The Hunza and Skardu combined tour is the standard first-visit tour to Gilgit-Baltistan: it covers Hunza's forts, Attabad Lake, Passu and Khunjerab (in season), and Skardu's lakes, Shigar and Khaplu forts, and Deosai option, in about 10 days. It suits travellers who want both valleys in one trip without planning two separate journeys, flights, and hotel chains. This page gives a sample 10-day structure — your actual itinerary is confirmed in writing for your dates, flights, and interests.
01Sample 10-day structure
Days 1–2: Islamabad to Hunza (by air to Gilgit or by road, depending on flights), Karimabad, Baltit and Altit forts. Day 3: Attabad Lake and Passu Cones. Day 4: Khunjerab Pass if open, return to Hunza. Days 5–6: Travel to Skardu (by road via Gilgit or by air where available), Skardu town and Satpara Lake. Day 7: Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes. Day 8: Shigar Fort. Day 9: Khaplu Palace or Deosai (June–September). Day 10: Katpana desert and departure. Order changes with flights and weather — the written quote is the final itinerary, not this sample.
- Days 1–4: Hunza (forts, Attabad, Passu, Khunjerab)
- Days 5–6: Transfer + Skardu town
- Days 7–9: Skardu lakes, forts, Khaplu/Deosai
- Day 10: Departure
02Transport: air, road, or both
The fastest structure uses domestic flights (Islamabad–Gilgit and/or Islamabad–Skardu) where available, with road transfers between valleys. The scenic structure drives the Karakoram Highway throughout, which is longer but shows the full highway, Babusar (seasonal), and valley changes. Domestic flights are weather-dependent, so any air-based plan needs buffer time and a road fallback in the quote.
- By air: fastest, weather-dependent, buffer needed
- By road: scenic, longer, Karakoram Highway
- Mixed: fly one way, drive the other (common choice)
03Who this tour suits
First-time visitors, families with older children, couples, and photographers who want both valleys in one trip. It does not include a multi-day trek — K2, Rush Lake, and other treks are separate trips that can be added before or after, not squeezed into the same 10 days without removing valley days.
- Suits: first visit, families, couples, photographers
- Not a trek: K2 and other treks are separate trips
- Pace: private tour, days can be slowed or shortened in the quote
At a glance
| Section | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hunza | 4 days | Baltit, Altit, Attabad, Passu, Khunjerab |
| Transfer | 1–2 days | Gilgit road / flights, Skardu arrival |
| Skardu | 4 days | Lakes, Shigar, Khaplu/Deosai, Katpana |
FAQs
Is 10 days enough for Hunza and Skardu?
Yes for highlights. If you want Khaplu in depth, Deosai in depth, or a trek, add days — do not compress the sample by removing buffer days.
Do I need to book domestic flights separately?
No — state your preference in the enquiry and HelloBaltistan includes flights in the quote where agreed, or prices the tour without flights with airport transfers included.
Can this tour run in winter?
A winter version is possible for town, forts and lakes, but Khunjerab and Deosai high routes are normally closed. Ask for a winter itinerary, not a copy of the summer one.
Planning a trip to northern Pakistan?
Send your dates, group size and the places you want to see. You will receive a written itinerary and quote to consider before anything is confirmed.