- 13 nights of three and four-star hotel accommodation
- 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners
- Private vehicles, normally a jeep/saloon car, Land cruisers
- Private guided transfers to and from Islamabad airport
- Professional English Speaking Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
- Driver/guide’s expenses
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- All road passes, parking fees, etc.
- Airfare included (Domestic only)
- Days: 14
- Family friendly
- Grade: Light
- Guided Tour
- Hotels: 3 Star
- Meals included
- Nights:13
- Tours
Gilgit Baltistan Tour Pakistan 2025
On this Gilgit Baltistan tour, you will visit Pakistan’s ancient Gilgit Baltistan region, bordering the Xinjiang province of China and the Kargil Ladakh area of India. Our Gilgit Baltistan Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden valleys of the Gilgit Baltistan region, meet the local people, and learn about their culture and traditions. During the Gilgit Baltistan tour, you will also travel on the ancient Silk Route, the modern Karakoram Highway, travelled by merchants, warriors, and religious monks and explored for many centuries.
Tour Highlights
- Gilgit Baltistan Tour includes a visit to Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Khaplu, and Deosai
- Drive on the famous Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
- Sneaky view of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) from Karakoram Highway
- Explore Gilgit city
- See medieval Altit and UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort
- Visit Skardu, the getaway to K2 (8,611 meters)
- Discover Chaqchan Mosque and Khaplu fort in Khapulu
- Experience the Deosai Plain and Astore Valley.
Tour Overview
Gilgit Baltistan is home to some of the most magnificent mountain valleys, the Karakoram highway, the highest paved road, ancient forts, glaciers and mountain ranges on the planet. The main mountain ranges are the western Himalayas and the Karakoram. The Hindu Kush mountains are to the west, and the Pamir lies to the north. The Gilgit Baltistan tour itinerary is designed to explore the mountain ranges, see the medieval Unesco-listed forts and discover the vast diversity of Gilgit Baltistan.
For many years Trango Adventure has been offering Gilgit Baltistan tours as a group, couple, and family holiday for travel enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Trango Adventure has thoughtfully created a 12-14 days long Gilgit Baltistan tour itinerary that will allow you to explore the entire Gilgit Baltistan region. This tour can also be tailor-made to meet your requirements and travel aspirations. It is an example travel itinerary to give you an idea of what we can offer.
Our Gilgit Baltistan Tour starts from Islamabad. Islamabad is the green and purpose-built capital city of Pakistan. It is the nearest Internationale airport to arrive to begin the Gilgit Baltistan tour. Our representative will meet and greet you at Islamabad International Airport and then transfer you to the group hotel in Islamabad.
Your guide will meet you in the evening over dinner to give you a detailed briefing about the Gilgit Baltistan Tour. The following day, you will travel to Naran through some ancient towns such as Taxila, Hasan Abdal, Haripur, and Abbottabad.
Night stay in Naran Town in the lush green Naran & Kaghan Valley. Naran is very popular among domestic tourists because of its cool climate, greenery and rivers. After spending the night in Naran, you will travel along the Naran River before cutting through the heart of the rugged Kaghan Valley to Babussar Pass (4,067m). Babussar is a high altitude Pass that only remains open in the summer. The colourful array of mountain flowers in the Kaghan Valley provides a scenic backdrop on this alternate route to Chilas.
Chilas appears to be an ‘oasis in a desert with a unique charm. Here you will have a magnificent view of the highest Mountain ranges on earth: the Karakoram in the north, the Himalayas in the east, and the Hindu Kush in the west. Chilas is the getaway to fairy meadows and Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters). In Chilas, you will rejoin the Karakoram Highway and travel to Gilgit with the view of Nanga Parbat in the background.
Gilgit is the administrative capital city of the Gilgit Baltistan region. It is also a getaway to China. You will spend one night in Gilgit, then continue your journey to Karimabad. Karimabad lies along the Karakoram Highway above a hill. It is the capital of the modern Hunza Valley. Hunza Valley’s natural splendour and position on the central Asian silk route has attracted travellers, merchants, and mountaineers for many centuries. Beyond its iconic glaciers, fertile apricot farms, and turquoise lakes, this region is rich in cultural heritage.
Explore the local Bazar in Karimabad and visit the UNESCO-listed 700-year-old Baltit and Altit forts. The historical Baltit Fort stands on an artificially flattened spur below the Ulter Glacier. Located on a commanding view of the Hunza Valley and its region, its inhabitants controlled the seasonal trans-Karakuram trade between South and Central Asia. The Baltit Fort is rectangular with 3 floors and stands on a high stone, whilst the ground floor consists mainly of storage chambers and the first floor is oriented around as an open hall.
After exploring the ancient Hunza valley, you will travel towards Skardu to continue your Gilgit Baltistan Tour in the Baltistan region. Skardu is the administrative capital of the Baltistan region, located at the elevation of 2,500 metres above sea level, along the bank of the Indus River, which separates the Karakoram Range from the Himalayas.
Skardu is also the getaway to world-famous peaks, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Masherbrum, Spantik, Hispar Glacier, Trango Towers, Baltoro Glacier, and Concordia. In Skardu, you will explore the local Bazar, visit the Buda rock, walk to Kharpocho Fort, and experience an ancient style Polo match.
After Spending Two nights in Skardu, you will travel to Khaplulu by following the famous Indus and then the Shyok River to arrive in Khaplu. Khaplu is one of the largest and most beautiful Balti towns in Baltistan, which lies along the Shyok River. The inhabitants of Khaplu and Skardu speak the Balti language, which is similar to the Tibetan language. Before the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Baltistan was part of Tibet and Kargil Ladakh. The architecture, local tradition, food and culture are similar to Tibet.
In Khapulu, you will explore the local Bazar and visit the historical Chaqchan Mosque. Chaqchan mosque was built in 1370, one of the oldest in the Gilgit Baltistan region, and dates from the time when the inhabitants of this region converted from Buddhism to Islam. The architecture of Chaqchan mosque is a perfect blend of Tibetan, Mughal and Persian styles. This construction style is one of the oldest, known for making a weatherproof structure, and it is also suitable for harsh winter conditions.
After visiting Khaplu, you will head back to Skardu via Shigar Valley. You will have lunch in Shigar Fort (Serena Hotel) then drive back to Skardu for the night stay.
The following morning you will continue your Gilgit Baltistan Tour towards Astore via Deosai Plain. Deosai is the second-highest Plateau and home to the Himalayan brown bears. Night stay in Astore.
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise view over the Karakoram mountains, have your breakfast and continue your journey back to Islamabad. Night stay in Islamabad, and the next day you will be transferred to Islamabad airport for your flight back home.
We strongly believe that the majestic mountain valleys, the ancient culture, the friendly people of Gilgit Baltistan, and our four-decade experience will make your “Gilgit Baltistan Tour” a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Watch our two videos about this tour on YouTube. Booth Videos are from July and August.
Gilgit-Baltistan tour, on Trango Adventure’s YouTube channel.
Gilgit-Baltistan tour, on YouTube.
Read our TripAdvisor reviews for our tours in Gilgit Baltistan.
Brief Tour Itinerary:
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
ISLAMABAD TO NARAN/CHILAS (461 km) 8 HOURS
NARAN TO GILGIT, (134 km) 6 HOURS
GILGIT TO KARIMABAD (102 km) 3 HOURS
KARIMABAD (2,440 meters)
KARIMABAD TO KHUNJERAB PASS (4,880m) 3-4 HOURS
HUNZA TO SKARDU, (286 km) 7 HOURS DRIVE
SKARDU (2,230 m)
SKARDU TO KHAPLU, (103 km) 2-3 HOURS
KHAPLU (2,600 m)
KHAPLU TO SKARDU VIA SHIGAR 2-3 HOURS
SKARDU TO ASTORE (265 km) 7 HOURS
ASTORE TO ISLAMABAD (461 km) 9 HOURS
DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME
Additional information
Grade | EASY |
---|---|
Age | Family friendly |
Map & Itinerary of Gilgit Baltistan Tour
INTRODUCTION
Trango Adventure has a long track record of organising the Gilgit Baltistan tour in Pakistan. We have been offering Gilgit Baltistan tours for many years. We designed our itinerary based on Over 40 years of experience, which is the best in terms of acclimatisation, safety, and enjoyment.
We intend to keep to the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions, weather, or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case then your tour guide will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary to minimise your inconvenience.
Adventure travel & Tours requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather, and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of all of our adventure holidays in Pakistan.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ISLAMABAD TO NARAN/CHILAS (461 km) 8 HOURS DRIVE
Night stay in Naran, enjoy a good night’s sleep as the temperature here will be much cooler compared to Islamabad.
- Accommodation
- Hotel One or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NARAN TO GILGIT, (134 km) 6 HOURS DRIVE
You will arrive in Gilgit early in the afternoon, the rest of the afternoon is to explore the city. Gilgit is the capital and the biggest city of the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan.
- Accommodation
- Ptdc or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GILGIT TO KARIMABAD (102 km) 3 HOURS DRIVE
- Accommodation
- Hunza Embassy Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KARIMABAD (2,440 meters)
Later in the afternoon, you will travel to a place called Eagle Nest which provides a magnificent bird view of Hunza Valley. You have the option to have your dinner there so, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset view over the Rakaposhi mountain.
- Accommodation
- Hunza Embassy Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KARIMABAD TO KHUNJERAB PASS (4,880 meters) 3 HOURS DRIVE
After visiting the pass, we will return to Passu for the night stay.
- Accommodation
- Silk Route Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HUNZA TO SKARDU (286 km) 7 HOURS DRIVE
Night stay in Skardu.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SKARDU (2,230 meters)
After breakfast, you will take a half-hour drive to Sadpara Lake to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural, crystal-clear water lake surrounded by the pillars of The Karakoram mountains. Sadpara Lake is the main source of drinking water for the whole of Skardu town.
After visiting Sadpara Lake, you will explore the historical Manthal Buddha Rock. A large picture of Buddha was engraved on a big granite rock in the 8th century. This is the evidence of Buddhism in the area before the arrival of Islam in the 17th century.
You will have lunch at the famous upper Kachura Lake then visit the lower Kachura Lake before driving back to your hotel. Dinner will be served in your hotel restaurant.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SKARDU TO KHAPLU, (103 km) 2-3 HOURS DRIVE
- Accommodation
- Karakoram Lodge Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KHAPLU (2,600 meters)
- Accommodation
- Karakoram Lodge Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KHAPLU TO SKARDU VIA SHIGAR 2-3 HOURS DRIVE
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SKARDU TO ASTORE (265 km) 7 HOURS DRIVE
- Accommodation
- Noor Mahal Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ASTORE TO ISLAMABAD (461 km) 9 HOURS DRIVE
Drive on Astore Road along the Astore River to the junction point of Karakoram Highway. Cross the bridge and turn left to join the famous Karakoram highway for a short while, then turn left to take Naran Road towards Naran. Naran Road will take you through Babusar Pass and Naran Valley to Mansehra.
You will rejoin the Karakoram Highway in Mansehra and continue your journey to Islamabad via some culturally rich and historical towns of Abbottabad, Hasan Abdal, and Taxila. Taxila is an important archaeological site of ancient India, situated about 32 km north-west of Islamabad. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to c.1000 BCE. Some ruins at Taxila date to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE.
You will arrive in Islamabad late in the afternoon. Dinner will be served in your hotel restaurant, make sure to treat yourself with traditional Pakistani cuisine to celebrate the last evening of your Gilgit Baltistan tour in Pakistan.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME
Gilgit Baltistan Tour cost and dates
The tour starts and finishes in Islamabad.
Introduction
Gilgit Baltistan Tour prices are for (individuals) per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements are available upon request at a small additional cost. We have a great range of couples, family, and group discounts available, so contact us before booking. Gilgit Baltistan tour prices are for the itinerary starting and finishing in Islamabad.
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all lived and travelled widely in this region and will be happy to tailor any of our travel itineraries to suit your tastes or build a trip from scratch.
International flights from most international cities arrive in Islamabad in the morning, and return flights will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
Please remember there are often only a limited number of places available at the advertised price. We recommend securing your place as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to provide a place at the advertised price, we will contact you with an alternate quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE — NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:
The price of the “ Gilgit Baltistan Tour” can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure has undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked.
The price of the “Gilgit Baltistan Tour” can change depending on various factors. However, unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure has undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The advertised price at the booking time is the price you will pay, whether you are looking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee.” Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator that follows the strict regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal, and all major credit & debit cards.
Gilgit Baltistan Tour Information 2025.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Guided Islamabad sightseeing
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc.
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Gilgit Baltistan tour, the group will spend all night in a good international tourist standard hotel. Accommodation at each of those hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are traveling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and surcharge costs please see the dates and costs page of the trip on our website.
Hotels are subject to availability and costs may vary.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
SKARDU FLIGHTS
Skardu is a weather-dependent airport. Since the valley is surrounded by high mountains, planes can only land here in good visibility and this means flights to and from Skardu are never guaranteed. Luckily, the weather in Pakistan is usually pleasant and planes do fly to Skardu very often. Should the flight be cancelled, the journey will be taken by road to Naran and then to Skardu.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with all the routine courses and boosters as recommended in the United Kingdom, United States and other developed countries, (diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Incidences of urban transmission of malaria diseases are very low. In Gilgit Baltistan and the mountain valleys, there is no malaria risk.
It is recommended to have a dentist check-up in more remote areas in Pakistan. One of the good online resources is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is present around Islamabad, it is a tropical viral illness spread by daytime biting from mosquitoes. At the moment there are no vaccines or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during the daytime. Keep a mosquito spray or a cream with you all the time as a precaution.
We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance for your Gilgit Baltistan tour with Trango Adventure Pakistan. We recognize the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have an annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventure does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance which covers the activities, which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday.
Travel insurance-providing companies
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel, 001-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel, 001-800 228 9792
- Snowcard Tel, 0044 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel, +44 (0)161 445 6111
- Dogtag Tel, 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6,000 meters)
- Insure for Less (Australian citizens only)
- True Traveller Insurance Tel, 0333 999 3140 for trekking holidays including over 4, 500 meters
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel, 00 44 (0) 1929 556870
Treks & Tours only
- Campbell Irvine Tel: 00 44 (0) 207 938 1737
- J S Insurance Tel: 00 44 (0) 844 848 1500
- Rothwell & Towler Tel, +44 (0) 845 908 0161
TOUR GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
The Gilgit Baltistan tour involves going to high altitudes. During your trip, you will be above 2,200 meters for 1-2 days. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but we must follow some simple rules to acclimatise successfully. Before joining the Gilgit Baltistan tour, you should get some basic advice on tours at high altitudes.
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 38°C at Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chilas, and 30°C in The Gilgit Baltistan region. Weather is usually good in Gilgit Baltistan throughout the spring, summer and autumn, with blue skies. However, weather in these mountain valleys is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- Top Treks of the World. Steve Razzetti.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
PASSPORT & VISAS
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay in Pakistan is generally required. The information that we provide is for the nationals of the United Kingdom. Please check the website of the Pakistan embassy in your home country for more information. Please remember that It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your Pakistan holiday. Charges and visa requirements often change without notice, so it is highly recommended to check for the latest updates.
PAKISTAN VISA
All nationalities require a visa. The visa fee is approximately £60 and you must apply for it before departure. To obtain a visa for Pakistan you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency which will be provided by Trango Adventure. Visa applications can be made in person OR online.
EQUIPMENT LIST
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
We will send you a detailed list of items closer to your Holiday departure.
Email info@trangoadventure.com if you need more information regarding the “Gilgit Baltistan Tour”.
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