15-Day Skardu & Hunza Grand Tour

PT-70CT-319

Location

Hunza • Skardu

Group Size

Min 2 - Max 2 Persons

Type

Premium

Activities

Rock Climbing • Jeep Safari

Starting From

PKR 385,000

Overview

Experience the ultimate journey through Pakistan's northern wonders with Pacific Trips' most comprehensive 15-day Skardu and Hunza Grand Tour — an unforgettable expedition through Gilgit-Baltistan's most iconic destinations along the legendary Karakoram Highway. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes travelers through the heart of Baltistan and Hunza, where alpine lakes, cold deserts, glaciers, ancient forts, and snow-capped peaks create the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Pakistan.

Begin your journey with a scenic flight to Skardu, exploring the legendary Kachura Lakes and Shangrila Resort, the culturally rich Shigar Valley with its restored fort, and the surreal Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Venture into the untouched Basho Valley, discover the historic Kharpocho Fort and ancient Manthal Buddha Rock, and traverse the spectacular Deosai National Park — the "Land of Giants" — home to Sheosar Lake and endless alpine plains. Continue to the scenic Chunda and Khaplu Valleys for authentic Balti culture and panoramic views.

The journey then takes you along the iconic Karakoram Highway to Hunza Valley, where you'll explore the historic Altit and Baltit Forts, the breathtaking Eagle's Nest viewpoint, dramatic Hopper Glacier in Nagar Valley, and the world-famous Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Reach the legendary Khunjerab Pass at the Pakistan-China border before returning via Naltar Valley's colorful lakes and the surreal white sands of Katpana Desert.

With premium Toyota Prado TX/TZ transport, stays at six carefully selected hotels including Al Noor Starlet, Qayam Hunza, and The Mandarin Inn Gilgit, and a professional local guide throughout, this tour is the ultimate choice for adventure seekers, photographers, and culture lovers wanting to experience the complete magnificence of northern Pakistan.

Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01 — Arrival in Skardu (Kachura Lakes, Shangrila Resort & Soak Valley): Airport pickup and immediate sightseeing tour. Visit Upper Kachura Lake with crystal-clear water and pine forests, followed by Lower Kachura Lake and the iconic Shangrila Resort with its aircraft café. Explore the peaceful Soak Valley with lush greenery and village landscapes. Check-in at Al Noor Starlet.

Day 02 — Shigar Valley, Shigar Fort, Sarfaranga Cold Desert & Blind Lake: Full-day excursion to the culturally rich Shigar Valley. Visit the historic Shigar Fort with centuries-old Balti architecture. Continue to the surreal Sarfaranga Cold Desert with golden sand dunes and snow-covered peaks, with optional ATV and camel rides. Visit peaceful Blind Lake. Overnight stay at Al Noor Starlet.

Day 03 — Basho Valley Excursion: Adventurous excursion to the breathtaking Basho Valley with dense pine forests, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, green meadows, and untouched natural beauty. Explore riverside viewpoints, forest tracks, wooden bridges, and peaceful village surroundings. Overnight stay at Al Noor Starlet.

Day 04 — Kharpocho Fort & Manthal Buddha Rock: Cultural and historical sightseeing in Skardu. Visit the historic Kharpocho Fort with panoramic views of Skardu town and the Indus River. Explore the famous Manthal Buddha Rock with ancient Buddhist carvings. Free time at Skardu Bazaar for local cafés and handicrafts. Overnight stay at Al Noor Starlet.

Day 05 — Deosai National Park Excursion: Full-day excursion to the spectacular Deosai National Park — the "Land of Giants" — famous for vast plains, wildflowers, and wildlife. Visit Sadpara Lake, Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and the world-famous Sheosar Lake. Subject to weather and road conditions. Overnight stay at Al Noor Starlet.

Day 06 — Chunda Valley Excursion: Travel to the beautiful Chunda Valley above Skardu city with panoramic views of the Indus River and snow-covered mountains. Explore local villages, orchards, mountain viewpoints, and scenic roads. Famous for the best sunset views in Baltistan. Check-in at Hashupi Resort.

Day 07 — Khaplu Valley Excursion: Full-day excursion to the scenic Khaplu Valley. Drive through riverside landscapes, mountain villages, and traditional Balti culture. Visit Khaplu town, riverside viewpoints, orchards, and the famous Khaplu Palace with its historical architecture. Overnight stay at Hashupi Resort.

Day 08 — Skardu to Hunza: Check-out and depart from Skardu toward Hunza Valley via the scenic Skardu Road and Karakoram Highway. Sightseeing stops at Jaglot, Rakaposhi View Point, and scenic mountain viewpoints along the KKH. Check-in at Qayam Hunza.

Day 09 — Altit Fort, Baltit Fort & Karimabad: Cultural sightseeing in Hunza Valley. Visit the historic Altit Fort with ancient architecture and royal gardens. Continue to the iconic Baltit Fort above Karimabad with breathtaking views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and surrounding mountains. Explore Karimabad and Aliabad Bazaar for handicrafts, gemstones, and dry fruits. Overnight stay at Qayam Hunza.

Day 10 — Eagle's Nest, Nagar Valley & Hopper Glacier: Scenic excursion beginning at the famous Duikar viewpoint (Eagle's Nest) with panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger Peak, and Ultar Sar. Continue to Nagar Valley through traditional villages and green fields. Visit Hopper Glacier with dramatic glacier scenery and towering peaks. Overnight stay at Qayam Hunza.

Day 11 — Upper Hunza & Khunjerab Pass: Full-day excursion along the Karakoram Highway. Visit Attabad Lake with boating and jet skiing options. Continue to the world-famous Passu Cones and Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Visit Rainbow Bridge viewpoints and Gulmit Village. Reach the spectacular Khunjerab Pass at the Pakistan-China border within Khunjerab National Park. Overnight stay at Qayam Hunza.

Day 12 — Relaxing & Cultural Day in Hunza: Relaxing cultural exploration day. Visit local villages, orchards, cultural streets, traditional cafés, and handicraft shops around Hunza and Karimabad. Shop for gemstones, dry fruits, woolen products, and souvenirs. Overnight stay at Qayam Hunza.

Day 13 — Hunza to Gilgit (Naltar & Nomal Valley): Check-out and depart toward Gilgit. Visit the beautiful Naltar Valley famous for pine forests, colorful lakes, and alpine scenery. Continue to Nomal Valley with lush green landscapes and mountain villages. Check-in at The Mandarin Inn Gilgit.

Day 14 — Gilgit to Skardu & Katpana Desert: Drive from Gilgit to Skardu via the scenic Skardu Road with views of the Indus River valley. Visit the beautiful Katpana Cold Desert with white sand dunes surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Enjoy sunset views and ATV activities. Check-in at Himalaya Hotel.

Day 15 — Departure from Skardu: Check-out and transfer to Skardu Airport for departure flight, marking the end of the memorable Hunza and Skardu grand journey.

Location Details

Skardu

The capital of Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, located at approximately 2,228 meters above sea level along the Indus River. Surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks including K2, Skardu serves as the gateway to the Karakoram range and is famous for its dramatic landscapes, alpine lakes, cold deserts, and rich Balti culture rooted in Tibetan heritage.

Key Attractions: Indus River views, gateway to K2, Balti culture, alpine lakes, historic forts.

Upper Kachura Lake

A pristine alpine lake located approximately 32 kilometers from Skardu at an altitude of around 2,500 meters above sea level. Famous for crystal-clear turquoise water, pine forests, boating activities, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Offers a peaceful introduction to the beauty of Baltistan.

Key Attractions: Turquoise water, boating, pine forests, mountain reflections.

Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila)

The iconic lake famously associated with Shangrila Resort — often called "Heaven on Earth." Renowned for its lakeside setting, beautiful gardens, and the famous aircraft café (a converted plane converted into a restaurant). Perfect for photography, tea cafés, and panoramic mountain views.

Key Attractions: Shangrila Resort, aircraft café, lakeside gardens, photography spots.

Soak Valley

A lesser-explored peaceful valley near Skardu with lush green landscapes, streams, local villages, and tranquil surroundings. Ideal for nature walks and quiet moments away from commercial tourism, offering an authentic Baltistan experience.

Key Attractions: Lush greenery, streams, local villages, peaceful nature walks.

Shigar Valley & Shigar Fort

A culturally rich valley located along the route to the Karakoram mountains, approximately 32 kilometers from Skardu. Home to the historic 17th-century Shigar Fort (Fong Khar) — beautifully restored as a heritage site by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture — showcasing traditional Balti architecture, royal gardens, and cultural heritage.

Key Attractions: Shigar Fort, royal gardens, Balti architecture, riverside roads, traditional villages.

Sarfaranga Cold Desert

One of the highest cold deserts in the world, located in Shigar Valley at approximately 2,226 meters above sea level. Famous for golden sand dunes surrounded by snow-covered mountains, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Pakistan. Popular for ATV rides, camel rides, and photography.

Key Attractions: Golden sand dunes, snow-capped backdrop, ATV rides, camel rides.

Blind Lake

A peaceful lake located in Shigar Valley, surrounded by greenery and mountains. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and mirror-like surface, offering a calm and scenic environment for relaxation and photography.

Key Attractions: Mirror-like waters, peaceful environment, mountain surroundings, photography.

Basho Valley

One of the most untouched natural valleys in Baltistan, famous for dense pine forests, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, green meadows, and panoramic mountain views. Features wooden bridges, camping areas, and peaceful village surroundings — ideal for nature exploration.

Key Attractions: Pine forests, waterfalls, streams, meadows, wooden bridges, camping.

Kharpocho Fort

An iconic historic fort perched on a hill above Skardu city at approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. Built in the 16th century by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, offering panoramic views of Skardu town, the Indus River, and surrounding valleys.

Key Attractions: Panoramic Indus views, 16th-century history, hiking trail, Balti settlements.

Manthal Buddha Rock

An important archaeological site near Skardu featuring ancient Buddhist carvings dating back to the 8th century. Reflects the region's pre-Islamic Buddhist heritage and the historical significance of Baltistan along the ancient Silk Road.

Key Attractions: Ancient Buddhist carvings, archaeological heritage, Silk Road history.

Deosai National Park

Known as the "Land of Giants," Deosai is the second-highest plateau in the world at approximately 4,114 meters above sea level. Spanning 3,000 square kilometers, it's famous for vast plains, wildflowers, streams, Himalayan brown bears, marmots, and breathtaking landscapes. Home to Sadpara Lake, Kala Pani, Bara Pani, and the stunning Sheosar Lake.

Key Attractions: Sheosar Lake, vast plains, wildflowers, Himalayan brown bears, alpine scenery.

Sheosar Lake

A pristine high-altitude lake located within Deosai National Park at approximately 4,142 meters above sea level. Famous for crystal-clear reflections of snow-covered mountains, peaceful alpine scenery, and seasonal wildflowers blooming along its shores.

Key Attractions: Mountain reflections, alpine wildflowers, high-altitude scenery, photography.

Chunda Valley

A scenic valley located above Skardu city, famous for panoramic views of Skardu, the Indus River, snow-covered mountains, and peaceful village landscapes. Features orchards, green fields, and offers some of the best sunset views in Baltistan.

Key Attractions: Panoramic views, orchards, sunset photography, peaceful villages.

Khaplu Valley & Khaplu Palace

A scenic valley located approximately 103 kilometers east of Skardu, famous for riverside landscapes, mountain villages, suspension bridges, and traditional Balti culture. Home to the historic Khaplu Palace — a 19th-century royal residence restored as a heritage hotel showcasing Balti-Tibetan architecture.

Key Attractions: Khaplu Palace, suspension bridges, Balti culture, orchards, riverside views.

Hunza Valley

A mountainous valley in Gilgit-Baltistan located at approximately 2,438 meters above sea level along the Hunza River. Famous for breathtaking views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak, ancient forts, and the longevity and hospitality of its people. Centered around the historic town of Karimabad.

Key Attractions: Karimabad, ancient forts, mountain peaks, Hunza culture, longevity heritage.

Altit Fort

An ancient 1,100-year-old fort in Hunza Valley, considered one of the oldest surviving forts in the region. Features traditional Hunza architecture, royal gardens, ancient pathways, and panoramic valley views. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Key Attractions: Ancient architecture, royal gardens, traditional pathways, valley views.

Baltit Fort

An iconic 700-year-old fort perched above Karimabad in Hunza Valley. Built in Tibetan-Balti architectural style, the fort offers breathtaking views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and surrounding mountains. A UNESCO-listed heritage site and one of Pakistan's most photographed landmarks.

Key Attractions: Tibetan-Balti architecture, Rakaposhi views, UNESCO heritage, Karimabad.

Karimabad

The cultural and commercial heart of Hunza Valley, located at approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. Known for the bustling Aliabad Bazaar, traditional cafés, handicraft shops, gemstones, dry fruits, and rich Hunza culture. The base for exploring Altit and Baltit Forts.

Key Attractions: Aliabad Bazaar, handicrafts, gemstones, dry fruits, Hunza cuisine.

Eagle's Nest (Duikar Viewpoint)

A famous viewpoint located above Karimabad, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger Peak, Ultar Sar, and the entire Hunza Valley. One of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Pakistan.

Key Attractions: Panoramic mountain views, sunrise/sunset spots, Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger Peak.

Nagar Valley & Hopper Glacier

A scenic valley adjacent to Hunza, located across the Hunza River. Famous for traditional villages, green fields, streams, and dramatic glacier scenery. Hopper Glacier — also called Bualtar Glacier — features striking black ice surrounded by towering peaks.

Key Attractions: Hopper Glacier, traditional villages, green fields, rugged terrain.

Attabad Lake

A stunning turquoise-blue lake formed in 2010 after a massive landslide in Upper Hunza, located at approximately 2,520 meters above sea level. Famous for boating, jet skiing, photography, and panoramic views surrounded by towering peaks.

Key Attractions: Turquoise water, boating, jet skiing, panoramic peaks.

Passu Cones & Hussaini Suspension Bridge

The iconic Passu Cones (Cathedral Ridge) are a series of jagged peaks rising dramatically above Upper Hunza. The nearby Hussaini Suspension Bridge — one of the most dangerous bridges in the world — offers thrilling crossings over the Hunza River with stunning glacier and mountain views.

Key Attractions: Cathedral peaks, suspension bridge crossing, glacier views, photography.

Khunjerab Pass

The highest paved international border crossing in the world, located at approximately 4,693 meters above sea level on the Pakistan-China border within Khunjerab National Park. Famous for breathtaking mountain scenery, cool weather, wildlife (snow leopards, ibex, Marco Polo sheep), and the iconic border gate.

Key Attractions: Pakistan-China border, highest paved pass, Khunjerab National Park, wildlife.

Naltar Valley

A breathtaking valley located approximately 40 kilometers from Gilgit, famous for pine forests, colorful lakes (including Satrangi Lake), streams, and alpine scenery. Home to one of Pakistan's ski resorts and known as one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Key Attractions: Pine forests, colorful lakes, alpine scenery, ski resort.

Katpana Cold Desert

One of the highest cold deserts in the world, located near Skardu at approximately 2,226 meters above sea level. Famous for white sand dunes surrounded by snow-covered mountains, offering a surreal landscape perfect for sunset views, photography, and ATV activities.

Key Attractions: White sand dunes, snow-capped backdrop, sunset views, ATV rides.

Karakoram Highway (KKH)

One of the highest paved roads in the world and a feat of modern engineering, connecting Pakistan to China through the Khunjerab Pass. Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the highway offers spectacular views of rivers, glaciers, mountain cliffs, and panoramic valleys throughout its course.

Key Attractions: Engineering marvel, Rakaposhi viewpoint, Jaglot, scenic viewpoints.

Payment & Cancellation Summary

Payment Terms:

50% advance to confirm booking
50% balance before tour commencement
Payments only to the official Pacific Trips company bank account

Cancellation Highlights:

Flights: Subject to airline policy, 48-hour notice required, refunds in 25–45 working days
Hotels: Subject to property policy, refunds in 7–15 working days
Convenience charges are non-refundable
Tours: No additional cancellation fees beyond service provider charges