How to Plan a Trip to Northern Pakistan

Step 1 — Decide Where You Want to Go

Northern Pakistan covers a massive area. You cannot see everything in one trip. Start by choosing your focus.

Here are the most popular destinations:

• Hunza Valley — Blossoms, forts, turquoise lakes, and the iconic Karakoram Highway
• Skardu — Gateway to K2, cold desert landscapes, and ancient ruins
• Fairy Meadows — Dramatic meadows at the foot of Nanga Parbat
• Gilgit — Regional hub with access to multiple valleys
• Naran & Kaghan Valley — Lush green valleys perfect for families
• Deosai National Park — One of the world’s highest plateaus
• Chitral & Kalash Valley — Unique culture and remote mountain beauty

For first-time visitors, Hunza Valley is the perfect starting point. It has the best infrastructure, the most iconic scenery, and the easiest access from Lahore and Islamabad.

Insider Tip: Combine Hunza and Skardu for the ultimate northern Pakistan experience. Allow at least 10–12 days for both.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Season

Timing is everything in northern Pakistan. The season you choose changes the entire experience.

Best overall: Spring (March to May) for blossom season in Hunza and Nagar Valley. Autumn (September to November) for clear skies and golden foliage.

Avoid: Monsoon season in August brings flooding and road closures. Winter shuts down many routes entirely.

Important: Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu are weather-dependent and frequently cancelled. Always have a road backup plan.

Step 3 — Plan Your Route and Transport

Most trips to northern Pakistan begin in Islamabad or Lahore.

By Road — The Karakoram Highway (KKH)

The KKH is one of the greatest road trips on earth. It connects Islamabad to Hunza and Gilgit in 14 to 16 hours. The drive itself is part of the experience — dramatic gorges, rushing rivers, and jaw-dropping mountain views at every turn.

A private tour van or coaster is the most comfortable option. It gives you flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way.

By Air

Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit take about 50 minutes. Flights to Skardu take around 1 hour. Both are stunning — the aerial views of the Karakoram are extraordinary.

However, flights are regularly cancelled due to mountain weather. Book with flexibility, or book road transport as a backup.

Pro Tip: Northern Passage provides comfortable Toyota Coaster transport from both Lahore and Islamabad — no booking headaches, no hidden costs.

Step 4 — Set Your Budget

Northern Pakistan suits every budget. Here is a rough guide per person per day:

• Budget traveller: PKR 4,000 – 6,000 (shared transport, guesthouses, basic meals)
• Mid-range: PKR 8,000 – 12,000 (private tour, boutique hotels, guided meals)
• Deluxe: PKR 15,000 – 25,000 (luxury resorts, private vehicles, full-service guides)

A 6-day Hunza tour with Northern Passage starts at just PKR 39,500 per person on triple sharing — all transport, accommodation, meals, guide fees, tolls, and fuel included.

No hidden charges. No surprises.

Step 5 — Sort Your Essentials

Documents

Pakistani nationals need their original CNIC throughout the trip. Some areas in Gilgit Baltistan require registration at checkposts — your guide handles this automatically when you travel with Northern Passage.

SIM Card & Connectivity

Mobile coverage is limited in the mountains. Zong and Telenor have the widest coverage on the KKH. In remote areas like Khunjerab and Deosai, connectivity drops significantly. Download offline maps before you go.

Cash

ATMs are scarce beyond Gilgit and Karimabad. Carry enough Pakistani rupees in cash for the entire trip. Card payments are rarely accepted outside major hotels.

Health & Altitude

Altitude can affect you at Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) and Deosai (3,500m+). Stay hydrated. Ascend gradually. Carry basic altitude medication if advised by your doctor.

Clothing

Layer up. Even in summer, mornings and evenings are cold at altitude. Pack a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Packing Tip: Northern Passage sends a full packing checklist to every traveller on booking. Nothing is left to chance.

Step 6 — Respect Local Culture

Gilgit Baltistan has a rich and unique culture. Respect goes a long way.

• Dress modestly — loose clothing that covers arms and legs is appropriate everywhere
• Ask before photographing local people, especially women
• Remove shoes before entering mosques or shrines
• Greet locals with “Assalamu Alaikum” — it opens every door
• Support local guesthouses, restaurants, and artisans where possible

The people of northern Pakistan are among the most warm and welcoming in the world. A little respect earns extraordinary kindness in return.