20-Day Grand Tour: Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Boarding

Full Board

Tour Type

Family Friendly

Best Time

March to September

Duration

20 Days

Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan Grand Tour Overview

The 20-Day Ultimate Gilgit-Baltistan Grand Tour is the most comprehensive journey through Northern Pakistan, designed for travelers who want to experience the region’s legendary landscapes, ancient cultures, and iconic mountain scenery in a single, seamless itinerary. Beginning in Islamabad, the tour follows the historic Karakoram Highway into the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, covering Diamer, Astore, Deosai National Park, Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu, Hunza, Nagar, and Ghizer. This carefully planned route combines scenic drives, cultural heritage sites, alpine lakes, high mountain passes, and light walks, making it both adventurous and comfortable. Ideal for international visitors, this grand tour showcases the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges while offering deep insight into the region’s diverse traditions and landscapes.

The Ultimate Gilgit-Baltistan tour is our most comprehensive journey through the crown jewel of Pakistan’s northern territories. Over 20 days, travelers go beyond the standard tourist tracks to experience the full diversity of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges. This expedition-style road tour blends high-altitude adventure with boutique heritage stays, focusing on the three pillars of the north: Hunza, Baltistan, and Ghizer.

From the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake to the cold deserts of Skardu and the high-altitude plateaus of Deosai, this 20-day grand tour offers an immersive dive into the region’s unique languages, mountain cuisines, and centuries-old forts. Designed for those who want to see it all without the rush, this is the definitive Karakoram experience.

  • Regions Covered: Islamabad, Naran, Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu, Gilgit, Hunza, and Ghizer Valley.
  • Best Time to Travel: May – October 2026.
  • Travel Style: Private AC vehicles, heritage hotels (fort-palaces), and domestic flights.
  • Highlights: Khunjerab Pass (China Border), Deosai National Park, and Rakaposhi Viewpoint.

Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan Grand Tour Highlights

  • The Silk Road Legacy: Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH), following the ancient paths of traders and monks.
  • Heritage Fort Stays: Spend nights in restored 17th-century palaces like Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace.
  • The Roof of the World: Visit Deosai National Park, the world’s second-highest plateau, home to the Himalayan Brown Bear.
  • Border Crossing Vistas: Stand at Khunjerab Pass (4,693m), the highest paved international border crossing in the world.
  • Turquoise Lakes & Glaciers: Boat on Attabad Lake and walk the edge of the Hoper Glacier in the Nagar Valley.
  • Ghizer Valley Exploration: Discover the “Land of Lakes” in Ghizer, featuring the serene Phander Lake and crystal-clear trout streams.

Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan Grand Tour Logistics

Is this tour right for you? The Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan tour is a non-trekking, vehicle-based tour, though it involves light walking and optional short hikes.

Transport & Comfort

We utilize 4×4 Land Cruisers or luxury AC vans depending on group size. While most roads are paved, some sections in Baltistan and Ghizer require off-road capability. We prioritize the best available accommodation, including Serena Hotels and restored heritage properties.

Altitude Management

The tour gradually increases in altitude. While we visit Deosai (4,000m+), we only stay briefly and return to lower altitudes for sleep, ensuring comfort for all ages.

Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan Grand Tour Inclusions/Exclusions

InclusionsExclusions
Airport transfers & all ground transportationInternational airfare & visa costs
Domestic flights (if mentioned in itinerary)Travel & medical insurance
Hotel accommodation (twin-sharing)Meals not specified in itinerary
Meals as specified in itineraryTips & gratuities to staff
Professional English-speaking guideOptional activities outside of itinerary
All sightseeing as per programAdditional hotel nights
Entrance fees to forts & heritage sitesEarly departure or itinerary changes
All tolls, taxes & parkingRescue or emergency costs
Basic first-aid kitPersonal expenses & shopping
Local operational support throughout tourForce majeure expenses

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
  • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
  • Meet & greet by Karakoram Treks representative
  • Transfer to hotel
  • Rest and recovery
  • Evening briefing about the tour
  • Overnight stay in Islamabad
Day 2 Islamabad to Chilas, Diamer
  • Early morning departure from Islamabad
  • Drive via Naran & Babusar Pass (seasonal) or Karakoram Highway
  • Scenic stops along rivers and valleys
  • Arrival in Chilas
  • Overnight stay in Chilas
Day 3 Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Raikot Bridge
  • Jeep ride to Tattu Village
  • Short hike to Fairy Meadows
  • Panoramic views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m)
  • Overnight stay in Fairy Meadows (hut/camp)
Day 4 Diamer to Astore Valley
  • Early morning views of Nanga Parbat
  • Return hike to Tattu Village
  • Visit Thalpan Petroglyphs
  • Drive to Astore Valley
  • Hotel check-in and rest
  • Overnight stay in Astore
Day 5 Astore Valley & Rama Lake
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Excursion to Rama Meadows & Rama Lake
  • Scenic photography and leisure time
  • Optional short walks
  • Return to Astore
  • Overnight stay in Astore
Day 6 Astore to Deosai National Park
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Deosai Plateau
  • Visit Kala Pani & Sheosar Lake
  • Wildlife spotting and photography
  • Overnight stay in Deosai (camp/lodge)
Day 7 Deosai to Skardu
  • Breakfast at camp
  • Drive across Deosai plains
  • Visit Sadpara Lake
  • Arrival in Skardu
  • Hotel check-in and rest
  • Overnight stay in Skardu
Day 8 Skardu Sightseeing
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Visit Kharpocho Fort & Nang Soq Organic Village
  • Explore Manthal Buddha Rock
  • Walk through Skardu Bazaar
  • Leisure evening
  • Overnight stay in Skardu
Day 9 Shigar Valley & Cold Desert
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Shigar Valley
  • Visit Shigar Fort & Blind Lake
  • Explore Sarfaranga Cold Desert
  • Return to Skardu
  • Overnight stay in Skardu
Day 10 Khaplu Valley Excursion
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Khaplu Valley
  • Visit Khaplu Fort & Chaqchan Mosque
  • Scenic stops along the Shyok River
  • Return to Skardu
  • Overnight stay in Skardu
Day 11 Skardu to Hunza Valley
  • Early morning departure
  • Drive via Gilgit along Karakoram Highway
  • Visit Junction of Three Mountain Ranges
  • Arrival in Karimabad, Hunza
  • Overnight stay in Hunza
Day 12 Hunza Valley Exploration
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Visit Baltit Fort & Altit Fort
  • Explore Aliabad & Karimabad Bazaars
  • Visit Attabad Lake & Passu Glacier
  • Overnight stay in Hunza
Day 13 Khunjerab Pass & Upper Hunza
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Khunjerab Pass (4,693m)
  • Explore Sost Valley & Passu Village
  • Scenic photography stops
  • Return to Hunza
  • Overnight stay in Hunza
Day 14 Hunza to Gilgit & Ghizer Valley
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Gilgit
  • Visit Kargah Buddha & Suspension Bridge
  • Continue to Phandar Valley (Ghizer)
  • Arrival and relaxation
  • Overnight stay in Phandar
Day 15 Travel Back to Gilgit
  • Drive back to Gilgit
  • Exploration and overnight stay in Gilgit
Day 16 Visit Nagar Valley
  • Short drive to Nagar Valley
  • Visit:, Hopper Glacier, Traditional Nagar settlements
  • Rakaposhi View Point
  • Cultural interaction with local communities
  • Overnight stay in Nagar or Hunza
Day 17 Nagar to Gilgit
  • Drive back to Gilgit
  • Leisure time for shopping and rest
  • Farewell dinner in Gilgit
  • Overnight stay in Gilgit
Day 18 Gilgit to Islamabad
  • Drive via Karakoram Highway
  • Transfer to hotel
  • Evening free
  • Overnight stay in Islamabad
Day 19 Islamabad Sightseeing & Contingency Day
  • Rest day in Islamabad
  • Preparation for flight back home
  • Sightseeing options: Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, Saidpur Village
Day 20 Flight Back to Islamabad
  • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport
  • Flight back home
  • End of

1 review for 20-Day Grand Tour: Ultimate Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

  1. Mateo Rojas

    Absolutely breathtaking! The mountains, glaciers, and villages made this tour unforgettable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price for the 20-Day Ultimate Gilgit-Baltistan tour?

The Ultimate Gilgit-Baltistan tour cost varies based on group size and hotel selection, starting from $3,500 USD per person for a luxury private package. This includes all domestic flights, transport, accommodation, meals, and local guides.

Is the Gilgit Baltistan grand tour suitable for families and seniors?

Yes! This is a Moderate difficulty tour designed for comfort. We can customize the pace to include more rest days or fewer long driving hours to suit family needs.

What should I pack for a 20-day trip?

Even in summer, temperatures vary. Pack layers: breathable shirts for the valley heat and a heavy down jacket/windbreaker for the high passes (Khunjerab/Deosai). Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the forts and villages.

Do I need a special permit for this tour?

We handle all the permits and fee required for restricted areas or certain border zones. You only need a valid Pakistan Tourist Visa.

Why choose Karakoram Treks?

We are local experts with nearly two decades of experience. Unlike international agencies, we have direct relationships with local communities, ensuring you get the most authentic cultural interactions and the most reliable logistics.