6-Day Skardu & Hunza Tour

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. 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.

Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila)

The iconic lake famously associated with the Shangrila Resort Skardu, often called "Heaven on Earth." Renowned for its lakeside setting, traditional wooden bridges, beautiful gardens, and the famous aircraft café (a converted plane restaurant). Perfect for photography and lakeside relaxation surrounded by majestic mountains.

Key Attractions: Shangrila Resort, aircraft café, wooden bridges, lakeside gardens.

Shangrila Viewpoint Track

A short uphill hiking trail located behind and above the Shangrila Resort, taking approximately 15–25 minutes to ascend. Offers a panoramic aerial view of Lower Kachura Lake, the resort, and the lush valley below. Considered one of the best photography spots in the Kachura region, with multiple viewpoints along the way passing through greenery.

Key Attractions: Aerial lake views, photography vantage points, easy hiking trail, scenic greenery.

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 its crystal-clear water, peaceful environment, dramatic mountain backdrop, and pine forests. Remains largely untouched, offering a serene experience away from commercial tourism.

Key Attractions: Crystal-clear water, mountain backdrop, peaceful environment, pine forests.

Soq Valley

A lesser-explored hidden gem near Skardu, offering lush green landscapes, freshwater streams, traditional Balti villages, orchards, and scenic viewpoints. The route to the valley passes through small villages, making the journey itself a memorable experience. Ideal for nature walks and quiet moments.

Key Attractions: Balti villages, orchards, flowing streams, lush landscapes, scenic walks.

Shigar Valley & Shigar Fort (Fong-Khar)

A culturally rich valley located approximately 30 minutes from Skardu along the route to the Karakoram mountains. Home to the historic 17th-century Shigar Fort (Fong-Khar) — beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture — showcasing centuries-old Balti architecture and cultural heritage. The valley features traditional villages, orchards, and the flowing Shigar River.

Key Attractions: Shigar Fort, traditional Shigar Village, Balti architecture, Shigar River, orchards.

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 the Karakoram mountains, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Pakistan. Home to the famous Sarfaranga Jeep Rally and offers panoramic photography spots.

Key Attractions: Golden sand dunes, Karakoram backdrop, Jeep Rally area, desert viewpoints.

Blind Lake (Jarba Zhou Lake)

A peaceful and lesser-known hidden lake located in Shigar Valley, known locally as Jarba Zhou Lake. Famous for its calm waters, abundant bird life, and stunning reflections of surrounding mountains. Offers a tranquil environment for relaxation and photography.

Key Attractions: Calm waters, bird life, mountain reflections, peaceful lakeside.

Basho Valley

One of the most untouched natural valleys in Baltistan, located approximately 2–3 hours from Skardu. Famous for dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear freshwater streams flowing from nearby glaciers. Features Basho River viewpoints, forest trails, scenic camping areas, and towering mountain surroundings — ideal for nature exploration.

Key Attractions: Pine forests, alpine meadows, glacier-fed streams, Basho River, camping areas.

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 between Skardu, Hunza, and beyond.

Key Attractions: Engineering marvel, Indus River viewpoints, scenic valleys, traditional villages.

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, Rakaposhi views, 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, the beautiful Altit Royal Garden, ancient pathways, and panoramic valley views. Surrounded by the historic Altit village and restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Key Attractions: Ancient architecture, Altit Royal Garden, traditional pathways, valley views.

Baltit Fort

An iconic 700-year-old fort perched on a hilltop overlooking Karimabad and the entire 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, hilltop views, UNESCO heritage, Karimabad overlook.

Karimabad Bazaar

The cultural and commercial heart of Hunza Valley, located at approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. Known for traditional handicrafts, gemstones, local dry fruits, and souvenirs. Offers spectacular sunset views of Rakaposhi and Ultar peaks and serves as the base for exploring Altit and Baltit Forts.

Key Attractions: Handicrafts, gemstones, dry fruits, sunset views, Rakaposhi panorama.

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 striking turquoise water, boating, photography, and panoramic views surrounded by dramatic rocky mountains.

Key Attractions: Turquoise water, boating, photography, dramatic mountain surroundings.

Passu Cones (Cathedral Range)

A series of jagged, sharply pointed peaks rising dramatically above Upper Hunza, also known as the Cathedral Range. One of the most photographed mountain formations in Pakistan, creating a spectacular backdrop along the Karakoram Highway.

Key Attractions: Cathedral peaks, dramatic photography backdrop, KKH views.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge

Known as one of the most thrilling rope bridges in the region and often listed among the world's most dangerous bridges. Offers panoramic views of the Hunza River and surrounding glaciers, providing an adventurous crossing experience for visitors.

Key Attractions: Thrilling rope bridge crossing, river views, glacier panoramas, adventure photography.

Passu Glacier & Rainbow Bridge

The impressive Passu Glacier descends dramatically toward the Karakoram Highway, while the nearby Rainbow Bridge area offers scenic viewpoints ideal for landscape photography. Together they form one of the most picturesque stretches along the KKH.

Key Attractions: Glacier views, Rainbow Bridge viewpoints, landscape photography.

Sost

The last major town before the Pakistan-China border, serving as the customs and immigration hub for travelers crossing into China. Located along the Karakoram Highway, Sost is the gateway to Khunjerab National Park and the famous Khunjerab Pass.

Key Attractions: Border town atmosphere, gateway to Khunjerab, KKH stopover.

Khunjerab Pass

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

Key Attractions: Pakistan-China border monument, highest paved pass, Khunjerab National Park, alpine landscapes.

Yak Grill Hunza

A popular local restaurant in Hunza known for serving traditional Hunza cuisine, including yak meat specialties and local Hunza dishes. A favorite dining spot for travelers seeking authentic regional flavors and an immersive cultural food experience.

Key Attractions: Traditional Hunza cuisine, yak specialties, authentic local dining experience.

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