D1-D2 Islamabad → D3 Northbound on the Karakoram Highway → D4-D5 Hunza Valley → D6 Gilgit and Return → D7-D8 Lahore. For the northern section, it is recommended to arrange vehicles and guides through a licensed travel agency and obtain the necessary permits.
D1 Arrive in Islamabad and visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and the old city bazaar of Rawalpindi. D2 Head to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore Gandharan Buddhist art and ancient ruins, then enjoy an afternoon meal in a mountain town with panoramic views of the city.
Travel north along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), passing through the junction of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. Stop at the Naltar Valley and Chilas areas, and arrive in Gilgit or Hunza by evening. This highway is renowned for its stunning alpine and canyon landscapes, making it a dream destination for global road-trippers and photographers.
D4 Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, overlooking the valley villages and terraced fields; D5 hike to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint or take a jeep to Passu Glacier to witness the breathtaking sight of 7,000-meter-high snow-capped peaks. Spring (with blooming apricot blossoms) and autumn (when poplar trees turn golden) are the most popular seasons.
Spend the morning at Gilgit’s Old Bridge and bazaar to learn about its history as a key node on the ancient Silk Road; in the afternoon, take a flight or drive back to Islamabad.
D7 Visit Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens, then watch the India-Pakistan flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah Border in the evening. D8 Explore the old city’s food streets, sample local kebabs and chai, and then depart.