14-Day Northern Pakistan Grand Tour (For Foreign Travellers)
Overview
The grand tour: two full weeks tracing the Karakoram Highway and its greatest valleys. Enough time for Hunza's culture and Nagar's glaciers, the Khunjerab border, the crossing to Baltistan for Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu's palace heritage, and Deosai's high plateau — without a single rushed day.
Trip Highlights
- Karakoram Highway end to end
- Complete Hunza + Nagar + Gojal circuit
- Khunjerab Pass border day
- Skardu, Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace
- Deosai Plains (Jun–Sep)
- Optional day hikes woven throughout
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Islamabad
Pickup, briefing, rest.
⛰ 540 m
Islamabad → Besham / Naran
First leg north.
⛰ 2,409 m
→ Chilas
Indus gorge; Nanga Parbat viewpoint.
⛰ 1,265 m
→ Karimabad
Arrive Hunza; bazaar evening.
⛰ 2,438 m
Hunza heritage day
Forts, Ganish, Eagle's Nest.
⛰ 2,850 m
Hopper Glacier & Nagar
The quieter valley.
⛰ 2,800 m
Attabad → Gulmit
Lake and upper Hunza culture.
⛰ 2,500 m
Khunjerab Pass
Border day.
⛰ 4,693 m
Gulmit → Gilgit
Descend with Naltar option.
⛰ 1,500 m
Gilgit → Skardu
Indus-gorge road to Baltistan.
⛰ 2,228 m
Skardu lakes & desert
Shangrila, Kachura, Sarfaranga.
⛰ 2,500 m
Shigar & Khaplu
Palace heritage day.
⛰ 2,600 m
Deosai (Jun–Sep) → fly prep
Plateau day; shoulder season alternative.
⛰ 4,114 m
Fly Skardu → Islamabad & depart
Mountain flight (drive backup adds a day); 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 all days
- Airport transfers
- e-Visa support
- 4×4 where required
✖ Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Domestic flight (at cost)
- Park & entry fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 14 days too long?
It's the comfortable length for this route — the same ground in 10 days means back-to-back long drives.
Can we add K2 Base Camp?
K2 BC is a separate 18–21 day expedition — we arrange it; ask for the expedition brochure.
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 Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (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?
Yes — the itinerary includes a Khunjerab Pass day (4,693 m, China border), open roughly May to late November. In winter we substitute Naltar Valley snowscapes.
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.