Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
The Skardu & Hunza Tour is a 7 days guided trip in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 2,500 m. It is graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks — short day walks. 6 fixed departures are open from $700 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
The Skardu & Hunza Combined Tour is the perfect way to experience the two greatest destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan — the ancient forts and dramatic desert landscape of Baltistan in Skardu, followed by the terraced orchards, glacial lakes and Karakoram peaks of Hunza Valley along the legendary Karakoram Highway.
Skardu Section (Days 1–3)
Begin in Skardu — the capital of Baltistan. Visit the legendary Kharpocho Fort above the Indus River, the brilliant turquoise Satpara Lake, the unique Skardu cold desert (one of the highest cold deserts in the world), the Shigar Fort Heritage Hotel, and the Khaplu Valley with its restored Khaplu Palace and the centuries-old Chaqchan Mosque.
Karakoram Highway (Day 4)
Drive north along the Indus River to join the Karakoram Highway — one of the engineering wonders of the world, cutting through the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush simultaneously — with a Rakaposhi viewpoint stop on the way to Hunza.
Hunza Valley (Days 5–7)
Based in Karimabad, explore the UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort (700 years old), the vivid turquoise Attabad Lake, the dramatic Passu Cones and Gulmit village, and the aerial panorama of the entire valley from Eagle's Nest (3,200m).
Combine Gilgit-Baltistan’s two great valleys at $700 per person — Kharpocho Fort, Shigar Valley, Khaplu Palace, Baltit Fort and Attabad Lake, all in one seamless 7-day circuit with local guides.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 6 dates are currently open, each capped at 12 people. Every date is the same price, $700 per person. A $80 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date. Pick the band that matches your group and the price per person is fixed at that rate, across 4 options. The more of you who travel, the less each person pays — from $1,540 for Solo (1 Person) down to $700/pp for 7-10 Persons. What each band covers is set out in the table.
Group size
Price
What it includes
Solo (1 Person)
$1,540
Private 7-day Skardu and Hunza tour with dedicated guide and vehicle.
(2-3 Persons)
$1,120/pp
Private couple or group tour through both valleys.
(4-6 Persons)
$876/pp
Small group with private guide and transport throughout.
(7-10 Persons)
$700/pp
Best value. Full private guide, transport, and accommodation.
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks.
short day walksDays on footthe rest is travel
2,500 mhighest pointAltitude is rarely an issue.
Good to know
The highest point is 2,500 m, low enough that altitude is rarely an issue.
You’re ready ifyou enjoy a full day out and do not mind some hours on the road.
Give yourself a little longer ifyou would like to feel fresher. A couple of walks beforehand makes the short strolls even easier.
This might not be your trip ifyou are after long days on foot and nights in a tent. Tell us and we will point you at one.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Skardu & Hunza Tour
The Skardu & Hunza Combined Tour is the perfect way to experience the two greatest destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan — the ancient forts and dramatic desert landscape of Baltistan in Skardu, followed by the terraced orchards, glacial lakes and Karakoram peaks of Hunza Valley along the legendary Karakoram Highway....
7 days
Arrive in Skardu for a Kharpocho Fort sunset and a city-tour briefing.
Shigar Valley and fort, the Katpana cold desert, Satpara Lake, the Shangri-La resort on Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and the Soq Valley.
Khaplu Palace, the Chaqchan Mosque, and a drive along the Hushe River.
Drive to Hunza via Gilgit, with a Rakaposhi viewpoint stop.
Eagle's Nest sunrise, then Baltit and Altit forts and the royal garden.
Boat ride on Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and Gulmit village.
Drive to Islamabad. Departure.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $700 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
All ground transport Skardu-Hunza by private vehicle
6 nights hotel
Daily breakfast and dinner
Local Balti guides
All listed sightseeing and entry fees — Kharpocho
Shigar
Khaplu
Baltit and Altit forts
Attabad Lake boat ride
Bottled water on travel days and daily route and weather planning
Not included
Domestic and international flights (we book these for you on request)
Lunches and personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
Pakistan visa fees and personal travel insurance
Tips for your guide and driver (appreciated
Never expected)
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them is certified by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, holds Wilderness First Aid, and has between five and twenty years on high-altitude ground.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $700 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
Four steps from here to the mountains
1Pick your dateA fixed departure above, or private dates you choose.
2Send the requestThe form on this page, or WhatsApp. Name, party size, date.
3Pay $80 per personThat holds your place. We reply within 24 hours.
4Balance 30 days beforeThen we take over: flights, hotels, permits, crew.
No card details on this page. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
More About Skardu & Hunza Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of $80 per person confirms your seat. The balance is due 21 days before departure
Book through our website
WhatsApp
Or an authorized agent — every booking is confirmed in writing
Prices are held once your deposit is received and may otherwise change with season and availability
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit
Cancel 14-29 days before: 50% refund of the total paid
Cancel under 14 days before: no refund
As rooms and transport are already booked
Permits & Documentation
Foreign guests need a standard Pakistan tourist visa — no restricted-zone trekking permit is required. We provide a Letter of Invitation on request
Fort and site entry fees in both Baltistan and Hunza are included
Carry your passport and ID
Valid travel and medical insurance is recommended
Health & Fitness Requirements
Easy to moderate. Long but scenic drives on the Karakoram Highway between Skardu and Hunza
With short walks at forts and lakes
Altitude stays gentle (2,400-2,500m). Pace yourself on the first day in the mountains
Suitable for most travelers and families. Tell us of any medical needs in advance
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Skardu & Hunza Tour cost?
$700 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
7 Days - 6 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Spring & Summer (April - October). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is this trip? Is it family-friendly?
Easy and accessible — mostly scenic 4x4 and road travel with short walks at the viewpoints. Suitable for families and all reasonable fitness levels; no trekking required.
What visa do I need?
A standard Pakistan tourist visa is all you need. We can send an invitation and booking letter to support your application.
What about insurance and safety?
We recommend standard travel insurance with medical cover for your trip. Our local team knows the routes and conditions and looks after you throughout.
Who guides the trip?
Your team is local Balti — our own guides and drivers from Gilgit-Baltistan, never subcontracted.
How do I get there?
Fly to Skardu or Gilgit from Islamabad, or travel overland on the Karakoram Highway. We arrange airport pickup and all ground transport.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
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