Hunza & Skardu Summer Tour
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Overview
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Schedules
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Equipments
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Included/Excluded
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Location
Overview:
This summer tour of Hunza and Skardu offers an immersive experience of northern Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes, culture and adventure. Starting from Islamabad, travelers drive through the scenic Naran Valley, Lulusar Lake, and Babusar Top en route to Gilgit followed by an in-depth exploration of Hunza Valley including Altit & Baltit Forts, Karimabad Bazaar, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and the iconic Hussaini Suspension Bridge. The journey continues to Khunjerab Pass (China Border) and Skardu, covering Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu Fort and a full-day adventure at Deosai National Park with Sheosar Lake. Optional visits to Shigar Fort or Khaplu Palace add cultural depth and the tour concludes with a scenic return drive to Naran for an overnight stay followed by the final leg to Islamabad offering an unforgettable summer experience of Gilgit-Baltistan’s high-altitude beauty.
Highlights:
- Naran Valley, Lulusar Lake & Babusar Top
- Hunza Valley: Altit & Baltit Forts, Karimabad, Eagle’s Nest
- Attabad Lake & Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Khunjerab Pass (China Border)
- Skardu: Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu Fort
- Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake
- Shigar / Khaplu cultural exploration
- Stunning photography & stargazing
Day 01: Arrival Islamabad
- Arrival at Islamabad
- Optional city tour: Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa, Rawal Lake
- Evening free
- Overnight stay Islamabad
Day 02: Islamabad to Naran
- Drive via Hazara Motorway
- Stop at Balakot & Kiwai Waterfall
- Reach Naran
- Evening free for Bazaar stroll
- Overnight stay Naran
Day 03: Naran to Gilgit
- Early morning drive via Babusar Top & Lulusar Lake
- Scenic photography stops
- Reach Gilgit
- Optional: Gilgit Bazaar & Kargah Buddha
- Overnight stay Gilgit
Day 04: Gilgit to Hunza
- Visit Altit & Baltit Forts
- Explore Karimabad Bazaar
- Optional sunset at Eagle’s Nest
- Overnight stay Hunza
Day 05: Hunza to Attabad Lake - Passu
- Drive to Attabad Lake (boating optional)
- Explore Gulmit & Passu
- Walk Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Overnight stay Passu / Gulmit
Day 06: Passu to Khunjerab Pass - Hunza
- Drive to Khunjerab Pass (China Border)
- Explore Khunjerab National Park
- Return to Hunza
- Overnight stay Hunza
Day 07: Hunza to Upper Hunza / Gojal Villages
- Visit Gulkin / Ghulkin Village
- Short hikes, glacier views, photography
- Return to Hunza
- Overnight stay Hunza
Day 08: Hunza to Skardu
- Early morning departure via Gilgit - Skardu
- Scenic photography stops en route
- Overnight stay Skardu
Day 09: Skardu City Tour
- Visit Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)
- Explore Upper Kachura Lake
- Visit Skardu Fort & local villages
- Overnight stay Skardu
Day 10: Skardu to Deosai National Park - Skardu
- Full-day adventure in Deosai National Park
- Visit Sadpara Lake & Sheosar Lake
- Optional: Brown Bear Point
- Return to Skardu
- Overnight stay Skardu
Day 11: Skardu to Shigar / Khaplu - Skardu
- Option A: Shigar Valley - Shigar Fort & Sarfaranga Cold Desert
- Option B: Khaplu Valley - Khaplu Palace & riverside village
- Return to Skardu
- Overnight stay Skardu
Day 12: Skardu to Naran
- Early morning drive via Babusar Top & Lulusar Lake
- Scenic photography stops en route
- Reach Naran
- Evening free to rest
- Overnight stay Naran
Day 13: Naran to Islamabad
- Breakfast & check-out
- Drive back to Islamabad
Tour Activities
No activities have been specified for this tour.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Comfortable and well-appointed hotels throughout the tour.
- Transportation: Transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Professional and experienced driver/guide.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable local guides for city tours and historical sites.
- Day Sightseeing Trips
- Meals: Three times meals, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Some lunches and dinners featuring local cuisine.
- Cultural Experiences: Engaging cultural activities and experiences.
- Interactions with local communities.
- Professional Tour Leader & BBQ Bone fire Night.
- Support: 24/7 on-ground support.
Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage is recommended.
- Any Sort of Entry Tickets
- Horses, ponies or Porter Charges for Personal luggage.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature.
- Optional Activities: Costs related to optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers.
Essential Equipment Checklist for Tours:
- Thermal base layers to keep your body warm during cold mornings and nights.
- A good fleece jacket for mid-layer insulation in mountain weather.
- A warm insulated or down jacket for high-altitude cold winds.
- A waterproof and windproof outer jacket to protect from sudden rain and strong winds.
- Warm woolen cap, insulated gloves, and thick wool socks for cold protection.
- UV-protected sunglasses and a sun cap to handle strong high-altitude sunlight.
- Sunscreen and lip balm to protect skin and lips from dryness and sunburn.
- Strong waterproof trekking boots for rocky and uneven mountain terrain.
- A 20–40L daypack for daily essentials during hikes and travel.
- A warm sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C rating) for cold nights in Astore and Deosai.
- A comfortable sleeping mat for insulation and better sleeping comfort.
- A bright headlamp or torch with spare batteries for night use and camping.
- Two 1-liter water bottles plus water purification tablets or filter for safe drinking water.
- A high-capacity power bank to charge mobile devices in remote areas.
- A complete first-aid kit including personal medicines and altitude-related items.
- High-energy snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, and ORS packs.
- Adjustable trekking poles for stability and support on steep or rocky trails.
- Toiletries with a small towel for personal hygiene during the tour.
- Wet wipes and tissues for easy cleaning when water is not available.
- Offline maps or GPS because signals are weak in remote regions.
- Sufficient cash and CNIC as ATMs and card services are limited.
Mountain Travel Essentials
Prepare for your mountain adventure with these essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Essential Gear
- Layered clothing for temperature changes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Health & Safety
- Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness
- Use high SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Stay hydrated with 3-4 liters of water daily
- Carry a basic first-aid kit
- Inform others of your route plan
Mountain Activities You'll Enjoy
Mountain environments offer unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. During your journey, you may have the opportunity to enjoy:
Alpine Photography
Capture breathtaking vistas, unique flora, and dramatic light conditions that make mountains a photographer's paradise.
Wilderness Camping
Experience nights under crystal-clear skies with unparalleled stargazing opportunities in pristine mountain environments.
Wildlife Encounters
Observe native species in their natural habitats, from majestic birds of prey to elusive mountain mammals.
Cultural Immersion
Connect with local mountain communities and learn about their unique traditions, cuisine, and way of life.
Hunza & Skardu
About This Location
Hunza and Skardu are located in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, surrounded by towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine rivers. Hunza is famous for its charming villages, fruit orchards, and historical forts, while Skardu serves as the gateway to some of the world’s highest mountains and alpine lakes. Together, these destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure, making them ideal for a summer getaway.
Weather Conditions
During the summer months from May to September, Hunza and Skardu enjoy warm and pleasant weather, making it the ideal time for travel. Daytime temperatures range between 12°C and 28°C, while nights remain cooler, especially in the higher valleys. The season is mostly dry with clear skies, allowing smooth sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities throughout the tour.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the ideal period to explore Hunza and Skardu. During these months, the weather is warm, skies are clear, and the valleys are lush and green, perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the natural beauty of northern Pakistan.