Explore the World’s Most Spectacular Mountain Landscapes
Northern Pakistan is a dream destination for road trippers, offering snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, ancient forts, and warm hospitality. This 14-day itinerary covers the best of Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Skardu, and beyond—perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and culture lovers.
🗺️ Route Overview
📍 Total Distance: ~1,200 km
⏳ Duration: 12-14 days
🚗 Best Vehicle: 4×4 Jeep (for rough terrain)
🛣️ Key Highways: Karakoram Highway (KKH), Skardu Road
🗓️ Recommended Itinerary
- Islamabad → Chilas (Day 1)
- Chilas → Gilgit (Day 2)
- Gilgit → Hunza (Karimabad) (Day 3-5)
- Hunza → Skardu (Day 6-8)
- Skardu → Shigar → Khaplu (Day 9-10)
- Skardu → Fairy Meadows (Day 11-12)
- Fairy Meadows → Naran (Day 13)
- Naran → Islamabad (Day 14)
📍 Day 1: Islamabad → Chilas (10-12 hrs drive)
- Highlights:
- Start early on the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
- Stop at Thakot Bridge (where KKH officially begins).
- Visit Mansehra & Shinkiari for tea breaks.
- Overnight in Chilas (basic hotels available).
📍 Day 2: Chilas → Gilgit (4-5 hrs drive)
- Highlights:
- Visit Nanga Parbat viewpoint at Jaglot.
- Explore Gilgit city (local bazaars, Kargah Buddha).
- Optional detour to Naltar Valley (if time permits).
- Stay in Gilgit (mid-range hotels).
📍 Day 3-5: Gilgit → Hunza (3-4 hrs drive)
🏔️ Karimabad (Central Hunza)
- Attractions:
- Baltit Fort & Altit Fort (UNESCO-nominated).
- Eagle’s Nest (sunset over Rakaposhi).
- Attabad Lake (boat ride on turquoise waters).
- Passu Cones & Hussaini Bridge (adventure spot).
🍃 Optional Extensions:
- Upper Hunza (Gojal Valley):
- Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China border).
- Sost & Shimshal Valley (for trekkers).
Stay: Luxury resorts in Karimabad or guesthouses in Aliabad.
📍 Day 6-8: Hunza → Skardu (6-7 hrs drive)
- Route: Take the Skardu Road via Shatial & Thalichi.
- Attractions in Skardu:
- Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake.
- Shigar Fort (heritage stay option).
- Khaplu Palace & Chaqchan Mosque.
- Mano Pond (Amazingly blue water spot).
Adventure Option: K2 Base Camp Trek (requires extra days).
📍 Day 9-10: Skardu → Shigar → Khaplu
- Shigar Valley:
- Amburiq Mosque (oldest in Baltistan).
- Cold Desert (Katpana Desert) – Sand dunes with snowy peaks!
- Khaplu Valley:
- Khaplu Palace (now a luxury hotel).
- Hushe Valley (gateway to Masherbrum Peak).
Stay: Heritage hotels in Shigar/Khaplu.
📍 Day 11-12: Skardu → Fairy Meadows (6-7 hrs)
- Journey: Jeep ride from Raikot Bridge to Tatto Village, then hike (3 hrs).
- Highlights:
- Nanga Parbat Base Camp (world’s 9th highest peak).
- Biyal Camp (glamping under the stars).
- Stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas.
Stay: Basic huts/camping at Fairy Meadows.
📍 Day 13: Fairy Meadows → Naran (8-9 hrs)
- Route: Return to KKH, drive through Babusar Pass (if open).
- Stop at:
- Lulusar Lake (stunning alpine lake).
- Babusar Top (4,173m altitude).
- Overnight in Naran (guesthouses/hotels).
📍 Day 14: Naran → Islamabad (6-7 hrs)
- Last Stops:
- Saif-ul-Malook Lake (legendary glacial lake).
- Ansoo Lake (for adventurous hikers).
- Drive back via Babusar Top (if missed earlier).
🚗 Road Trip Essentials
✔ Best Vehicle: 4×4 Jeep (Hilux, Land Cruiser).
✔ Fuel Stations: Fill up in Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas.
✔ Permits: Required for Khunjerab Pass, Deosai Plains.
✔ Packing List:
- Warm clothes (even in summer).
- Power bank (limited electricity).
- Trekking shoes & rain gear.
🌦️ Best Time to Go
- May-September: Ideal (roads open, pleasant weather).
- October-November: Fewer tourists, autumn colors.
- Avoid December-April: Snow blocks many routes.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Hire a Local Guide (for off-road routes).
✅ Carry Cash (ATMs scarce in remote areas).
✅ Respect Local Culture (modest clothing in villages).
Why This Road Trip is Unforgettable?
From Hunza’s apricot orchards to Skardu’s moon-like deserts and Fairy Meadows’ dreamy vistas, this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or serenity, Northern Pakistan delivers it all.
