By Inside Gilgit Baltistan | Northern Passage Tours & Travels
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Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad Inside Gilgit Baltistan
The ultimate guide to planning your Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad with Pakistan's most trusted tour operator.
What Is the Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad?
The Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad is one of Pakistan’s most iconic travel routes.
It takes you from the capital city all the way into the heart of Gilgit Baltistan through towering mountains, ancient valleys, and some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.
This tour follows the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH) also called the Eighth Wonder of the World connecting Islamabad to Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, and beyond.
Whether you have 7 days or 21 days, the Northern Passage offers something truly unforgettable.
Why Book with Inside Gilgit Baltistan?
Inside Gilgit Baltistan is the digital home of Northern Passage Tours & Travels a licensed and government-registered tour company based in Pakistan.
We have been guiding travelers through the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan for years.
We know these routes personally. We have local guides, trusted vehicles, and deep connections with communities along the way.
When you book with us, you are not booking a generic package. You are getting a team that lives and breathes these mountains.
Registered tour operator in Pakistan
Local expert guides
Custom & group tour packages
End-to-end support from Islamabad to Gilgit Baltistan
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
The Northern Passage Route: Step by Step
Islamabad → Abbottabad → Besham
Your journey begins in Islamabad, Pakistan’s clean and organized capital.
From here, the road moves north through Abbottabad a pleasant city nestled in the Orash Valley.
Then comes Besham, the first major stop on the Karakoram Highway. The landscape starts to shift here. The air gets cooler. The mountains begin.
Besham → Chilas
After Besham, the road hugs the mighty Indus River for most of the journey.
You will pass through Dasu, a growing town near the massive Dasu Hydropower Project, and then reach Chilas — a sun-scorched town famous for ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
This stretch is raw and powerful. The cliffs are sheer. The river is loud. The scale is humbling.
Chilas → Gilgit
Leaving Chilas, the KKH climbs higher.
You will pass the famous Raikot Bridge the starting point for treks to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, home to the world’s ninth highest mountain.
Then you arrive in Gilgit — the capital of Gilgit Baltistan and the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. Gilgit is where routes branch out to Hunza, Skardu, Chitral, and beyond.
Gilgit → Hunza Valley
From Gilgit, the road climbs northwest to the world-famous Hunza Valley.
Hunza is everything the postcards promise and more.
Karimabad, the main town, sits high on a hillside facing the majestic Rakaposhi (7,788m) and the legendary Ultar Sar (7,388m) peaks.
Here you will see:
- Baltit Fort a 700-year-old royal residence overlooking the valley
- Altit Fort one of the oldest surviving forts in the region
- Eagle’s Nest viewpoint for the most iconic panoramic views in Pakistan
- Attabad Lake a stunning turquoise lake formed by a massive landslide in 2010
- Passu Cones dramatic needle-like peaks rising sharply from the earth
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge one of the most thrilling bridges in the world
Hunza is also renowned for its apricot orchards, cherry blossoms in spring, and the famous longevity of its people.
Gilgit → Skardu (Optional Extension)
If your itinerary allows, a visit to Skardu is a must.
Skardu sits in a wide valley on the banks of the Indus River, surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks.
From Skardu, you can access:
- Deosai National Park the world’s second highest plateau, home to brown bears
- Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake) a paradise lake surrounded by mountain peaks
- Satpara Lake a peaceful lake near Skardu city
- Shigar Valley a green corridor with the stunning Shigar Fort
- K2 Base Camp Trek for serious mountaineers and trekkers
Skardu is also the gateway to Concordia where four of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders meet.
Best Time to Travel: Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad
|
Season |
Months |
Conditions |
|
Spring |
March – May |
Cherry blossoms, wildflowers, mild weather |
|
Summer |
June – August |
Peak season, warm, ideal for trekking |
|
Autumn |
September – October |
Clear skies, golden foliage, fewer crowds |
|
Winter |
November – February |
Cold, some roads closed, snowscapes |
The best time for the Northern Passage Tour is April to October.
Spring brings the famous apricot and cherry blossom bloom in Hunza a truly magical sight. Summer is ideal for high-altitude treks. Autumn offers crisp air and golden landscapes with fewer tourists.
Northern Passage Tour Packages from Islamabad
At Inside Gilgit Baltistan, we offer a range of tour packages tailored to different travel styles and budgets.
7-Day Northern Passage Tour
Islamabad → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Islamabad
Perfect for those with limited time who want to experience the highlights of Hunza and the KKH.
10-Day Northern Passage Tour
Islamabad → Gilgit → Hunza → Attabad Lake → Passu → Islamabad
More time in Hunza. Includes Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Khunjerab Pass — the highest paved border crossing in the world.
14-Day Northern Passage & Skardu Tour
Islamabad → Hunza → Gilgit → Skardu → Deosai → Islamabad
A comprehensive tour combining the best of Hunza and Skardu. Includes Deosai Plains and Shangrila Lake.
21-Day Grand Northern Passage Tour
Islamabad → Nathia Gali → Abbottabad → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Khunjerab Pass → Skardu → Deosai → Islamabad
The complete experience. Every major destination, every iconic viewpoint. Ideal for serious travelers and photographers.
📞 Contact Inside Gilgit Baltistan today to get a customized quote for your Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad.
What Is Included in Our Northern Passage Tour Packages?
Our packages are designed to be complete and stress-free. Here is what we typically include:
Transport Comfortable 4×4 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or Hiace)
Accommodation Handpicked guesthouses and hotels along the route
Meals Breakfast and dinner at select stops
Local Guide An experienced and knowledgeable local guide throughout
Entry Fees Access to forts, national parks, and attractions
Permits Assistance with any required travel permits
24/7 Support Continuous support from our team during your trip
Note: Packages can be customized. Contact us for details.
Highlights You Cannot Miss on the Northern Passage Tour
1. Khunjerab Pass (4,693m)
The highest paved international border crossing in the world. Located between Pakistan and China, this high-altitude pass offers dramatic snow-covered scenery even in summer. Yaks roam freely near the border. The views are unlike anything else on earth.
2. Attabad Lake
Born from a catastrophic landslide in 2010, Attabad Lake is now one of Pakistan’s most photographed spots. Its turquoise water sits surrounded by bare mountains. You can take a boat ride across it or simply sit and stare.
3. Baltit Fort, Karimabad
Standing over 700 years old, Baltit Fort is the cultural heart of Hunza. It has been beautifully restored and offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Inside, you can explore the royal chambers, ancient artifacts, and rooftop terraces.
4. Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
The “Killer Mountain” — Nanga Parbat at 8,126m — is one of the most visually stunning peaks in the world. The Raikot Bridge viewpoint on the KKH gives you a direct, breathtaking view of its massive Raikot Face.
5. Deosai National Park
At an average elevation of 4,114m, Deosai is a vast high-altitude plateau covered in wildflowers in summer. It is home to the Himalayan brown bear, golden marmots, and rare Tibetan wolves. The open skies and wild landscapes feel like another world.
6. Fairy Meadows
Located at the base of Nanga Parbat, Fairy Meadows is a flat green plateau with some of the most dramatic mountain views imaginable. The name says it all.
Travel Tips for Your Northern Passage Tour
- Book early. Peak season (June–August) gets busy. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates.
- Carry cash. ATMs are limited in Gilgit Baltistan. Bring enough Pakistani Rupees from Islamabad.
- Pack layers. Even in summer, nights in the mountains are cold. Bring warm clothes for evenings and high-altitude areas like Khunjerab Pass.
- Altitude awareness. Parts of this tour reach above 4,000m. Take it slow. Stay hydrated. Inform your guide if you feel unwell.
- Travel light. Roads can be rough. Smaller bags are easier to manage in 4×4 vehicles.
- Respect local culture. Gilgit Baltistan is home to warm and welcoming communities. Dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and be respectful of local customs.
- Keep your documents ready. You may need your CNIC or passport at certain checkpoints along the KKH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Northern Passage Tour safe?
Yes. The KKH and Gilgit Baltistan are safe for tourists. The region has seen tremendous growth in tourism infrastructure over the past decade. Our team monitors road conditions and security updates constantly.
Can I do this tour solo?
Absolutely. We welcome solo travelers and often combine them with small groups. Solo travel in Gilgit Baltistan is very common and generally safe.
Do I need a special permit?
Foreign nationals require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for certain areas near the border (like Khunjerab Pass). We handle all permit paperwork as part of your package.
Can I fly to Gilgit or Skardu instead of driving?
Yes. Gilgit and Skardu both have airports with regular PIA flights from Islamabad. However, flights are weather-dependent and often cancelled. We recommend flying one way and driving the other to experience the KKH and avoid disruption.
What type of vehicles do you use?
We use Toyota Land Cruisers and Toyota Hiace vans well-maintained and suitable for mountain roads.
Can you customize a private tour?
Yes. All our packages can be customized for private groups, families, or corporate retreats. Contact us for a tailored itinerary.
Why the Northern Passage Tour Is Worth Every Rupee
Pakistan’s north is one of the last great undiscovered travel destinations in the world.
While Europe and Southeast Asia deal with overtourism, Gilgit Baltistan still offers silence, space, and raw natural beauty.
You will stand at the foot of some of the world’s tallest peaks. You will drive one of the world’s most legendary roads. You will sleep in valleys so green they seem unreal. You will meet people whose warmth and hospitality will stay with you long after you return home.
The Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad is not just a trip. It is an experience that changes how you see the world.
Book Your Northern Passage Tour Today
Inside Gilgit Baltistan — officially operating as Northern Passage Tours & Travels — is your trusted partner for exploring the mountains of Pakistan.
We are local. We are experienced. We are passionate about showing you the best of Gilgit Baltistan.
📍 Operating from: Islamabad, Pakistan
📞 Call/WhatsApp: [Your Number Here]
📧 Email: [Your Email Here]
🌐 Website: InsideGilgitBaltistan.com
Don’t wait. The mountains are calling.
Book your Northern Passage Tour from Islamabad today and let Inside Gilgit Baltistan take you there.
Inside Gilgit Baltistan is the official digital brand of Northern Passage Tours & Travels — a registered tour operator in Pakistan specializing in tours to Gilgit Baltistan, Hunza, Skardu, and the Karakoram Highway.
Contact us today. Your northern adventure begins now.
● Phone: 0303-4364467 || 0310-6406568
● Email: info@naturehikepakistan.pk
Terms & Conditions Apply.