Itinerary
Morning, drive from Islamabad to Batakundi via Hazara Motorway, Mansehra, Balakot and Naran. Enjoy driving along the scenic Hazara Motorway passing through gorgeous valleys and tunnels, and then by switching to the Naran Road from Mansehra through the hills and slopes alongside the roaring Kunhar River. It is about 300km and can be covered in 6-8hrs. Lunch can be taken at a reasonable place. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel at Naran / Batakundi. Afternoon at leisure and a good activity can be exploring the region or going for some short hike in the valley. Overnight stay at hotel.
The journey from Naran to Hunza is slightly longer yet dotted with major tourist attractions. Leaving early morning from Naran is advisable to enjoy key attractions along the entire length of journey. It is about 230 km to Gilgit and another 120km to Hunza which collectively cost the entire day by making several stopovers on the way. Upon arrival in Hunza, transfer to Hotel at Attabad Lake or similar for overnight stay.
Major attractions include: Lulusar Lake, Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat (the killer mountain) View Point on the KKH, the Junction point of three mountain ranges, Chinese Graveyard in Danyore, Memorial Monument, Collision Point of Continental Plates, Rakaposhi View Point, and Rakaposhi Zero Point. Lunch can be had at any ideal location on the KKH, preferably in Gilgit or taking some packed light lunch would be a good idea.
Please note that washrooms/public toilets can be used in Moon Restaurant (just before the Lulusar Lake) at Babusar Top (usually charge 50 rupees), in Thalichi Nanga Parbat View Point (charge 50 rupees) and at Rakaposhi Zero Point (free of cost).
Khunjerab is the highest metal border crossing at 4693m connecting northern Pakistan and southern China. The road from Hunza to Khunjerab is decked with an array of attractions including ancient Buddhist Rock Carvings and petroglyphs on the KKH, Attabad Lake, Husseini Suspension Bridge, Passu glacier & valley, Passu Cones, tunnels on the KKH, terraced valleys and towering mountains along the highway. At about 180 km from Hunza, the Khunjerab border itself serves as one of the national Parks housing the rare blue mountain sheep and the rare snow leopard. The excursion to Khunjerab is full of adventure and rewarding. Return to Hotel in Hunza for overnight stay.
Recommendation: To avoid any problems related to high altitude, consumption of dry apricot is recommended. Carrying packed lunch boxes is recommended for this particular trip.
After breakfast, explore the Hunza Valley by starting with the visit to the 700 years old Baltit Fort standing on top of the town with a guarding view of the entire Hunza Valley. The scenery of valleys and mountains from the rooftop of the fort are panoramic and arresting. After lunch, proceed to explore nearby 800 years old Altit Fort. You might want to enjoy traditional lunch at the Kha Basi Cafe in the premises of Altit Fort. Afternoon drive up to Duikar Valley if you wish to enjoy sunset on the high mountain peaks surrounding the Hunza valley. Duikar has been a summer pasture of the Hunza valley now serving as a bird’s eye view point providing scenic views of Lady Finger, Hunza Peak, Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and Golden Peak. Drive back to hotel and explore the market in Karimabad. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Hunza to Naran. It is the same 350 km journey to be covered. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive from Naran to Islamabad. It will be the same route and distance requiring an easy start from Naran to reach Islamabad.