Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour
Written by Katpana Desert Tour Local Planning Team
A wider Gilgit Baltistan road journey joining Skardu's deserts and lakes with Hunza's forts, viewpoints, glaciers, and Karakoram Highway scenery.
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Destination overview
Skardu and Hunza give two different faces of northern Pakistan: Skardu is spacious, raw, and expedition-linked; Hunza is terraced, cultural, and shaped by the Karakoram Highway.
Highlights and activities
Katpana Desert, Kachura lakes, Shigar Fort, and Khaplu Palace route options
Hunza Valley, Karimabad, Baltit or Altit Fort, Passu Cones, and Attabad Lake
Private vehicle planning for families, couples, and overseas Pakistanis
Balanced pacing with fewer late-night mountain drives
Itinerary
Arrive in Skardu
Airport transfer, hotel check-in, and Katpana Desert sunset if timing and weather are favorable.
Kachura lakes and Skardu viewpoints
Visit Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura, local viewpoints, and Skardu bazaar with time for meals and photography.
Shigar and Sarfaranga
Drive to Shigar Fort, explore valley gardens, and add Sarfaranga Cold Desert for open desert scenery.
Khaplu or Deosai seasonal choice
Choose Khaplu Palace and Ghanche Valley for culture, or Deosai if the plateau road is open and the group prefers adventure.
Skardu to Hunza road journey
Drive toward Gilgit and Hunza with river, mountain, and Karakoram Highway stops. Overnight in Hunza or Gilgit depending on timing.
Karimabad forts and Eagle's Nest
Explore Hunza's heritage core, Baltit or Altit Fort, Karimabad bazaar, and sunset from a high viewpoint.
Attabad Lake and Passu Cones
Visit Attabad Lake, Hussaini Bridge area, Passu Cones viewpoints, and return to Hunza for the night.
Departure or onward road transfer
Transfer to Gilgit Airport, continue by road, or add a custom extension based on flight and route status.
Included
- Private vehicle
- Driver and fuel plan
- Hotel booking assistance
- Airport or road transfer support
- Custom day order
Excluded
- Domestic flights
- Meals
- Fort tickets
- Boating fees
- Personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
What is included in Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour?
Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour can include private driver coordination, route planning, hotel support, airport pickup guidance, and sightseeing timing based on the selected package. Exact inclusions depend on season, group size, hotel level, and vehicle type, so confirm the written list before booking.
What is the best time for Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour?
The best time for Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour is May to October. Mountain weather can still change quickly, so keep flexible timing and confirm road conditions close to departure. High routes need more caution than city, lake, and heritage routes.
Is Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour suitable for families?
Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour can work for families when the daily driving hours, hotel comfort, meal stops, and altitude are planned carefully. Families should keep warm layers, snacks, water, and flexible timing in the vehicle, especially on longer Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan routes.
Do I need a 4x4 for Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour?
A 4x4 is needed when the route includes Deosai, Basho, rough valley tracks, or expedition roadheads. Regular cars can work for Skardu city, airport transfers, Kachura, Shigar, and many lower routes. Vehicle choice should follow the road, not only the price.
How do I book Hunza and Skardu Grand Northern Tour?
Send your dates, group size, hotel preference, arrival city, and route interests through WhatsApp. A local Skardu planning team can then match the itinerary with realistic drive times, route status, vehicle type, and seasonal conditions before confirming availability.