Pakistan 7-Day Itinerary: Northern Pakistan 2026
This one-week itinerary takes you through the most spectacular scenery in Pakistan — and arguably on earth. From Islamabad you follow the Karakoram Highway north through the lush Kaghan Valley to Naran, cross the Babusar Pass into Gilgit-Baltistan, and arrive in the legendary Hunza Valley. You will see Attabad Lake, the ancient forts of Karimabad, and the snow-capped peak of Rakaposhi (7,788m). If time allows, continue to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres.
Route Overview
Islamabad (1 night) → Naran/Kaghan (1 night) → Chilas (1 night) → Karimabad/Hunza (3 nights) → Return to Islamabad
| Day | Location | Highlight | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad | Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh | $40-60 |
| 2 | Naran, Kaghan Valley | Lulusar Lake, Saif-ul-Malook Lake | $40-60 |
| 3 | Chilas / Gilgit | Babusar Pass (4,173m), Nanga Parbat viewpoint | $40-60 |
| 4 | Karimabad, Hunza | Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Eagle's Nest viewpoint | $40-60 |
| 5 | Attabad Lake / Passu | Attabad Lake boat ride, Passu Cones, suspension bridge | $50-70 |
| 6 | Khunjerab Pass / Hunza | Chinese border (4,693m), yak sightings, return to Karimabad | $60-80 |
| 7 | Return to Islamabad | Rakaposhi viewpoint, KKH drive or PIA flight from Gilgit | $50-100 |
Total estimated cost: $280-500 (budget) | $500-900 (mid-range) | $1,200+ (luxury)
Day 1 – Islamabad
Morning
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport (ISB). Transfer to your hotel in the F-6 or F-7 sector (budget: $15-25, mid-range: $40-70). Head to the Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. Its striking tent-like shape set against the Margalla Hills is an iconic sight. Entry is free; dress modestly and women should bring a headscarf.
Afternoon
Drive up to Daman-e-Koh in the Margalla Hills for panoramic views over Islamabad and the distant plains of Punjab. The viewpoint is a popular picnic spot with monkeys roaming the trees. Continue to Lok Virsa Museum (PKR 200, ~$0.70) for an excellent introduction to Pakistan's diverse cultures, from Kalash tribal dress to Sindhi embroidery. Visit the Pakistan Monument, a lotus-shaped structure representing the four provinces and three territories.
Evening
Dinner at Monal Restaurant, perched high in the Margalla Hills with panoramic views of the city lights below. The Pakistani BBQ platter (seekh kebabs, chicken tikka, chapli kebabs) is excellent. Budget alternative: eat at the famous Melody Market food stalls in F-6 — a full meal costs PKR 400-600 ($1.50-2).
Stay: Islamabad — Budget: Islamabad Backpackers (from $12) | Mid: Envoy Continental (from $45) | Luxury: Islamabad Serena Hotel (from $180)
Day 2 – Islamabad to Naran (Kaghan Valley)
Morning
Depart early (5-6 AM) for Naran via the Kaghan Valley road (260 km, 7-8 hours). The route follows the Kunhar River through increasingly dramatic scenery. Stop at Balakot for breakfast — fresh paratha with omelette and chai for PKR 200 ($0.70). The road climbs through pine forests and past waterfalls.
Afternoon
Arrive in Naran (2,409m), a bustling mountain town in the Kaghan Valley. Check into your hotel and take a jeep to Saif-ul-Malook Lake (3,224m, jeep PKR 6,000-8,000 return, ~$22-29). This stunning alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. Legend says a Persian prince fell in love with a fairy princess here. The turquoise water reflecting the mountains is mesmerising.
Evening
Walk along the Kunhar River in Naran town. Fresh trout is the local speciality — restaurants grill it with spices for PKR 600-800 ($2-3). The night sky in Naran is spectacular due to minimal light pollution.
Stay: Naran — Budget: Pine Park Hotel (from $15) | Mid: Hotel de Palazzo (from $40) | Luxury: Pearl Continental Bhurban ($120, on route)
Day 3 – Naran to Chilas via Babusar Pass
Morning
Depart early for the crossing of Babusar Pass (4,173m), the gateway from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Gilgit-Baltistan. Stop at Lulusar Lake (3,410m) en route — a pristine glacial lake surrounded by barren mountains. The pass is only open from June to October; check conditions before departing. The scenery at the top is otherworldly — barren brown mountains meeting brilliant blue sky.
Afternoon
Descend into the Indus Valley and follow the Karakoram Highway south to Chilas (150 km from the pass, 4-5 hours total from Naran). Stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint near Raikot Bridge for your first glimpse of the “Killer Mountain” (8,126m). At 4,600m of vertical rise from base to summit, Nanga Parbat has one of the highest mountain faces on earth.
Evening
Chilas is a small town but serves as a useful overnight stop. The famous Chilas rock carvings (petroglyphs dating back 10,000 years) are scattered along the KKH near town — ask a local to point them out. Dinner at a local dhaba (roadside restaurant) — daal, rice and roti for PKR 300 ($1).
Stay: Chilas — Budget: Panorama Hotel (from $12) | Mid: Shangrila Chilas (from $35)
Day 4 – Chilas to Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
Morning
Drive north on the KKH through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. The road is carved into sheer cliff faces above the Indus River, with mountains rising thousands of metres on either side. Pass through Gilgit (4-5 hours from Chilas) — stop for supplies and a quick visit to the Kargah Buddha rock carving (7th century, carved into the cliff face).
Afternoon
Continue north to Karimabad in the Hunza Valley (2 hours from Gilgit). As you approach, the valley opens up to reveal terraced orchards, ancient stone villages, and the mighty Rakaposhi (7,788m) towering above. Stop at the famous Rakaposhi viewpoint — a roadside spot where you can have chai while gazing at one of the most beautiful mountains on earth. Check into your hotel in Karimabad and visit Baltit Fort (PKR 500, ~$1.80), a 700-year-old fort perched above the town with views over the entire valley.
Evening
Walk to the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint above Karimabad for sunset. The panorama of Hunza Valley, Rakaposhi, Diran Peak and Lady Finger Peak bathed in golden light is one of the greatest views in Asia. Dinner at Hunza Café or Hidden Paradise — try Hunza chapshuro (meat-filled bread) and apricot cake, a local speciality.
Stay: Karimabad — Budget: Old Hunza Inn (from $10) | Mid: Darbar Hotel (from $35) | Luxury: Hunza Serena Inn (from $120)
Day 5 – Attabad Lake & Passu
Morning
Drive north from Karimabad to Attabad Lake (30 minutes). This stunning turquoise lake was formed in 2010 when a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River. The submerged village and trees visible beneath the crystal-clear water create an eerie, beautiful scene. Take a boat ride across the lake (PKR 3,000-5,000 per boat, ~$11-18, 1-2 hours) — the colour of the water ranges from deep blue to vivid turquoise depending on the light.
Afternoon
Continue to Passu, one of the most photographed places in Pakistan. Walk across the famous Passu Suspension Bridge, a swaying rope bridge over a glacial river that is both terrifying and exhilarating. The Passu Cones (Cathedral Peaks) are dramatic pointed rock spires that rise like giant teeth above the valley. Hike to the Passu Glacier (2-3 hours return) for close-up views of the ice.
Evening
Return to Karimabad. Visit Altit Fort (PKR 500, even older than Baltit Fort, dating back 900 years) and the Altit Royal Garden. The traditional Hunza walnut cake and dried apricots make perfect souvenirs. Dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Khunjerab Pass (Optional) or Hunza Exploration
Option A: Khunjerab Pass
Drive from Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass (4,693m), the highest paved border crossing in the world and the China-Pakistan border. The journey is 170 km (3-4 hours each way). You will need your passport and a permit (obtained at Sost, PKR 2,000). The road passes through increasingly stark, high-altitude desert. At the top, yaks graze beside the border monument and Chinese flags flutter in the thin air. The views of the Pamir mountains are extraordinary. Return to Karimabad by evening.
Option B: Hunza Valley Deep Dive
If you prefer not to do the long Khunjerab drive, spend the day exploring Hunza in depth. Hike to Hopper Glacier from Karimabad (full day, moderate difficulty). Visit Ganesh Village, one of the oldest settlements in Hunza with petroglyphs dating back over 1,000 years. Explore the traditional carpet weaving workshops and visit a local family for chai — Hunza hospitality is legendary.
Evening
Final evening in Hunza. Star-gazing from Eagle's Nest is spectacular — at 2,600m altitude with no light pollution, the Milky Way is blazing. Farewell dinner at your hotel.
Day 7 – Return to Islamabad
Option A: KKH Drive (12-14 hours)
Depart very early (4-5 AM) for the long drive back to Islamabad via the KKH. This follows the main highway south through Gilgit and along the Indus River. The scenery is just as spectacular in reverse. Stop for lunch in Gilgit or Chilas. Expect to arrive in Islamabad by 6-8 PM.
Option B: Fly from Gilgit (1 hour, recommended)
Drive from Karimabad to Gilgit Airport (2 hours) and fly PIA to Islamabad (1 hour, PKR 8,000-12,000, ~$29-43). The flight itself is spectacular — you fly between Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi with mountains filling every window. Note: PIA Gilgit flights are weather-dependent and frequently cancelled. Book but have a backup plan.
Tip: If your international flight departs the next day, stay overnight in Islamabad. If you have an evening flight, the KKH drive gives you a buffer, while the flight gives you time to explore Islamabad further.
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $70-100 | $200-350 | $600+ |
| Transport (jeep/bus) | $80-120 | $150-250 | $300+ |
| Food (7 days) | $50-70 | $80-120 | $150+ |
| Activities & entrance fees | $30-50 | $50-80 | $100+ |
| SIM card & misc | $10-20 | $20-30 | $30+ |
| Total | $240-360 | $500-830 | $1,180+ |
Prices are approximate for 2026. Private jeep hire for the full 7 days: $400-600 with driver. This is highly recommended as it gives flexibility and the driver acts as a guide.
Essential Tips
- Altitude: Karimabad is at 2,438m. Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693m. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Cash: ATMs are available in Gilgit but unreliable. Carry enough PKR cash from Islamabad for the entire trip.
- SIM card: Get a Jazz or Zong SIM in Islamabad. Coverage in Hunza is reasonable but can be patchy in remote areas.
- Babusar Pass: Open only June-October. Outside these months, take the KKH via the longer route through Besham.
- Flights: PIA Gilgit-Islamabad flights are cancelled 50%+ of the time due to weather. Never rely on them for a tight connection.
- Clothing: Pack layers. Days can be warm (25°C+) but nights drop to 5-10°C even in summer. Bring a warm jacket.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Landscape photography is unrestricted. See our photography guide.