Baltit Fort
The restored seat of the former Hunza rulers, standing above Karimabad with views across the valley and Rakaposhi.
Hunza & Gojal · Gilgit-Baltistan
Hunza Valley
Forts, blossoms and giant Karakoram peaks
April – October
2,500 m
24 listed trips
The place
About Hunza Valley
Hunza is one of the most beautiful and most visited parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, set along the Karakoram Highway at the foot of giants such as Rakaposhi (about 7,788 m) and Ultar Sar. The valley is known for old forts, terraced fields, orchards, turquoise Attabad Lake and the warm hospitality of Hunza and Gojal.
Every season has its own look. In April, apricot and cherry blossom cover the valley. Summer is green and clear, and in October the trees turn gold and red. You can enjoy all of this without difficult trekking, which makes Hunza a great choice for families, couples, photographers and first-time visitors to Northern Pakistan.
Most journeys follow the Karakoram Highway through Besham, Chilas and Gilgit to Karimabad. We arrange private transport, hotels and local guides, and can combine Hunza with Skardu, Attabad, Passu and Khunjerab Pass.
What to see
Places to visit
Attabad Lake
A turquoise lake formed after the 2010 landslide, now a stop for boating, photography and lakeside tea on the way to Gojal.
Passu Cones
The sharp, cathedral-like peaks of Tupopdan above Passu village — among the most photographed mountains in Pakistan.
Khunjerab Pass
The high border crossing into China at about 4,693 m, reached by a full-day drive from Karimabad through Gojal.
Altit Fort
The oldest fort in Hunza, with a small museum, traditional rooms and gardens below the cliffs.
Karimabad Bazaar
A relaxed place to buy dried apricots, walnuts, apricot oil, woollen caps and handicrafts.
Logistics
Getting there
Routes, roads and timing
Drive the Karakoram Highway via Besham, Chilas and Gilgit, then north to Karimabad — a long, scenic journey that usually takes more than a day from Islamabad. Limited flights to Gilgit are weather dependent; from Gilgit, Karimabad is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by road. We can arrange the full route or a Gilgit pickup.
Trip options
Ask for a custom route
Trips to Hunza Valley
Skardu Blossom & Lakes Escape – Family
4-day spring blossom families tour: Shangrila, Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes, Katpana Cold Desert, Kharpocho Fort and…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
4 days / 3 nights
4–10 guests
Skardu Blossom & Lakes Escape – Group
4-day spring blossom friends & groups tour: Shangrila, Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes, Katpana Cold Desert, Kharpocho…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
4 days / 3 nights
6–18 guests
Hunza Cherry Blossom & Forts – Family
5-day spring blossom families tour: Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, spring orchards, Attabad Lake and Passu…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
5 days / 4 nights
4–10 guests
Skardu Blossom & Lakes Escape – Couple
4-day spring blossom couples tour: Shangrila, Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes, Katpana Cold Desert, Kharpocho Fort and…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
4 days / 3 nights
Group of 2
Hunza Cherry Blossom & Forts – Couple
5-day spring blossom couples tour: Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, spring orchards, Attabad Lake and Passu…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
5 days / 4 nights
Group of 2
Hunza Cherry Blossom & Forts – Group
5-day spring blossom friends & groups tour: Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, spring orchards, Attabad Lake and Passu…
- spring
- Spring Blossom
5 days / 4 nights
6–18 guests
Good to know
Questions about Hunza Valley
When is the best time to visit Hunza?
April brings apricot and cherry blossom. June to September is green and clear, and October is famous for golden autumn colours. The main season runs from April to October; winter is quiet and cold.
How long does it take to reach Hunza from Islamabad?
By road it is a long journey of more than a day along the Karakoram Highway, usually split with an overnight stop. Flights to Gilgit are short but weather dependent.
Do I need a permit for Khunjerab Pass?
Khunjerab is a border area and rules can change. We check the current requirements for your nationality before the trip and arrange any needed paperwork through our local team.
Can Hunza be combined with Skardu?
Yes. The usual route is via Gilgit, which makes a long but scenic driving day. Many guests combine Hunza, Skardu and Deosai in one 8 to 12 day itinerary.
Keep exploring
Add another valley to the route.
Most journeys here link two or three destinations. We can connect Hunza Valley with Deosai, Hunza, Shigar or Khaplu in one sensible loop.