Discover the spectacular landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan from the comfort of a private Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser, travelling through some of the most remote and breathtaking mountain regions of Pakistan.
Your adventure can begin the moment you land at Skardu Airport, where our team can meet you and take you on a fully customized journey through the valleys, lakes, glaciers, high mountain passes, historic villages and cultural treasures of Gilgit-Baltistan.
From the dramatic landscapes of Skardu, Shigar and Kharmang to the vast wilderness of Deosai, Astore and Ghizer, and from the legendary Karakoram Highway to the spectacular valleys of Hunza, Nagar and Upper Hunza, this is an opportunity to explore the region without being restricted to a fixed route.
Travel in a comfortable private 4×4 with an experienced local driver, stop whenever the scenery calls for it, explore remote locations, and experience the mountains at your own pace.
One vehicle. One private journey. The whole of Gilgit-Baltistan waiting to be explored.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destination: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Tour Type: Scenic & Cultural Tour
Best Season: September – November
Starting Point: Islamabad
End Point: Islamabad
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Suitable For: Couples, Families, Friends, Photographers & Nature Lovers
With local knowledge and years of experience exploring the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, we create journeys that go beyond sightseeing.
Our tours combine spectacular landscapes with authentic cultural experiences, comfortable accommodation and reliable local support.
From the famous valleys of Hunza to the peaceful landscapes of Skardu, we help you experience the Karakoram safely, comfortably, and memorably.
◆ Accommodation in comfortable hotels on twin/double sharing basis
◆ Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour
◆ Private transportation throughout the journey
◆ Experienced English-speaking tour guide
◆ Driver and transportation expenses
◆ Fuel, tolls and road taxes
◆ Sightseeing and visits mentioned in the itinerary
◆ Local guide and assistance where required
◆ Basic first-aid support
◆ All applicable government taxes and service charges
◆ International flights
◆ Domestic flights unless specifically mentioned
◆ Pakistan visa fees
◆ Travel and medical insurance
◆ Personal expenses
◆ Laundry and telephone charges
◆ Soft drinks and other beverages
◆ Tips for guides and drivers
◆ Personal shopping
◆ Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
◆ Any additional expenses caused by weather, road closures, flight cancellations or other circumstances beyond our control
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in the mountains of northern Pakistan.
As temperatures begin to fall, the poplar, willow, apricot and other deciduous trees gradually change colour. The valleys become covered in shades of yellow, orange, red and gold, creating a striking contrast against the dark mountains and snow-covered peaks.
The timing of the colours varies between valleys and from year to year. Generally, the autumn transformation begins in the higher valleys and gradually moves through the lower regions.
This changing landscape makes autumn an exceptional season for photography, sightseeing and experiencing the peaceful side of the Karakoram.
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Islamabad → Chilas | Begin the journey along the Karakoram Highway. Travel through Mansehra, Besham and the Indus Valley, enjoying spectacular mountain and river scenery. | Chilas |
| Day 2 | Chilas → Hunza | Continue along the Karakoram Highway towards Hunza. Enjoy dramatic mountain landscapes and your first views of the autumn colours. | Hunza |
| Day 3 | Hunza Valley | Explore Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Village and Altit Fort. Discover traditional architecture, local culture and spectacular mountain views. | Hunza |
| Day 4 | Upper Hunza | Visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit and Passu. Enjoy views of the famous Passu Cones and, subject to road and weather conditions, continue towards the Khunjerab region. | Hunza |
| Day 5 | Hunza → Gilgit | Travel towards Gilgit through autumn-coloured valleys and dramatic mountain scenery. Explore Gilgit city, local markets and riverside viewpoints. | Gilgit |
| Day 6 | Gilgit → Skardu | Journey towards Skardu along the Indus River through spectacular mountain landscapes and deep valleys. | Skardu |
| Day 7 | Skardu Valley | Explore Kharpocho Fort, Upper Kachura Lake and, depending on time and local conditions, Shangrila Resort. | Skardu |
| Day 8 | Skardu → Deosai / Shigar | Explore Deosai National Park or Shigar Valley depending on seasonal road conditions. Visit traditional Balti villages and the historic Shigar area. | Skardu |
| Day 9 | Skardu → Chilas | Begin the return journey along the Indus River. Enjoy scenic viewpoints and the changing colours of the mountain landscape. | Chilas |
| Day 10 | Chilas → Islamabad | Continue towards Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway, enjoying the final mountain views before the journey ends. | — |
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Gilgit-Baltistan, but the timing of the colours can vary each year.
Different valleys reach their peak autumn colours at different times, generally between late September and early November. Weather, temperature and altitude all influence the timing.
For this reason, the exact itinerary may be adjusted to make the most of the autumn scenery and current road conditions.
Check out our departure dates of 2027, and book now
Let us arrange your transportation as part of a complete travel experience, including tours, accommodation and local travel services.
This tour is suitable for most travellers who are comfortable with long road journeys and exploring mountainous regions.
It is particularly suitable for:
Travellers should be prepared for changing weather, long driving days and mountain roads.
Pakistan is a welcoming country with a rich history, diverse cultures and some of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
For international visitors, Gilgit-Baltistan offers an opportunity to experience a part of Pakistan that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.
International guests travelling to Pakistan should review the current visa, permit, travel and expedition requirements before making travel arrangements.
Visa requirements, trekking regulations and government policies may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information directly from the relevant official authorities before travelling to Pakistan or planning a mountaineering expedition.
Expect a journey through spectacular mountain landscapes, colourful autumn forests, traditional villages and historic settlements.
You will spend considerable time travelling by road between destinations, as the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan are separated by dramatic mountain terrain.
The journey combines sightseeing with opportunities to walk through villages, visit historical sites, photograph autumn landscapes and interact with local communities.
Some days involve long scenic drives, but these journeys are an important part of experiencing the Karakoram.
The itinerary is designed to provide a comfortable balance between travel, exploration and time to enjoy the scenery.
Travel in the Karakoram can be unpredictable, and weather conditions may influence flights, road journeys and the trekking schedule. Flights between Islamabad and Skardu can occasionally be delayed or cancelled due to weather, while mountain roads may be affected by landslides or changing conditions. During the trek, rain, snowfall, strong winds and sudden temperature changes are possible even during the main trekking season. We therefore recommend keeping some flexibility in your travel plans before and after the trek. Our team continuously monitors conditions and will make necessary adjustments with your safety and overall experience as the priority.
International participants travelling to Pakistan for an expedition, trek or mountain adventure should carefully review the relevant travel, visa, insurance and expedition requirements before making final travel arrangements.
Mountain travel in Pakistan involves remote regions, changing weather conditions and specialised logistical arrangements. Requirements may vary depending on nationality, destination and the nature of the planned activity.
The following information provides general guidance for international participants.
International visitors travelling to Pakistan should ensure that they have a valid passport and meet the applicable entry requirements for their nationality.
Visa and entry requirements may change from time to time. Participants are responsible for checking the latest official requirements before making travel arrangements.
Karakoram Holidays may provide appropriate supporting documentation where applicable for confirmed participants. However, visa decisions and entry permissions remain the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.
We recommend beginning the visa process well in advance of your planned departure.
Certain trekking and mountaineering activities in Pakistan may require official permissions, permits or other documentation.
Requirements may vary depending on:
• The destination
• The selected mountain or trekking region
• The type of activity
• The nationality of the participant
• Government regulations
• The specific expedition programme
High-altitude mountaineering expeditions may involve additional permits, government fees and administrative requirements.
Karakoram Holidays will provide appropriate guidance regarding expedition-related arrangements. However, participants are responsible for ensuring that they understand and comply with applicable official regulations.
International participants normally begin their journey by travelling to Pakistan’s main international airports.
Depending on the selected expedition or programme, the journey may continue by domestic flight or road transportation towards the mountain region.
Many expeditions in northern Pakistan involve travel through remote areas where weather, road conditions and flight operations can affect the schedule.
Domestic flights, particularly flights to mountain regions, may be affected by weather conditions.
Road travel may also be affected by:
• Weather
• Landslides
• Road closures
• Traffic conditions
• Seasonal conditions
• Other operational factors
Participants should maintain flexibility when arranging their international travel and avoid scheduling tightly connected international flights immediately after the planned expedition.
Additional days may occasionally be required because of travel delays.
Participants are responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance for their selected activity.
Standard travel insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for trekking, mountaineering or high-altitude activities.
Depending on the selected programme, appropriate insurance may include coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Personal accidents
• Search and rescue
• Emergency evacuation
• High-altitude trekking
• High-altitude mountaineering
• Helicopter evacuation where available
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Repatriation
Participants must carefully check the terms and limitations of their insurance policy.
For high-altitude expeditions, the insurance policy should specifically cover the intended mountaineering activity and appropriate altitude.
The specific insurance requirements for each mountain may be provided on the relevant expedition page.
Participants are responsible for arriving with appropriate personal clothing and equipment suitable for their selected expedition or trekking programme.
Mountain conditions can vary significantly depending on:
• Altitude
• Weather
• Temperature
• Season
• Terrain
• Snow and ice conditions
High-altitude expeditions require specialised clothing and mountaineering equipment.
Participants should carefully review the equipment requirements for their selected expedition before travelling.
A detailed equipment list may be provided during the preparation and booking process.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is appropriate, functional and suitable for the planned activity.
High-altitude mountaineering and trekking require careful physical and mental preparation.
Participants should prepare appropriately before joining an expedition.
Preparation may include:
• Physical fitness training
• Endurance training
• Strength training
• Previous trekking or climbing experience
• Technical mountaineering training
• Acclimatisation planning
• Equipment preparation
The experience and fitness requirements vary depending on the selected mountain.
Participants should carefully review the requirements of their chosen expedition.
For major mountaineering expeditions, previous high-altitude and technical climbing experience may be required.
Participants should plan for personal expenses that may not be included in the selected expedition package.
Depending on the programme, personal expenses may include:
• International flights
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Personal equipment
• Additional hotel nights
• Meals not included in the programme
• Personal purchases
• Tips
• Communication expenses
• Additional transportation
• Costs caused by unexpected delays
• Other personal expenses
Participants should maintain sufficient financial flexibility during their journey.
Unexpected weather or travel delays may occasionally result in additional expenses.
Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
Access to banking and payment facilities may be limited in remote mountain regions.
International participants are advised to make appropriate financial arrangements before travelling towards remote areas.
Cash may be required for certain personal expenses.
Participants should discuss any questions regarding expedition payments and included services with Karakoram Holidays before confirming their booking.
Mobile and internet coverage may be limited or unavailable in remote mountain regions.
Communication services may vary by location and selected expedition.
Participants should not expect reliable mobile or internet access during all stages of a mountain expedition.
Communication arrangements at Base Camp and other remote locations may depend on the available facilities and services.
Participants should inform family members that communication may be limited at certain points during the journey.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically prepared for their selected activity.
Participants should provide accurate information regarding relevant experience, fitness and any information necessary for safe expedition planning.
High-altitude environments can place significant physical demands on the human body.
Participants must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by expedition leaders, guides and authorised team members.
If a participant is considered unable to continue safely, the expedition team may recommend or require changes to their participation.
Safety decisions made during an expedition must be respected.
The Karakoram, the Himalaya, and other mountain regions of Pakistan are environmentally and culturally important.
We encourage participants to respect:
• Local communities
• Local traditions
• Mountain environments
• Glaciers
• Wildlife
• Cultural sites
Participants should minimise unnecessary waste and follow responsible travel practices throughout the journey.
We believe that responsible tourism and mountaineering play an important role in protecting Pakistan’s mountain environments for future generations.
The requirements, regulations and logistical arrangements for each expedition may vary.
Participants should carefully review the specific information provided for their selected mountain or programme.
Government regulations, visa requirements, permits and travel conditions may change.
The information provided by Karakoram Holidays is intended as general guidance. Participants are encouraged to confirm their current requirements with the relevant official authorities before travelling.
