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WILD KARAKORAM
Hunza in Summer
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Overland SafariHunza, Gilgit-Baltistan

Hunza in Summer

The classic Hunza journey by road in summer, with green terraces, Baltit and Altit forts, Duikar at sunset and the high border at Khunjerab.

9 days from Islamabad, 0 of them on foot, reaching 4,693 m. Late June to late September, in groups of 2 to 12. Graded moderate.

Summer is when Hunza is at its fullest, with apricot orchards heavy on the trees, barley green on the terraces and the peaks bright above them. This trip runs the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Karimabad and back, with two nights on the road each way and two full days in the valley. You see Baltit and Altit forts, sit at Duikar for sunset on Rakaposhi and Diran, and drive up through Upper Hunza to the border at Khunjerab Pass. When the Babusar Pass is open the way home goes through the Kaghan valley, which gives you two routes in one trip.

Day by day

  1. 1

    Arrive Islamabad

    Flights usually land in the afternoon, and the guide meets you at the airport. The rest of the day is free to settle in, rest and meet the group over dinner.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  2. 2

    Islamabad to Naran or Besham

    North through Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra. Depending on the weather you either climb into the Kaghan valley to Naran, which adds lakes and pine forest to the day, or follow the Indus to Besham on the Karakoram Highway. Both roads climb steadily into the hills and the night is spent in the mountains.

    Night at Naran or Besham, 2,409 m.

  3. 3

    Drive to Karimabad

    The Karakoram Highway follows the Indus until the Hunza river joins it, and from there the valley opens into Brusho and Shina villages, bridges and orchards. The day ends in Karimabad, the Hunza capital, with Rakaposhi across the gorge and the fort above the bazaar.

    Night at Karimabad, 2,500 m.

  4. 4

    Forts and the Duikar sunset

    The morning begins with Rakaposhi in clear view from the terrace. Baltit Fort, about seven hundred years old, comes first, followed by Altit Fort, older still, and a coffee in its royal garden. In the late afternoon you go up to Duikar, the highest viewpoint over Hunza and Nagar, for the sun going down on the white peaks.

    Night at Karimabad, 2,500 m.

  5. 5

    Khunjerab Pass

    High point

    A full day north on the Karakoram Highway, past Ganish village and the rock carvings of the Silk Road, along Attabad Lake and through the Pak-China Friendship Tunnels. You cross the Khunjerab National Park conservation area at Dhe, watch for marmots and ibex, and climb to the border at 4,693 m, the highest paved border crossing in the world. You come back down to Karimabad in the evening.

    Night at Karimabad, 4,693 m.

  6. 6

    Hunza to Naran or Besham

    You leave Hunza for the south, either through Chilas and Dassu along the Indus to Besham or, when the weather allows, by the Babusar Pass (4,173 m) and the Kaghan valley to Naran. The route you did not take on the way up is the one that gives the day its variety.

    Night at Naran or Besham, 2,409 m.

  7. 7

    Return to Islamabad

    The last day of the road, through the towns of Mansehra and Abbottabad and down onto the plains. You are back in Islamabad in the afternoon with time to wash and rest.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  8. 8

    Islamabad and Rawalpindi

    The twin cities, which could not be more different. Islamabad is the modern planned capital with museums and green hills behind it, and Rawalpindi is the old British era city of bazaars and crowded lanes. It is a good day for last gifts and a relaxed dinner.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  9. 9

    Departure

    You are taken to the airport in time for your flight home.

    540 m.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to go on Hunza in Summer?
Late June to late September is the season for Hunza in Summer, when the route is open and our departures run.
How hard is Hunza in Summer?
It is graded Moderate, reaching 4,693 m. Up to 6 hours walking. No technical ground. Suitable with regular hill fitness.
Where does Hunza in Summer start?
Hunza in Summer starts in Islamabad and runs 9 days in total. The last day ends in Islamabad for your flight home.
What is included in the price?
The price covers airport pickup and drop in Islamabad; private vehicle and driver for the whole route; accommodation in standard hotels and guesthouses, twin sharing; and all meals on the road. The full list of 6 items is under What we supply on this page.
How much does it cost, and when are the next dates?
Prices start at US$1,290 per person on the fixed departures. The next one runs 26 Jun to 4 Jul 2027, with limited space left. 10 dates are open in total.

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