This guide is the starting point for planning a trip to Pakistan as an international visitor, with a focus on the north: Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Fairy Meadows, and the Karakoram treks. It covers when to go, how to travel between places, money, connectivity, packing, and safety in general terms. For a specific trip, use the destination, tour, trek, and service pages linked below — this guide does not replace a written itinerary for your dates.
01Best time to visit
For Hunza and Skardu sightseeing, April to October is the main season. Spring blossom is late March to April in Hunza (varying by year). Summer (June–September) opens Deosai and the high treks, including K2 Base Camp. Autumn colour is October to November in Hunza and Skardu. Winter (December–February) is quiet and cold, with high routes closed, but town, fort, and lake visits are possible with a winter itinerary. For a single rule: if you want the full north including Deosai and K2, choose June to September; if you want blossom or colour, choose spring or autumn and book early.
- Spring blossom: Mar–Apr (Hunza)
- Summer + treks + Deosai: Jun–Sep
- Autumn colour: Oct–Nov
- Winter: Dec–Feb, high routes closed
02Money, SIM, and packing
Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Carry cash for northern towns and markets, where card acceptance is limited, and use ATMs in larger towns before heading to remote valleys. A local SIM card and mobile internet help with maps, messaging, and bookings, but coverage in remote valleys and on treks is limited — download offline maps before a trek. Pack layers: mountain weather changes quickly, even in summer, and trek packing is a separate list (see trek pages). For a full packing list, see the packing guide.
- Money: PKR cash + cards in larger towns
- SIM: local SIM helps, remote coverage limited, offline maps essential
- Packing: layers, sun protection, sturdy shoes; trek list is separate
03Safety and travel advice
Northern tourist areas including Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit are regularly visited by international travellers. That does not mean all of Pakistan carries the same advice: foreign government travel advisories (for example UK FCDO and US State Department) give different advice for different regions, and you must check the current advice for your nationality and for the exact regions you will visit, before booking and again before travel. Follow local guidance on the ground, travel with a local guide/driver on high routes, and do not rely on a guide article as a substitute for current official advice.
- Check: current official travel advice for your nationality + regions
- On the ground: local guide/driver, especially high routes
- Insurance: comprehensive travel + trekking cover where trekking
At a glance
| Topic | In short | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | Apr–Oct main season; Jun–Sep for Deosai/K2 | Best Time To Visit Pakistan |
| Safety | Check current official advice; north is regularly visited | Pakistan Travel Guide |
| Money | PKR cash + cards in larger towns | Pakistan Travel Guide |
| Packing | Layers + trek list separate | Pakistan Travel Guide |
FAQs
How many days do I need for Pakistan?
Five days for one valley, ten days for Hunza + Skardu, twenty days for a full northern tour or a K2 trek. Do not try to fit five valleys into seven days.
Do I need a guide in northern Pakistan?
For treks and high routes, yes — a local guide/driver is standard. For town sightseeing, a guide helps with history, language, and logistics, but is not a legal requirement in most tourist areas (check current rules for specific restricted areas).
What language will guides speak?
English-speaking guides are available for international tours — confirm language in your written quote.
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.