Two of Pakistan’s greatest valleys, compared honestly so you can choose or combine them.
Choose Skardu for lakes, cold deserts, Deosai and heritage forts; choose Hunza for easier road access, a walkable valley town, Attabad Lake and the Khunjerab Pass. With ten days or more, combine both, linked by road through Gilgit.
Reviewed by ToursInPakistan Travel Team Last updated September 2026 ← Back to the Skardu Travel Guide
Deosai, cold deserts, turquoise lakes and heritage palaces in Shigar and Khaplu.
A walkable valley, Baltit and Altit forts, cafés and the road to Khunjerab.
Fly to Skardu, then drive through Gilgit to Hunza and back to Islamabad.
| Skardu | Hunza | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Lakes, deserts, high plateau | Terraced valley, glaciers, Attabad Lake |
| Access | Flight ~1 hr or 2 days by road | Road via KKH (Gilgit flight option) |
| Heritage | Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace | Baltit and Altit forts |
| Families | Short drives from one base | Walkable town, easy pace |
| Hotels | Lakeside resorts, heritage stays | Wide choice in Karimabad |
| Best months | June – October | April – October |
| Autumn colour | Excellent in Shigar and Khaplu | Excellent, peak late October |
| Ideal length | 5–7 days | 5–7 days |
Tell us your dates and interests. We’ll recommend one, or plan both.
Both work; Hunza is easier by road, Skardu by air.
Skardu for Deosai; Hunza for autumn.
Skardu’s heritage palaces edge it.
Skardu for K2; Hunza for Rush Lake and Passu.
Skardu by air is fastest.
Private tours with transport, hotels and a flight backup plan.
Duration: 10 Days · Best: Apr – Oct
Both valleys, linked through Gilgit.
Neither is better; they’re different. Skardu has wilder landscapes, and Hunza has easier access and a lively valley town.
Yes, with ten days or more. Fly to Skardu, drive through Gilgit to Hunza, then return to Islamabad by road or by air from Gilgit.
Both work well. Hunza is easier by road with a walkable town, while Skardu is quicker by air with short drives from one base.
Both are excellent. Hunza peaks in late October, and Shigar and Khaplu near Skardu are just as colourful.
Costs are similar for the same hotel level and trip length. Hunza is usually reached by road, while Skardu flights save time but add airfare.
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, departure city, hotel preference and whether you prefer flight or road. We’ll suggest the best Skardu plan for your group and explain what to include or avoid.
