A relaxed week built around the classic run from Islamabad to Gilgit, up through Hunza, and out to the Khunjerab Pass and back. A sample to shape to your own pace.
For a first trip with about a week to spare, the most rewarding plan is to focus on one corridor rather than racing the whole region. This sample itinerary runs from Islamabad up to Gilgit, settles into Hunza for the heart of the trip, pushes out to the Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese border, then returns. It keeps drive times sensible and leaves room to slow down — which the mountains will force you to do anyway.
Treat the days below as a flexible template, not a fixed schedule. Roads close, weather shifts, and shared transport runs on its own clock, so build in slack. The first decision is how you reach Gilgit: the flight from Islamabad is quick but weather-dependent and often cancelled, while the Karakoram Highway by road is reliable but takes the better part of two days. This plan assumes you fly or break the drive; if you take the full road both ways, drop a stop. Shape the week to your taste in our trip planner.
| Day 1 | Islamabad to Gilgit. Fly if the weather allows, or start the two-day Karakoram Highway drive (overnight at Chilas or Besham if driving). Easy evening in Gilgit to settle in. |
| Day 2 | Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza. A half-day scenic drive up the KKH with photo stops at viewpoints like Rakaposhi. Arrive Karimabad, check into a guesthouse, and wander the bazaar. |
| Day 3 | Hunza forts and Karimabad. Explore Baltit and Altit forts, the old lanes, and the terraced viewpoints. A gentle acclimatisation day with short walks. |
| Day 4 | Upper Hunza: Attabad Lake and Passu. Drive north past the turquoise Attabad Lake to the Passu Cones and the Hussaini suspension bridge. Return to Karimabad or stay up in Gulmit/Passu. |
| Day 5 | Khunjerab Pass day trip. A long but spectacular drive to the 4,700m border pass and back. Start early, dress warm, and watch for altitude effects. Confirm the pass is open first. |
| Day 6 | Back toward Gilgit, optional Naltar. Drive down with an optional detour to the Naltar Valley and its lakes if time and transport allow. Overnight Gilgit. |
| Day 7 | Depart. Fly out from Gilgit, or begin the road journey south. Keep a buffer day in mind if flying, as cancellations are common. |
The Khunjerab day is the most demanding: it climbs to roughly 4,700m, where some people feel the altitude even on a short visit. Go up slowly, stay hydrated, do not rush, and head back down if a headache worsens — you sleep at much lower elevation in Hunza, which helps. The earlier days in Karimabad double as gentle acclimatisation, which is one reason this plan parks you in Hunza before sending you high.
Customising is easy. If you would rather travel slower, cut the Khunjerab day and spend longer walking Hunza's villages, or swap the Naltar detour for a rest day. If you have an extra two or three days, this same route extends naturally toward Skardu. Pack for big day-night temperature swings and cold at the pass — see what to pack — and read the dedicated Hunza guide to decide which villages to prioritise. Build and reorder the whole week in the trip planner.
Yes, for one corridor. A week is enough to enjoy Hunza properly and reach the Khunjerab Pass without rushing. It is not enough to add Skardu and Deosai as well; for that you want closer to two weeks.
Flying saves nearly two days but is frequently cancelled by weather. The Karakoram Highway by road is reliable but takes close to two days each way. Many travellers fly one direction and drive the other, keeping a buffer day for flight delays.
It is a long drive to about 4,700m and back in a day. Some visitors feel mild altitude effects. Start early, dress warm even in summer, stay hydrated, and confirm the pass is open before you set out.
The valleys sit at moderate elevation, so most people are fine. The Khunjerab day is the main concern. The earlier days in Hunza help you acclimatise, and you sleep low each night, which reduces the risk.
Absolutely, it is only a sample. Cut the Khunjerab day for more village time, add the Naltar Valley, slow the pace, or extend toward Skardu. Use the trip planner to reorder days to your taste.
Late spring through autumn is best, with summer the most reliable for the Khunjerab Pass being open. Winter closes high routes and the pass. Always check current road and pass status before travelling.