Islamabad to Hunza by Road — Route, Times & Stops

Travel PlanningHunza Travel Guide

✍ Written by: Hunza-Tours.com Editorial Team ✔ Reviewed by: Amir Hussain, Operations Manager 📅 Last updated: July 2026 ⛰ Field experience: Local ground team, resident in Gilgit-Baltistan

In short: Islamabad to Karimabad is 590–610 km depending on route: 12–14 hours driven straight, or a comfortable two-day run overnighting in Chilas, Naran or Besham. Two routes exist — the all-season KKH via Besham/Chilas, and the summer-only Babusar route via Naran.

The Two Routes

The Karakoram Highway route (Hazara Motorway → Thakot → Besham → Chilas) runs year-round and is fully paved. The Babusar route (Motorway → Mansehra → Naran → Babusar Top 4,173 m → Chilas) is shorter and far more scenic but opens only roughly mid-June to September. Our drivers pick per season and conditions.

Where to Break the Journey

Best overnight: Chilas (practical, 8–9 hrs in) or Naran (prettier, Babusar side). Classic stops: Besham lunch, the Nanga Parbat viewpoint after Chilas, Rakaposhi View Point at Ghulmet for breakfast on day two.

Practical Notes

Fuel and food are available the whole way; checkpoints need CNIC copies (passport for foreigners — your driver manages). Night driving on the KKH is avoided by policy. All tour packages plan this leg with capped driving hours.