Ultimate Hunza Travel Guide
Hunza Valley, located in the breathtaking region of Gilgit-Baltistan, is one of Northern Pakistan's most famous travel destinations. Known for its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and friendly locals, Hunza sits at an altitude of about 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Popular spots like Baltit Fort, Attabad Lake, and the Passu Cones attract tourists year-round. This guide will help you plan your journey from Islamabad to Hunza, covering travel routes, stopovers, and useful tips. Whether you choose the Naran-Babusar route or the Karakoram Highway (KKH), we’ll help you reach Hunza easily and safely.
Distance & Travel Time
The distance from Islamabad to Hunza is about 650 km via the Naran route and 750 km via the Karakoram Highway. It usually takes around 17 to 18 hours to reach Hunza by road, depending on weather and road conditions.
Islamabad to Hunza By Road
There are two main road routes to reach Hunza from Islamabad or Rawalpindi: one is the scenic Naran route, and the other is the famous Karakoram Highway (KKH). If you don’t want to manage all the travel details yourself, book Hunza tour packages covering both these routes with transport, accommodation, and sightseeing options.
Here is the detail guide about Islamabad to Hunza by road via both routes.
Via Naran and Babusar Top Route(Seasonal)
The Naran route is one of the most breathtaking and scenic roads in Northern Pakistan. Traveling this way, you can easily reach stunning destinations like Hunza and Skardu. The total distance from Islamabad to Hunza via this route is approximately 560 kilometers. The journey typically takes 18 to 20 hours by road, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Route:
Islamabad → M1 Motorway → Hazara Motorway → Mansehra → Balakot → Kiwai → Naran → Babusar Top → Chilas → Jaglot → Gilgit → Hunza
The best time to visit Hunza via the Naran route is from May to October, as Babusar Top closes during winter due to heavy snowfall. During winter, travelers use the Karakoram Highway route to reach Hunza.
Sightseeing Along the Naran Route:
- Makra Peak Viewpoint
- Kiwai Waterfall
- Mahandri
- Suki Kinari Tunnels & Dams
- Kaghan Glaciers
- Naran Town
- Sohani Waterfall
- Batakundi
- Pyala Lake (Ashyana Lake) at Jalkhad
- Lulusar Lake
- Babusar Top
- Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
- 3M Junction
- Gilgit City
- Hunza Valley
Activities to Enjoy on the Naran Route:
- Photography of stunning landscapes
- Water activities and refreshments at Kiwai Waterfall
- Visit Shogran (accessible via Kiwai Waterfall)
- Boating and photography at Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Naran
- Ziplining and river rafting in the Kunhar River (5 km from Naran)
- Relax and capture the peaceful scenery of Batakundi
- Visit Lulusar Lake
- Enjoy valley views from Babusar Top, including ziplining, cycling, and refreshments
- Stop at Nanga Parbat Viewpoint for incredible mountain views
Traveling from Islamabad to Hunza in one day can be very tiring, especially for families. Most travelers prefer a comfortable and relaxed journey. It’s recommended to complete this trip in two days. On the first day, travel from Islamabad to either Naran or Batakundi. Both places offer a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury hotels. Naran is usually crowded during peak season, and finding a hotel can sometimes be difficult. Batakundi, however, now has many new, affordable, and comfortable hotel options. Stay overnight in Naran or Batakundi, and continue your journey to Hunza early the next morning.
Via Karakoram Highway (KKH)
You can also reach Hunza easily via the Karakoram Highway, one of Pakistan’s most popular and scenic road journeys. This iconic highway remains open throughout the year, so you can plan your trip in any season. However, it’s best to avoid traveling during the monsoon or rainy season due to the risk of landslides in some areas.
The total distance via KKH is about 620 kilometers, and it usually takes around 18 to 20 hours by road, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
The road condition on KKH is generally very good, with smooth, well-maintained stretches. However, some sections may be rough or under maintenance, so exercise caution in those areas.
Your road trip via KKH will be mostly smooth, comfortable, and filled with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful landscapes.
Route:
Islamabad → M1 Motorway → Hazara Motorway → Besham → Dasu → Chilas → Jaglot → Gilgit → Hunza
Best Time to Travel via KKH
The Karakoram Highway remains open all year round, making it a reliable route to Hunza Valley. However, avoid traveling at night or during heavy rains (monsoon season) due to the risk of landslides.
Popular Sightseeing Spots Along KKH:
- Thakot Bridge
- Besham City
- Chilas Zero Point
- Nanga Parbat Viewpoint (near Raikot Bridge)
- Junction of Three Great Mountain Ranges (Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush)
- Gilgit City
- Rakaposhi Viewpoint
- Hunza Valley
Activities to Enjoy on the KKH Route
- Photography at scenic mountain viewpoints
- Stop for snacks and local food at Besham and Dasu
- Witness the mighty Indus River flowing alongside the highway
- Visit Nanga Parbat Viewpoint for spectacular mountain views
- Explore and shop at Gilgit City Bazaar
- Capture sunset and mountain views at Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Islamabad to Hunza By Air
You can also easily reach Hunza from Islamabad by air. Gilgit city has a well-developed airport that offers flights connecting Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Daily flights operate between Islamabad and Gilgit, while flights from Lahore and Karachi run on specific days.
A flight from Islamabad to Gilgit takes about 1 hour. From Gilgit Airport, you can hire a car or taxi to reach Hunza’s most famous town, Karimabad, within 1 to 2 hours.
Final Travel Tips
If you want to visit Hunza but have limited time, traveling by air is highly recommended. Flying saves you a lot of time and helps you avoid the fatigue of a long road trip.
However, if you have enough time, taking the scenic Naran route by road offers an unforgettable journey filled with beautiful memories of Northern Pakistan’s stunning landscapes.
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