Ten days is enough to see the highlights of Gilgit-Baltistan: two nights at Fairy Meadows, three in Hunza with a day trip to the Khunjerab Pass, and three in Skardu with Deosai. This route runs from May to October, drives north on the Karakoram Highway and flies back from Skardu to Islamabad, with a road plan ready if the flight is cancelled.
Day-by-day plan
- Day 1: Islamabad to Chilas via the Babusar Pass (open roughly June to October) or the Karakoram Highway. A long scenic drive of 10 to 12 hours.
- Day 2: Chilas to Raikot Bridge, jeep to Tato and hike to Fairy Meadows.
- Day 3: Fairy Meadows. Walk to Beyal Camp and the Nanga Parbat viewpoint.
- Day 4: Back down to Raikot Bridge and drive to Karimabad, Hunza, stopping at the Rakaposhi viewpoint.
- Day 5: Hunza. Baltit and Altit forts, Karimabad bazaar and sunset at Eagle's Nest.
- Day 6: Day trip to the Khunjerab Pass via Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Hussaini Bridge.
- Day 7: Hunza to Skardu by road along the Indus, about seven to eight hours.
- Day 8: Skardu. Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes, Shigar Fort and the Sarfaranga cold desert.
- Day 9: Full-day jeep trip to Deosai and Sheosar Lake (June to September), or Khaplu outside the season.
- Day 10: Fly Skardu to Islamabad, about an hour.
Adapting the route
With seven days, skip Fairy Meadows and fly into Gilgit or Skardu. With fourteen days, add Khaplu, Naltar or the Shimshal valley, and spend an extra night in Hunza. In April, swap Deosai for the cherry blossom in Hunza and Skardu; in October, follow the autumn colours in Hunza and Ghizer.
Travelling safely on mountain roads
Landslides can close sections of the Karakoram Highway and the Skardu road after heavy rain. Travel with an experienced local driver, avoid driving after dark, carry copies of your passport or CNIC for checkpoints, and keep some cash as ATMs in the mountains can be empty.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Gilgit-Baltistan?+
Yes. Ten days covers Fairy Meadows, Hunza, the Khunjerab Pass, Skardu and Deosai at a comfortable pace if you drive one way and fly the other.
Should I drive or fly to Gilgit-Baltistan?+
Driving is reliable and part of the experience; flights to Gilgit and Skardu save a day each way but are often cancelled by weather. Combining both is the most flexible option.
What is the best month for a Gilgit-Baltistan road trip?+
June to September for Fairy Meadows, Deosai and the Babusar Pass. April for blossom and October for autumn colours, when some high routes may be closed.
