Two of the great valleys of the Karakoram in one journey. You fly to Skardu and go straight on to Hunza for four nights among its forts, orchards and high villages, then return to Baltistan for three nights in Skardu, with days in Khaplu and Shigar. In autumn the same route runs through golden poplars and harvest colour.
You're met at Islamabad International Airport and taken to your hotel. Later, visit the Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh at sunset, or have dinner in Saidpur Village.
Weather permitting, take the early flight to Skardu and continue the same day to Hunza, pausing at the Rakaposhi viewpoint as time allows. Watch the sunset over Rakaposhi and Golden Peak from Eagle's Nest.
A day of Hunza's heritage: Baltit and Altit forts and the old village of Ganish, back at Eagle's Nest for sunset. Or take a half-day hike to the Ultar meadow.
Drive into Upper Hunza for Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the Hussaini suspension bridge. Add a walk to Borith Lake or onto the Passu Glacier.
Choose the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world, or the quieter Nagar Valley and a short walk to view the Hopper Glacier. Finish in the women-run cafés and craft centres of Karimabad.
A long, scenic drive back to Baltistan, stopping where the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush meet, and at Lower and Upper Kachura lakes. Settle into Skardu for three nights.
Travel east to Khaplu for Khaplu Palace and its museum and the Chaqchan Mosque, with a village lunch in Yugo and the Manthokha Waterfall on the way back. A short hike to Thoksi Khar is an option.
Visit the restored Shigar Fort, the Amburiq Mosque and its old khanqah, walk through the Hashopi orchards and see Blind Lake. End with sunset over the Sarfaranga cold desert.
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.
In autumn: the same route, with sunrise over the gold terraces of Karimabad, Gulmit and Passu in colour, and Shigar's orchards turning gold. Khunjerab is offered weather permitting, with Nagar and Hopper as the alternative. Nights are at or below freezing by late October.
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, three 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. Optional hikes most days.
Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance and tips.
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.
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.
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.
Lush terraces, emerald orchards and the towering silhouettes of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Skardu's crystal-clear lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes complete the journey.
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.
