The Skardu & Hunza Tour is a guided trip lasting 7 days in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 2,500 m. It is graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks — short day walks. 5 fixed departures are open from $900 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
Skardu & Hunza Tour — 7 Days, 2027 All-Inclusive
The Skardu & Hunza Combined Tour is the perfect way to experience the two greatest destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan — the ancient forts and dramatic desert landscape of Baltistan in Skardu, followed by the terraced orchards, glacial lakes and Karakoram peaks of Hunza Valley along the legendary Karakoram Highway.
Skardu Section (Days 1–3)
Begin in Skardu — the capital of Baltistan. Visit the legendary Kharpocho Fort above the Indus River, the brilliant turquoise Satpara Lake, the unique Skardu cold desert (one of the highest cold deserts in the world), the Shigar Fort Heritage Hotel, and the Khaplu Valley with its restored Khaplu Palace and the centuries-old Chaqchan Mosque.
Karakoram Highway (Day 4)
Drive north along the Indus River to join the Karakoram Highway — one of the engineering wonders of the world, cutting through the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush simultaneously — with a Rakaposhi viewpoint stop on the way to Hunza.
Hunza Valley (Days 5–7)
Based in Karimabad, explore the UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort (700 years old), the vivid turquoise Attabad Lake, the dramatic Passu Cones and Gulmit village, and the aerial panorama of the entire valley from Eagle's Nest (3,200 m).
Related Tours: Baltistan Cultural Tour | Hunza Cultural Tour | North Pakistan Tour
- Duration
- 7 Days - 6 Nights
- Max altitude
- 2,500 m
- Grade
- Easy – Moderate
- Days on foot
- 0
- Best season
- Spring & Summer ( April - October )
- Group size
- Max 12
Skardu & Hunza Tour Price
Combine Gilgit-Baltistan’s two great valleys at $900 per person — Kharpocho Fort, Shigar Valley, Khaplu Palace, Baltit Fort and Attabad Lake, all in one seamless 7-day circuit with local guides.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip.
| Departure | Dates | Price | Availability | Deposit | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 01 | 20 Jun – 26 Jun | $900/person | 9 of 12 places | $90 | Book now |
| Group 02 | 11 Jul – 17 Jul | $900/person | 7 of 12 places | $90 | Book now |
| Group 03 | 1 Aug – 7 Aug | $900/person | 5 of 12 places | $90 | Book now |
| Group 04 | 22 Aug – 28 Aug | $900/person | 8 of 12 places | $90 | Book now |
| Group 05 | 3 Oct – 9 Oct | $900/person | 6 of 12 places | $90 | Book now |
Private & customised groups
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date.
| Group size | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 Person) | $1,700 | Private 7-day Skardu and Hunza tour with dedicated guide and vehicle. |
| (2-3 Persons) | $1,350 | Private couple or group tour through both valleys. |
| (4-6 Persons) | $1,100 | Small group with private guide and transport throughout. |
| (7-10 Persons) | $900 | Best value. Full private guide, transport, and accommodation. |
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks.
Good to know
The highest point is 2,500 m, low enough that altitude is rarely an issue.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Skardu & Hunza Tour
The Skardu & Hunza Combined Tour is the perfect way to experience the two greatest destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan — the ancient forts and dramatic desert landscape of Baltistan in Skardu, followed by the terraced orchards, glacial lakes and Karakoram peaks of Hunza Valley along the legendary Karakoram Highway....
Day 1Arrive in Skardu
2,500 m
Arrive in Skardu for a Kharpocho Fort sunset and a city-tour briefing.
Day 2Skardu Sights
2,500 m
Shigar Valley and fort, the Katpana cold desert, Satpara Lake, the Shangri-La resort on Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and the Soq Valley.
Day 3Khaplu Valley
2,500 m
Khaplu Palace, the Chaqchan Mosque, and a drive along the Hushe River.
Day 4Skardu to Hunza
2,438 m
Drive to Hunza via Gilgit, with a Rakaposhi viewpoint stop.
Day 5Hunza Forts
2,438 m
Eagle's Nest sunrise, then Baltit and Altit forts and the royal garden.
Day 6Attabad & Passu
2,438 m
Boat ride on Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and Gulmit village.
Day 7Return & Depart
540 m
Drive to Islamabad. Departure.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $900 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
- All ground transport Skardu-Hunza by private vehicle
- 6 nights hotel
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Local Balti guides
- All listed sightseeing and entry fees — Kharpocho
- Shigar
- Khaplu
- Baltit and Altit forts
- Attabad Lake boat ride
- Bottled water on travel days and daily route and weather planning
Not included
- Domestic and international flights (we book these for you on request)
- Lunches and personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
- Pakistan visa fees and personal travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver (appreciated
- Never expected)
Resources
Free guides from our local team, so you arrive ready.
- Trekking gear list what to pack
- Trekking medicine & altitude staying well up high
- Maps, books, visa & permits planning your trip
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them holds a guide licence from DTS Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federal DTS, renewed each year, and worked at least five years in the region before applying for it. Most also hold Wilderness First Aid.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $900 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
More About Skardu & Hunza Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of 10% of the trip price confirms your seat. The balance is due 21 days before departure.
Book through our website, WhatsApp, or an authorized agent — every booking is confirmed in writing.
Prices are held once your deposit is received and may otherwise change with season and availability.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit.
Cancel 14-29 days before: 50% refund of the total paid.
Cancel under 14 days before: no refund, as rooms and transport are already booked.
Permits & Documentation
Foreign guests need a standard Pakistan tourist visa — no restricted-zone trekking permit is required. We provide a Letter of Invitation on request.
Fort and site entry fees in both Baltistan and Hunza are included.
Carry your passport and ID; valid travel and medical insurance is recommended.
Health & Fitness Requirements
Easy to moderate. Long but scenic drives on the Karakoram Highway between Skardu and Hunza, with short walks at forts and lakes.
Altitude stays gentle (2,400-2,500m). Pace yourself on the first day in the mountains.
Suitable for most travelers and families. Tell us of any medical needs in advance.
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Skardu & Hunza Tour cost?
$900 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
7 Days - 6 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Spring & Summer (April - October). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is this trip? Is it family-friendly?
Easy and accessible — mostly scenic 4x4 and road travel with short walks at the viewpoints. Suitable for families and all reasonable fitness levels; no trekking required.
What visa do I need?
A standard Pakistan tourist visa is all you need. We can send an invitation and booking letter to support your application.
What about insurance and safety?
We recommend standard travel insurance with medical cover for your trip. Our local team knows the routes and conditions and looks after you throughout.
Who guides the trip?
Your team is local Balti — our own guides and drivers from Gilgit-Baltistan, never subcontracted.
How do I get there?
Fly to Skardu or Gilgit from Islamabad, or travel overland on the Karakoram Highway. We arrange airport pickup and all ground transport.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
