This 6-day itinerary links Pakistan's two most loved mountain destinations β the Kaghan Valley and Hunza β in a single loop from Islamabad. You cross the 13,690 ft Babusar Top, follow the Karakoram Highway past Nanga Parbat, explore Hunza's forts and glaciers, touch the Pak-China border at Khunjerab Pass, and finish with a jeep ride to Lake Saif ul Malook.
Tour Itinerary
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Day 1 β Islamabad to Kaghan Valley (Naran)
Meet and greet in Islamabad, then depart for Naran (282 km, 6β7 hours). En route, stop at Mansehra β sitting at 3,570 ft above sea level and the 71st largest city of Pakistan β and at Balakot, set among terraced mountains with the Kunhar River flowing through it, both full of scenic photo spots. A further stop at Kiwai waterfall lets you relax and take pictures. Arrive in Naran in the evening: at 7,904 ft above sea level, surrounded by lush green mountains, waterfalls and forests, it is a treat for nature lovers. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 15Β°C, with an average annual temperature of 10.1Β°C. In the evening, stroll Naran bazaar with its restaurants, handicrafts and dry-fruit shops. Overnight in Naran.
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Day 2 β Kaghan Valley to Hunza
After an early breakfast, resume the journey to Hunza (320 km, 7 hours). Pass Batakundi, a newly developed tourist resort, en route to Besal, a small hamlet in the Kaghan Valley, and visit the striking Lulusar Lake β the headwater source of the River Kunhar. Climb to Babusar Top (13,690 ft above sea level, minimum temperatures around 3Β°C), the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and the link between Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK via Thak Nala on the KKH. Continue past Chilas on the Karakoram Highway, cross Raikot Bridge β the gateway to Nanga Parbat Base Camp and the jeep track to Fairy Meadows β and stop at the viewpoint for Nanga Parbat, the 'Killer Mountain' and 9th highest peak in the world at 26,660 ft. Near Jaglot, a short stop at the Three Mountains junction point where the Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram ranges meet, then another at the Rakaposhi viewpoint (25,551 ft, the 'Mother of Clouds' and 27th highest peak in the world). Arrive at Aliabad, Hunza and transfer to the hotel.
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Day 3 β Hunza Valley
After breakfast, visit Baltit Fort in Karimabad to explore its unique architecture. Built in its 16th-century form for a Baltistan princess who married the Mir of Hunza, with foundations dating back 700 years, the former seat of the Hunza kingdom is now the valley's most iconic landmark, with panoramic views over Hunza. Continue to Hooper Valley, a scenic part of Nagar Khas, and Hopar Glacier for a half-day excursion (50 km, about 1 hour each way). Head back via the 1,000-year-old Ganesh Village and up to Eagle's Nest at 10,000 ft for a mesmerizing sunset over the whole valley, with Rakaposhi, Lady Finger and the Golden Peaks on the skyline. Return to the hotel in Aliabad for the night.
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Day 4 β Upper Hunza and the Pak-China Border
After breakfast, drive to Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistan-China border at 15,397 ft above sea level (100 km, about 4 hours each way). En route, stop at Attabad Lake β formed in 2010 by a massive landslide, up to 21 km long and 358 ft deep β then Gulmit and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, a hand-built crossing considered the world's second longest man-made hanging bridge, once used by trade caravans on the old Silk Route. Pass Passu Glacier and the cone-shaped Passu Cones, with a short stop at Sost, the dry port of Pak-China trade. Entering Khunjerab National Park at Dhee, arrive at the pass and spend some time at the border β oxygen levels are low at this altitude, so chewing gum during the stay is advised. Return to the hotel in Aliabad.
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Day 5 β Hunza back to Kaghan Valley
After an early breakfast, start the drive back to Naran via Babusar Top (340 km, about 7 hours 20 minutes). The day is kept free for families to explore the scenic points of the Naran Valley on the way and capture photos of the trip. Overnight at the hotel in Naran.
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Day 6 β Lake Saif ul Malook and return to Islamabad
After breakfast, ride jeeps up to Lake Saif ul Malook (about 3 hours return). The heavenly turquoise lake sits in a mesmerizing landscape and lends its name to the Sufi fairy tale of a Persian prince who fell in love with a fairy princess at its shore. After the lake visit, drive back to Islamabad via Balakot, Mansehra, the Hazara Expressway and the M-1 Motorway (282 km, about 6 hours), with drop-off at your designated place.