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How to Get to Hunza Valley

How to Get to Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley Pakistan Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports and Airlines

The nearest airport to Hunza is Gilgit Airport (GIL). From Gilgit, Karimabad is roughly a 2-3 hour drive. Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is Pakistan's main international gateway.

Flight Details

  • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates domestic flights between Islamabad and Gilgit.
  • Flights to Gilgit are highly weather-dependent and often delayed or canceled.
  • International flights arrive at ISB, requiring a domestic connection or long land journey.

Seasonal Availability & Facilities

During peak tourist season (summer/autumn), PIA offers more frequent flights. In winter, flights are less frequent and more prone to cancellations. Airport facilities vary.

Airport Information

  • Demand and prices increase during peak season.
  • ISB is a modern airport with full services; GIL is basic with minimal facilities.
  • Transfers from GIL to Karimabad using a private taxi (PKR 8,000-15,000) or shared vans.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights with services like Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Comparison

Compare flight prices across airlines using Skyscanner for the best options.

Car Rentals

For onward ground travel, explore options with DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

  • Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) is the border crossing between Pakistan and China.
  • Open seasonally, usually May to November; confirm status beforehand.
  • No train services reach Gilgit-Baltistan; trains serve central plus southern Pakistan.
  • For border crossing, confirm visa requirements for both countries.

Bus Travel & Self-Driving

  • Buses (NATCO, Faisal Movers) offer economical travel from Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Gilgit.
  • Journey to Gilgit takes 16-24 hours, often overnight.
  • Self-driving a rental car to Gilgit-Baltistan is not advised for foreign tourists.
  • Hiring a car with an experienced local driver is the safest option for private transport.

Road Conditions & Safety

Karakoram Highway KKH

An engineering marvel but a demanding road; narrow, winding, built into mountainsides.

Hazards

Sections prone to landslides or rockfalls, especially after heavy rains or spring thaw.

Driving Safety

Avoid night travel on the KKH due to reduced visibility. Inform others of travel plans.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water-Based Travel Not Applicable

Hunza The valley is a landlocked mountainous region in the north of Pakistan. It has no direct access to sea or river transportation for international or long-distance domestic travel.

Facts

  • Ferry services, cruise ports, or extensive river transportation are not part of travel to Hunza.
  • Any journey to Hunza begins by air to Gilgit/Islamabad or by land via the Karakoram Highway.
  • Water transport within the valley is limited to leisure on Attabad Lake, not a means of arrival.

Immigration & Connections

Since sea/river travel is not applicable for Hunza, immigration procedures at seaports and connections to land transportation from such ports do not apply.

Irrelevant Factors

  • Immigration at seaports is not a factor for Hunza travel.
  • Connections from sea arrivals to land transport are not applicable.
  • Focus on air and driving for access to Hunza Valley.

Weather Check

Always check flight status 24 hours before departure for weather changes.

Backup Plan

Have a ground transport backup if air travel becomes impossible due to weather.

Protect Essentials

Bring a Headlamp or flashlight for walking during dawn or dusk, especially on country roads.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Pakistan generally does not charge separate airport exit fees; they are usually included in airfare. Confirm this with your airline.

Departure Timing

  • From Gilgit Airport (GIL): Arrive 1-2 hours before domestic flight.
  • GIL flights are weather-sensitive; allow ample buffer time for international connections from Islamabad.
  • From Islamabad International Airport (ISB): Arrive 3 hours before international flight.

Airport Facilities

Facilities vary greatly between Gilgit and Islamabad airports.

Airport Details

  • GIL: Basic facilities – small waiting area, restrooms, limited food stalls.
  • ISB: Modern airport with dining, duty-free shopping, lounges, currency exchange.
  • Pack souvenirs according to airline baggage rules.

Travel Time to Airports

Hunza to Gilgit Airport

Allow 2-3 hours travel by private car or shared transport.

Gilgit to Islamabad Bus

Account for ONE6-24 hours for the long journey and possible delays.

Overall Timing

Plan generously, especially when connecting domestic to international flights.

Departure Wisdom

Always reconfirm your flight status ALL day and night before departure, especially for domestic Gilgit flights, as weather conditions change quickly.