Old forts, turquoise lakes, glaciers and the highest paved border crossing on earth, with how far each is from Karimabad and when to go.
The must-see places in Hunza are Baltit and Altit Forts in Karimabad, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge and Khunjerab Pass. Most sit on the Karakoram Highway within 1.5 hours of Karimabad; Khunjerab (open roughly May to November) takes a full day. Six to seven days from Islamabad covers them comfortably.
Reviewed by ToursInPakistan Travel Team Last updated October 2026 ← Back to the Hunza Travel Guide
The highlights we include on most Hunza trips.
The 700-year-old Baltit Fort, the even older Altit Fort and the craft bazaar, all within walking distance.
From Karimabad
In town
Season
Year-round
A turquoise lake formed by the 2010 landslide, with boat rides, jet skis and lakeside hotels.
From Karimabad
30–40 min
Season
Apr – Oct
The Pakistan–China border at 4,693 metres, the world’s highest paved border crossing.
From Karimabad
~3–3.5 hrs
Season
May – Nov
Saw-tooth spires above Passu village, with the Passu and Batura glaciers close by.
From Karimabad
~1.5 hrs
Season
Apr – Oct
A swaying plank-and-wire bridge over the Hunza River, with the Passu Cones behind.
From Karimabad
~1 hr 15 min
Season
Apr – Oct
Rakaposhi (7,788 m) rises straight above a roadside stop at Ghulmet, with tea by the glacier stream.
From Karimabad
~1 hr
Season
Apr – Oct
Add these when you have an extra day or a specific interest.
A rough jeep road and a short walk to a view over a moving glacier.
A calm Wakhi village with a small museum, orchards and big views of the peaks.
Sunrise on Rakaposhi and Ladyfinger Peak from about 2,900 m above Karimabad.
A small, quiet lake above Hussaini, loved by birdwatchers in spring and autumn.
| Place | From Karimabad | Best months | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltit Fort & Karimabad | In town | Year-round | Half day |
| Altit Fort | ~10 min | Year-round | 1–2 hrs |
| Eagle's Nest | ~20 min | Apr – Oct | Sunrise or sunset |
| Attabad Lake | 30–40 min | Apr – Oct | Half day |
| Gulmit | ~1 hr | Apr – Oct | Half day or overnight |
| Hussaini Bridge | ~1 hr 15 min | Apr – Oct | 1–2 hrs |
| Passu Cones | ~1.5 hrs | Apr – Oct | 1–2 hrs |
| Khunjerab Pass | ~3–3.5 hrs | May – Nov | Full day |
| Hopper Glacier | ~1.5–2 hrs (jeep) | May – Oct | Half to full day |
Drive times are typical from Karimabad; KKH roadworks, landslides and weather change them.
Tell us how long you have. We’ll build a route that avoids back-to-back long drives.
Karimabad, Altit, an Attabad boat ride and Rakaposhi View Point.
Eagle’s Nest at sunrise, Passu Cones at sunset, Karimabad in autumn.
A lakeside night at Attabad, Gulmit and Eagle’s Nest at sunset.
Hussaini Bridge, Hopper Glacier and Khunjerab Pass.
Rakaposhi View Point, Attabad Lake and Altit’s garden.
Private tours with transport, hotels and a backup plan for flights and roads.
Duration: 6 Days · Best: Apr – Oct
Karimabad, Attabad, Passu and Khunjerab with transport and hotels.
Duration: 7 Days · Best: May – Sep
A slower pace with short drives and lake time.
Baltit and Altit Forts in Karimabad, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Khunjerab Pass and Rakaposhi View Point on the Nagar side.
Karimabad, both forts, Attabad Lake, Passu and Rakaposhi View Point stay reachable on the Karakoram Highway. Khunjerab Pass is closed, many hotels shut, and the lake edges freeze in January.
Plan three to four full days in Hunza itself, plus travel: about two days each way by road from Islamabad, or less if the Gilgit flight runs. Most trips are six to seven days.
Yes, from Karimabad, usually from about May to November. It’s about 3 to 3.5 hours each way to 4,693 metres, so leave early and take warm layers.
Karimabad and Altit, an Attabad Lake boat ride, Rakaposhi View Point and Gulmit all have easy access and short walks. With small children, watch Hussaini Bridge from the bank.
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, departure city, hotel preference and whether you prefer flight or road. We’ll suggest the best Hunza plan for your group and explain what to include or avoid.
