Hunza & Skardu Combo Tour: 10 Days
Overview
Can't choose between Hunza and Skardu? Don't. This grand circuit links the two crown valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan in one seamless private loop: Hunza's living heritage and turquoise lakes, then Skardu's Shangrila lake resort, the lunar Sarfaranga Cold Desert, Shigar and Khaplu palaces, and: June to September: the flower-carpeted Deosai plateau.
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
- All central Hunza highlights
- Shangrila "Heaven on Earth" and Upper Kachura Lakes
- Sarfaranga Cold Desert jeep ride
- Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace heritage
- Deosai National Park (Jun to Sep) at 4,114 m
Day by Day Itinerary
10-day planIslamabad to Chilas
Travel north on the Karakoram Highway with scheduled comfort and viewpoint stops. This is a long mountain-road transfer, so meal and washroom stops are planned around daylight, traffic and the route that is actually open.
Max altitude 1,265 mChilas to Karimabad
Stop at selected mountain viewpoints before an evening walk in Karimabad Bazaar. The Indus corridor, Nanga Parbat viewpoint and Rakaposhi viewpoint are considered en route, with stops selected according to visibility and safe parking. Before this day ends, the guide confirms the preparation and departure time for Hunza heritage day in the Hunza & Skardu Combo Tour: 10 Days itinerary.
Max altitude 2,438 mHunza heritage day
Visit Baltit and Altit Forts before travelling to Eagle's Nest for sunset. Central Hunza visits are sequenced around fort opening hours, village access and walking time between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish. For Hunza heritage day on day 3, photography stops are chosen for light, visibility and safe parking rather than a rigid clock; ask before photographing residents, and keep paths and village entrances clear.
Max altitude 2,850 mAttabad + upper Hunza
Boating, Hussaini Bridge, Passu Cones. The lakeside programme is timed around safe access, light and local operating conditions. For Attabad + upper Hunza on day 4, the programme leaves time for the shoreline and viewpoints rather than treating the lake as a quick roadside stop; any boat ride is optional and subject to safe operating conditions.
Max altitude 2,600 mHunza to Skardu
The dramatic (and now paved) Indus-gorge road. The Skardu section is planned around realistic road or flight conditions, with enough margin for weather-sensitive domestic aviation. For Hunza to Skardu on day 5, allow a full mountain-road day with meal, fuel and comfort stops agreed en route; the driver follows the road that is officially open and adjusts timing for traffic, weather and daylight.
Max altitude 2,228 mSkardu lakes & desert
Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Sarfaranga jeep ride. For Skardu lakes & desert on day 6, the lakeside programme is timed around safe access, light and local operating conditions. For Skardu lakes & desert on day 6, the programme leaves time for the shoreline and viewpoints rather than treating the lake as a quick roadside stop; any boat ride is optional and subject to safe operating conditions.
Max altitude 2,500 mDeosai Plains (Jun to Sep)
4x4 across the plateau, Sheosar Lake picnic; shoulder season: Basho or Manthoka. Deosai access is seasonal and normally depends on the park road opening; wildlife sightings and exact stops cannot be guaranteed. For Deosai Plains (Jun to Sep) on day 7, boating proceeds only when wind, water conditions and the selected operator allow it; the guide keeps enough time for safe photo stops and the onward road journey without rushing the lakeside visit.
Max altitude 4,114 mShigar & Khaplu
Shigar & Khaplu. The Shigar and Khaplu programme allows time for the historic settlements, fort areas and the longer road distances between valleys. For Shigar & Khaplu on day 8, the programme is paced for the group and current conditions; keep water, identification and a warm layer in the day bag, and follow local guidance at each stop.
Max altitude 2,600 mSkardu to Chilas / Besham
Begin the return leg (or fly, optional). For Skardu to Chilas / Besham on day 9, the Skardu section is planned around realistic road or flight conditions, with enough margin for weather-sensitive domestic aviation. For Skardu to Chilas / Besham on day 9, allow flexibility for a weather cancellation; the road backup, luggage plan and airport timing are confirmed in the written itinerary so the day remains workable.
Max altitude 1,265 mArrive Islamabad
Complete the drive south with scheduled comfort and meal stops. The arrival team checks the flight time before dispatch and confirms the hotel transfer, local contact details and the next departure at the briefing.
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
- 4x4 jeep for Deosai / Cold Desert
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Deosai park fees
- Skardu flight (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gilgit to Skardu road safe?
Yes: the once-notorious road was rebuilt and paved; it's now a 4 to 5 hour scenic drive along the Indus.
Best month for this combo?
June to September, when Deosai is open and both valleys are green.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver, 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 to 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 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.