Valleys, Lakes and Traditions in North Pakistan
The most straightforward way to see northern Pakistan's biggest names. Ten days by air-conditioned coach, Gilgit, Hunza, Passu and the Karakoram Highway all the way to Khunjerab Pass, then east into Skardu for two full days among its deserts, lakes and forts, with hotels, breakfast and dinner handled throughout. No driving, no route planning, just the journey.
- Khunjerab Pass, the world's highest paved border crossing
- Two full days to explore Skardu's deserts, lakes and forts
- Air-conditioned coach with breakfast and dinner included
- Ideal first-time introduction to northern Pakistan
Tour Facts & Quick Info
Watch Our Virtual Expedition Video Guide
Embark on a virtual journey along the winding asphalt. Our video showcases the raw vertical peaks and the luxury comfort setups our adventurers experience.
Route Briefing & Altitude Tips
Visual map of our itinerary stops.
Acreage & Landscape Previews
Unedited high-definition footage.
Safety Protocols & Ride Controls
Learn about our certified mechanics and support.
Day 1: Travel to Gilgit
A full day on the road, but one of the most scenic drives in the itinerary. Stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the Three Mountain Range Junction, the only place on earth where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush all meet, before arriving in Gilgit for the night.
Day 2: Arrival & Travel to Besham
Land in Islamabad, where the group boards the coach for the first leg north. The drive to Besham runs along the start of the Karakoram Highway, following the Indus as the plains give way to the first mountain foothills. Arrive in time for dinner and an early night ahead of the long drive to Gilgit.
Day 3: Travel to Hunza
A short, relaxed transfer to Hunza Valley, leaving plenty of the afternoon free. Stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint for a clear look at the 7,788m peak, then explore Altit Fort and browse Karimabad Bazaar before dinner.
Day 4: Travel to Passu via Hopar
Head north via Hopar, where the glacier reaches almost to the road, then through the Pak-China Friendship Tunnel and along Attabad Lake's turquoise water. Cross the wooden planks of Hussaini Suspension Bridge before reaching Passu for the evening.
Day 5: Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan–China Border)
Drive to the top of the Karakoram Highway and the Pakistan–China border. Past Passu Cones and through Sost, the last Pakistani town, the road climbs into Khunjerab National Park to the pass itself, 4,693m above sea level, the highest paved international border crossing in the world, marked by the world's highest ATM.
Day 6: Travel to Skardu
A long but scenic transfer east into Baltistan. Break the journey with stops at Astak Nala, Kharpocho Fort's hilltop viewpoint over Skardu town, and Sadpara Lake before checking in for the night.
Day 7: Explore Skardu
A full day dedicated to Skardu's most distinctive landscapes, the golden dunes of Sarfaranga Cold Desert, the still water of Blind Lake, and the cascading Manthokha Waterfall. A gentler pace after five days of driving.
Day 8: Travel to Besham
Begin the journey south, stopping at Upper Kachura Lake and the Shangrila resort, known locally as "Heaven on Earth" for its lake framed by poplar trees, before the long drive down to Besham.
Day 9: Travel to Islamabad
The final transfer back to the capital. With the evening free, visit the striking white domes of Faisal Mosque and browse Centaurus Mall before a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 10: Departure
A relaxed final morning with time for last-minute sightseeing around Islamabad before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.
✅ What's Included (✔️)
- Letter of Invitation (visa support)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Air-conditioned coach with fuel throughout
- Professional, experienced tour leader
- Hotel accommodation, twin sharing (standard category)
- All toll taxes
- Services of guide and driver
- Food and accommodation expenses for driver and guide
- Bonfire, music night and BBQ evening
❌ What's Excluded (✘)
- Anything not listed above
- Lunch
- Sightseeing entry tickets
- Tips for crew, guide and driver
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Extra costs from road blocks or natural disasters
- River rafting, boating or horse riding
- Personal travel insurance
- Laundry
Traveler Stories
Lovely team and caring guys, I liked the tour, and it was well organised. Fully recommend to adventure travellers.
Enjoying my first trip in Pakistan under tour guide Salman. Very good service from Salman and the team, will repeat again soon!
An air-conditioned 20-seater tourist coach with reclining seats, driven by an experienced mountain driver, for the full route.
Yes, this is our easiest tour category, with no trekking or riding required. The main consideration is altitude, since Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693m; travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunch is at your own expense, which lets you choose freely from local restaurants along the route, budget roughly €5–8 per meal.
Groups typically run 12 to 20 travellers. Departures with fewer than eight confirmed bookings may be rescheduled, with an alternative date or full refund offered.
Not usually. The stop at the pass is brief and the coach provides basic first aid on board. Most travellers experience no more than mild breathlessness at that altitude.