Spring in Pakistan is a beautiful season, usually spanning from March to May. It offers temperate weather and blooming landscapes, perfect for exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the country.
It is a season of rejuvenation and is ideal for exploring both the natural beauty and cultural richness of Pakistan, especially in areas like Hunza where the landscape comes alive. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Pakistan in spring has something spectacular to offer.
The joy of walking through local villages and engage with local residents, have tea or meals with them is priceless.
Highlights:
● Skardu & Shigar Valleys: Explore the majestic Karakoram landscapes and serene valleys.
● Cold Desert / Sarafaranga Desert: Experience one of the world’s highest deserts.
● Hunza & Nagar Spring Blossoms: Witness valleys bursting into apricot, cherry, and almond blooms.
● Attabad Lake & Khunjerab Pass Excursion: Relax beside turquoise waters and ascend to the world’s highest paved border crossing.
● Historic Gilgit & Takht Bhai Monastery: Discover centuries-old Buddhist sites and cultural heritage.
How to get there?
There is a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Islamabad via Pakistani Airlines. However, last year we used Thai Airways from Kuala Lumpur to Islamabad. We transit via Bangkok on the way to Islamabad. It is too early to get the accurate pricing for 2027 schedules. We recommend that you fly by Thai Airways.
Difficulty of the trip
The difficulty is easy to moderate. There are few places of visit which needs some short walks.
Pakistan Visa
You will need to apply for the Pakistan Visa online. We will provide you with the necessary information. Presently, the Pakistan Visa fees are free.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Most of the time we will be travelling below 3,000 metres (below the altitude where AMS may occur). There is only one time where we will be travelling to Khunjerab Pass (4,600M). However, we will be only spending a couple of hours there. You may take “Diamox” to prevent it.
Itinerary
Day 1 – April 5: Arrival in Islamabad Altitude: 540 m | Temperature: 18–30°C |
Arrive in Pakistan at your own arrangement and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and recover from your international journey.
Hotel: Faletti’s Hotel Islamabad
Day 2 – April 6: Islamabad ✈ Skardu Altitude: 2,230 m | Flight: 1 hr | Drive: 3–4 hrs | Temperature: 8–20°C
Board one of the world’s most spectacular mountain flights from Islamabad to Skardu, offering breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat and the mighty Karakoram Range.
Upon arrival, begin exploring Baltistan with a visit to the scenic Indus River View Point, followed by the ancient Manthal Buddha Rock, an impressive 8th-century Buddhist carving that reflects the region’s rich history. Continue to the beautiful Satpara Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and spring blossoms. Enjoy a leisurely walk through a traditional Organic Village, where you can observe local farming practices, traditional homes, and daily village life while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Baltistan.
Hotel: PC Legacy Skardu
Day 3 – April 7: Skardu → Khaplu Valley Altitude: 2,600 m | Drive: 3 hrs | Temperature: 8–20°C
After breakfast, depart for the beautiful Khaplu Valley, one of Baltistan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. The drive follows the Shyok River through traditional villages, cultivated fields, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Upon arrival, explore the magnificent Khaplu Palace, one of the finest examples of Balti architecture and now beautifully restored by Serena. Continue to the historic Chaqchan Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the region and an extraordinary example of Tibetan, Persian, and Kashmiri architectural influences.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying leisurely walks through traditional villages and blossom-covered apricot orchards.
Hotel: Serena Khpalu Palace
Day 4 – April 8: Khaplu → Skardu → Shigar Altitude: 2,230–2,600 m | Drive: 4–5 hrs | Temperature: 8–20°C
After breakfast, depart from Khaplu and begin the scenic drive towards Shigar Valley. Along the way, stop at the spectacular Sarfaranga Cold Desert, one of the highest cold deserts in the world, where golden sand dunes stand in dramatic contrast to the surrounding snow-covered mountains.
Continue to the picturesque Shigar Valley, often referred to as the gateway to the Karakoram. Upon arrival, explore the beautifully restored Shigar Fort, one of Pakistan’s most remarkable heritage properties and a fine example of Balti architecture. Spend the evening relaxing in the beautiful gardens of the fort and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Hotel: Shigar fort Serena
Day 5 – April 9: Shigar → Gilgit Altitude: 1,500 m | Drive: 6–7 hrs | Temperature: 10–24°C
Depart from Shigar and drive north through spectacular mountain landscapes following the mighty Indus River. Stop at Jaglot Junction, one of the few places on Earth where the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges converge.
Before arriving in Gilgit, visit the ancient Kargah Buddha, a remarkable rock carving dating back to the 7th century and one of the region’s most important archaeological sites.
Enjoy an evening walk through Gilgit Bazaar, known for its gemstones and local handicrafts.
Hotel: Gilgit Serena Hotel
Day 6 – April 10: Gilgit → Karimabad (Hunza) Altitude: 2,500 m | Drive: 3–4 hrs | Temperature: 10–22°C
Drive north along the legendary Karakoram Highway, stopping at the magnificent Rakaposhi Viewpoint, where the 7,788-metre peak rises dramatically above the valley. Arrive in Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza, and explore the historic Baltit Fort and lively Karimabad Bazaar, known for local handicrafts and semi-precious stones.
The group will also visit a Gemstone shope that sells authentic gemstones in Hunza.
Hotel: Eaglest Nest Hotel
Day 7 – April 11: Central Hunza Exploration Altitude: 2,500 m | Drive: 2–3 hrs | Temperature: 10–22°C
Spend the day exploring the cultural and natural treasures of Central Hunza. Visit the beautifully restored Altit Fort, one of the oldest monuments in Gilgit-Baltistan, and stroll through the charming Altit Village.
Enjoy tea and the famous walnut cake at one of the local cafés before driving to Duikar (Eagle’s Nest) for one of the finest panoramic views in Northern Pakistan, overlooking Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak. Spring blossoms transform Hunza into a paradise of pink and white apricot and cherry flowers.
Hotel: Eagles Nest Hotel
Day 8 – April 12: Hopper Valley → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Shishkat Altitude: 2,300–2,600 m | Drive: 4–5 hrs | Temperature: 8–20°C
Drive to the beautiful Hopper Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in Nagar, and enjoy spectacular views of Hopper Glacier and the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Continue towards the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake for a scenic boat ride before passing through Shishkat Village and Gulmit Village, where traditional Wakhi settlements and blossoming apricot trees create unforgettable scenery.
Hotel: Villa Darya, Shishkat
Day 9 – April 13: Upper Hunza Exploration → Sost Altitude: 2,500–2,800 m | Drive: 3–4 hrs | Temperature: 5–18°C
Spend the day exploring Upper Hunza, beginning with Ghulkin Village, surrounded by traditional homes, cultivated fields and spring blossom orchards. Continue to Hussaini, with time to experience the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge, before proceeding to the peaceful Borith Lake.
From there, continue towards Passu, enjoying views of the iconic Passu Cones and the surrounding Karakoram landscape. Later, drive through Morkhun Village, another traditional settlement along the Karakoram Highway, before continuing to Sost for the overnight stay.
Hotel: Serena Sost Day
10 – April 14: Khunjerab Pass → Eagle’s Nest, Hunza Altitude: Khunjerab 4,693 m / Duikar 2,850 m | Drive: 7–8 hrs | Temperature: Hunza 5–18°C / Khunjerab -5–5°C
Depart early from Sost and drive towards Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the gateway between Pakistan and China. Travel through Khunjerab National Park, with opportunities to spot ibex, marmots and other high-altitude wildlife. Continue to Khunjerab Pass for photography and time to experience the spectacular high-mountain surroundings.
After the visit, drive back through Upper Hunza and continue to Duikar (Eagle’s Nest), arriving in the evening for an overnight stay overlooking the Hunza Valley.
Hotel: Eagle’s Nest Hotel, Duikar
Day 11 – April 15: Leisure at Duikar → Gilgit Altitude: Duikar 2,850 m / Gilgit 1,500 m | Drive: 2.5–3 hrs | Temperature: 10–22°C
Enjoy a slow-paced morning at leisure in Duikar (Eagle’s Nest), with time to relax and take in the panoramic views of the Hunza Valley and surrounding Karakoram peaks. There is no rush today, allowing guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take photographs, or simply spend time at the hotel. In the afternoon, depart for Gilgit, following the Karakoram Highway through the scenic Hunza and Nagar valleys.
Arrive in Gilgit by evening and check in for the overnight stay.
Hotel: Gilgit Serena Hotel
Day 12 – April 16: Gilgit → Skardu Altitude: 2,230 m | Drive: 6–7 hrs | Temperature: 8–20°C
Enjoy one of Pakistan’s most scenic drives as you travel through the Indus Valley from Gilgit to Skardu. The route offers spectacular mountain scenery, dramatic gorges, and picturesque villages. Stop at various viewpoints along the way and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan before arriving in Skardu by late afternoon.
Hotel: PC Legacy Skardu
Day 13 – April 17: Skardu ✈ Islamabad → Taxila Altitude: 540 m | Flight: 1 hr | Drive: 1.5 hrs each way | Temperature: 18–30°C
Board your return flight to Islamabad, once again enjoying magnificent aerial views of the Karakoram and Himalaya. Upon arrival, drive to the ancient city of Taxila, one of South Asia’s most important archaeological and Buddhist heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the renowned Taxila Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Gandharan Buddhist art, followed by visits to the archaeological sites of Dharmarajika Stupa, Jaulian Monastery, and Sirkap, the ancient city founded by the Indo-Greeks. Return to Islamabad in the evening.
Hotel: Faletti’s Hotel Islamabad
Day 14 – April 18: Day in Islamabad Altitude: 540 m | Temperature: 18–30°C | Drive: 2–3 hrs Today is intentionally kept free to rest after your international journey and adjust to the new surroundings. Optional sightseeing can be arranged to Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh, Lok Virsa Museum, and Saidpur Village.
Hotel: Faletti’s Hotel Islamabad
Day 15 – April 19: Departure from Islamabad Altitude: 540 m | Drive: 45 mins | Temperature: 18–30°C Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward international departure. We hope you leave Pakistan with unforgettable memories of its mountains, heritage, spring blossoms, and warm hospitality.
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