How to Travel Between Hunza and Skardu: Two Valleys, One Route

From Hunza, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) runs south to Gilgit in about two hours by car, a 100-kilometer stretch that follows the Hunza River through Attabad and Aliabad. Gilgit is the main transport hub; from here, the Skardu road branches east, climbing over the Deosai Plains or following the Indus River. The full drive from Hunza to Skardu takes 8 to 10 hours in good conditions, covering roughly 300 kilometers. Shared vans and coasters leave Gilgit for Skardu throughout the morning, typically from the main bus station near the Gilgit Serena Hotel. Fares are modest, but expect long, bumpy stretches and frequent stops.

The Overland Route: KKH to Skardu via Gilgit

The condition of the Skardu road varies; the section between Gilgit and Skardu via the Indus Highway is generally paved but can be affected by landslides, especially during the monsoon months of July and August. The alternative route over Deosai is only open from late June to September and is suitable for jeeps, not standard cars. If you prefer more comfort, private taxis from Hunza to Skardu can be arranged in Karimabad or Aliabad; negotiate the fare beforehand. I would book a private car with a local driver for the flexibility to stop at viewpoints like the Junction of the three mountain ranges near Jaglot.

By Air: The Fast but Weather-Dependent Option

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights between Gilgit and Skardu, and occasionally direct flights from Islamabad to Skardu. The flight from Gilgit to Skardu takes about 35 minutes, but services are notoriously unreliable due to mountain weather; flights are often cancelled at short notice. The airport in Skardu is 20 minutes from the town center. From Hunza, you would first need to reach Gilgit airport, a two-hour drive. Booking a flight is only worth it if you have a tight schedule and can afford to be flexible. Otherwise, the overland journey is more reliable.

For travelers based in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, or Faisalabad, flying to Skardu from Islamabad is possible with PIA, but again, weather delays are common. The views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram range from the plane are spectacular if you do get a clear day. I would only recommend this if you have spare days; otherwise, the road trip is part of the experience. Note that luggage allowances on these small aircraft are limited, so pack light. Also, flights often operate only in the morning, so plan to arrive at the airport early.

Where to Stay and What to Book

Hunza has a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses in Karimabad to mid-range hotels in Aliabad. For views of Rakaposhi and the Hunza Valley, Karimabad is the best base; hotels like the Hunza Serena Inn and the Eagle's Nest offer comfortable rooms with terraces. Prices for a double room range from PKR 8,000 to 20,000 per night, depending on the season. In Skardu, the Shangrila Resort and the Byarsa Hotel are popular choices, with rooms starting around PKR 10,000. For a more local experience, guesthouses in Skardu's Old Bazaar area are affordable and central.

When planning your trip, consider the season: spring (April-May) brings cherry blossoms to Hunza, while autumn (September-October) offers golden poplars. Skardu is best visited from May to September, when the roads are clear and the weather is mild. If you're booking through our site, look for hotels in Hunza with free cancellation, as mountain weather can change plans. I would book a hotel in Karimabad for the first two nights and then arrange transport to Skardu, rather than pre-booking everything, to allow for delays. Also, check if your hotel offers luggage storage if you plan to leave extra bags.

Practical Tips for the Journey

The drive from Hunza to Skardu is long, so start early to avoid traveling in the dark. The road passes through several checkpoints where you'll need to show your CNIC or passport; keep copies handy. There are few ATMs along the route, so carry enough cash for meals and emergencies. Mobile signals are patchy, especially in the mountains; download offline maps and save emergency numbers. If you're prone to altitude sickness, note that the route crosses the Deosai Plains at over 4,000 meters if you take that way; the Indus Highway route stays lower and is safer for most travelers.

Food options along the way are limited to small dhabas serving simple fare like daal and roti. In Gilgit, you can stop at the Serena Hotel for a proper meal. The journey is scenic but tiring; consider breaking it up with an overnight stay in Gilgit. There are basic hotels near the bus station, but I would recommend the Gilgit Serena or the Park Hotel for comfort. Remember to respect local customs; dress modestly and ask before taking photos of people. Finally, check road conditions locally before setting out, as landslides can block the KKH for hours.

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