Overview
Hunza Valley and skardu in autumn is a breath-taking spectacle, often likened to heaven on earth. The transition from summer to autumn transforms the landscape into golden paradise and golden leaves on trees like poplar, apricot, mulberry, peach, apple, and plum. The clear, crisp weather offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This season brings a delightful shift from summer greenery to a breath-taking display of red, yellow, and orange leaves carpeting roads and valleys. October brings a rich palette of colours, creating a striking contrast with snow-covered peaks. Abundant wildflowers further enliven the landscape, making autumn the perfect time to explore and experience the valley’s serene and enchanting atmosphere. It’s a destination that truly nourishes the soul, leaving an indelible mark on visitors.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome at Islamabad International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, visiting Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa Museum, Rawalpindi Old Bazaar, Raja Bazaar.
Altitude: 540 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Islamabad to Chilas via Babusar Pass
Drive to Naran (279 km), then continue to Chilas (3-4 hours, 113.3 km) via the scenic Babusar Pass (4,173 m)
Altitude: 1,265m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chilas to Skardu
Drive along the Indus River to Skardu (8-9 hours, 290 km).
En-route, stop at the junction of the Karakorum, Himalaya, and Hindukush Mountain ranges. Also, visit Thalichi for photography of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
Altitude: 2,228 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Local visits in Skardu & Shigar
Morning drive to Shigar Valley (35 km), visit Shigar Fort, Shigar Valley, and the Cold Desert (Katpana Desert).
Afternoon, visit Satpara Lake and hike to Kharpocho Fort from Skardu city (2 hours).
Altitude: 2,228 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive from Skardu to Khaplu Village
Drive to Khaplu village (100 km).
En-route, stop at various viewpoints for photography. Arrive in Khaplu, transfer to the hotel.
After refreshment, visit Khaplu Fort and Khaplu village. Enjoy an evening walk for autumn photography in Khaplu village.
Altitude: 2,601 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Drive back from Khaplu to Skardu
Morning visit Chaqchan Mosque and Khaplu village, then drive back to Skardu (100 km).
Altitude: 2,228 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Drive from Skardu to Gilgit & Hunza
Drive to Gilgit (240 km).
After lunch in Gilgit, visit Gilgit Bazaar and Kargah Buddha. Then, drive to Hunza valley (100 km), with various photo stops en-route.
Altitude: 2,500 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Karimabad – Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort
Morning visit Baltit Fort (700 years old) and Baltit village.
Afternoon visit Altit Fort (900 years old), Altit village, and the women carpenter’s project. Enjoy a water channel walk from Karimabad towards Hyderabad village.
Altitude: 2,500 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Visit Hopper and Duiker valley
Morning excursion to Hopper valley, visit Hopper glacier and Hopper valley.
Afternoon, drive to Duiker valley (thirty minutes), arrive and transfer to the hotel. Duiker valley offers stunning sunset and sunrise views over the mountains.
Altitude: 2,800 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Duiker – Gulmit – Passu & Sost
Drive to Passu (50 km).
En-route, visit Attabad Lake, Borith Lake, Gulkin village, Gulmit village, Passu white Glacier, Passu village, Hussani village, and Hussani suspension bridge. Then, drive to Sost (50 km).
Altitude: 2,800 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Khunjerab Pass and Karimabad
Excursion to Khunjerab Pass (Pak/China Border).
Evening drive back to Karimabad.
Altitude: 2,500 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Drive from Karimabad to Naran via Babusar Pass
Drive to Naran (355 km) via Babusar Pass (4,173 m).
En-route, stop at various viewpoints for photography and refreshment.
Altitude: 2,409 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Drive from Naran to Islamabad via Taxila
Drive to Islamabad (6-7 hours, 279 km).
En-route, visit Taxila museum and historical sites.
Altitude: 540 m.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Fly back to Home.
Transfer to Islamabad airport for return flight
Highlights
Islamabad – Naran- Chilas- Babusar Pass – Skardu – Shigar – Shigar Fort -Cold Desert -Kharpocho Fort – Khaplu – Khaplu fort – Chaqchan Fort- Skardu – Gilgit – Kargha Buddha – Hunza – Altit Fort – Baltit Fort – Hoper -Duiker -Attabad Lake – Gulmit – Borith lake – Passu White Glaicer – Passu Cones – Khunjarab – Gilgit _ Naran – Islamabad
Time Duration
Number of Days: 14
Number of Nights: 13