Hunza Valley Autumn Tour: Lakes, Passes & Local Culture

Summary

Explore Hunza’s Autumn Colors, Lakes & Mountain Passes

You’ll travel through mountain passes and lakeside villages in Hunza Valley during autumn—sampling local food, meeting friendly folks, and soaking up those crisp golden views you just can’t get anywhere else.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of Islamabad airport, I caught that first whiff of city air mixed with a hint of rain from last night. Our guide, Imran, waved us over with a smile and we squeezed into the van—bags everywhere, everyone a bit sleepy but buzzing. The drive to the hotel was quick. Later, we wandered Lake View Park where families picnicked under old trees and kids chased kites along the water’s edge.

The next morning started early—too early for my usual taste—but there’s something about the Karakoram Highway that keeps you awake. We passed roadside fruit stalls stacked with apples and walnuts. By afternoon, Chilas came into view, all sunbaked hills and quiet streets. That night at the hotel, I could hear distant laughter from a wedding party somewhere nearby.

Phandar valley was next—a place that doesn’t really show up on postcards but should. The river there runs so clear you can see pebbles at the bottom. Locals waved as we stopped for chai at a tiny shop; their bread still warm from the tandoor. On our way back to Gilgit, dusk painted everything gold and pink.

The road to Gulmit took us past Rakaposhi View Point—Imran insisted we try the apricot juice from a roadside vendor (he was right). Attabad Lake looked unreal in the morning light—icy blue against sharp cliffs. We skipped stones for a while before heading on.

Khunjerab Pass day was wild—the air thin enough to make you dizzy if you ran too fast. Yaks grazed near the border gate and Chinese trucks rumbled by every so often. At 4,693 meters up, even breathing feels like an event.

Karimabad felt different—busier but somehow peaceful too. We explored Altit Fort with its creaky wooden stairs and views over terraced fields. In Duiker village, I tried walnut cake at a small café called Eagle’s Nest (the owner’s son told me his favorite season is autumn because of the colors). Ganish village was quieter; old stone houses tucked between apricot trees just starting to turn yellow.

The drive back south took us through Babusar Pass—patches of snow still clinging to shady spots—and then down into Naran valley where trout sizzled on open grills by the roadside. On our last day, we stopped by Taxila Museum; ancient statues lined up in cool halls while outside vendors sold guavas wrapped in newspaper.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Islamabad

• Arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Travel to Chilas

• Drive to Chilas on Karakoram Highway

Day 3 — Drive to Phandar Valley

• Drive to Phandar valley

Day 4 — Explore Phandar and Gilgit

• Explore Phandar valley and drive to Gilgit

Day 5 — Gilgit to Gulmit

• Drive to Gulmit with stops at Rakaposhi viewpoint and Attabad Lake

Day 6 — Khunjerab Pass Excursion

• Day trip to Khunjerab Pass

Day 7 — Gulmit to Karimabad

• Drive to Karimabad and explore

Day 8 — Explore Karimabad

• Visit Altit Fort, Duiker, Royal Garden, and Ganish village

Day 9 — Karimabad to Naran Valley

• Drive to Naran valley via Babusar Pass

Day 10 — Return to Islamabad and Departure

• Drive to Islamabad with visit to Taxila Museum, city exploration, and airport transfer

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes—it’s family-friendly and infant seats are available if needed. Just keep in mind some drives are long and mountain roads can be winding.

What kind of weather should I expect during autumn?

Days are usually mild but nights get chilly—especially near Khunjerab Pass or Babusar Pass where it can even snow lightly in October.

Are meals included or do we buy food ourselves?

Main meals aren’t included so you’ll have plenty of chances to try local cafés or street food along the way—our guide always had good suggestions!

I have back problems—is this tour recommended?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or serious health issues due to long drives and high altitudes.

What’s included

Your transport between all stops is covered plus hotels each night. Guides help out at key sites like forts or museums. Infant seats are available if needed; public transport options nearby most stops too.