Can the route be reversed?
Yes, and it can be shortened to 8 days by flying one leg.
10-day itinerary
10-Day Hunza + Skardu Road Trip
The grand Karakoram loop combining both flagship valleys with the KKH in between.
10 days ModerateSummer · AutumnPremium
Route
Islamabad → Chilas → Hunza → Khunjerab → Gilgit → Skardu → Khaplu → Islamabad
Hunza ValleySkarduGilgitKhunjerab PassCycling & Road TripsJeep SafariCulture & HeritagePhotographyLakes & Boating
Day by day
- 1
Islamabad to Chilas
Long KKH driving day through the Indus gorge.
- 2
Chilas to Hunza
Rakaposhi viewpoint and arrival in Karimabad.
- 3
Hunza heritage
Baltit, Altit and Duikar sunset.
- 4
Upper Hunza
Attabad Lake, Passu and Hussaini bridge.
- 5
Khunjerab Pass
Border marker excursion and national park.
- 6
Hunza to Skardu
Scenic transfer along the Indus.
- 7
Skardu lakes
Shangrila, Kachura and Katpana desert.
- 8
Khaplu
Khaplu Fort and Baltistan village life.
- 9
Deosai crossing
Jeep day across the plateau toward Astore.
- 10
Return
Fly out of Skardu or drive back to Islamabad.
Highlights
- Full Karakoram Highway experience
- Khunjerab Pass and Passu Cones
- Deosai plateau crossing
- Forts of Hunza, Shigar and Khaplu
What's included
- Private 4x4
- 9 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- English-speaking guide
- All entry fees
Not included
- Flights
- Lunch and dinner
- Optional activities
- Insurance
Accommodation
Mix of heritage properties, boutique lodges and comfortable valley hotels.
Transport
Dedicated 4x4 with driver for the full loop.
Gallery
FAQs
Where you might stay
Recommended hotels on this route
Eagle's Nest Retreat
Duikar, above Karimabad
Panoramic ridge-top rooms above Duikar with six 7,000 m peaks in view.
Hotel$$$Mountain viewRestaurant
From (demo)
$95 / night
Karimabad Heritage Inn
Old Town, Karimabad
A restored stone-and-timber guesthouse two minutes from Baltit Fort.
Guesthouse$$Garden terraceBreakfast included
From (demo)
$45 / night
Shangrila Lakeside Resort
Lower Kachura, Skardu
Cottages set in gardens on the shore of Lower Kachura Lake.
Resort$$$Lake viewBoating
From (demo)
$130 / night