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.
Plan the journey with our Hunza Valley tour packages, Hunza hotel options, private transport in Hunza, trekking packages and tours for foreign travellers.
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 to Sep)
- Optional day hikes woven throughout
Day by Day Itinerary
14-day planArrive Islamabad
Day 1 follows the Arrive Islamabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Pickup, briefing, rest. Arrival arrangements are kept straightforward so guests can recover from the journey. The representative confirms the transfer, assists with hotel check in, reviews essential documents and explains the next departure time without adding unnecessary sightseeing after a long trip. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 540 mIslamabad to Besham / Naran
Day 2 follows the Islamabad to Besham / Naran stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Begin the journey north with scheduled comfort and meal stops. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 2,409 mContinue to Chilas
Day 3 follows the Continue to Chilas stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Follow the Indus gorge with a stop at the seasonal Nanga Parbat viewpoint. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 1,265 mContinue to Karimabad
Day 4 follows the Continue to Karimabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Arrive Hunza; bazaar evening. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,438 mHunza heritage day
Day 5 follows the Hunza heritage day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and Ganish village, followed by sunset at Eagle's Nest. The heritage visits are arranged in a logical order so the group can understand the place rather than simply move between monuments. Time is reserved for local interpretation, architectural details, community etiquette, photographs and questions, subject to opening hours and access rules. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,850 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 2,850 mHopper Glacier & Nagar
Day 6 follows the Hopper Glacier & Nagar stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Explore Nagar Valley’s villages and glacier viewpoints at a comfortable pace. Today’s mountain scenery is explored with careful attention to terrain and weather. The guide selects practical viewpoints, maintains distance from unstable glacier edges or rockfall areas and allows extra time for changing light without compromising a safe return. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,800 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,800 mAttabad to Gulmit
Day 7 follows the Attabad to Gulmit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Lake and upper Hunza culture. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,500 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,500 mKhunjerab Pass
Day 8 follows the Khunjerab Pass stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Travel through Khunjerab National Park to the Pakistan to China border, subject to road and weather conditions. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,693 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 4,693 mGulmit to Gilgit
Day 9 follows the Gulmit to Gilgit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Descend with Naltar option. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 1,500 mGilgit to Skardu
Day 10 follows the Gilgit to Skardu stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Indus-gorge road to Baltistan. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,228 mSkardu lakes & desert
Day 11 follows the Skardu lakes & desert stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Visit Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake and the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. The lakeside programme is timed around safe access, light and local operating conditions. Any boating is confirmed with the operator on the day, and the guide keeps the sequence flexible if wind, water level, congestion or seasonal restrictions affect the preferred plan. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,500 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 2,500 mShigar & Khaplu
Day 12 follows the Shigar & Khaplu stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Visit Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace with time for their historic settlements. Today’s cultural programme balances guided explanation with unhurried observation. The guide introduces the historical setting, local customs and important architectural details, while allowing suitable time for photographs, craft areas and respectful interaction where community access is welcomed. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,600 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,600 mDeosai (Jun to Sep) to fly prep
Day 13 follows the Deosai (Jun to Sep) to fly prep stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Plateau day; shoulder season alternative. The flight schedule is checked again before departure because mountain services can change with weather and visibility. The guide keeps the road alternative and revised sightseeing order ready, so a delay does not create unrealistic promises or compromise the remaining programme. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,114 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 4,114 mFly Skardu to Islamabad & depart
Day 14 follows the Fly Skardu to Islamabad & depart stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Take the scheduled flight to Islamabad and transfer onward; a same-day international connection is not recommended, and a road backup requires extra time. Airport reporting and baggage timing are confirmed in advance. As mountain flights depend on operational conditions, the team monitors the service and explains the practical road contingency while protecting the main experiences planned for the following days. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. Before services finish, the representative confirms the final transfer or drop off arrangements and checks that guests have their luggage and essential travel documents.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- confirmed-guest on-trip WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- English-speaking guide all days
- Airport transfers
- e-Visa support
- 4x4 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 to 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 65-hotel 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.