NEW TRIP
An Active Cultural Journey in the Karakoram with Paul Amstutz
Pakistan: Hiking the Hunza Valley
Overview
Northern 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 Karakoram peaks is the legendary Hunza Valley, home to Rakaposhi (25,551'), one of the highest mountains in the world, along with traditional villages, 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 Karakoram sunset at 10,000 feet. Before we explore Hunza, we'll spend a few days enjoying the peaceful Balti village of
Khaplu, set in a sublime setting reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau.
Arrive: Islamabad, Pakistan
Depart: Islamabad, Pakistan
Highlights
- Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (25,551'), star of the Hunza Valley skyline
- Meet the friendly people of Hunza in their mountain villages
- Visit the fairytale castle of Baltit, a Hunza landmark
- Hike trails below Rakaposhi Base Camp and up to Hunza's high glaciers
- Explore the traditional Balti village of Khaplu on the Shyok River
- Travel the Karakoram Highway linking northern Pakistan and China
- Stay in comfortable hotels and guest houses with history and character—no camping!
Itinerary
A scenic mountain flight brings us from Islamabad to the remote city of Skardu. On arrival, we drive to
Khaplu, a traditional Balti village flanked by apricot and apple orchards. We’ll explore the village and hike to a vantage point to see the ruins of a castle owned by
Khaplu’s former royal family. Our accommodation here is a 19th century fortress-palace now converted into a boutique hotel.
A drive on the famed Karakoram Highway brings us to the mountain town of Gilgit. Here we can hike in the Kargah Valley to see its 7th century Buddhist monuments and visit small villages.
The little village of Minapin in the former princely state of Nagar is famous for its idyllic setting—right at the base of two of the Karakoram's most beautiful mountains, Rakaposhi (25,551') and Diran (25,518'). From here, we hike the Rakaposhi Base Camp trail to Hapakuin Meadow (9,675') and back along a bubbling stream.
In the renowned Hunza Valley, we visit the Baltit Fort, former residence of the hereditary Mir (king) of Hunza, with its commanding position overlooking the valley. We'll hike along Hunza's hand-carved water channels, and from the high village of Passu, set out for dramatic hikes to view the Passu Glacier and 30-mile-long Batura Glacier. We'll also walk on one of Hunza's famous hanging bridges. After overnights in Gilgit and Skardu, we 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. You will need to be comfortable hiking 6-7 hours a day on uneven surfaces. 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
Challenge Days
Review Trip Level Details
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).
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.