Skardu & Hunza Valley Grand Tour 2026
The ultimate Northern Pakistan experience — combining the emerald lakes and ancient forts of Skardu with the legendary Karakoram landscapes of Hunza Valley. Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors to Pakistan.
Website Last Updated: 2026-06-19
Tour Overview
The Skardu & Hunza Valley Grand Tour is Heritage Hike's flagship sightseeing itinerary — a handcrafted 11-day journey through two of the most dramatic landscapes in the Karakoram. Beginning in Skardu, home to emerald lakes, ancient forts, and the gateway to K2, the tour sweeps west along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Hunza Valley — the ancient kingdom perched above turquoise rivers.
This tour involves no trekking and is designed for all ages and fitness levels. From Deosai Plains — the world's second highest plateau — to Khunjerab Pass at the China border, every day delivers a new world of glacial lakes, desert landscapes, stone forts, and Silk Route culture.
Total Days
11 Days
Suitability
Family Friendly
Travel Mode
Travel by-road
Custom Option
Itinerary Flexible
Tour Highlights
Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake
Deosai Plains — second highest plateau on Earth
Shigar Fort & Skardu Cold Desert
Khaplu Palace & Hushe Valley views
Baltit Fort & Altit Fort — 900-year-old Hunza heritage
Attabad Lake turquoise boating
Khunjerab Pass — Pakistan-China border at 4,693 m
Hussaini Suspension Bridge & Passu Cones
Eagle's Nest sunset panorama over Karakoram
Ancient Silk Route villages and Wakhi culture
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Traveler Moments and Experience Gallery
A glimpse into real journeys shared by our guests.
Cost Breakdown – 11 Days days Skardu & Hunza Valley Grand Tour 2026
Please note that the prices listed below may vary depending on the services selected. Client preferences—such as choice of hotels, adjusting tour days, or adding options—can affect the final cost.
Price Per Person – International Tourists
Standard
Premium
| Package Name | Hotel Standard | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5+ Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3-Star | $1,580 | $1,380 | $1,190 | $1,050 |
| Premium | 4-Star | $1,890 | $1,650 | $1,450 | $1,290 |
Price Per Person – Domestic Tourists
Standard
Premium
| Package Name | Hotel Standard | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5+ Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3-Star | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
| Premium | 4-Star | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
See hotel images, vehicle photos, and complete package details
How We Reduce Your Trip Cost
We keep costs competitive through direct local partnerships — hotels, guides, and transport are contracted directly, cutting out Islamabad-based middlemen who add 15–25% to the total cost.
Larger Groups = Lower Prices
Our per-person pricing drops significantly with group size. A group of 5 saves up to 35% compared to a couple. Travelling with friends or family is the single best way to reduce your per-person cost.
Off-Peak Discounts
Visiting in April, early June, or October (shoulder season) can reduce your total cost by 10–15% while still offering excellent weather and fewer crowds than peak July–August.
Detailed Itinerary
View Detailed Itinerary1 Arrival in Islamabad — City Tour & Welcome Dinner
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our team greets you and transfers you to your hotel. Afternoon city tour: Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and Saidpur Village. Evening welcome dinner and tour briefing....
2 Islamabad to Skardu by Air — Mountain Views & Bazaar
Morning flight to Skardu (approx. 55 minutes) — one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights, with aerial views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and the Karakoram giants. Check in at hotel. Afternoon orientation walk along Skardu Bazaar and the Indus River....
3 Shangrila Resort, Kachura Lakes & Shigar Fort
Visit Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Resort) with its iconic lake-house restaurant set in a converted DC-3 aircraft fuselage. Drive to Upper Kachura Lake. Afternoon excursion to Shigar Fort — a 700-year-old royal residence restored as a heritage hotel — and the Skardu Cold Desert (Sarfaranga)....
Services Included and Excluded
Please note that the services we provide vary depending on the type of guest—domestic or international and also differ based on the nature of the tour, such as one-day trips, trekking tours, and more.
International Guests
What's Included
- Return domestic flights Islamabad–Skardu (or road transfer on request)
- Licensed professional English-speaking guide throughout all 11 days
- Airport pickup Day 1 and airport drop-off Day 11 in Islamabad
- All domestic road transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Hotel accommodations in twin-sharing rooms
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout
- Deosai National Park entrance fees
- Attabad Lake boat ride
- Khunjerab Pass entry permits
- Islamabad city sightseeing on Day 1
What's Excluded
- International airfare to/from Pakistan
- Pakistan e-visa fees (we provide support documents)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking or outdoor gear
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Miscellaneous personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Any optional upgrades to accommodation or vehicle
Domestic Guests
What's Included
What's Excluded
Must Visit Attractions
Sightseeing
- • Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake — Skardu's most iconic resort
- • Upper Kachura Lake — serene alpine lake for photography
- • Shigar Fort — 700-year Balti royal heritage
- • Skardu Cold Desert — high-altitude desert landscape
- • Deosai National Park — second highest plateau in the world
- • Khaplu Palace — 19th-century Serena Heritage Hotel
- • Baltit Fort — 900-year seat of Hunza rulers
- • Altit Fort & Village — Hunza's oldest fort at 1,100 years
- • Eagle's Nest (Duikar) — panoramic Hunza Valley viewpoint
- • Attabad Lake — turquoise lake formed by 2010 landslide
- • Hussaini Suspension Bridge — thrilling pedestrian crossing
- • Passu Cones — the Karakoram's most photographed rock spires
- • Khunjerab Pass — world's highest paved international border
Trekking
- • Hopper Glacier Trek — easy glacier walk in Nagar Valley
- • Borith Lake to Passu Glacier trail — scenic 2-hour walk
- • Rakaposhi View Trek — short photography hike
- • Naltar Valley trails — alpine lakes and pine forests
- • Ultar Sar Base Camp — challenging day hike above Karimabad
Know Before You Go: Transparent Drive Time
| Area Name | Distance | Drive / Trek hrs |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to Skardu (by air) | ~800 km direct | 55 minutes |
| Skardu to Deosai Plains | ~90 km | 2.5 hours |
| Skardu to Khaplu | ~60 km | 2 hours |
| Skardu to Hunza via Gilgit | ~250 km | 7–8 hours |
| Hunza to Khunjerab Pass | ~80 km | 2.5 hours |
| Hunza to Besham | ~400 km | 9–10 hours |
| Besham to Islamabad | ~350 km | 8 hours |
Why Choose Us as Your Travel Partner
🏔️ Locally Based in Gilgit-Baltistan
Unlike Islamabad-based agencies, Heritage Hike is rooted in Gilgit-Baltistan. We work directly with local hotels, guides, and transport — no middlemen, meaning 15–20% lower prices than comparable operators.
👨👩👧 Suitable for All Ages & Fitness Levels
This is a road-based sightseeing tour — no trekking required. Suitable for children aged 5+, elderly travellers, and anyone who wants to experience the Karakoram without physical exertion.
🛡️ Safety, Reliability & Expert Guides
All our guides are licensed, English-speaking, and deeply knowledgeable about Karakoram history and culture. Every vehicle is inspected and every route planned for safety and comfort.
Experience with Locals
On this tour you'll stop in Altit Village, Gulmit, and Khaplu — communities where traditional Balti and Wakhi ways of life continue unchanged. Share tea with a local family, explore ancient irrigation channels, or visit a village carpet workshop.
Heritage Hike guides are from these communities — they speak the local languages, know the families, and create authentic connections that no outside agency can replicate.
Seasonal Travel Tips
🌸 Spring (April–May) — Blossom Season
April is magical in Hunza — apricot and cherry blossoms paint the valley pink and white. Weather is mild but evenings are cold. Pack light layers. Book early as accommodation fills quickly during blossom season.
☀️ Summer (June–September) — Peak Season
Peak season for Skardu and Hunza. Warm days, clear mountain views, and all roads fully accessible including Khunjerab and Deosai. This is the best time for photography. Book at least 2 months in advance.
🍂 Autumn (October–November) — Golden Season
Hunza turns golden in October — poplar trees and apricot leaves create stunning landscapes. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and excellent visibility. Khunjerab Pass closes in November. Ideal for photographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children and elderly travellers?
Yes — this tour involves no trekking. All activities are road-based sightseeing. It is suitable for children aged 5+ and elderly travellers in good general health. The longest driving days are approximately 8 hours.
Should I fly or drive from Islamabad to Skardu?
We recommend flying (55 min) for international guests — the mountain views are spectacular and it saves a full day of driving. The road journey (14–16 hours via KKH) is available on request and offers its own scenic highlights through Besham and Chilas.
What is the best time for this tour?
April–May for spring blossoms in Hunza. June–September for peak weather and full road access including Khunjerab and Deosai. October for golden autumn colours and fewer crowds. November–March is off-season with limited road access.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes — airport pickup on Day 1 in Islamabad and airport drop-off on Day 11 are both included in all packages.
What is not included in the price?
International airfare, Pakistan visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses (shopping, laundry, phone calls), tips for guides and drivers, and any optional upgrades.
Tour Details
Dates
2026-07-01
Duration
11 Days days
Group Size
Private
Difficulty
Easy
Travel Mode
Travel by-road
Suitability
Family Friendly
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