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WILD KARAKORAM
Hunza in Autumn
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Overland SafariHunza, Gilgit-Baltistan

Hunza in Autumn

Hunza when the poplars and apricot trees turn gold, driven by road from Islamabad with the forts, Duikar, Attabad Lake and Khunjerab Pass.

9 days from Islamabad, 0 of them on foot, reaching 4,693 m. October, in groups of 2 to 12. Graded moderate.

October is the season of colour in Hunza. The harvest is in, poplars and apricot trees go yellow and red along the terraces, and the air is dry and clear against the first snow on the peaks. This is a nine day road trip from Islamabad that follows the Karakoram Highway north, with two days in the valley for Baltit and Altit forts, the sunset at Duikar and a long drive up to the Khunjerab border. The way home can take in the Kaghan valley and Babusar Pass when conditions allow. It is the easiest time of year for a first visit, with warm afternoons, cold clear mornings and very good light.

Day by day

  1. 1

    Arrive Islamabad

    Flights usually arrive in the afternoon and the guide meets you at the airport. The evening is for rest and a first dinner with the group.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  2. 2

    Islamabad to Naran or Besham

    North through Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra. The weather decides the road: either the Naran road, which brings you into the Kaghan valley with its pines and cold streams, or the Indus road to Besham on the Karakoram Highway. Either way you are in the mountains by evening.

    Night at Naran or Besham, 2,409 m.

  3. 3

    Drive to Karimabad

    You follow the Indus on the Karakoram Highway until it meets the Hunza river, then turn up the valley through Brusho and Shina villages. Autumn colour starts to show in the orchards as you climb, and the day ends in Karimabad with Rakaposhi in the last light.

    Night at Karimabad, 2,500 m.

  4. 4

    Forts and the Duikar sunset

    The morning opens with Rakaposhi from the terrace. Baltit Fort, seven hundred years old, comes first, then Altit Fort, older still, with coffee in the royal garden among the harvest colours. In the late afternoon you climb to Duikar for the sun going down over the white peaks of Hunza and Nagar.

    Night at Karimabad, 2,500 m.

  5. 5

    Khunjerab Pass

    High point

    North along the Karakoram Highway past Ganish and the Silk Road rock carvings, beside the blue water of Attabad Lake and through the Pak-China Friendship Tunnels. The villages along the way are golden with poplars, and the Passu Cones stand over them. You enter Khunjerab National Park at Dhe and climb to the border at 4,693 m, the highest paved border crossing on earth, before coming back to Karimabad.

    Night at Karimabad, 4,693 m.

  6. 6

    Hunza to Naran or Besham

    The drive south goes through Chilas and Dassu along the Indus to Besham, or when the weather allows over the Babusar Pass (4,173 m) to Naran. In either case you cover a different stretch of road than on the way up, with a long stop for views of Nanga Parbat.

    Night at Naran or Besham, 2,409 m.

  7. 7

    Return to Islamabad

    The final day of the road down through Mansehra and Abbottabad to the plains. You are in Islamabad by afternoon, in warm weather, with the mountains behind you.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  8. 8

    Islamabad and Rawalpindi

    A day for the twin cities. Islamabad is the modern capital with its parks and museums, and Rawalpindi is the old British era town of bazaars and busy streets, good for souvenirs and a last big dinner.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  9. 9

    Departure

    You are taken to the airport in time for your flight home.

    540 m.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to go on Hunza in Autumn?
October is the season for Hunza in Autumn, when the route is open and our departures run.
How hard is Hunza in Autumn?
It is graded Moderate, reaching 4,693 m. Up to 6 hours walking. No technical ground. Suitable with regular hill fitness.
Where does Hunza in Autumn start?
Hunza in Autumn starts in Islamabad and runs 9 days in total. The last day ends in Islamabad for your flight home.
What is included in the price?
The price covers airport pickup and drop in Islamabad; private vehicle and driver for the whole route; accommodation in standard hotels and guesthouses, twin sharing; and all meals on the road. The full list of 6 items is under What we supply on this page.
How much does it cost, and when are the next dates?
Prices start at US$1,390 per person on the fixed departures. The next one runs 6 Oct to 14 Oct 2027, with limited space left. 2 dates are open in total.

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