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.
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–Sep) at 4,114 m
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Islamabad → Chilas
North on the KKH.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Karimabad
Viewpoints; evening bazaar.
⛰ 2,438 m
Hunza heritage day
Forts and Eagle's Nest.
⛰ 2,850 m
Attabad + upper Hunza
Boating, Hussaini Bridge, Passu Cones.
⛰ 2,600 m
Hunza → Skardu
The dramatic (and now paved) Indus-gorge road.
⛰ 2,228 m
Skardu lakes & desert
Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Sarfaranga jeep ride.
⛰ 2,500 m
Deosai Plains (Jun–Sep)
4×4 across the plateau, Sheosar Lake picnic; shoulder season: Basho or Manthoka.
⛰ 4,114 m
Shigar & Khaplu
Fort-palace heritage day.
⛰ 2,600 m
Skardu → Chilas / Besham
Begin the return leg (or fly, optional).
⛰ 1,265 m
Arrive Islamabad
Final drive south.
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
- 4×4 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–Skardu road safe?
Yes — the once-notorious road was rebuilt and paved; it's now a 4–5 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–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.