10-Day Hunza & Skardu (For Foreign Travellers)
Overview
Two great valleys in one journey: Hunza's living Silk Road heritage, then across to Skardu — gateway of K2 expeditions — for Shangrila's lakes, the Sarfaranga Cold Desert and, in season, the 4,114 m Deosai plateau where Himalayan brown bears roam.
Trip Highlights
- Full Hunza circuit with English guide
- Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lakes
- Deosai National Park (Jun–Sep)
- Sarfaranga Cold Desert jeep ride
- Shigar Fort heritage stay option
- Airport transfers and e-Visa support
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Islamabad
Airport pickup, briefing.
⛰ 540 m
Islamabad → Chilas
KKH north.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Karimabad
Viewpoints; bazaar evening.
⛰ 2,438 m
Hunza heritage day
Forts, Ganish, Eagle's Nest.
⛰ 2,850 m
Attabad & upper Hunza
Boating, Passu Cones, Hussaini Bridge.
⛰ 2,600 m
Hunza → Skardu
The Indus-gorge road.
⛰ 2,228 m
Skardu lakes & desert
Shangrila, Kachura, Sarfaranga.
⛰ 2,500 m
Deosai Plains (Jun–Sep)
Plateau day; shoulder season: Shigar & Khaplu.
⛰ 4,114 m
Fly Skardu → Islamabad
One of the world's great mountain flights (drive backup).
⛰ 540 m
Depart
Buffer morning, airport drop.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers
- e-Visa support
- 4×4 for Deosai
✖ Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Domestic flight (at cost)
- Park fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the flight on day 9?
It saves two road days and the Skardu–Islamabad flight over Nanga Parbat is an experience in itself; a drive backup is always planned.
Best months?
June–September for Deosai; May and October are beautiful with the Shigar/Khaplu substitution.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Skardu Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Skardu (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan — this itinerary focuses elsewhere — but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May–Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely — add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.