Exploring Hunza Valley Trails and Culture

Exploring Hunza Valley Trails and Culture

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10 Days From

$2706

$2629

Exploring Hunza Valley Trails and Culture

10 Days Starting in Islamabad, Pakistan and ending in Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Visiting: Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza Valley, Passu, Gulmit, Karimabad, Ulter Meadow Track, Minapin, Rakaposhi Base Camp Contact.

Tour operator:

Found Expeditions

Tour code:

FND001

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 14

Physical rating:

High, Medium

Age range:

20-65

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Trekking

From: $2706 $2629 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$77

NB: Prices correct on 15-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Engage in unique outdoor adventures with multiple short hikes, glacier treks, and immersive cultural experiences.

  • Trek to the base camps of peaks towering above 7000 meters, including Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar.

  • Experience the rich heritage of Hunza with visits to ancient forts, scenic lakes, and viewpoints.

  • Explore Hunza’s vibrant local culture through village visits, traditional meals, and community interactions.

  • Marvel at the dramatic Karakoram landscapes with views of iconic peaks like Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger, and Passu Cones.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Islamabad

Location: Islamabad

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hillview Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Hillview or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Driving Duration: 1-2 hours

Day 2 : Islamabad-Gilgit-Upper Hunza

Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sarai Silk Route Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Sarai Silk Route Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 2400 m
Driving Duration: 3-4 hours

Day 3 : Passu-Glacier

Location: Passu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Sarai Silk Route Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 9 km (3-4 hours)
Driving Duration: 1 hour
Ascent/Descent: +90 m / -90 m

Day 4 : Passu-Gulmit-Duikar-Karimabad

Location: Gulmit

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Hunza Darbar Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 3 km (2 hours)
Driving Duration: 2 hours
Ascent/Descent: +315 m / -315 m

Day 5 : Karimabad-Ultar Meadow Basecamp

Location: Karimabad, Ulter Meadow Track

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Ultar Meadows (3250 m), offering panoramic views of Hunza Valley and peaks like Ladyfinger, Spantik, Diran (Golden Peak) 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.

Accommodation: Hunza Darbar Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6-7 hours)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Ascent/Descent: +700 m / -700 m


Day 6 : Karimabad-Minapin-Rakaposhi Basecap

Location: Minapin, Rakaposhi Base Camp Contact.

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Campsite at Rakaposhi Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours)
Ascent: +1380 m

Day 7 : Rakaposhi Basecamp-Diran Basecamp-Rakaposhi Basecamp

Location: Rakaposhi Base Camp Contact.

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Campsite at Rakaposhi Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 12 km (7-8 hours)
Ascent/Descent: +450 m / -450 m

Day 8 : Rakaposhi-Minapin-Gilgit

Location: Gilgit-Baltistan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Ramada Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km (4-5 hours)
Driving Duration: 2 hours
Descent: -1380 m

Day 9 : Gilgit-Islamabad

Location: Islamabad

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Hillview or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Duration: 1 hour

Day 10 : Departure Day

Location: Islamabad International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Hunza Valley and Karakoram.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving Duration: 1 hour (to the airport)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    All accommodations (7 nights in hotels, 2 nights camping)

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Pick up and drop off at airport

  • Fully Guided

    professionally guided trips

  • Meals

    All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 10 breakfast

  • Transport

    Internal flights included Luggage transportation during trek (15kg)

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

    Personal travel insurance (mandatory)

  • International Travel

    International flights to/from Pakistan

  • Optional

    Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles etc) Tips for guide and support staff Any activities or meals not specified in the itinerary

Mode of Transport

Internal flights and private transport

Accommodation

Well-equipped hotels and camping

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Yes

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, on request

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive a letter of invitation, travel documents, and any visa support documents required.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We offer small group tours, and usually the prices mentioned are on a twin-shared room basis. However, if someone wants a single-share, they will have to pay single supplement price for a room that can be requested while making the booking.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Travellers from all over the world who are authentic adventure seekers can book the trip. The group size is 4-14 people.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we strongly focus on responsible and sustainable tourism and strictly follow SOPs of health and safety standards with all our partners.

Reviews of this operator

Francesco Piccolo (Google Reviewer)  

Professional company with very passionate...

20-Jan-2025

Professional company with very passionate staff. Our expectations were surpassed. Everything was handled perfectly. It felt like a real adventure, but also safe at the same time. The trails, the accommodations and campsites, the stops during the car transfers, the food.. we could see that every details was thought to the minimum particulars.

Janaki Chengalath (Google Reviewer)  

As a solo female traveller...

22-Jan-2025

As a solo female traveller that loves to camp and active travel, safety is always of top priority for me, and I have to say I felt so looked after during my 10 day trip in Hunza. It was such lovely experience to go in Autumn with the leaves turning yellow! The tour guides were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and professional, and what I loved most was that the uniqueness of the itinerary as I really got to experience the raw beauty of the Hunza with like-minded people- I haven't experienced anything else quite like it. A trip I'll remember for a lifetime!

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$2706 $2629 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$2706 $2629 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$2706 $2629 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2706 $2629 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$2706 $2629 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Found Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of found expeditions charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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