10 DAYS · BEST MAY – OCTOBER
Hunza & Skardu tour
The big northern circuit in one trip. A private trip from Lahore or Islamabad, planned end to end.
- LENGTH
- 8–14 days
- We suggest 10
- BEST TIME
- May – October
- Roads open, mild days
- FROM LAHORE
- 936 km
- about 20 h of driving
- FROM ISLAMABAD
- 602 km
- about 16.5 h of driving
Day-by-day plan
From Lahore. Starting in Islamabad saves part of day 1. Every day can be changed.
- 1
Lahore to Naran
Drive north into the Kaghan valley.
Night in Naran
- 2
Naran to Skardu
Over Babusar Top to Chilas, then along the Indus to Skardu.
Night in Skardu
- 3
Skardu lakes
Shangrila, Upper Kachura Lake and the Katpana cold desert.
Night in Skardu
- 4
Deosai Plains
Jeep safari across the plateau to Sheosar Lake.
Night in Skardu · optional day
- 5
Skardu to Hunza
Along the Indus to Gilgit, then up the Karakoram Highway to Hunza.
Night in Karimabad, Hunza
- 6
Karimabad
Baltit and Altit forts and sunset at Eagle's Nest.
Night in Karimabad, Hunza
- 7
Upper Hunza
Attabad Lake, Hussaini bridge and the Passu Cones.
Night in Karimabad, Hunza
- 8
Khunjerab Pass
Day trip to the China border.
Night in Karimabad, Hunza · optional day
- 9
Hunza to Naran
Down the Karakoram Highway and over Babusar Top.
Night in Naran
- 10
Naran to Lahore
Drive home.
Home by night
Places on this trip
Hunza & Skardu trip questions
When is the best time to visit Hunza & Skardu?
May – October. Babusar Top is usually open June to October; outside those months we drive the Karakoram Highway via Besham instead, which adds driving time. Billman will suggest the best dates for your group.
How many days do I need for the Hunza & Skardu trip?
Our plan is 10 days. It can be done in 8 days, or stretched up to 14 days with free days for a slower pace.
How far is Hunza & Skardu from Lahore and Islamabad?
About 936 km from Lahore (around 20 hours of driving) and 602 km from Islamabad (around 16.5 hours). We split the drive over 3 days, with the first night in Naran.
Who is the Hunza & Skardu trip good for?
It works well for adventure & treks, friends & groups, honeymoon trips. Every Billman trip is private and planned around your group, so we adjust the pace, hotels and stops.
What is included?
Hotels with breakfast, your own vehicle with an experienced driver for the whole trip, the Deosai jeep safari, and the day-by-day planning. Dinners, a tour guide and honeymoon setups can be added.
How do I book and how much does it cost?
Open the trip calculator for an instant price range for your dates, group and hotel level, then send the plan to Billman on WhatsApp. We confirm the exact price and availability.