Hunza, Upper Hunza & Khunjerab Pass Tour
Fly to Gilgit to enter Hunza, stay in Karimabad and Passu, visit ancient forts and glaciers, and ascend to Khunjerab Pass
Currently the most mature introductory route to Northern Pakistan: fly in and out of Gilgit to avoid long overland drives. Spend the first two nights in Karimabad exploring forts and villages, the middle section in Passu for lakes, suspension bridges, and the pass, and return to Karimabad to wrap up. Perfect for first-time visitors, with apricot blossoms in spring and golden poplars in autumn. The overall physical demand is low.
April for blossoms, October for autumn foliage; the pass may not be open in April, and watch out for landslides in July and August.
Day by day
Day 1 · Fly to Gilgit & Enter Hunza
Hunza Valley（Rakaposhi View Point (Ghulmet)、Karimabad Bazaar）
Take an early flight to Gilgit (approx. 1 hour), then charter a car along the Karakoram Highway to Karimabad (approx. 2.5 hours).
Flights are weather-dependent; if canceled, reschedule or take the overland route via Chilas.
Stay: Karimabad
Day 2 · Two Forts & Eagle's Nest Sunset
Hunza Valley（Baltit Fort、Altit Fort、Ganish Village、Eagle's Nest Viewpoint (Duikar)）
Explore the ancient village mainly on foot, and charter a car in the evening to Duikar Eagle's Nest viewpoint (approx. 30 mins).
Stay: Karimabad
Day 3 · Attabad Lake to Passu
Hunza Valley（Attabad Lake、Gulmit、Hussaini Suspension Bridge、Borith Lake）
Charter a car north through the tunnels, passing the lake area and Gulmit to Passu (approx. 1.5 hours pure driving time).
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge has wide gaps between planks; those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution.
Stay: Passu
Day 4 · Khunjerab Pass Day Trip
Hunza Valley（Sost、Khunjerab Pass）
Charter a car from Passu via Sost to the pass (approx. 3 hours one way), returning to Passu the same day.
The pass is at an altitude of 4,693 meters, so keep your stay short; national park entry fees are required.
Stay: Passu
Day 5 · Passu Glacier & Back to Karimabad
Hunza Valley（Passu Glacier、Passu Cones (Tupopdan)、Sacred Rocks of Hunza (Haldeikish)）
Hike to the Passu Glacier viewpoint in the morning, and charter a car back to Karimabad in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).
Stay: Karimabad
Day 6 · Hoper Glacier to Gilgit
Hunza Valley（Hopar Glacier (Bualtar)） → Gilgit（Chinese Memorial Cemetery (Danyor)、Gilgit Bazaar）
Charter a car to Hoper in the morning (approx. 1.5 hours), then head south to Gilgit (approx. 3 hours).
Stay: Gilgit Bazaar Area
Day 7 · Fly Back to Islamabad
Go to Gilgit Airport in the morning and fly to Islamabad (approx. 1 hour). Switch to overland travel if the flight is canceled.
Do not book a connecting international flight immediately; reserve at least one buffer day.