7-Day Gilgit-Baltistan Itinerary: Hunza and Skardu by Air and Road

Seven days is the shortest trip that does justice to both Hunza and Skardu, the two most popular areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. The trick is to fly one way and drive the other, so you see the scenery without spending half the week on the road.

Quick answer: fly from Islamabad to Gilgit, spend three nights in Hunza, drive to Skardu along the Indus, spend three nights there with a day on the Deosai Plains, and fly back to Islamabad from Skardu. Travel between May and October.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit to Hunza

Take the morning flight to Gilgit (about 50 minutes), then drive 2 to 3 hours to Karimabad, stopping at the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Evening walk in the old bazaar.

Day 2: Karimabad

Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, walk through the terraced fields, and drive up to the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at Duikar for sunset over Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger and Diran.

Day 3: Upper Hunza

Drive north to Attabad Lake for a boat ride, then Gulmit, the Hussaini suspension bridge and the Passu Cones. With an early start you can continue to the Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) and return by evening.

Day 4: Hunza to Skardu

A long but beautiful drive back through Gilgit and along the Indus gorge on the Jaglot-Skardu road, about 7 to 8 hours. Arrive in Skardu by evening.

Day 5: Skardu lakes and desert

Upper Kachura Lake and Shangrila (Lower Kachura) in the morning, the Katpana cold desert at sunset. Optional visit to Skardu Fort.

Day 6: Deosai Plains

A full day by jeep onto the Deosai Plains (June to September), with Sheosar Lake and Bara Pani. Outside the season, visit Shigar Fort and the Shigar valley instead.

Day 7: Skardu to Islamabad

Morning flight to Islamabad (about an hour). Flights depend on the weather, so keep your onward plans flexible or allow a spare day.

Variations

• More time: add Khaplu and its palace, or two nights at Fairy Meadows on the way north.
• No flights: drive both ways via the Karakoram Highway and add 2 days.
• Families and couples: our honeymoon and family packages slow the pace with better hotels.

Practical notes

• Flights only operate in clear weather; a good operator will switch to the road if a flight is cancelled.
• Deosai is only open from about June to September.
• Book hotels early for April blossom, the summer holidays and October colours.

Frequently asked questions

Is 7 days enough for Gilgit-Baltistan?

Seven days is enough for Hunza and Skardu if you fly at least one way. For Deosai, Fairy Meadows and Khaplu as well, plan 10 to 12 days.

Should I visit Hunza or Skardu first?

Either works. Flying into Gilgit for Hunza and out of Skardu is common because the Skardu flight is often more reliable in summer, but it depends on available seats.

Can I do this itinerary in winter?

Partly. Hunza and Skardu are open in winter, but Deosai and the Khunjerab Pass may be closed and flights are often cancelled, so allow extra days.

Book this trip

See our ready-made Gilgit-Baltistan tour packages and fly-in tours, or ask us to tailor this itinerary.