The BEST Hunza Valley Tours

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I’d decided where I wanted to go and figured out more or less which dates would work, so I thought I’d done the hard bit! But then I got online and started searching. Oh boy, there are so many tour operators and adventure tour options out there that making a decision is pretty much impossible.

To save you the headache, I’ve found the best Hunza Valley tours out there. You just need to kick back and let me do the hard work for you!

Whether you’re set on going flying into Pakistan, then joining an organised multiday tour, or you’d rather go solo and just join some day tours, I’ve got you covered so you can make the most of your trip to Pakistan.

1. Northern Pakistan Motorbike Adventure by Elsewheria – Best Overall Tour in Pakistan

• Days: 15 days and 14 nights 
• Price: $2950 USD
• Group Size: Up to 14 people
• Fitness Required: Moderate
• Accommodations: You’ll stay in a mix of traditional homestays, hotels and guesthouses, and tents
• Meals Included: Most meals are included
• Service Level: Standard/Comfortable

This is the ultimate motorbike tour of Hunza that non-riders are also welcome to join! It combines the best of the Karakoram and a bit of the Pakistani Himalayas into an epic trip across the region. If you want to experience one of the best road trips in the world, trek to base camps, and get to know locals, this is the Hunza Valley tour for you!

The tour starts in Skardu and proceeds to Fairy Meadows before heading on to Hunza where you’ll spend most of your time. You’ll get to experience the best of the Karakoram Highway as you’ll visit Karimabad, see the majestic Attabad Lake and the Passu Cathedral, and get off the beaten path in hidden side valleys. Your adventure will finish the KKH off at the Chinese border at the top of the Khunjerab Pass.

But there’s more! 

You’ll then head back down the KKH to top things off with a proper trek to Rakaposhi Basecamp, which I undoubtedly believe is the most beautiful peak on the planet.

By the time you get back to Skardu and the “Cold Desert” of Shigar, you will have ridden through an enormous variety of landscapes. 

In terms of logistics, Elsewheria will organize everything for you! This includes the bikes themselves, fuel, maintenance, 4×4 transport when needed, tasty local food, and epic Indigenous-owned accommodation. They also utilize a support vehicle, which is full of water and first aid supplies. Sounds pretty comprehensive if you ask me.

Who is this tour best for?

Motorbikers or adventure lovers looking to get well off the beaten path, as far as a Hunza itinerary is concerned.

Cons:

• You may miss out a bit if you don’t want to ride or get on a motorbike
• If you need modern amenities 24/7, this tour may not be for you

2. Highlights of Hidden Hunza by Elsewheria – Best Hunza Tour for Hikers

• Days: 13 days and 12 nights 
• Price: $2500 USD
• Group Size: Up to 14 people
• Fitness Required: Moderate
• Accommodations: You’ll stay in a mix of traditional homestays, hotels and guesthouses, and tents
• Meals Included: Most meals are included
• Service Level: Standard/Comfortable

This shorter tour by Elsewheria was made for hikers looking for a bit of a faster trip that still has all that Gilgit Baltistan mountain magic you’ve heard about! This adventure is motorbike-free, and is highlighted by trekking to the base camp of 9th 9th-highest mountain in the world, and ascending alongside the surreal Minapin Glacier to come face to face with Rakaposhi (the most beautiful peak you’ve never heard of), along with loads of immersive experiences in local homes.

Elsewheria works with local legends and drivers who are Indigenous to the region, and these connections make this tour more than just a bus ride along the KKH. You really get to know Hunza and its people, staying in locally-owned accommodation throughout.

You’ll find this adventure especially ideal if you’re short on time, but rest assured, you’re truly seeing the very best of the country without being too rushed. A real time to reset, get into some BIG mountains, and make lasting friendships with like-minded adventurers!

Who is this tour best for?

Adventurers looking for an epic group trip of fellow mountain lovers that combines decades of experience, unreal hikes and cultural immersion into an ideal 13-day journey.

Cons:

• Fewer destinations than other Hunza tours
• You’ll ideally want to have some hiking experience and exposure to high altitude

3. Pakistan Women’s Tour – Best Hunza Tour for Solo Female Travellers

• Days: 15 days and 14 nights 
• Price: $2000 USD
• Group Size: Up to 8 people
• Fitness Required: Medium. There’s no getting around it, the Hunza Valley is mountainous, and there’s a lot of walking up hills
• Accommodations: You’ll stay in a mix of traditional homestays, hotels and guesthouses
• Meals Included: Everything is included!
• Service Level: Standard

Samantha (who runs this tour exclusively with locals) literally lives in Hunza, and has created a unique Pakistan itinerary that goes beyond the typical Hunza tourist route.

Absolutely no traveler (except locals themselves) knows more about the Hunza Valley than she does, as it’s specifically a village of Central Hunza that she now calls home. As such, you can expect a seriously local and certifiably unique adventure that will bring you a mountain experience like no other.

This tour is women-only, and Samantha exclusively partners with Indigenous vendors: so unlike most trips on this list, all drivers and guides are from Hunza, and all hotels are owned by people from Gilgit Baltistan.

With stellar reviews, this women-only adventure takes you to some of the most remote places in Hunza that no other tour goes to. It also has an emphasis on supporting women-owned businesses, as well as day hikes throughout the valley. The entirety of the tour takes place in Gilgit Baltistan, meaning all tour activities 100% assist Indigenous folks of Gilgit Baltistan

If you’re looking for cultural immersion with likeminded ladies, it doesn’t get better than this due to Samantha’s legitimate family and friend connections.

Who is this tour best for?

Solo female travellers or groups of female friends looking to go on a big adventure. 

Cons:

• You won’t be able to bring your brother, boyfriend, or male best mate along.
• There’s not multiday treks if that’s what your looking for

4. Pakistan Expedition – Best North and South Pakistan Tour

• Days: 15 days and 14 nights
• Price: $4,050 
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 12 people at most
• Fitness Required: Medium – you will be taking on some big hills!
• Accommodations: You’ll spend 11 nights in hotels and 3 nights in cosy guesthouses
• Meals Included: All your breakfasts are included, along with 11 lunches and 9 dinners
• Service Level: Standard

This awesome tour is long enough that you can visit the Hunza Valley as well as Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad and the city of Lahore. It goes without saying that the time I spent in the Hunza Valley, surrounded by immense jagged peaks that stretched out in every direction, was the highlight of traveling to Pakistan.

You’ll get to explore loads of local villages in the valley and get a sense of what rural life is like in Pakistan. Discover adrenaline-inducing attractions like the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, possibly the most dangerous bridge in the world, and climb up to 2,900 meters to see the Passu Glacier!

Beyond the valley, explore the Walled City of Lahore, which was built more than a thousand years ago and wander through the city’s colourful and lively markets. I was extra entranced by the Akbari Mandi market, where the thick smell of spices followed me everywhere. 

Who is this tour best for?

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for your next extreme adventure, this is it. It’s also a great fit for outdoorsy couples, adrenaline junkies, and solo backpackers.

Cons:

• The tour is pretty long, so it’s not a great fit if you’re running out of holiday days at work.
• You’ll need to have some level of hiking experience and suitable outdoor gear

5. Best of Pakistan – Most Versatile Tour

• Days: 11 days and 10 nights
• Price: $2,700 or cheaper (sometimes their tours go on sale)
• Group Size: 16 people at most
• Fitness Required: Medium
• Accommodations: You’ll be in hotels every night
• Meals Included: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
• Service Level: Standard

This well-rounded tour has a bit of everything thrown in the mix. You’ll start off at Lahore, hit the capital, then travel deep into the Hunza Valley before ending up back in Islamabad. Along the way, you’ll get to experience the many contrasts that Pakistan embodies, from the most vibrant cities to rural villages with just a few houses. 

I got to know locals who were fighting to keep traditions like carpet weaving alive, climbed up to glaciers, and got lost for hours star gazing. To me, the Hunza Valley was more than some of the best hikes, though there’s no doubt the mountains were a big part of the trip.

You’ll also get to explore Karimabad, where you can lose yourself amongst the colourful stalls at the Karimabad Bazaar and explore the old Altit Fort. 

Who is this tour best for?

This tour is great for families, groups of friends, or solo backpackers. It’s a well-rounded tour that’s suited to pretty much any way, as long as you’re not adverse to some hiking.

Cons:

• There are some activities that you have to pay extra for to join. 
• You’ll have to take two internal flights, which might not appeal to you if you’re trying to live more eco-friendly. 

6. Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village – Best Tour for Budget Travellers

• Days: 13 days, 12 nights
• Price: $1,160
• Group Size: up to 16 people
• Fitness Required: Medium
• Accommodations: Hotels 
• Meals Included: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
• Service Level: Standard 

This affordable and busy tour packs a lot in for half the price of other options. You’ll kickstart your adventure in Lahore, a vibrant historical city. After that, you’ll drive up to Nathia Gali, where you’ll hike up the Miranjani Peak, which rises 3,000 meters above sea level! 

After that, you’ll visit a bunch of alpine lakes before heading into the famous Hunza Valley, which is what we’re all here for. Put your warmest jacket on and hike up to the Passu Glacier, which is one of the coolest natural phenomena I’ve seen in all my travels. 

After that, you’ll get a chance to slow down and immerse yourself in rural life in Karimabad. Before heading back to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, there were also a couple of days in Chilas, which was a nice surprise. It was the first settlement on the Silk Road, so it’s pretty special. 

Who is this tour best for?

Young backpackers who are trying to see the Hunza Valley as cheaply as possible, professionals looking for a change of scene, and anyone who likes to rough it and live life on the wild side. 

Cons:

• The tour is age restricted. Annoyingly, only 18-39-year-olds can join this tour. 
• You won’t take any internal flights on this trip, which is great if you’re trying to do your bit for the environment, but it does mean long bus journeys. 

Multiday tours are pretty expensive, and because everything is organised for you, they can feel a bit suffocating if you’re a wild and adventurous soul who prefers to wing it. 

They’re also not the best shout if you’re already road tripping in Pakistan and you’ve already done some of the hikes or visited some of the cities on the list. What’s the point in doubling back on yourself, right?

There’s no way around it, though, to go into the Hunza Valley, you’ll have to join a multiday tour, I’m afraid. 

BUT – if you just want to dip your toe in the water to see if a guided tour could be a good fit for you, then these day tours are a great choice. 

We’ll start off with tours from Pakistan’s capital. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in

1. Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour

I always struggle to know which attractions to prioritise when I arrive in cities as big as Islamabad. So I did myself a favour and let someone else decide for me! My guide was super friendly, and I have no doubt he knows all the best landmarks in town.

We got to see Rawal Lake, got lost in the maze of stalls at the Jinnah Super Market, and soaked in the city views from the Daman-e-Koh hill. The highlight of the trip for me was going to Saidpur Village, which is more than 500 years old!

2. Tour of Peshawar from Islamabad

The history of Peshawar dates back to at least 539 BCE, so you can bet this is a great tour if you’re a history nerd! You’ll get to see the 17th-century Mahabat Khan Mosque, learn all about the city’s past at the Peshawar Museum, and wander through the old Sethi Mohallah neighbourhood.

If you’re a big people watcher like me and you’re travelling for culture, then your favourite bits will be the Kissa Khwani Bazaar, where there are loads of down-to-earth Chai houses where you can stop for a brew.

Lahore had to make it onto my day tour options. It’s one of those cities where there’s so much to discover that knowing where to start can be overwhelming. 

These awesome tours will help you get your bearings!

1. Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour

Kickstart the day by visiting some important historical monuments, like the Lahore Fort and Minar-e-Pakistan tower. Your guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about them, so forget about reading placards!

Next up is the 17th-century Badshahi Mosque, built by the Mughals and the Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal. From there, we wandered through the Walled City, Lahore’s old town, which was so charming and packed with historical buildings.

To finish it off, we went for street food and hit the best markets!

2. Beyond Lahore: Katas Raj Temple, Khewra Salt Mines, & Kallar Kahar

Once I’d seen everything Lahore had to offer, I started to wonder what was beyond the city walls. So I joined this tour and went on an adventure.

First, we journeyed to the breathtaking Khewra Salt Mine, which was discovered in 320 BCE. This is where the famous pink Khewra salt comes from. After that, we went to the ancient Katas Raj Temple, which is one of Pakistan’s most important sacred sites.

Before heading back to the city, we stopped to soak in the views from the Kallar Kahar hill station.

It’s never easy figuring out all the logistics involved in going away, and you can go round and round in circles trying to make the right decision.

To put your mind at ease, I’ve put all the handy information you need to know for an epic trip to the Hunza Valley in one place – you’re welcome!

Best Time to Visit the Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley sits at over 2,000 meters, so you won’t be surprised to hear that it can get pretty darn COLD come late N! The seasons are clearly marked in Hunza, and I’d suggest avoiding winter altogether if you can. 

Hold off and wait till it gets warmer, trust me. Spring is milder, though you’ll still want to make sure you’ve got thick layers and up-to-date hiking gear. 

Come May, the valley starts to get much warmer, and the warmth carries through the summer months until September. In my humble opinion, this is the best window for a trip to Hunza. 

In July and August, it just about gets very hot and the region is prone to floods and landslides, so keep tabs on weather updates!

Travel Insurance for your Pakistan Trip

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

What to Pack for the Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley is one of those places you need to come to prepared. Flip flops and jeans won’t cut it for this one, I’m afraid. 

Here’s a list of alpine kit and warm layers you’ll want to get your hands on ahead of time:

• Lightweight hiking trousers. Ideally, get ones that unzip into shorts too so you can use them anytime of the day.
• A good head lamp if you’re doing a tour that involves camping.
• SPF 50 sun cream. Remember – just because it’s not hot doesn’t mean you can’t get burnt!  
• Hiking socks to stop you getting blisters.
• Some casual clothes for when you’re in cities. 
• Thermals for when the temperatures drop at night.
• A sturdy and broken in pair of hiking boots. 
• Your warmest coat. Down is my preferred kind.
• A comfy daypack you can go on long hikes with. 
• A lightweight, quick-drying travel towel in case you want to brave a dip in a lake.
• Some thin pyjamas that won’t make you sweat at night.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. You could also consider investing in a Grayl filter-bottle. 

A trip to the Hunza Valley isn’t something you can do every day. This epic valley is a maze of staggering mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and remote villages that are all connected by some of the most picturesque roads ever. 

There’s no point pretending you can see the Hunza Valley in a day – it can’t be done. It takes at least a week to get a real sense of the landscape and culture of the Hunza Valley, though I’d recommend going for as long as you can.

If you’re a biker, sign right up for Elsewheria’s Northern Pakistan Motorbike Adventure, and if you’re looking for something with only four wheels, go for the Highlights of Hidden Hunza trip. Expert backpacker experience and decades of Indigenous local knowledge make for an epic combo!

Whichever tour you go for, I hope your time in the Hunza Valley inspires you and reminds you of what really matters in life – adventure!