An April journey that follows the apricot and cherry blossom from Hunza into Baltistan. You fly to Skardu and go straight on to Hunza, where the terraces of Karimabad usually flower earlier, then cross to Shigar and Khaplu as their orchards come into bloom. The only Skardu night is at the end, before the flight home.
You're met at Islamabad International Airport and taken to your hotel. Later, visit the Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh at sunset, or take a gentle spring walk in the Margalla Hills.
Weather permitting, take the early flight to Skardu and continue the same day to Hunza, pausing at the Rakaposhi viewpoint as time allows. Settle in at Eagle's Nest in Duikar, above the blossoming terraces of Karimabad.
Start with sunrise over the blossom and peaks at Duikar. Spend the morning at Baltit Fort and the terraced orchards below it, then walk down the orchard lanes to Altit village and fort.
Cross the river to the quieter Nagar Valley, where the orchards flower with Rakaposhi as the backdrop, and continue to Hopper for a short walk to view the glacier. Stop at the women-run cafés of Karimabad on the way back.
Drive to Attabad Lake and the higher villages of Gulmit and Ghulkin, where the blossom often holds after central Hunza has turned green. Continue to the Passu Cones and the Hussaini suspension bridge, with a walk to Borith Lake as an option.
A long, scenic drive back to Baltistan, stopping where three mountain ranges meet and at the Kachura lakes framed by orchards. Settle into the Shigar Fort, with an evening walk in its garden or the Hashopi orchards.
Drive east along the Shyok to Khaplu, which flowers later than Skardu, with a village lunch in Yugo and a stop at the Manthokha Waterfall. Explore Khaplu Palace, its orchards and the Chaqchan Mosque.
After an early walk in the Khaplu orchards and the villages of Machulo and Haldi, drive back to Skardu. Finish the day with an orchard walk in Nangsoq, the organic village behind Kharpocho Fort.
Weather permitting, take the morning flight back to Islamabad. In the afternoon, visit the Pakistan Monument and the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
This day is held in reserve in case weather delays the Skardu flight. If everything has run to plan, visit Taxila or walk in the Margalla Hills before your transfer to the airport.
Every journey is tailored to you through consultation, and your final price is confirmed once we've planned it together.
EnquireReturn Islamabad–Skardu
Boutique hotels throughout: four nights at Eagle's Nest in Hunza, one at Serena Shigar Fort, one at Serena Khaplu Palace, one in a boutique hotel in Skardu and two in Islamabad
All meals
Private 4x4 with driver
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry tickets, permits and park fees
2 to 12 guests
Easy to moderate. Orchard walks and optional hikes.
Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance and tips.
Blossom season
Blossom season
Summer mountain walks
Summer walking and trekking
Summer walking and trekking
Autumn colour
Autumn colour
April blossom window from the supplied journey; the best week varies each year and by village.
Blossom season
Blossom season
Summer walking and trekking
Summer trekking season
Summer trekking season
Autumn colour
Autumn colour
Apricot blossom usually peaks in April; timing varies each year.
April and May are for our blossom and valley journeys. Treks run from June.
Typical daytime temperatures. Nights are cooler, and mountain weather can change quickly.
Skardu's crystal-clear lakes and tranquil valleys meet Hunza's lush terraces and emerald orchards. Rich traditions and unforgettable encounters in the heart of the Karakoram.
Wildflower-covered plains, traditional mountain villages and the Thalay La Pass. Walk among towering peaks, explore remote valleys and spend nights under starlit skies.
Towering peaks rise above quiet valleys, where rivers cut through green pastures. Pristine wilderness beneath Masherbrum's sheer, snow-draped face, without the crowds.
