The north of Pakistan offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and exceptional landscapes that leave everyone in awe. There are not many road trips in the world that come close to northern Pakistan in terms of mesmerising natural beauty. From sky-high, snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear turquoise lakes, winding alleys and ancient forts, a road trip across northern Pakistan will offer some of the most spectacular scenery and refreshing experiences. A well-planned northern Pakistan road trip itinerary can give you some of the most unforgettable memories of your life.
If you are a fan of road trips and have heard about the exceptional northern areas of Pakistan, it is about time that you experience them first-hand. We have the perfect itinerary to ensure a memorable, smooth trip to northern Pakistan. Let’s not waste any time and get to this comprehensive guide.
Why is the Northern Pakistan Road Trip Worth it?
Even though Pakistan has become increasingly popular among travellers, some people still wonder whether visiting the country is worth it. You might have heard stories from many fellow UK travellers who have visited northern Pakistan. If this has intrigued you too, we assure you that you will truly have an incredible road trip in this incredible South Asian gem.
Road travel in northern Pakistan is unique. You will be surprised to learn that the most beautiful locations in this area are not within destinations but between them. This makes road trips much more exciting. The journey becomes part of the whole experience. Some of the highlights of a road trip to northern Pakistan include:
- Driving on the legendary Karakoram Highway
- Viewing some of the world’s highest mountain ranges
- Exploring remote valleys and traditional villages
- Witnessing dramatic landscapes that change every few kilometres
- Stopping at lakes, viewpoints, waterfalls, and historical sites along the way
Suggested 10-Day Northern Pakistan Road Trip Itinerary
Here is a suggested 10-day itinerary for a northern Pakistan road trip you can follow.
Day 1: Islamabad to Naran
Most trips to northern Pakistan start in Islamabad, the capital. Start your trip from here, travelling towards Naran. This journey will take around 6 to 8 hours. You will pass through various areas during your trip, including Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Balakot, before reaching the breathtaking Naran Valley. Some of the must-see spots in this region include:
- Kiwai Waterfall
- Kaghan Valley viewpoints
- Kunhar River
- Naran bazaar
Day 2: Naran to Gilgit via Babusar Pass
This is one of the most scenic drives in the country. This drive takes about 7 to 8 hours and takes you through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and sights. During this drive, you will get a chance to witness the mesmerising Himalayan landscapes before they descend toward Gilgit. Here are some of the highlights of this road trip.
- Babusar Top (4,173 metres)
- Lulusar Lake
- Spectacular mountain panoramas
Day 3: Gilgit to Hunza Valley
At only 2 to 3 hours, the trip from Gilgit to Hunza Valley is a memorable journey. This journey follows a small portion of the famous Karakoram Highway. There are many major attractions along this route. Therefore, make sure to stop, take in the beautiful sights, and make memories as you travel along this stunning route. Here are some attractions that you will come across during your Gilgit to Hunza Valley road trip.
- Rakaposhi viewpoint
- Altit Fort
- Baltit Fort
Day 4: Explore Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley deserves a whole day, if not more, for its exploration. It is one of the most popular destinations in northern Pakistan. Once you reach this valley, you will realise that one day is not enough to explore and experience its breathtaking natural beauty. Some of the places that you can visit during your time in this valley include:
- Eagle’s Nest viewpoint
- Duikar
- Karimabad
You will get a chance to see many famous peaks from this valley, including Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger Peak, and the Golden Peak.
Day 5: Hunza to Khunjerab Pass
There is no denying that the Hunza to Khunjerab Pass is one of the most exciting rides of northern Pakistan. It gives you a chance to travel through high-altitude landscapes and photograph the glorious natural scenery. Some of the famous spots along this route are listed below.
- Attabad Lake
- Passu Cones
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Khunjerab Pass
Day 6: Hunza to Skardu
The driving time for the Hunza to Skardu road trip is around 7 to 9 hours. You will drive along part of the Karakoram Highway before entering Baltistan. During this ride, you will have the most dramatic scenery all around you at all times. Some of the scenic highlights of this journey include:
- Junction Point of three mountain ranges
- Indus River views
- Jaglot Valley
- Mountain villages
Day 7: Explore Skardu
Like Hunza, Skardu is also one of the top destinations in northern Pakistan. Not many people know this, but Skardu is a gateway to some of the country’s highest peaks. Tourists love this incredible destination, with many attractions to explore. Let’s list some of the top attractions in Skardu.
- Shangrila Resort
- Upper Kachura Lake
- Skardu Fort
- Sadpara Lake
Day 8: Skardu to Deosai National Park
You may have heard about Deosai. It is the Land of Giants. Deosai’s landscape features vast grasslands with snow-capped mountains in the background. If you plan to visit this region in summer, you might even witness some stunning wildflowers. Some of the top attractions within Deosai are:
- Sheosar Lake
- Deosai Plains
After exploring Deosai, return to Skardu in the evening.
Day 9: Skardu to Fairy Meadows Route
Start your journey from Skardu towards the Raikot Bridge and the Fairy Meadows region. The traveler then continues the journey on this route by jeep, then hikes to Fairy Meadows. This beautiful destination is the favourite among locals and international tourists alike. Some of the highlights of Fairy Meadows are:
- Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat
- Lush green meadows
- Incredible night skies
- Peaceful mountain environment
Day 10: Fairy Meadows to Islamabad
On day 10, start your return trip from the Fairy Meadows to Islamabad. Before that, we suggest that you witness a stunning sunrise over the majestic Nanga Parbat. As you head home, take your time to soak in the mesmerising natural beauty of northern Pakistan.
Summing Up
You can never go wrong with a trip to northern Pakistan. This part of the country is all about breathtaking scenery, pleasant weather, and welcoming people. As you explore various destinations in the north, you will learn so much about the rich culture and lifestyle of mountain life in Pakistan. Also, let’s not forget about the gifts of nature here that will leave you in awe. So, as you go for a road trip in northern Pakistan, share your experience with us and other travellers who are curious about this side of Pakistan.
