11-Day Private Pakistan Adventure: Hunza, Skardu & Fairy Meadows

Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, meet your Crossroads Adventure representative and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your international journey and prepare for the adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will provide a short briefing about the route, mountain conditions and the days ahead.

Take a scenic morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu, the gateway to Baltistan and some of Pakistan’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. After arrival and hotel check-in, begin exploring Skardu with visits to Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake and the surrounding valley. Depending on arrival time and local conditions, continue to the Cold Desert or another nearby viewpoint before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, depart Skardu and drive through the dramatic mountain landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan toward Raikot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway. From Raikot Bridge, transfer to a local 4WD jeep for the adventurous mountain drive to Tattu (Tato) village. From Tattu, continue on foot along the mountain trail to Fairy Meadows, typically taking around 2.5–3.5 hours depending on pace and trail conditions. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), the ninth-highest mountain in the world. Overnight at Fairy Meadows.

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular surroundings of Fairy Meadows beneath Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). After breakfast, hike through alpine forest and open meadows toward Beyal Camp, approximately 1.5 hours from Fairy Meadows. Those wishing to continue can hike onward toward the Nanga Parbat Viewpoint for closer views of the Raikot Glacier and the mountain’s immense north face. Stronger hikers may continue farther toward Nanga Parbat Base Camp, subject to weather, trail conditions, fitness level and available time. Return to Fairy Meadows in the afternoon and enjoy the evening overlooking Nanga Parbat. Overnight at Fairy Meadows.

After breakfast, hike back from Fairy Meadows to Tattu village, then travel by local 4WD jeep to Raikot Bridge. Rejoin your private vehicle and continue north along the Karakoram Highway toward Hunza Valley. En route, stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint and other scenic locations along the Indus and Hunza valleys. Arrive in Karimabad in the afternoon or evening and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Karimabad, Hunza.

Explore the cultural and historic heart of Hunza, beginning with Altit Fort and the old village of Altit, followed by time in Karimabad and its traditional bazaar. Continue across the valley toward Nagar and Hopper for views of the Hopper Glacier and surrounding peaks. Later, drive to Duikar (Eagle’s Nest) for panoramic views across Hunza Valley and the surrounding Karakoram mountains. Return to Karimabad for the night.

ATravel into Upper Hunza (Gojal), beginning with the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake before continuing to the historic village of Gulmit. Explore Gulmit and then visit Ghulkin, a traditional Wakhi village surrounded by mountains, glaciers and agricultural fields, for a closer look at local life in Upper Hunza. Continue toward Borith Lake, with time to enjoy the surrounding landscape and views toward the Passu area. Return to your accommodation after a full day exploring the villages and landscapes of Gojal.

After breakfast, continue exploring Upper Hunza with a visit to Hussaini Suspension Bridge, set amid the dramatic mountain scenery of the Hunza River valley. Continue to Passu for views of the iconic Passu Cones and surrounding Karakoram landscape, with time to explore the village and nearby viewpoints. Later, begin the scenic drive south along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit, with stops along the way as time permits. Arrive in Gilgit and check in at your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, depart Gilgit and travel south along the Karakoram Highway, following the Indus River through dramatic mountain landscapes. The journey passes through changing scenery as you leave Gilgit-Baltistan and continue into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with short stops for photography, refreshments and viewpoints along the way. Arrive in Besham in the evening and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart Besham and continue toward Islamabad. En route, visit Taxila, one of Pakistan’s most important archaeological regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with remains reflecting its long Buddhist and Gandharan heritage. Explore selected archaeological sites and the Taxila Museum, depending on opening hours and available time. After the visit, continue to Islamabad and check in at your hotel for the night.

Enjoy a relaxed final day in Islamabad. Depending on your international flight time, visit some of the capital’s highlights, such as Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and a local viewpoint or market. Later, transfer by private vehicle to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your journey through northern Pakistan.