Overview
This is our most complete northern-areas package for travelers who want to see it all without the multi-week commitment of the Grand Northern loop: the green Kaghan Valley, the legendary Karakoram Highway, Hunza’s forts and glaciers, the Khunjerab Pass to the Chinese border, and a Skardu/Baltistan extension for the lakes and cold desert.
It’s a private, tailor-made 13-day journey, we handle vehicles, jeeps, hotels/guesthouses and guiding throughout, adjusting the pace and route to your dates and interests. Priced on request for your group size.
Itinerary
- Day 1 · LahoreMughal Lahore heritage, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and the Walled City.
- Day 2 · Lahore to Islamabad & TaxilaDrive to Islamabad via the motorway, with a stop at the Taxila museum and Gandhara ruins; overnight Islamabad.
- Day 3 · Islamabad to NaranInto the Kaghan Valley via Balakot; overnight in Naran.
- Day 4 · Naran to ChilasSaif-ul-Malook Lake by jeep, then over Babusar Top and down to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway; overnight Chilas.
- Day 5 · Chilas to HunzaFollow the Karakoram Highway through Gilgit to Karimabad in Hunza; overnight Hunza.
- Day 6 · HunzaBaltit and Altit Forts, the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint over Karimabad and Rakaposhi.
- Day 7 · Khunjerab PassA day trip to the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border, plus Attabad Lake and the Passu cones on the way back.
- Day 8 · Hunza to SkarduDrive via Gilgit to Skardu, entering Baltistan; overnight Skardu.
- Day 9 · SkarduShangrila (Lower Kachura) and Upper Kachura lakes, and the surreal cold desert by the Indus.
- Day 10 · Shigar & KhapluShigar Fort and valley, the Manthal Buddha rock, and the restored Khaplu Palace.
- Day 11 · Fly to IslamabadWeather-permitting flight Skardu–Islamabad (or a scenic drive back if flights are grounded); overnight Islamabad.
- Day 12 · Islamabad to LahoreMorning at leisure or Islamabad sightseeing, then the drive back to Lahore.
- Day 13 · DepartureFree morning in Lahore, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Route & logistics
Start & finish: Your Lahore hotel or the airport. Transport: Private A/C vehicle throughout, with 4×4 jeeps on mountain sections and an optional Skardu–Islamabad flight.
Route: Day 1 · Lahore → Day 2 · Islamabad & Taxila → Day 3 · Naran → Day 4 · Chilas (via Babusar Top) → Day 5 · Hunza → Day 6–7 · Hunza & Khunjerab Pass → Day 8 · Skardu → Day 9–10 · Baltistan → Day 11 · Fly/drive to Islamabad → Day 12 · Lahore → Day 13 · Departure
A live Google Map with every stop is shared with your confirmation. Driving times are honest estimates and vary with traffic; where a destination is far, we tell you plainly and suggest an overnight if it’s more comfortable.
What’s included
- Licensed English-speaking guide/tour leader throughout
- Private A/C vehicle for the full route
- 4×4 jeep transport for mountain and desert sections
- Airport pickup & drop-off in Lahore
- Entrance fees on the itinerary
- Hotel/guesthouse booking assistance
- 24/7 on-trip support
Not included
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation (quoted separately by category)
- The Skardu–Islamabad domestic flight (quoted at cost; road contingency included if grounded)
- Meals unless stated
- Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude travel)
- Gratuities
Good to know
- Best May–September, when the Babusar and Khunjerab passes are open; both close with winter snow.
- Long driving days over mountain roads, this is a journey for travelers who enjoy the road as much as the destinations.
- Altitude reaches over 4,700 m at Khunjerab, mild altitude effects are possible; we pace the route sensibly.
- The Skardu extension can be trimmed if you’d prefer a shorter Hunza-focused version, ask us to tailor it.
Before you go
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) or warm layers for cold desert/winter nights
- A refillable water bottle
- Modest clothing for mosques and shrines
- Some cash for snacks, tips and small purchases
- Your camera or phone, and any personal medication
- An overnight bag and your passport/ID for intercity travel
Dress & etiquette
Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is best; women need a headscarf inside mosque and gurdwara prayer halls (our guides carry spares) and shoes come off at religious sites. Please ask before photographing people. See what to wear and mosque etiquette.
Accessibility
Parts of this tour involve walking on uneven ground, steps, and in places soft sand, and a few sites have limited step-free access. We can adapt the pace and route for reduced mobility, wheelchairs, families with strollers or older travelers, tell us your needs and see our accessible Lahore tours guide.
Cancellation
Flexible, fair terms, the exact conditions for your dates are confirmed in writing when you book. Full details on our cancellation & refund policy page.
FAQs
Is 13 days enough to see the whole north?
Do we really reach the China border?
What if the Skardu flight is cancelled?
Can this be shortened or extended?
Is this tour private?
Do you provide hotel or airport pickup?
Can this tour be customized?
What languages do your guides speak?
How and when do I pay?
What is your cancellation policy?
Is Pakistan safe for tourists?
How do I book?
Request to book
Send your details and we'll confirm availability and the exact price, no payment is taken online.
Related tours & travel guides
7–9 daysLahore & Hunza Tour
Culture then the Karakoram, Mughal Lahore paired with the legendary Hunza Valley.
7–9 daysLahore & Skardu Tour
Heritage Lahore then the gateway to K2, alpine lakes, cold deserts and Baltistan's forts.
14–16 daysGrand Northern Pakistan Tour
The complete northern Pakistan tour from Lahore, Swat, Chitral, the Kalash, Shandur, Hunza and Karakoram in one epic private loop. Small-group on request. Requ
Explore more of Lahore
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Pak Tours Services · Government Licensed · Licence No. 9883