12-day Northern Pakistan Adventure: By Road
About this tour
Day 1: Islamabad to Chilas
Journey via KKH or Naran Highway, scenic stops at Besham and Summer Nala.
Day 2: Chilas to Raikot Bridge to Fairy Meadows
Jeep ride and trek to Fairy Meadows, enjoy views of Nanga Parbat.
Day 3: Trekking to Beyal Camp (Nanga Parbat Base Camp)
Trek to Beyal Camp, enjoy full-day exploration with views of Nanga Parbat.
Day 4: Fairy Meadows to Jaglot to Skardu
Trek back to Tattu, jeep ride to Skardu, scenic stops along the way.
Day 5: Kachura Lake, Katpana Desert & Kharpochu Fort
Visit Lower & Upper Kachura Lakes, Katpana Desert, and Kharpochu Fort.
Day 6: Skardu to Shigar Valley
Explore Shigar Valley, visit Blind Lake, Shigar Fort, and Cold Desert.
Day 7: Skardu to Hunza Valley
Scenic drive to Hunza, stops at Astak Nala and Rakaposhi View Point.
Day 8: Altit Fort, Baltit Fort & Duikar (Eagle Nest)
Visit Altit & Baltit Forts, head to Duikar (Eagle Nest) for panoramic views.
Day 9: Attabad Lake & Khunjerab Pass
Visit Attabad Lake, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and Khunjerab Pass.
Day 10: Ganish Village & Hopper Glacier to Gilgit
Explore Ganish Village and Hopper Glacier, then travel to Gilgit.
Day 11: Gilgit to Besham or Naran
Drive via Besham (or Naran in summer), scenic stops along the way.
Day 12: Besham or Naran to Islamabad
Return journey to Islamabad, with scenic stops to wrap up the tour.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan to Chilās
Via KKH (April-November): Begin the journey along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), one of the highest and most scenic roads in the world. Enjoy views of majestic mountains and rivers, with a short stop at Besham City and Summer Nala for rest. Via Naran (June-September): Drive through Balakot, Naran, and over Babusar Pass, enjoying views of lush valleys and snowy peaks. Stop for short breaks along the way. Arrive in Chilas by evening and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Chilās to Fairy Meadows National Park
After breakfast, drive towards Raikot Bridge (1 hour). Take a 1-2 hour jeep ride from Raikot Bridge to Tattu Village. From Tattu, embark on a 3-4 hour trek through dense forests to reach the stunning Fairy Meadows. Spend time exploring the lush meadows, with panoramic views of Nanga Parbat towering in the background.
Day 3: Fairy Meadows National Park to Beyal Camp, Diamer
After breakfast, begin a 3-4 hour trek to Beyal Camp, also known as the first base camp of Nanga Parbat. Enjoy a full-day excursion to explore the camp and its surroundings, with breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat and nearby glaciers. Return to your cottages in Fairy Meadows for a restful evening.
Day 4: Fairy Meadows Hotel, Naran, Pakistan to Skardu
After breakfast, trek back to Tattu Village (3-4 hours). Take a jeep ride from Tattu to Raikot Bridge, then drive towards Skardu (4-5 hours). Stop at scenic points like 3 Mountain Junction and Astak Nala. Arrive in Skardu by evening, check-in to your hotel, and relax for the night.
Day 5: Skardu
Visit Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake) and Upper Kachura Lake in the morning. Proceed to visit Kharpochu Fort, a historic fort offering panoramic views of the valley. Explore the Katpana Desert, a unique desert landscape near Skardu. Return to Skardu for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Skardu to Shigar
Drive to Shigar Valley (1-2 hours), known for its natural beauty and historical sites. Visit the serene Blind Lake and explore the historic Shigar Fort. Explore the Cold Desert in Shigar Valley, a unique sandy landscape with spectacular views. Return to Skardu for overnight stay.
Day 7: Skardu to HUNZA
Early morning, begin your scenic drive towards Hunza Valley (6-7 hours). Enjoy the picturesque views along the Indus River and stop at notable viewpoints like Astak Nala and Rakaposhi View Point. Arrive in Hunza by evening, check-in to your hotel, and relax.
Day 8: Hunza, Hunza Nagar
After breakfast, visit Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old fort with magnificent views of Hunza Valley. Explore Altit Fort, another ancient fort with rich history and beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, head to Duikar (Eagle Nest), located at a high altitude (10,000 feet) for breathtaking views of Hunza Valley and surrounding peaks like Rakaposhi and Diran. Return to Karimabad for a restful evening.
Day 9: Hunza Nagar to Khunjerab National Park, Khunjerab
After breakfast, begin the journey to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 meters), the highest international border crossing in the world. Visit the stunning Attabad Lake, a turquoise-blue lake formed by a landslide in 2010. Stop at Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Passu Cones, and Sost Dry Port along the way. Explore the Pak-China border at Khunjerab Pass, then return to Hunza for the night.
Day 10: Hunza Nagar to Gilgit-Baltistan
After breakfast, visit Ganish Village, one of the oldest settlements along the ancient Silk Road. Drive to Hopper Glacier in Nagar Valley, where you can explore the active glaciers and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Continue your journey to Gilgit and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Gilgit to Besham City, Pakistan
Via Besham (April-November): Drive towards Besham City, with short stops at Chilas and Summer Nala along the way. Via Naran (June-September): Travel via Babusar Pass, Lulusar Lake, and Batkundi, taking in the majestic landscapes. Arrive in Besham or Naran by evening and check-in for the night.
Day 12: Besham City, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
After breakfast, start your return journey to Islamabad, making short stops at scenic points missed earlier in the tour. Arrive in Islamabad by evening, marking the end of your adventure-filled northern Pakistan tour.
What's included
Standard accommodation (upgrade available on request) breakfast included Meals Private car with driver and English speaking guide Fuel and all toll taxes Parking tickets By air service also available on request
Personal expenses Tips Anything not mentioned above
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Islamabad, Pakistan to Chilās