Skardu & Hunza - 12 Days By Air - Winter & Spring

 

Duration

12 Days

Group Size

5-10 People

Season

Spring

Overview

This 12-day air adventure takes you deep into the Karakoram and Gilgit-Baltistan region, where you’ll experience majestic snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and the vibrant cultures of Skardu and Hunza. Designed for those who prefer a shorter, scenic journey without long road travel, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable winter and spring exploration.

Why This Tour?

    • Scenic Flights & Quick Access – Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat and Karakoram Peaks as you fly into Skardu.
    • Cultural & Natural Wonders – Explore Baltit & Altit Forts, Attabad Lake, Shigar Valley, and Khunjerab Pass.
    • Luxury & Comfort – Stay in handpicked premium and luxury accommodations with seamless transportation.
    • Winter & Spring Beauty – Witness Skardu’s frozen lakes, snow-covered valleys, and Hunza’s spring bloom.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad – Capital Welcome

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax before meeting the group for a welcome dinner. If time allows, explore Islamabad’s lively streets and local markets.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Skardu – Enter the Karakoram

Catch a morning flight to Skardu (weather permitting) and enjoy stunning aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Indus River. Upon landing, begin your Skardu Valley exploration with a visit to Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes. In the afternoon, head to Shigar Valley, where you will pass through the Cold Desert and Blind Lake before arriving at Shigar Fort for an insightful tour.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Serena Shigar Fort
  • Luxury: Lokal Rooms Katpana
  • Standard: Eat and Read Hotel

Day 3: Discovering Khaplu – The Valley of Kings

Drive towards Khaplu Valley, stopping en route at Sailing Village, known for its stunning landscapes and Balti heritage. Visit the magnificent Khaplu Palace, a historical fortress that once served as a royal residence, and explore its surrounding areas before settling in for the night.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Serena Khaplu Palace
  • Luxury: Destination Hotel
  • Standard: North Homes

Day 4: Manthoka Waterfall & Sadpara Lake Excursion

Today, set off to visit Manthoka Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked between towering cliffs. Spend time soaking in the beauty before heading to Sadpara Lake, an alpine lake known for its stunning reflections of snow-capped peaks.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Byarsa Hotel
  • Luxury: Lokal Rooms Katpana
  • Standard: Eat and Read Hotel

Day 5: Journey to Hunza Valley – A Land of Legends

Depart early for Hunza Valley, traveling through Astak Nala, Alam Bridge, and the Karakoram Highway. Stop at Junction Point, where the three greatest mountain ranges—Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram—converge. Continue your journey to Karimabad, the heart of Hunza, where you’ll explore the historic Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and bustling Karimabad Bazaar.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hunza Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Eagles Nest Hotel

Standard: Ayash Resort

Day 6: Gojal Valley – Attabad Lake & Gulmit Village

Head towards Gojal Valley, stopping at Attabad Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Continue to Gulmit Village, where you can explore its heritage sites or embark on a scenic hike up the Ondra Poyga Trail.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Luxus Resort Hunza
  • Luxury: Famree Resort

Standard: Silk Route Lodge

Day 7: Khunjerab Pass – The Gateway to China

Embark on an exciting journey through Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Passu Village, and Khunjerab National Park, home to rare wildlife such as snow leopards and ibex. Arrive at Khunjerab Pass (4,733m), the highest paved international border in the world.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Luxus Resort Hunza
  • Luxury: Famree Resort

Standard: Silk Route Lodge

Day 8: Nagar Valley & Hoper Glacier

Today, explore Nagar Valley, a region known for its untouched beauty and stunning glaciers. Visit the Hoper Glacier Viewpoint, a vantage point offering breathtaking sights of the icy expanse of Hoper Glacier and Rakaposhi Peak.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hunza Serena Inn
  • Luxury: Eagles Nest Hotel
  • Standard: Ayash Resort

Day 9: Naltar Valley – The Hidden Paradise

Set off for Naltar Valley, famous for its colorful lakes, snow-covered pine forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. Visit the mesmerizing Satrangi Lake, known for its multi-hued reflections. Later, drive to Gilgit City, where you’ll visit the Kargah Buddha and NLI Market.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Gilgit Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Riverdale Hotel
  • Standard: Mandarin Inn

Day 10: Return Flight to Islamabad – Capital Leisure

Fly from Skardu back to Islamabad and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening, followed by a farewell dinner with the team.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 11: Islamabad Sightseeing & Cultural Tour

Spend your last full day exploring Islamabad’s cultural landmarks, including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and the scenic Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or relax at your hotel.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 12: Departure – Farewell Pakistan

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable adventure through Skardu & Hunza.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad – Capital Welcome

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax before meeting the group for a welcome dinner. If time allows, explore Islamabad’s lively streets and local markets.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Skardu – Enter the Karakoram

Catch a morning flight to Skardu (weather permitting) and enjoy stunning aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Indus River. Upon landing, begin your Skardu Valley exploration with a visit to Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes. In the afternoon, head to Shigar Valley, where you will pass through the Cold Desert and Blind Lake before arriving at Shigar Fort for an insightful tour.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Serena Shigar Fort
  • Luxury: Lokal Rooms Katpana
  • Standard: Eat and Read Hotel

Day 3: Discovering Khaplu – The Valley of Kings

Drive towards Khaplu Valley, stopping en route at Sailing Village, known for its stunning landscapes and Balti heritage. Visit the magnificent Khaplu Palace, a historical fortress that once served as a royal residence, and explore its surrounding areas before settling in for the night.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Serena Khaplu Palace
  • Luxury: Destination Hotel
  • Standard: North Homes

Day 4: Manthoka Waterfall & Sadpara Lake Excursion

Today, set off to visit Manthoka Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked between towering cliffs. Spend time soaking in the beauty before heading to Sadpara Lake, an alpine lake known for its stunning reflections of snow-capped peaks.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Byarsa Hotel
  • Luxury: Lokal Rooms Katpana
  • Standard: Eat and Read Hotel

Day 5: Journey to Hunza Valley – A Land of Legends

Depart early for Hunza Valley, traveling through Astak Nala, Alam Bridge, and the Karakoram Highway. Stop at Junction Point, where the three greatest mountain ranges—Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram—converge. Continue your journey to Karimabad, the heart of Hunza, where you’ll explore the historic Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and bustling Karimabad Bazaar.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hunza Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Eagles Nest Hotel

Standard: Ayash Resort

Day 6: Gojal Valley – Attabad Lake & Gulmit Village

Head towards Gojal Valley, stopping at Attabad Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Continue to Gulmit Village, where you can explore its heritage sites or embark on a scenic hike up the Ondra Poyga Trail.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Luxus Resort Hunza
  • Luxury: Famree Resort

Standard: Silk Route Lodge

Day 7: Khunjerab Pass – The Gateway to China

Embark on an exciting journey through Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Passu Village, and Khunjerab National Park, home to rare wildlife such as snow leopards and ibex. Arrive at Khunjerab Pass (4,733m), the highest paved international border in the world.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Luxus Resort Hunza
  • Luxury: Famree Resort

Standard: Silk Route Lodge

Day 8: Nagar Valley & Hoper Glacier

Today, explore Nagar Valley, a region known for its untouched beauty and stunning glaciers. Visit the Hoper Glacier Viewpoint, a vantage point offering breathtaking sights of the icy expanse of Hoper Glacier and Rakaposhi Peak.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hunza Serena Inn
  • Luxury: Eagles Nest Hotel
  • Standard: Ayash Resort

Day 9: Naltar Valley – The Hidden Paradise

Set off for Naltar Valley, famous for its colorful lakes, snow-covered pine forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. Visit the mesmerizing Satrangi Lake, known for its multi-hued reflections. Later, drive to Gilgit City, where you’ll visit the Kargah Buddha and NLI Market.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Gilgit Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Riverdale Hotel
  • Standard: Mandarin Inn

Day 10: Return Flight to Islamabad – Capital Leisure

Fly from Skardu back to Islamabad and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening, followed by a farewell dinner with the team.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 11: Islamabad Sightseeing & Cultural Tour

Spend your last full day exploring Islamabad’s cultural landmarks, including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and the scenic Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or relax at your hotel.

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 12: Departure – Farewell Pakistan

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable adventure through Skardu & Hunza.

Packing List

Spring Packing Checklist for Northern Pakistan - Summit Experts

Spring (late-March to May) is one of the best seasons to explore Northern Pakistan, with mild weather, blooming flowers, and lush green landscapes. To make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable journey, we’ve prepared a comprehensive packing list for your adventure.

Essential Packing Categories:

  1. Luggage & Bags
    • Main Luggage (70-80L): A sturdy, spacious bag for all your essentials. Ensure it has waterproof covers for unexpected weather.
    • Daypack (30-40L): Ideal for carrying daily items like snacks, water, and your camera during excursions.
    • Padlocks: Secure your belongings during travel.
  2. Clothing
    • Upper Body:
      • Lightweight Jacket: Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. Consider a windbreaker or fleece.
      • Long-Sleeve Shirts & T-Shirts: Comfortable, breathable fabrics are ideal for layering.
      • Rain Jacket: Waterproof and wind-resistant for unexpected spring showers.
    • Lower Body:
      • Trekking Trousers: Lightweight and quick-drying trousers for hikes and outdoor activities.
      • Comfortable Pants/Jeans: Suitable for both city tours and countryside visits.
    • General Tips:
      • Layer Up: The weather can vary, so layers will help you adjust to temperature changes.
      • Respect Local Culture: Modest clothing is recommended, especially in towns and cultural sites.
  3. Footwear
    • Hiking Boots: Well-worn, waterproof boots with good ankle support for trekking.
    • Comfortable Walking Shoes: For city exploration and casual outings.
    • Warm Socks: Preferably made of moisture-wicking material.
  4. Accessories
    • Sunblock (SPF 50+): Protects against strong UV rays.
    • Hat/Cap: For sun protection during hikes and outdoor tours.
    • Sunglasses: Good UV protection for your eyes.
    • Light Scarf/Bandana: Useful for dust protection and sun cover.
  5. Toiletries & Personal Care
    • Compact Toiletry Kit: Include essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturizer.
    • Travel Towel: Quick-drying and lightweight.
    • Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hygiene during day trips.
  6. Hydration & Snacks
    • Reusable Water Bottle (Insulated Preferred): Stay hydrated, especially during hikes.
    • Energy Bars & Snacks: Lightweight snacks for quick energy boosts.
  7. Tech & Gadgets
    • Camera & Accessories: Capture stunning landscapes and cultural moments. Bring extra memory cards.
    • Power Bank: Essential for keeping devices charged on the go.
    • Travel Adapter: Ensure compatibility with local sockets.
  8. Important Documents
    • Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining.
    • Visa & Travel Insurance: Check visa requirements and carry printouts of your insurance details.
    • Emergency Contact Information: A printed list of important contacts.

Tips for Spring Travel

  • Prepare for Variable Weather: Spring can bring unexpected showers, so a waterproof jacket and protective covers for your belongings are recommended.
  • Comfortable Layers: Temperatures fluctuate, so plan for both warm afternoons and cool evenings.
  • Be Ready for Long Walks: Comfortable shoes and a light backpack will make your excursions more enjoyable.

Why Travel with Summit Experts?

Our experienced team ensures that your journey is not just comfortable, but also safe and unforgettable. We provide personalized packing recommendations based on your specific tour itinerary, and our guides are always ready to help you with any last-minute needs.

Spring Packing Checklist for Northern Pakistan - Summit Experts

Spring (late-March to May) is one of the best seasons to explore Northern Pakistan, with mild weather, blooming flowers, and lush green landscapes. To make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable journey, we’ve prepared a comprehensive packing list for your adventure.

Essential Packing Categories:

  1. Luggage & Bags
    • Main Luggage (70-80L): A sturdy, spacious bag for all your essentials. Ensure it has waterproof covers for unexpected weather.
    • Daypack (30-40L): Ideal for carrying daily items like snacks, water, and your camera during excursions.
    • Padlocks: Secure your belongings during travel.
  2. Clothing
    • Upper Body:
      • Lightweight Jacket: Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. Consider a windbreaker or fleece.
      • Long-Sleeve Shirts & T-Shirts: Comfortable, breathable fabrics are ideal for layering.
      • Rain Jacket: Waterproof and wind-resistant for unexpected spring showers.
    • Lower Body:
      • Trekking Trousers: Lightweight and quick-drying trousers for hikes and outdoor activities.
      • Comfortable Pants/Jeans: Suitable for both city tours and countryside visits.
    • General Tips:
      • Layer Up: The weather can vary, so layers will help you adjust to temperature changes.
      • Respect Local Culture: Modest clothing is recommended, especially in towns and cultural sites.
  3. Footwear
    • Hiking Boots: Well-worn, waterproof boots with good ankle support for trekking.
    • Comfortable Walking Shoes: For city exploration and casual outings.
    • Warm Socks: Preferably made of moisture-wicking material.
  4. Accessories
    • Sunblock (SPF 50+): Protects against strong UV rays.
    • Hat/Cap: For sun protection during hikes and outdoor tours.
    • Sunglasses: Good UV protection for your eyes.
    • Light Scarf/Bandana: Useful for dust protection and sun cover.
  5. Toiletries & Personal Care
    • Compact Toiletry Kit: Include essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, and moisturizer.
    • Travel Towel: Quick-drying and lightweight.
    • Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hygiene during day trips.
  6. Hydration & Snacks
    • Reusable Water Bottle (Insulated Preferred): Stay hydrated, especially during hikes.
    • Energy Bars & Snacks: Lightweight snacks for quick energy boosts.
  7. Tech & Gadgets
    • Camera & Accessories: Capture stunning landscapes and cultural moments. Bring extra memory cards.
    • Power Bank: Essential for keeping devices charged on the go.
    • Travel Adapter: Ensure compatibility with local sockets.
  8. Important Documents
    • Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining.
    • Visa & Travel Insurance: Check visa requirements and carry printouts of your insurance details.
    • Emergency Contact Information: A printed list of important contacts.

Tips for Spring Travel

  • Prepare for Variable Weather: Spring can bring unexpected showers, so a waterproof jacket and protective covers for your belongings are recommended.
  • Comfortable Layers: Temperatures fluctuate, so plan for both warm afternoons and cool evenings.
  • Be Ready for Long Walks: Comfortable shoes and a light backpack will make your excursions more enjoyable.

Why Travel with Summit Experts?

Our experienced team ensures that your journey is not just comfortable, but also safe and unforgettable. We provide personalized packing recommendations based on your specific tour itinerary, and our guides are always ready to help you with any last-minute needs.

FAQs

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