Pakistan
Difficulty 4/5
10 Days
June - October
4 - 12 People
PAKISTAN
Valleys of Majesty - Exploring Hunza's Trails & Culture
Explore breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world.
Nestled in the mighty Karakoram Mountain range, the Hunza Valley is a haven of stunning landscapes and rich heritage. This 10-day journey leads you through Pakistan’s northern frontiers, where snow-capped peaks, traditional villages, and ancient forts reveal the valley's vibrant culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
With treks to renowned base camps like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, you’ll explore pristine landscapes, from lush meadows and serene lakes to towering glaciers. A certified local tour leader will immerse you in the traditions of the Hunzai people, the valley’s unique cuisine, and their efforts to preserve their distinctive way of life. This trip is designed to foster a meaningful connection with the land and its people through hands-on experiences, hiking challenges, and opportunities to engage with local communities.
Trip Highlights
Trek to the base camps of peaks towering above 7000 meters, including Rakaposhi, Diran Peak and Ultar Sar.
Marvel at the dramatic Karakoram landscapes with views of iconic peaks like Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger, and Passu Cones and many more
Explore Hunza’s vibrant local culture through village visits, traditional meals, and community interactions.
Experience the rich heritage of Hunza with visits to ancient forts, scenic lakes, and viewpoints.
Engage in unique outdoor adventures with multiple short hikes, glacier treks, and immersive cultural experiences.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Driving Duration
1 - 2 Hours
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the tour guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. After settling in, you’ll have free time to explore or relax. In the evening, we visit the Shah Faisal Mosque and a welcome dinner is hosted at the New Kabul restaurant in Islamabad.
Shah Faisal Mosque
Delicious flavours at New Kabul Restaurant
Hotel Room
Day 2: Islamabad – Gilgit – Upper Hunza (Passu)
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Duration
3-4 Hours
Altitude
2400m
Begin with a scenic flight to Gilgit, offering views of Nanga Parbat. After landing, drive towards Passu village in Upper Hunza, stopping en route at the Rakaposhi viewpoint and the historic Silk Route viewpoint. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a host family in Nasirabad, the oldest village in Lower Hunza where you will have the opportunity to meet local elders, learn about their food and culture, and enjoy an authentic meal served in the traditional way. Arrive in Passu by evening.
Mountain Backdrop in Gilgit Airport
Old silk route viewpoint
Shops by Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Village tour with a local family
Be welcomed into the home of a local family
Share a delicious meal with a local family
Day 3: Passu – Passu Glacier
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving
1 Hour
Hiking Distance
3-4 Hours (9Km)
Ascent / Descent
+90 m / -90 m
The day begins with a visit to Borith Lake, followed by a hike to the massive Passu Glacier. Enjoy lunch at Borith Lake before a scenic walk to the Passu Cones viewpoint, known for its unique, jagged peaks. Dinner will feature local specialties, including the unique Yak Burger.
Aerial view of Borith Lake
Passu Cones
Drastic landscapes seen on drive
Mountain town life
Golden poplar trees seen in Autumn
Passu Glacier
Yak Grill
Dining area in the hotel
Rooms that overlook towering mountains in the hotel
Day 4: Passu – Gulmit – Duikar – Karimabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
3 Km (2 Hours)
Ascent / Descent
+315 m / -315 m
Today, travel to Gulmit and hike Pakistan's highest and longest stairs to Ondra Fort for scenic views. Visit a community-based carpet center, followed by the Old House Museum. Enjoy lunch at Old House, a charming local restaurant run by a woman who serves delicious regional cuisine. After lunch, continue to Karimabad, stopping at Attabad Lake and the Haldikish sacred rock carvings. Then, visit the ancient Ganish settlement on a guided tour that will take you back in time. Ganish, the oldest village, was a key stop along the historic Silk Road and recognized with a UNESCO Heritage Award in 2002, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance. Continue the drive to Karimabad to visit the historic 800 years old Baltit Fort before reaching Duikar for a memorable sunset over the Hunza and Nagar valleys.
View from Ondra Fort
Women-run community-based carpet weaving centre
Local women crafting carpets
Old House & Cafe
Inside the Old House
Savour a delicious local meal at the Old House Cafe
Vibrant turquoise water at Attabad Lake
Haldikish sacred rock carvings
Entering into the ancient Ganish settlement
Guided tour of Ganish
Baltit Fort
Interior of Baltit Fort
Close the day with a sunset hike to Duikar viewpoint
Day 5: Karimabad – Ultar Sar Base Camp
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10km (6-7 hours)
Ascent / Descent
+700 m / -700 m
Trek to Ultar Sar (3250 m), offering panoramic views of Hunza Valley and peaks like Ladyfinger, Spantik (Golden Peak), Diran and many more. After lunch at the base camp, we will retrace our steps along the same trail, allowing us to relish the spectacular vistas of Rakaposhi Peak and the entirety of the Hunza Valley as we descend.
Viewpoint with views of mountains on the hike up
Spectacular views of mountain peaks during the hike
Resting point
The hike up
Enjoying lunch at the campsite
Breathtaking views of towering peaks by the campsite
View of Rakaposhi Peak from a distance
Sunset views of the valley on the hike back drown
Day 6: Karimabad – Minapin – Rakaposhi Base Camp
Accommodation
Full Service Camping
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10 km (5-6 hours)
Ascent
+1380 m
Drive to Minapin, where we start the trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp (3450m). Standing at an impressive height of 7,788 meters (25,551 feet), Rakaposhi is a majestic peak and a symbol of natural beauty and wonder. In the local language, Rakaposhi is named Dumani ('Mother of Clouds'). Rakaposhi is known for its striking pyramid-shaped peak, towers above the surrounding landscape, dominating the skyline. It is the 12th-highest peak in Pakistan and the 27th-highest in the world. The trek begins gently and becomes steeper, providing vistas of Diran Peak and vast glacier fields.
Lunch stop on the way up to the base camp
Delicious local food for lunch
Stunning view of 3 glaciers meeting
Views of the majestic Diran Peak
Enjoy a refreshing local tea at the base camp
Delicious local food for dinner at Rakaposhi Base Camp
Stunning views from Rakaposhi Base Camp
Starry nights at the base camp
Day 7: Rakaposhi Base Camp – Diran Base Camp – Rakaposhi Base Camp
Accommodation
Full Service Camping
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
12 Km (7-8 Hours)
Ascent / Descent
+450 m / -450 m
Today, cross the Diran Glacier to reach Diran Base Camp, offering close-up views of the icy expanse of the Karakoram range. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day with a shorter hike to a nearby viewpoint.
View of Diran Glacier
Hiking into Diran Glacier
Hiking on Diran Glacier
On Diran Glacier
Lake at Diran Base Camp
An alternative viewpoint hike near Rakaposhi Basecamp
Day 8: Rakaposhi Base Camp – Minapin – Gilgit
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10 km (4-5 hours)
Descent
-1380 m
Driving Duration
2 Hours
After descending to Minapin, we visit a local family in Khanabad to have the opportunity to observe village life with a host family and actively engaging in the everyday activities of the local community. After a traditional lunch at Khanabad, drive to Gilgit for an overnight stay.
Tour of local village by local family
Walking the streets of Khanabad
Stunning views of mountains from local family home
The local family will cook lunch for you in their home
Authentic home-cooked food
Hotel Room
Day 9: Gilgit – Islamabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving
2-3 Hours
Take a scenic 1-hour flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant truck art workshops in Taxila and enjoy an authentic dining experience at Melody Food Street.
Scenic flight
Vibrant truck art
Truck art workshops
Intricate and vibrant truck art
Hotel Room
Day 10: Departure from Islamabad
Meals Included
Breakfast
Driving
1 Hour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Hunza Valley and Karakoram.
Activities & Expert Guides
Enjoy a range of carefully curated activities led by certified guides who are experts in local culture and terrain.
Accommodation
Rest each night in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations and full service camping.
Meals
Savor local cuisine with all meals provided, from hearty breakfasts to energizing lunches and delightful and nourishing dinners for optimal recovery
Transfers
Relax with seamless transfers included, ensuring smooth travel between tour locations and activities.
Equipment
We provide high-quality equipment, suitable for each activity, ensuring safety and enhancing your adventure experience.
Training & Conditioning Plan
We provide you with pre-trip training and conditioning plans to enhance your physical and mental endurance. designed to equip you for the demands of rigorous outdoor activities.
Journey Map
Departures
What's Included
Got Questions?
Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Contact us anytime to learn more and get all your questions answered.