NEW TRIP
An Active Cultural Journey in the Karakoram
Pakistan: Hiking the Hunza Valley
Overview
Pakistan’s vast northern realm, Gilgit-Baltistan, is home to three major mountain ranges—the Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. Nestled here among soaring peaks is the legendary Hunza Valley, home to ice-draped Rakaposhi (25,551') along with iconic forts, a historic mosque, Buddhist archaeological sites, and some of the most welcoming people in the world. We’ll hike the best trails, visit local homes, and watch a spectacular mountain sunset at 10,000 feet. Before we explore Hunza, we’ll spend a few days in the peaceful Balti village of Khaplu in a setting reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau.
Arrive: Islamabad
Depart: Islamabad
Highlights
- Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (25,551') on the Hunza Valley skyline
- Meet the friendly people of Hunza in their ancient villages
- Visit the fairytale castle of Baltit, a Hunza landmark
- Hike below Rakaposhi and to Hunza’s high glaciers
- Explore the serene Balti village of Khaplu
- Travel the famed Karakoram Highway linking northern Pakistan and China
Itinerary
A spectacular mountain flight brings us over the Karakoram Mountains from Islamabad to Skardu, where we’ll head to the traditional Balti village of Khaplu, flanked by apricot and apple orchards along the wide Shyok River. Our accommodation is a 19th century Balti fortress-palace converted into a boutique hotel.
Driving the famed Karakoram Highway to the mountain town of Gilgit, we’ll visit local villages and hike in the Kargah Valley among its 7th century Buddhist monuments.
In the former princely state of Nagar, we stay in the village of Minapin, right below two of the Karakoram’s most magnificent mountains, Rakaposhi (25,551') and Diran (25,518'). A hike up the Rakaposhi Base Camp trail brings us to Hapakuin Meadow (9,675').
Our grand finale is the renowned Hunza Valley, where we’ll visit the Baltit Fort, former residence of the Mir (king) of Hunza, walk along Hunza’s hand-carved water channels, and hike up to the Passu Glacier and 30-mile-long Batura Glacier. We’ll also walk on one of Hunza’s famous hanging bridges. Fly back to Islamabad on Day 15 and depart on Day 17.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip rating system. There will be a variety of hiking days, primarily moderate walks of 3-5 miles, and a couple of strenuous days of 6-8 miles. Day hikes and cultural exploration are our focus of the trip, with alternative or abridged hiking options available on many days. Much of the trip takes place at higher altitudes, with a maximum of roughly 10,000 feet. Trail conditions, weather, and the group’s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
- 5 miles
- 4 hours
- 1,100' ascent/descent
- Altitudes range 7,000-10,000 feet
Challenge Days
- Day 7: 3.5 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,100' ascent/descent
- Day 11: 6.5 miles, 3 hours, 2,200' ascent/descent
At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations, they are often much rockier, with occasional sections of rock and loose scree. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed, and on the most challenging days we may offer shortened options for those who wish to turn back early.
We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Some people experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude—slight headaches and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.
Considering that most of Hunza is mountainous terrain above 6,500 feet in altitude, the climate is very mild. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Hunza, with spring offering the bloom of apple and apricot orchards and autumn bringing vibrant tones of orange, red, and yellow to the trees, making it one of the most picturesque times of year. Hunza’s climate is a great contrast to the rest of Pakistan, which can be very hot between spring and fall.
The hotels we use on this trip are the best available accommodations. They have comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms. Many hotels on this trip are operated by Serena, a chain known for its quality service. In addition, Serena hotels are under the umbrella of the Aga Khan Foundation for Economic Development (AKFED), with profits from hotels and other commercial entities going to hundreds of schools, health centers, and hospitals in Africa, Asia, and Central Asia. Our accommodation in Khaplu is a historic fortress carefully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), with hotel profits given to local community organizations.
Hunza’s cuisine is simple and fresh and includes such specialties as gyaling, a round, stretchy wheat bread served in a stack and typically dipped in apricot oil or butter from local cows. Chapsuro is a pie filled with minced beef or mutton, onions, and spices such as coriander, chilies, and tomatoes. Hunza’s ghilmindi dish is a kind of tortilla with cheese-yogurt filling, and local wheat chapatis are often served stuffed with cheese and spices. Our hotels will also serve a range of continental cuisine. Pakistan’s cuisine in general is similar to that of India.
We travel in Toyota Land Cruisers in the Hunza Valley, which work well on rough mountain roads as well as the paved highways we cross throughout the higher elevation. Our vehicles will transport the group’s luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day’s hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"Just a fantastic trip, 10/10. I came for the mountains which were as majestic as anticipated but what will stay with me are the people. Curious, warm, friendly, hospitable and generous. I really didn't know what to expect, you hear so much that is negative but this is why we travel, to set aside our preconceived ideas of what a place is or isn't. If you want a truly unique cultural experience while walking in the shadow of some the highest mountains in the world, this is the trip for you."
Anne J.
Long Beach, CA
"The trip was fabulous. Paul was a wonderful and very knowledgeable guide and the Pakistani guides and drivers were very competent and always looking after us."
Julie B.
Harbor Springs, MI
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.