Hunza Valley Summer Retreat

Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

Escape the summer heat and step into a realm of breathtaking natural beauty with the Hunza Valley Summer Retreat — a 9-day adventure through northern Pakistan’s most captivating landscapes. This unforgettable journey begins in Islamabad and winds through the enchanting Naran Valley and the legendary Karakoram Highway, ultimately leading you to the heart of Hunza — a valley that is as rich in culture and history as it is in scenic splendor.

As you ascend through the lush green meadows and alpine forests of Naran, marvel at the glacial rivers and snow-draped peaks that line your path. The journey itself becomes a part of the destination, especially as you traverse the awe-inspiring Karakoram Highway — widely hailed as one of the most scenic roads in the world. Each turn reveals new vistas: terraced fields, ancient rock carvings, and the mighty Hunza River snaking its way through dramatic mountain passes.

In Hunza, time seems to slow down. Towering above the valley are the snow-capped giants — Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, Ultar Sar, and the famous Lady Finger Peak — guardians of a land steeped in stories. Explore historic fortresses like the 900-year-old Altit Fort and the 800-year-old Baltit Fort, each offering panoramic views and glimpses into the valley’s royal past. Wander through the stone-paved streets of Karimabad, taste organic local cuisine, and meet the warm-hearted Hunzakuts whose hospitality is as legendary as their longevity.

Your adventure continues to Passu and the stunning Attabad Lake, whose turquoise waters offer boating, photography, and reflection. The journey culminates at the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world, where you may catch a glimpse of rare wildlife in the Khunjerab National Park.

This retreat is more than just a scenic escape — it’s an immersion into tranquility, adventure, and culture. Whether it’s hiking along the Ondra Poyga Trail, ziplining above lush valleys, or savoring Hunza’s natural bounty, every day brings a new memory. With ideal weather, rich traditions, peaceful landscapes, and invigorating outdoor experiences, the Hunza Valley Summer Retreat is a soul-refreshing escape into one of Pakistan’s most extraordinary destinations.

HIGHLIGHTS

Breathtaking drive through Naran Valley and along the Karakoram Highway
Panoramic views of majestic peaks like Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Passu Cones
Exploration of centuries-old forts: Baltit and Altit
Boating at the turquoise Attabad Lake
Excursion to the iconic Khunjerab Pass (4,733m)
Cultural immersion in Hunza's traditional villages
Outdoor activities including hiking, ziplining, and local food tasting
Peaceful ambiance and unmatched hospitality of the Hunza people
Scenic photo stops and short walks around Passu Glacier, Borith Lake, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge

Itinerary

Arrival at Islamabad airport, meet & greet, and transfer to a hotel for overnight stay.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Islamabad to the picturesque town of Naran, nestled in the Kaghan Valley. En route, you'll pass through lush pine forests, river valleys, and quaint mountain villages. Once in Naran, check into your hotel and enjoy the refreshing alpine atmosphere. If time permits, visit Saif-ul-Mulook Lake or take a short walk along the Kunhar River.

After breakfast, travel over the thrilling Babusar Pass (4,173m) with its panoramic views and reach the town of Chilas, then continue along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. Witness the changing landscape as green hills give way to the rugged grandeur of the Karakorams. Arrive in Gilgit by evening and rest at your hotel.

Depart for Hunza Valley, traveling along a dramatic stretch of the Karakoram Highway beside the Hunza River. Stop at the Rakaposhi View Point for stunning photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Karimabad, explore the town, take in the serene atmosphere, and settle into your hotel with views of the majestic mountains.

Today is dedicated to exploring Hunza’s cultural treasures. Visit the ancient Altit and Baltit Forts, learn about the region’s history and architecture, and stroll through Karimabad’s vibrant bazaar. Optional short hikes to nearby viewpoints or interaction with locals make this a deeply enriching experience.

Travel deeper into Upper Hunza, stopping at the stunning Attabad Lake where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride. Continue on to Gulmit, explore local villages, walk part of the Ondra Poyga Trail, and visit the dramatic Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Arrive in Passu with its iconic cathedral-like peaks and check into your lodge.

Enjoy a thrilling drive to Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world. The route offers incredible scenery, from high-altitude pastures and glacial valleys to glimpses of wildlife in Khunjerab National Park. Return to Passu by evening, soaking in the grandeur of this high mountain desert.

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your return journey down the Karakoram Highway toward Gilgit. Enjoy scenic stops along the way, including a visit to the Passu Glacier or a walk through nearby valleys. Arrive in Gilgit and relax for the night.

Retrace your steps along the Babusar Pass as you return from Gilgit to Naran. Stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy a relaxed drive through the stunning Kaghan Valley. Spend the evening at your hotel in Naran, perhaps enjoying a bonfire or local trout dinner.

Conclude your retreat with a smooth journey back to Islamabad. Reflect on the memorable experiences, friendships, and serene moments captured during your summer escape to the magical valleys of Hunza. After dinner, transfer to the airport for onward flight.

Included/Exclude

All accommodation (hotel) on a twin sharing basis during the tour
Single supplement as per demand or for single female participant
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and coffee/green tea/hot water during treks
Professional tour guide (on demand)
Basic First Aid Kit
Visa assistance

Personal Insurance of foreign participants
Visa fee
International flight ticket
Extra hotel stays
Tips and gratuities to staff
Miscellaneous expenses
Anything not mentioned in the “services included section” above

Tour's Location

Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

Pakistan has only been negatively advertised by the mainstream international media. A country of more than 220 million people, Pakistan is among the low crime rate states. An odd incident may happen as it happens everywhere in the world. Feedback, guest reviews, and Vlogs by international travelers visiting different regions of Pakistan at different times are testimony safety and warm hospitality of its people. Besides holiday makers, there are hundreds of foreigners working in multinational companies, NGOs, and diplomats serving foreign missions who travel the length and breadth of Pakistan comfortably. Tourists are only advised to use the services of registered and reputed travel agencies to ensure the most comfortable and reliable holiday possible.

As health regulations change from time to time, it is best to check for the latest advice while applying for a Pakistani visa at the Pakistani embassy in your country. After the outburst of Covid 19, there are strict regulations by airlines and destinations on traveling. Vaccination certificates against Covid 19 must be carried out while Covid 19 negative (PCR) tests are mandatory before traveling to and out of Pakistan. For further assistance please visit https://covid.gov.pk/

The trip to the Hunza Valley and beyond is suitable for people of all ages as entire trip is only a road travel and does not involve any strenuous adventure or physical activity.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

As the trip does not involve any strenuous physical activity, all one needs is just to make mind for a jaw-dropping tour that presents scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

The maximum altitude on this tour is the Khunjerab Pak-China border located at an altitude of 4692m above sea level.

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous travelling experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf
● Full sleeves shirt and thermal suit
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Comfortable shoes and flip-flops
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

Certain basic equipment’s (either brand new or in used condition) can be purchased in Skardu but it’s not guaranteed whether you can get everything you want. The equipment includes tents, mattresses, backpack, hiking rope, sunglasses, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles, gloves, socks, jackets, trousers, etc. Price for used equipment is negotiable. Most trekking groups/expeditions sell equipment on their way back instead of carrying back home.

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups for this tour is up to 50 persons. The average size of our groups is 20 members. We need a certain amount of time to ensure availability of accommodation before confirmation.

During this tour, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. Breakfast will be served in the same hotel where stay is arranged. Lunch will be arranged at a decent place during the tour while dinner will be lavish and will be taken at a preferred restaurant.

All accommodation will be arranged in the best available hotels with special consideration given to convenience, comfort, and high standards.

Every day will present a different scenery on this tour. Mostly the day will involve travelling from one destination to the other until the group arrives in Hunza. Within Hunza, there will be fun activities including sightseeing, guided tours to cultural heritage sites, day hikes, boating, jet skiing, ziplining, shopping etc

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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Pearl Tours & Travel

Member Since 2019

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