Pakistan Hunza Valley Trip

Day 1 - Islamabad to Naran Valley

Islamabad is the main starting point (major cities) for all the trips going up north in the mountains. Start your journey from Islamabad through the new motorway M1 road. You will reach Naran in six hours if you drive without making any stops. The road is well-paved so this leg of the journey is going to be very smooth. Naran is a touristy town so it only makes sense to stop at Naran overnight and prepare for a long 10hours drive to Hunza the next morning. 

Alternative: If you want to cut short the 10 hours drive from Naran to Hunza, you can skip spending the night at Naran and drive 3 hours more to Chillas as your first overnight destination.

Day 2 - Naran to Karimabad in Hunza Valley

Start early this morning from Naran as you have a very long day of driving ahead! But this day is going to be very exciting as there are some great pitstops to stop by along the way. 

After driving 3.5hrs from Naran, you will finally enter into the state of Gilgit Baltistan- the land of the mountains. From this point to your destination of the day, Karimabad, Hunza Valley, these are the places you should be stopping by:

1. Mt. Nanga Parbat viewpoint - This first pitstop of the day will be the Mt. Nanga Parbat viewpoint, the 8th highest mountain in the world also known as the 'Killer Mountain'. If the weather is clear, you can get a clear look at the Nanga Parbat peak from this point.
2. Junction Point - This is a very important landmark as soon as you enter Gilgit because at this point three mountain ranges collide with one another, the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush mountain range. It is truly a sight to behold!
3. Mt. Rakaposhi viewpoint - As you get near to the Hunza Valley, the last town before it is Nagar, which is home to Mt. Rakaposhi the 27th highest mountain and the steepest slope in the world. Unlike, Mt. Nanga Parbat, Mt. Rakaposhi can be seen at a very close distance very clearly from this point. This is also a great place to enjoy some snacks as there are many restaurants and to take a toilet break too.

After driving 15mins from Mt. Rakaposhi viewpoint, you will finally enter the Hunza Valley. Keep on driving till you reach the most famous market in Hunza, the Karimabad market. Situated on a mountain, the market has plenty of restaurants, local produce shops, and cheap winter gears for a few time wear. 

Settle and rest at the hotel after a long day of driving and spend the evening strolling in the market and indulging in some local cuisines like Chapshoro (meat-filled flatbread) and Chamoos (apricot juice, the best natural remedy for altitude sickness).

Day 3, 4, 5 - Hunza Valley

On this day, you're finally ready to explore Hunza Valley. 

Day 3:

1. But before leaving Karimabad in the morning, hike all the way up to the Baltit Fort, an 800 years old fort. The hike is a little steep but the views and the fort tour are worth the hike.
2. As you will drive down from the Karimabad valley, drive another short 15-20 mins to the village of Ganesh. Ganesh is a 1000 years old civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People still live there in the old brick houses and any local boy will be very excited to show you around his tiny village without expecting any compensation in return.
3. Nex up, drive to the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge which is the second scariest suspension bridge in the world! Crossing that bridge is not for the faint-hearted! Though there are only small villages on the other side of the bridge, if you are feeling adventurous, you should consider crossing the dangerous bridge.
4. From the Hussaini bridge, you can get a clear view of the beautiful Passu Cones, a series of cone-shaped mountains, which are still unclimbed due to their steep nature. There is a particular spot on the road to pull-over and take pictures with the Passu Cones in the background. This is a must-stop place to take the iconic picture in front of the Passu cones.
5. For lunch, do stop at Yak Grills Restaurant near Passu Cones and try their Yak burger. In my opinion, they are one of the best burgers I ever had!
6. Take a stroll in the Passu village accompanying any local from the village who will show you apricot plantations in the village.

Day 4:

1. Start your day with a 30mins hike to the Borith Lake near the Passu village. It is an easy hike and if you reach early, you can get the entire lake to yourself. It is the best peaceful way to start the day.
2. For this day, do not plan anything else, because today you will do a day trip to the Khunjerab Pass, which is the Pakistan-China border located at 4693 meters altitude.
3. Eat a filling breakfast and carry lots of water and protein bars because there is a high chance for you to get altitude sickness.
4. Khunjerab Pass is 3 hours one side drive from Passu, so in total, you will drive 6 hours today.
5. The route Khunjerab is very scenic. The temperatures at the border pass will be quite low so dress-up accordingly.

Day 5:

1. This day will be your last day in Hunza. Start your day with a visit to Attabad lake. The lake was built as a result of a glacier melt and swept many villages in 2010. Having a tragic history, the lake is nonetheless very beautiful with turquoise water. Local boat ride, speed boat ride, and jet-ski can be done at the lake.
2. Next up, visit the Altit Fort which is 1100 years old fort, which used to be the residence of the king of Hunza. Views of the valley from Altit fort are mindblowing! Do not forget to try the Doudo soup served at the restaurant at Altit fort.
3. Your final sightseeing spot in Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, the Eagle's Nest. Located on a mountain top, Eagles Nest offers a complete panoramic view of the valley and the mountains surrounding the valley. It is an hour bumpy ride on the mountain followed by a 15 mins hike to the main viewpoint area. Sunset and sunrise views at Eagles Nest are the best!

Day 6, 7:

On the 6th day start your journey from Hunza Valley and stop at Chillas for a night over.

On the 7th day, start your drive from Chillas to Islamabad to mark the end of the road trip