace and budget — and confirm hotels based on live availability for your travel window. Your total package cost comes down to just two choices:
A private 4×4 with a trained mountain driver, sized to your group. For a smooth, comfortable mountain journey we usually recommend the Toyota Prado TZ, though the full range — from sedans to Land Cruisers, Grand Cabins and Coasters — is available depending on your group size.
Choose from four tiers — Standard, Executive, Luxury and Premium. Same route, elevated comfort at each step. Premium and 5★ stays such as Shangrila, Broqand other resorts deliver the best locations and views; these raise the total but are worth it for a special trip.
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Pakistan's Most Trusted Mountain Tour Operator
From your first WhatsApp message to final drop-off, we handle every detail so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime.
Operating Northern Pakistan tours since 2013. One of the most experienced GB operators.
Families, couples and corporate groups guided across the Karakoram since 2013.
A registered business invoicing under a company account. Travel insurance is not included — every package lists it under exclusions, and we recommend you arrange your own.
Resident teams in Hunza and Skardu give you real-time road updates and same-day pivots.
While you are travelling, the WhatsApp line is answered around the clock — usually inside five minutes.
Gilgit-Baltistan locals who run the Karakoram Highway, the Deosai crossing and the Raikot jeep track year-round.
Every trip is private — your own vehicle and driver, never a shared coach. Child-friendly hotels, and the pace is planned around the youngest and oldest in the group.
Book online and receive your confirmed itinerary on WhatsApp within 30 minutes.




