Hunza and Skardu Trip: Complete 8-Day Itinerary Guide

Why Combine Hunza and Skardu in One Trip

Hunza and Skardu are the two crown jewels of Gilgit-Baltistan, and combining them into a single Hunza and Skardu trip lets you experience the best of both: Hunza's lush valleys and Karakoram peaks, plus Skardu's dramatic desert-meets-mountain landscapes, Deosai Plains and turquoise lakes.

An 8-day itinerary gives enough time to travel comfortably between the two regions without rushing. Here is a sample plan used by many of our travelers.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

This itinerary assumes a road trip starting and ending in Islamabad. If you prefer to save travel time, The Trekkerz Pakistan also offers a Hunza and Skardu trip by air, flying directly between Islamabad, Gilgit and Skardu.

• Day 1: Islamabad to Naran, scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway, overnight stay in Naran.
• Day 2: Naran to Hunza Valley via Babusar Pass, arrive in Karimabad, overnight stay in Hunza.
• Day 3: Explore Hunza, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Eagle's Nest viewpoint, Attabad Lake.
• Day 4: Hunza to Khunjerab Pass and back, visit the highest paved international border crossing, then Passu Cones.
• Day 5: Hunza to Skardu via Gilgit, long scenic drive along the Indus River, overnight in Skardu.
• Day 6: Explore Skardu, Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort.
• Day 7: Deosai National Park day trip, one of the highest plateaus in the world, famous for wildflowers and wildlife.
• Day 8: Skardu to Islamabad (by flight or road), end of the Hunza and Skardu trip.

By Air vs By Road

Traveling by road gives you more scenic stops (Naran, Babusar Pass, Gilgit) but takes longer. Expect long travel days between regions. Traveling by air from Islamabad to Skardu or Gilgit saves 1-2 full days, which you can instead spend exploring Deosai, Shangrila or extra time in Hunza.

For travelers with limited time, our Skardu and Hunza by Air package combines both destinations with short domestic flights, maximizing sightseeing time.

What to Pack

Layers are essential: daytime temperatures in summer can reach 25-30°C while nights drop to single digits, especially near Khunjerab Pass and Deosai. Pack a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a power bank, as electricity can be intermittent in remote areas.

Cost Considerations

A full Hunza and Skardu trip cost depends on hotel category (standard, deluxe or premium), group size and whether you travel by road or air. The Trekkerz Pakistan, widely regarded as the best tour and travel agency in Pakistan for Northern Pakistan trips, offers all-inclusive packages with private transport, hotel stays, breakfast and a guided itinerary. Contact us on WhatsApp for a custom quote based on your travel dates.