Hunza Winter Tours

Overview

Hunza Valley, the most visited destination in Pakistan, is a magnificent region surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. Situated 100 km from Gilgit-Baltistan, it covers an area of 7,900 square kilometers. The weather in the valley is extremely cold during the winter, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Hunza Valley showcases diverse landscapes throughout the seasons. In the winter, the valley is covered in a blanket of white snow, while the surrounding peaks become even more majestic under heavy snowfall. The vibrant colors of other seasons fade into a serene, frozen landscape, with temperatures dropping significantly below 0 degrees Celsius by December and January.

Plan Your Journey

DayDestinationResidence
1Arrival in Islamabad Hotel
2Drive to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway Hotel
3Drive to Hunza, stop at Rakaposhi Viewpoint Hotel
4Explore Karimabad: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and local culture Hotel
5Visit Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge Hotel
6Day trip to Khunjerab Pass, explore the Karakoram Highway Hotel
7Drive to Hopper Valley, enjoy views of Hopper Glacier Hotel
8Return to Chilas, enjoy scenic stops en route Hotel
9Drive back to Islamabad, visit Taxila Museum en route (optional) Hotel
10Debriefing and onward journeyFly Out
Transportation

  • Airport transfers (Islamabad and Skardu).

  • Air-conditioned minibuses for Ministry of Tourism briefings and sightseeing.

  • Domestic flights (Islamabad to Skardu, PK 451).

  • 4×4 jeeps for members and Toyota Loader for equipment (Skardu to Jhola and Hushe to Skardu).

Accommodation

  • 2 nights at Grand Hotel Islamabad (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis.

  • 2 nights at Shangri-La Midway or Panorama Inn, Skardu (full board).

  • 3 nights at Blue Sky Hotel, Masherbrum Inn, Dewan-e-Khans, or K-2 Motel, Skardu (full board).

Note: Alternative accommodations will be provided if mentioned hotels are unavailable.

Additional Services

  • Low-altitude porters for luggage and equipment transport.

  • Porter Sirdar for way up and down.

  • Experienced English-speaking guide, cook, and assistant cook.

  • Fuel generator, dining tent, sleeping tents, and kitchen equipment.

  • Trekking and base camp foods (Chinese, Pakistani, Continental, and Italian cuisine).

  • Fresh fruits, soft drinks, and beverages.

Equipment Provided

  • Sleeping tents with foam underlay and mattresses.

  • Dining tent with inner and underlay.

  • Kitchen tent, mess tent, shower tent, and toilet tent.

  • Kitchen crockery, lamps, and cooking stoves.

  • Bamboo sticks for high camps.

  • Wooden boxes and plastic containers for food packing.

Taxes and Fees

  • Trekking permit fee.

  • CKNP management fee.

  • Camping fees during trek.

  • Guide daily wages, kit, and equipment.

  • Bridge crossing fees.

Baggage Allowance

  • 25kg per member (extra luggage will incur a $140 porter charge).


Important Notes

  • Karakoram Travels & Tours reserves the right to adjust services due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Extra days’ accommodation will incur a $150 charge per night.

  • Note: Flight cancellations due to weather conditions may affect confirmed reservations.

Exclusions

  • International air ticket and airport taxes.

  • Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance.

  • Cargo fee and custom charges for import/export.

  • Extra wages for personnel beyond our service packages.

  • Sleeping bags, personal clothing, and climbing gear.

  • Tips for drivers, local staff, and high-altitude porters.

  • Phone Thuraya satellite calls.

  • Walky-talky for above base camp service.

  • Soft drinks.

  • Laundry.

Travel Insurance.

  • Cancellation.

  • Accidents.

  • Health.

  • Emergency evacuation.

  • Companies like Global Rescue Travel Insurance offer suitable policies.

Cancellation Policy.

  • 50% advance payment required 50 days prior to arrival.

  • Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior to departure.

  • 25% cancellation charge if cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival.

  • No refund if cancelled after arrival or during the trip.

Additional Costs.

  • Road blocks or unforeseen events may incur extra costs.

  • Clients splitting from the group will incur additional charges.

  • Extra hotel nights will be charged to group members.

  • Government fees or new conditions may incur additional costs.

Refund Policy.

  • Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior to departure.

  • 25% cancellation charge if cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival.

  • No refund if cancelled after arrival or during the trip.

Environmental Responsibility.

  • Organic waste: dispose on-site.

  • Non-organic waste: take off-site.

Visa Requirements.

  • Valid passport required.

  • Pakistani visa obtainable with invitation letter from Karakoram Travels & Tours.

Booking Advice.

  • Book your trip at least 3-4 months prior to arrival in Pakistan to ensure smooth preparations.

Important Safety Advice.

  • For your safety and well-being,  Karakoram Travels & Tours recommends:

    • Purchasing personal travel and health insurance.

    • Obtaining membership with a reputable emergency response organization.

  • We suggest Global Rescue Service, which provides:

    • Helicopter evacuation.

    • Medical assistance.

    • Travel support.

  • Having this membership will ensure prompt assistance in case of emergencies.

Note:  Karakoram Travels & Tours will not be responsible for evacuation costs or medical expenses.

Be prepared!