Gilgit-Baltistan in Autumn
Overview
The journey
Gilgit-Baltistan might just be the hidden gem you never thought to add to your list. Picture yourself eating meticulously prepared local cuisine in a traditional village house, hiking alpine glaciers, taking in jaw-dropping views of 8,000m peaks, and connecting with the communities of ancient villages high in the Karakoram. Locals are beyond excited to welcome you, which makes the journey feel truly intimate and unforgettable.
The region is especially beautiful in autumn, when its valleys turn into a stunning display of golden, red and orange leaves. The cool, crisp weather and clear blue skies make it one of the best times of year to visit.
We start in Islamabad with a flight to Skardu that offers spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the world. From Skardu, we set off on a road trip through the Kachura lakes, Nagar, Hunza, Gojal and Shimshal, all the way to the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world. Along the way we give special attention to the places best known for their autumn colours.
Choose Option A, an 8-day cultural journey, or Option B, which adds the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek: famous for being the most rewarding first trek for adventure enthusiasts.
Destinations: Islamabad · Skardu · Hunza
Highlights
- Fly from Islamabad to Skardu past some of the highest peaks in the world
- See the valleys at their most colourful, timed for peak autumn foliage
- Share home-cooked local cuisine in a traditional village house
- Ride 4x4 off-road jeeps into remote Shimshal and stay with its community
- Explore Shangrila, the Kachura lakes, and the historic Altit and Baltit forts in Hunza
- Stand at the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world
- Meet local chefs, musicians and historians along the way
- Option B: trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp, with views of the 7,788m peak
Day by day
Itinerary
The cultural journey, with no trek.
Day 1Islamabad (1,800 ft)
Khush aamadid – welcome to Islamabad! When you arrive at Islamabad International Airport, a local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. If you arrive early, you can join your leader and group for lunch and a city tour of the Lok Virsa Museum and Shah Faisal Mosque. Back at the hotel, you'll meet everyone for a welcome meeting and dinner at 6:30pm to get all the details of the adventure ahead.
- Overnight:
- Islamabad Serena
- Meals:
- Dinner
Day 2Skardu to Hunza (7,900 ft)
Take the short, scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu. Visit Lower Kachura Lake and enjoy some time at Shangrila Resort, then drive to Karimabad with short stops at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, the Three Mountain Ranges viewpoint and the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Depending on when we arrive in Hunza, we'll meet Pakistan's ace mountaineer Sirbaz Khan at the Broadpeak factory, where local women make international-standard mountaineering bags and tents.
- Overnight:
- Serena Hunza, Karimabad
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 3Karimabad (up to 9,300 ft)
A full day exploring the Hunza Valley, including the historic Altit and Baltit forts. Try the walnut cake at Café de Hunza and visit the women-led Kha Basi Café at Altit Fort. Watch a breathtaking sunset from Duikar, then experience Karimabad's bazaar at night.
- Overnight:
- Serena Hunza, Karimabad
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 4Gojal to Shimshal (up to 10,200 ft)
Explore Gojal on the way to Shimshal, with short stops at Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Hussaini and Passu. Enjoy a yak burger or karahi lunch at the famous Yak Grill and stop at the viewpoints for the iconic Passu Cones, then take in the breathtaking scenery of the Shimshal road.
- Overnight:
- Traditional guesthouse, Shimshal
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5Shimshal (up to 10,200 ft)
A full day of cultural experiences in Shimshal: an immersive culinary session with a local chef, a music and poetry session, and a chance to learn about the unique Shimshali customs and traditions. Optional hike to the Yazgil Glacier or Khordorg Sar.
- Overnight:
- Local guesthouse, Shimshal
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Ghulkin (8,500 ft)
Drive back from Shimshal to the charming village of Ghulkin in Upper Hunza. Visit Borith Lake and hike to the Passu Glacier viewpoint. In the evening, an immersive cultural experience with the people of Ghulkin, including a traditional dinner at a community member's house.
- Overnight:
- Local guesthouse, Ghulkin
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7Khunjerab Pass (15,400 ft)
Drive to the Pakistan–China border at the Khunjerab Pass, stopping to look for Himalayan ibex in the wild. At 15,400 ft, Khunjerab is the highest paved border crossing in the world and the highest point of the trip. Stop for lunch in Sost, famous for its Chinese cuisine, and visit the world's highest-altitude dry port, an important part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Then drive to Gilgit.
- Overnight:
- Ramada Gilgit or Serena Gilgit
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 8Islamabad
An early-morning departure for Skardu Airport and the 45-minute return flight to Islamabad.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Everything in Option A, plus the two-day Rakaposhi Base Camp trek.
Day 1Islamabad (1,800 ft)
Khush aamadid – welcome to Islamabad! When you arrive at Islamabad International Airport, a local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. If you arrive early, you can join your leader and group for lunch and a city tour of the Lok Virsa Museum and Shah Faisal Mosque. Back at the hotel, you'll meet everyone for a welcome meeting and dinner at 6:30pm to get all the details of the adventure ahead.
- Overnight:
- Islamabad Serena
- Meals:
- Dinner
Day 2Skardu to Hunza (7,900 ft)
Take the short, scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu. Visit Lower Kachura Lake and enjoy some time at Shangrila Resort, then drive to Karimabad with short stops at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, the Three Mountain Ranges viewpoint and the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Depending on when we arrive in Hunza, we'll meet Pakistan's ace mountaineer Sirbaz Khan at the Broadpeak factory, where local women make international-standard mountaineering bags and tents.
- Overnight:
- Serena Hunza, Karimabad
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 3Karimabad (up to 9,300 ft)
A full day exploring the Hunza Valley, including the historic Altit and Baltit forts. Try the walnut cake at Café de Hunza and visit the women-led Kha Basi Café at Altit Fort. Watch a breathtaking sunset from Duikar, then experience Karimabad's bazaar at night.
- Overnight:
- Serena Hunza, Karimabad
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 4Gojal to Shimshal (up to 10,200 ft)
Explore Gojal on the way to Shimshal, with short stops at Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Hussaini and Passu. Enjoy a yak burger or karahi lunch at the famous Yak Grill and stop at the viewpoints for the iconic Passu Cones, then take in the breathtaking scenery of the Shimshal road.
- Overnight:
- Traditional guesthouse, Shimshal
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5Shimshal (up to 10,200 ft)
A full day of cultural experiences in Shimshal: an immersive culinary session with a local chef, a music and poetry session, and a chance to learn about the unique Shimshali customs and traditions. Optional hike to the Yazgil Glacier or Khordorg Sar.
- Overnight:
- Local guesthouse, Shimshal
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Ghulkin (8,500 ft)
Drive back from Shimshal to the charming village of Ghulkin in Upper Hunza. Visit Borith Lake and hike to the Passu Glacier viewpoint. In the evening, an immersive cultural experience with the people of Ghulkin, including a traditional dinner at a community member's house.
- Overnight:
- Local guesthouse, Ghulkin
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7Khunjerab Pass (15,400 ft)
Drive to the Pakistan–China border at the Khunjerab Pass, stopping to look for Himalayan ibex in the wild. At 15,400 ft, Khunjerab is the highest paved border crossing in the world and the highest point of the trip. Stop for lunch in Sost, famous for its Chinese cuisine, and visit the world's highest-altitude dry port, an important part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Then drive back down to Minapin.
- Overnight:
- Osho Thang (eco-friendly lodge), Minapin
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 8Trek to Hapakun (9,500 ft)
The Rakaposhi Base Camp trek begins: a 3–5 hour trek from Minapin to Hapakun (2,900m), where we camp for the night.
- Overnight:
- Camp, Hapakun
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9Rakaposhi Base Camp (11,500 ft)
Trek from Hapakun up to Rakaposhi Base Camp (3,500m) and back down to Minapin, a 6–9 hour day. If you'd rather not go all the way to base camp, you can still enjoy the views and turn back earlier with a dedicated guide. Then drive to Gilgit.
- Overnight:
- Ramada Gilgit or Serena Gilgit
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10Islamabad
An early-morning departure for Skardu Airport and the 45-minute return flight to Islamabad.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Physical grading
How active is this trip?
Grade 3 / 5 · Active
Fitness guidance for this trip →1 · Gentle
2 · Moderate
3 · Active
4 · Challenging
5 · Demanding
Option A is Level 1: no trek, with optional hikes such as the Passu Glacier viewpoint. Option B is Level 3: it adds the two-day Rakaposhi Base Camp trek, with a 3–5 hour day and a 6–9 hour day up to 3,500m. Both options reach 15,400 ft by road at the Khunjerab Pass.
Dates & pricing
Departures
- Enquire about these dates
16 Oct 2027 – 22 Oct 2027 · Option A (8 days)
Open - Enquire about these dates
16 Oct 2027 – 25 Oct 2027 · Option B (10 days, with trek)
Open
Pricing
$1,620 per person
Option A: USD 1,620 per person. Option B, with the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek: USD 1,990 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy. A USD 300 deposit to Duur Expeditions LLC confirms your place.
Group size: 5 to 14 guests
The details
What's included
Included
- Trip planning and itinerary
- Invitation letters for foreign guests and support in obtaining a visa
- Private 4x4 SUVs with drivers for the entire trip
- All hotel, guesthouse and camping stays, with daily breakfast
- 4x4 off-road jeeps to Shimshal and back
- Welcome dinner in Islamabad
- All meals (three a day), tea and coffee in Shimshal
- All meals (three a day), tea and coffee on the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek
- Artistic fees for local chefs, musicians and historians
- Entry tickets for Shangrila, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and other attractions
- NOCs (permits) from the local government and administration
- Professional guides and team leaders
- Member tents, kitchen tent, mess tent, crockery and camp set-up for the two trekking days
- Wages for the chef, kitchen crew and porters on the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek
- Accommodation and food for the guide and drivers
- All tolls, environmental fees and similar charges
Not included
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner in Hunza, Ghulkin, Minapin and Gilgit
- Snacks, optional activities and shopping
- Room service, housekeeping, laundry, telephone and similar extras
- Ground evacuation or helicopter rescue charges of any kind
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide and other team members
Before you go
Safety & practical info
Everything you need to prepare for this journey. If something isn't covered yet, just ask — we'd much rather you ask than worry.
Is Pakistan safe?Coming soon
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Visa process
We provide invitation letters for foreign guests and support you through the visa application.
Physical fitness
Option A is graded Level 1. There is no trek: most of the journey is by 4x4 vehicle, with optional hikes such as the Passu Glacier viewpoint and the Yazgil Glacier.
Option B is graded Level 3. It adds the two-day Rakaposhi Base Camp trek: a 3–5 hour trek to camp at Hapakun (2,900m), then a 6–9 hour day up to base camp (3,500m) and back down to Minapin. If you'd rather not go all the way, you can turn back earlier with a dedicated guide.
On both options, the highest point of the trip is the Khunjerab Pass at 15,400 ft, reached by road.
Health recommendationsComing soon
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Packing listComing soon
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Weather
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Gilgit-Baltistan. Expect cool, crisp weather and clear blue skies, with the valleys turning golden, red and orange.
CurrencyComing soon
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Internet accessComing soon
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Photo gallery
A glimpse of the journey
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