China–Hunza Overland Tour (Kashgar → Khunjerab → Hunza)
Overview
The overland dream: cross the Karakoram by road the way Silk Road caravans did, over the highest paved border on Earth. From Kashgar's ancient bazaars and Karakul Lake, through the Chinese customs at Tashkurgan, over Khunjerab into Pakistan's Gojal, then down through Passu, Attabad and Karimabad to Gilgit. We coordinate the Chinese-side operator, the border transfer at Khunjerab and the full Pakistan itinerary as one seamless trip. Popular with overlanders, Silk Road history travellers and cyclists/motorcyclists shipping their own machines.
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
- The full Kashgar to Hunza Silk Road crossing
- Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) border transfer handled end-to-end
- Kashgar Old City, Sunday Market & Karakul Lake (China leg)
- Tashkurgan and the Pamir approach
- Complete Hunza circuit: Passu, Attabad, forts, Eagle's Nest
- Runs either direction; bike/motorbike shipping supported
Day by Day Itinerary
12-day planKashgar (China): arrival
Day 1 follows the Kashgar (China): arrival stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Old City, Id Kah, the famous Sunday livestock market. This arrival day is deliberately paced for comfort. After the scheduled pickup, the team assists with the hotel transfer, confirms room arrangements and provides a practical briefing covering communication, expected weather, clothing and the following morning’s plan. 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 1,290 mKashgar to Karakul Lake to Tashkurgan
Day 2 follows the Kashgar to Karakul Lake to Tashkurgan stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Along the China to Pakistan Friendship Highway past Muztagh Ata. 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 3,100 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 3,100 mTashkurgan to Khunjerab to Sost (Pakistan)
Day 3 follows the Tashkurgan to Khunjerab to Sost (Pakistan) stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Complete Chinese exit and Pakistani entry formalities before transferring to Sost; operation depends on visas, border opening dates and official clearance. 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 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 mSost to Gulmit
Day 4 follows the Sost to Gulmit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Ease into Gojal; Passu Cones and Borith. 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 mPassu & upper Hunza
Day 5 follows the Passu & upper Hunza stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Glacier viewpoint, Hussaini Bridge, Attabad boating. Today’s lake visit combines scenic stops with practical time for access and photographs. Boating or shoreline activities remain subject to weather and local safety decisions, and the guide explains an alternative viewpoint or short walk if conditions are unsuitable. 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 mAttabad to Karimabad
Day 6 follows the Attabad to Karimabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Move to central Hunza; bazaar evening. 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 2,438 mHunza heritage day
Day 7 follows the Hunza heritage day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Baltit and Altit Forts, Ganish, Eagle's Nest. 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 2,850 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 2,850 mHopper Glacier / Nagar
Day 8 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. The glacier and mountain viewpoints are approached only from established visitor areas or suitable trails. The guide explains changing terrain, keeps guests away from unstable ice and rock zones, and chooses photography stops according to visibility, access and current local advice. 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. 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 2,800 mKarimabad to Gilgit
Day 9 follows the Karimabad to Gilgit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Junction Point; optional Naltar detour. 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 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 Chilas
Day 10 follows the Gilgit to Chilas stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Begin the southern leg (or fly from Gilgit, at cost). 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 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 1,265 mChilas to Islamabad
Day 11 follows the Chilas to Islamabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: KKH south with Nanga Parbat viewpoint. 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 540 mIslamabad: depart
Day 12 follows the Islamabad: depart stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Check out and transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the confirmed departure flight. 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. The programme concludes after the planned final service, with enough time to check luggage, travel documents and the confirmed transfer or onward arrangements.
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
- China-side ground agent coordination
- Khunjerab border transfer logistics
- English-speaking guide (Pakistan leg)
- e-Visa support (Pakistan)
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- China visa & China-side costs (quoted with partner)
- International flights
- Khunjerab entry fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a China visa?
Yes: the China leg needs a Chinese visa and is operated with our licensed China partner; we coordinate the itinerary but Chinese-side costs and visa are quoted separately.
Can I ship my motorbike or bicycle?
Yes: overland bike and motorbike crossings are a specialty; carnet and customs handling is arranged on both sides with advance notice.
When is the border open?
Khunjerab is generally open to through-traffic roughly May to November; exact dates follow the joint China to Pakistan schedule each year.
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.