Hunza Valley – Gilgit & Skardu Valley Tour 9 Days

After breakfast, you will explore the rest of the Gojal Valley in upper Hunza. You will visit some of the villages and interact with local people to learn more about the culture and lifestyle. You will visit Khyber village to see the wildlife and Ibex, Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Gulmit, and Attabad Lake before reaching Karimabad in central Hunza.
Attabad Lake sits gracefully in the stunning Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.. It was formed in 2010 as a result of a massive landslide that blocked the flow of the Hunza River, creating a stunning turquoise lake amidst the surrounding mountains.

After having a delicious breakfast, you will visit Baltit Fort located in Karimabad, Hunza. This historic fort has been beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Baltit Fort is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights its significance and importance in the region. 

Altit Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mir (ruler) of Hunza, and it served as the residence of the local rulers and their families. The fortress is situated on a hill, providing a strategic vantage point for defense purposes. It is built using local stone and wood, and it showcases the architectural skills of the local people.

After lunch, you will trek around Altit, Duikar and Karimabad. This walk offers a unique opportunity to witness the local culture and landscape while enjoying a stroll. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the local shops in Karimabad. This is an excellent chance to buy souvenirs and experience the local craftsmanship. Café’ De Hunza is a popular spot to enjoy the best coffee and walnut cake in town, offering a delightful treat for those who wish to take a break from shopping. 

Embark today on an extraordinary adventure heading south along the renowned Karakoram Highway toward Gilgit. Along this iconic route, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Rakaposhi Mountain as you take a moment to pause at the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Situated in the Nagar Valley of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, Rakaposhi Mountain boasts an impressive elevation of 7,788 meters (25,551 feet). Ranked as the 27th-highest mountain globally and the 16th highest in Pakistan, Rakaposhi promises an unforgettable journey through its towering beauty.You will continue your journey along the KKH and travel to Naltar Valley. Naltar Valley is a stunning and picturesque valley located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is renowned for its natural beauty, colorful meadows, lush greenery, and crystal-clear lakes. Naltar Valley is also famous for its ski resort, and winter sports activities and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Later, drive to Gilgit city, and explore the local bazaar, and the nearby places. You will transfer to hotel in Gilgit for night stay.

Following breakfast, you'll embark on a drive to Skardu, a truly awe-inspiring journey through the magnificent landscapes of northern Pakistan. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Karakoram Mountain range and the winding Indus River, making this route a top pick for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. As the road goes up, it provides wide views of the nearby mountains and valleys. The journey involves passing through the well-known meeting point of three major mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. The town of Skardu acts as an entry point to access some of the planet's tallest peaks, such as K2 and Gasherbrum. Skardu town serves as a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Gasherbrum. Skardu is a popular destination for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventure lovers. You will reach Shigar and transfer to the hotel for a night stay.

After enjoying breakfast, start your day with a stroll through the Amburiq Mosque, which dates back to the 14th century. This mosque has received recognition from UNESCO for its remarkable restoration work, making it a must-visit destination admire the intricate architecture and history of this spiritual landmark before continuing your journey. You will drive to Khaplu and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Khaplu Palace, also known as Yabgo Khar, which is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 1840s and served as the residence of the Raja of Khaplu. The palace’s intricate woodwork, traditional Balti architecture, and commanding position overlooking the valley make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Khaplu Valley provides ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as mountaineering, rock climbing, and river rafting. 

You are going to travel from the ancient kingdom of Khaplu to Skardu, which is about 105 kilometers to the west. The journey will take roughly 2 hours. Take a stroll through the town’s main bazaar to the ‘organic village’ via an old trail at the foot of Kharpocho Fort. You can also watch a game of Polo at the town’s main field and visit some historical sites. This is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the capital of Baltistan and gain insight into the lives of the locals and the mountaineers, trekkers and nature lovers, who frequently visit the area. 

Today, you will travel back to Hunza after exploring the Baltistan region. You will travel on KKH to reach Gilgit. After having lunch at Gilgit, you will visit the Chinese Memorial Cemetery (吉尔吉特中国烈士陵园), locally known as the China Memorial in Danyor, Gilgit. The cemetery, established in early 1970, serves as the final resting place of Chinese workers and engineers who lost their lives during the construction of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The tombstones placed over the graves contain epitaph inscriptions in Chinese characters. After paying respect, you will continue your journey and reach Hunza for night stay.

After breakfast, you will travel back to China via Khunjarab Pass. This will be the end of the visit to Pakistan.