Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
Reach the north from Karachi the classic way, by rail. We start on a Pakistan Railways service from Karachi up to Rawalpindi, then continue by private road transport over the Karakoram Highway into Hunza and Skardu. Twelve days covering both valleys at an unhurried pace.
Quick Facts
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Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Board the Train
Board a Pakistan Railways service at Karachi (Karachi Cantt) bound for Rawalpindi.
Day 2, Arrive Rawalpindi
Arrive at Rawalpindi railway station, transfer to your Islamabad hotel and rest.
Day 3, Islamabad to Chilas
Drive north on the Karakoram Highway through the Indus gorge to Chilas.
Day 4, Chilas to Hunza
Continue up the KKH to Karimabad, the heart of Hunza.
Day 5, Hunza Heritage
Baltit and Altit Forts, Karimabad and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint.
Day 6, Upper Hunza
Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
Day 7, Khunjerab Pass
Full day drive to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m on the China border.
Day 8, Hunza to Skardu
Scenic drive via Gilgit and along the Indus to Skardu.
Day 9, Shangrila & Kachura Lakes
Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura and Satpara Lakes, Kharpocho Fort at sunset.
Day 10, Deosai National Park
Full day 4x4 expedition onto the Deosai Plateau and Sheosar Lake.
Day 11, Skardu to Rawalpindi
Return south to Rawalpindi (a domestic flight can be arranged on request), then board your evening train.
Day 12, Train Home
Arrive back in Karachi by rail. Tour ends.
Tour Highlights
Karachi to Rawalpindi by Pakistan RailwaysKarakoram Highway by Private VehicleKarimabad, Baltit & Altit FortsAttabad Lake & Passu ConesKhunjerab Pass at the China BorderShangrila & Kachura LakesDeosai National Park
What's Included
Return train tickets (AC Business or Economy) to Rawalpindi
Private transport throughout the mountain legs
Hotel accommodation with breakfast daily
Licensed local guide
Station transfers and 24/7 on ground support
Not Included
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips
Tour Information
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Travel Mode
By Train to Rawalpindi, then Private Road
Departure City
Karachi
Group Size
2 to 12 people
Best Time
May October
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Where You'll Stay
Standard option
Comfortable 3 star hotels in Islamabad, Chilas, Hunza and Skardu with breakfast included daily.
Upgrade available
Upgrade to Serena or heritage properties in Hunza and Skardu for extra comfort.
Questions About This Tour
No. Pakistan Railways reaches Rawalpindi; there is no railway line into Gilgit Baltistan. The mountain sections are by private road transport.
We book a reserved AC coach (Business or Economy) on a suitable Pakistan Railways service from Karachi to Rawalpindi.
Yes. Many travelers take the train up and fly Skardu or Gilgit to Islamabad on the way back, or the reverse.