Hunza Valley Tour: Karakoram Highway, Forts & Lakes

Summary

Guided journey through Hunza’s forts, lakes and high passes

You’ll travel deep into Hunza Valley with local guides who know every bend of the Karakoram Highway. Explore ancient forts, hike beside glaciers in Hoper Valley, cross wild suspension bridges near Passu, and share laughter over chai as sunlight spills across mountain peaks.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that peak?” our driver Karim asked as we wound up the Karakoram Highway from Gilgit. “My grandfather used to herd goats there.” I was still a bit dazed from the early flight out of Islamabad — the air in Hunza felt sharper, almost sweet, like you could taste the snowmelt. We’d barely arrived and already I was craning my neck at mountains that didn’t look real. The road twisted past apricot orchards and stone houses; every so often someone waved from a field or a shop doorway. I don’t know if it was the altitude or just excitement, but everything felt slightly electric.

Baltit Fort was our first real stop — 900 years old and perched above Karimabad like it’s keeping watch. Our guide, Shazia, told us stories about royal intrigue while we padded over creaky wooden floors. There’s this smell inside: old cedar mixed with something earthy, maybe dust or history itself. Later at Altit Fort, I tried saying “thank you” in Burushaski to one of the caretakers (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it). Sunset at Eagle’s Nest was pure gold on the valley; everyone got quiet for a minute except for some crows arguing overhead.

The next morning we drove out to Hoper Valley — glaciers rumbling somewhere out of sight. The ground underfoot was gritty with glacial silt and wildflowers poked through cracks in the rocks. Kids ran past us on the trail shouting greetings; one offered me a handful of mulberries he’d just picked. It tasted cold and sweet and somehow made me feel more awake than coffee ever could.

We spent another day chasing blue water at Attabad Lake (the color is unreal) and then Borith Lake further up, where wind whipped across the surface hard enough to sting your cheeks. There’s this suspension bridge near Passu that looks like something out of an adventure movie — crossing it made my knees wobble but also made me laugh out loud at myself. On the way back we stopped to stare at those cathedral-shaped peaks; nobody said much because what do you even say?

I still think about that last morning in Karimabad — sipping chai on the hotel terrace while light crept down the mountainsides. The whole trip felt both huge and strangely personal, like Hunza lets you in if you’re paying attention. I’m not sure I’ll ever see valleys quite like these again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and rest in Islamabad

• Receive guests at Islamabad Airport
• Check-in at hotel
• Rest and relax in Islamabad
• Overnight stay in Islamabad

Day 2 — Fly to Gilgit and Hunza visit

• Fly to Gilgit in the morning
• Meet guide at Gilgit Airport
• Road trip to Hunza
• Check-in at hotel in Hunza
• Visit Baltit Fort
• Visit Altit Fort
• Sunset at Eagles Nest
• Evening free in Karimabad
• Overnight stay in Karimabad

Day 3 — Explore Hoper Valley and glacier

• Explore Hoper Valley
• Visit Hoper Glacier
• Hike through Hoper channels
• Return to Karimabad
• Free time in Karimabad
• Overnight stay in Karimabad

Day 4 — Upper Hunza lakes and mountains

• Visit Attabad Lake
• Boating and jetski at Attabad Lake
• Visit Borith Lake
• Boating and rafting at Borith Lake
• Cross suspension bridge
• Stop at Passu cathedral mountain
• Overnight stay at Borith Inn

Day 5 — Road trip to Khunjerab Pass

• Road trip to Khunjerab Pass
• Visit Khunjerab National Park
• Overnight stay at Borith Inn

Day 6 — Rest and shopping in Hunza

• Rest and explore upper Hunza
• Souvenir shopping in Karimabad
• Return drive to Gilgit
• Stopovers on the way
• Transfer to hotel in Gilgit

Day 7 — Return to Islamabad and city tour

• Transfer to Gilgit Airport
• Fly to Islamabad
• Receive guests at Islamabad Airport
• Transfer to hotel
• Optional Islamabad city tour
• Drop off at hotel after dinner

Day 8 — Departure from Islamabad

• Hotel check-out by 12:00 PM
• Drop off guests at Islamabad Airport

Top questions

How long is the guided tour of Hunza Valley?

The tour lasts 8 days including airport pickup and drop-off.

Are domestic flights included in this Hunza Valley tour?

Yes, domestic flights between Islamabad and Gilgit are included.

What are some highlights on this day trip to Hunza from Gilgit?

You’ll visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Attabad Lake, Hoper Glacier, Borith Lake, Passu suspension bridge, and Khunjerab Pass.

Is hotel accommodation provided during the Hunza tour?

Yes, all hotel stays are included throughout your journey.

Does this tour include meals or just accommodation?

The inclusion list mentions accommodation but does not specify meals.

Is airport pickup included for travelers arriving in Islamabad?

Yes, airport pickup from Islamabad International Airport is included.

Can infants join this guided Hunza Valley trip?

Infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup in Islamabad, all domestic flight fares between Islamabad and Gilgit to save time on long road trips, seven nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels across Islamabad, Karimabad, Borith Lake and Gilgit—all arranged so you can focus on exploring valleys, lakes and forts without worrying about logistics along the way.