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Gilgit Baltistan Luxury Tours
Skardu and Hunza combined tour — Shangrila lake and the Karakoram peaks of Hunza Valley

Skardu & Hunza Tour

The two crown jewels of Gilgit Baltistan in one journey — Shangrila, Deosai, Karimabad, Attabad & Khunjerab.

Published June 18, 2026 Pakistan Travellers Team 5 min read
Quick answer

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)
BUILT AROUND YOU

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:

1 · Your vehicle

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.

2 · Your hotel standard

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 Travellers Team

Travel Experts

Plan your Skardu & Hunza trip

Explore Skardu & Hunza with Expert Local Guides

Pakistan Travellers has been operating in Gilgit Baltistan since 2013. Our on-ground teams in Hunza and Skardu give you real-time road updates, hotel relationships, and the ability to pivot when plans change.

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Why Pakistan Travellers

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.

13+ Years in Business

Operating Northern Pakistan tours since 2013. One of the most experienced GB operators.

1,000+ Travellers Hosted

Families, couples and corporate groups guided across the Karakoram since 2013.

FBR Registered

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.

On-Ground Teams in GB

Resident teams in Hunza and Skardu give you real-time road updates and same-day pivots.

24/7 On-Trip Support

While you are travelling, the WhatsApp line is answered around the clock — usually inside five minutes.

Drivers Who Live These Roads

Gilgit-Baltistan locals who run the Karakoram Highway, the Deosai crossing and the Raikot jeep track year-round.

Women & Family-Friendly

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.

30-Min WhatsApp Confirmation

Book online and receive your confirmed itinerary on WhatsApp within 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

By road it is about 340 km and 7–8 hours of driving from Skardu to Karimabad in Hunza, along the Indus and then the Karakoram Highway via Gilgit. It is one of the most scenic drives in Pakistan.

Plan 8–10 days by road, or 7–8 days if you fly at least one leg. That comfortably covers Skardu (Shangrila, Deosai, Kachura) and Hunza (Karimabad, Attabad, Khunjerab) with the transfer day in between.

By-road group tours start from roughly PKR 217,000 for a couple on a 9-day trip — about PKR 108,500 each. Fly-in and Luxury-tier itineraries cost more. The exact price depends on group size, season, hotel tier and whether you fly — message us for a tailored quote.

Yes. Flying Islamabad–Skardu and driving out via Hunza (or the reverse) saves two travel days. Flights are weather-dependent, so plan for the possibility of being rebooked onto the next departure.

April to October. Summer (June–September) is ideal because Deosai and Khunjerab Pass are both open; spring brings Hunza blossom and autumn brings golden orchards.

Absolutely. We adapt the pace, choose comfortable hotels and use roomy vehicles so families, couples and older travellers can enjoy both valleys safely and comfortably.