Gilgit-Baltistan, Done Right.

Local, ground-level guides to Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Deosai and the K2 / Baltoro trek — written for travellers coming from the US, UK and beyond.

Explore the Destinations

Hunza

Passu Cones, Attabad Lake and centuries-old forts in the Karakoram's most celebrated valley.

Nagar

Rakaposhi's home valley — glaciers, apricot orchards and some of the region's oldest villages.

Skardu

Gateway to the high Karakoram — Shangrila, Shigar Fort and the road to K2.

Fairy Meadows

Alpine meadows staring straight at Nanga Parbat's north face.

Deosai

The Land of Giants — rolling high-altitude plains, wildflowers and Himalayan brown bears.

K2 & Baltoro

Concordia, the Baltoro Glacier and the throne room of the world's highest peaks.

Planning a Trip to Gilgit-Baltistan? Start Here.

Most journeys begin in Islamabad and head north — by a one-hour flight to Gilgit or Skardu when the weather allows, or along the Karakoram Highway when it doesn't. From there the region opens in loops: Hunza and Nagar face each other across the Hunza River as separate districts with their own forts, glaciers and villages; Skardu is the springboard for Deosai, Shigar and the Baltoro.

First-timers usually ask three things: when to come, how long they need — seven to ten days covers Hunza, Nagar and Fairy Meadows comfortably — and what it costs. Our guides answer each in the detail we'd want before booking.

Whether you book a ready-made itinerary or build a custom Gilgit-Baltistan tour with us, you travel with a local team based in Nagar — Explore Nagar Travels Pvt Ltd, the registered company behind this guide.

K2 and the Karakoram peaks seen from Concordia on the Baltoro Glacier

This is our home. We'd love to show you around.

Gilgit Baltistan Discoveries — written from Nagar, by the Explore Nagar Travels team

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K2 from Concordia, on the Baltoro Glacier

Gilgit-Baltistan Travel — FAQs

What is the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan?

It depends on what you want to see: blossom in late March–April, trekking and Deosai from June to September, and the clearest mountain views with autumn colour in October–November. Winter (December–February) is beautiful but cold, with some roads and flights weather-dependent.

How many days do I need for Hunza, Nagar and Skardu?

Seven to ten days covers Hunza and Nagar well. Add Skardu and Deosai and plan twelve to fourteen. The K2 Base Camp trek alone needs about two weeks including approach and buffer days.

Is Gilgit-Baltistan safe for foreign tourists?

Yes — the region is one of Pakistan's most visited by international travellers, with a long record of welcoming trekkers and tour groups. We still plan conservatively: experienced local drivers, sensible road timings and buffer days for weather.

How do I get to Hunza from Islamabad?

Fly Islamabad–Gilgit (about one hour, weather-dependent) then drive roughly 2.5–3 hours to Karimabad, or travel the Karakoram Highway by road in one long day or with an overnight stop. Every itinerary we run can switch between the two.

Do I need a permit for the K2 Base Camp trek?

Yes — trekking in the Central Karakoram National Park requires permits and a licensed operator, and foreigners pay a trekking fee (reduced to $150 in 2025). We arrange the paperwork as part of the trek.

Can you customise a private tour?

Absolutely — most of our trips are private and built around your dates, pace and hotel level. Tell us what you're dreaming of on the Plan My Trip page and we'll reply within 24 hours.

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Ready-made routes

Signature Itineraries — 2027

Nine journeys our local team runs end to end. Pick a route, then make it yours — days, hotels and pace are all adjustable. Prices on enquiry.

Apricot blossom in Hunza Valley

10 daysMid-Mar – mid-Apr

Blossom Special: Hunza & Nagar

Apricot and cherry blossom under snow peaks, in the two separate districts of Hunza and Nagar.

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Nanga Parbat towering over Fairy Meadows

12 daysJun – Aug

Summer Grand Tour

The full northern arc: Hunza, Nagar, Fairy Meadows and the Khunjerab Pass.

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K2 seen from Concordia on the Baltoro Glacier trek

14 daysJul – Aug

K2 Base Camp Trek

Up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp — a serious trek, properly paced.

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Passu Cones, Hunza Valley

10 daysMid-Oct – mid-Nov

Autumn Colours

Golden poplars in Hunza, russet orchards in Nagar, clear light in Skardu.

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Ice hockey on the frozen Khalti Lake in winter, Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan

7 daysDec – Feb

Winter Wonderland

Snow on the forts, frozen lakes, and valleys almost to yourself.

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Kalash Valley, Chitral

8 daysMay – Oct

Chitral & the Kalash Valleys

A fort town under Tirich Mir and the ancient Kalash culture, travelled slowly.

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Plus: Cultural Heritage Punjab (9 days) · Sikh & Spiritual Heritage (7 days) · Trophy Hunting Expedition (8–10 days) — Download the full 2027 itineraries guide (PDF) · or plan your trip →

Reserve your dates

Bookable Treks — Reserve Your Dates

Rush Lake at sunset, the Hispar range reflected in still water, Nagar

Rush Lake Trek, Nagar

8 days

To the highest alpine lake in Pakistan, beneath Rush Pari peak (5,098 m).

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Rakaposhi (7,788 m) above the Nagar Valley

Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek — Nagar Valley

Tagaphari meadows under Rakaposhi's 7,788 m face, with Diran Base Camp and Kacheli Lake.

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Simple by design

How It Works

  1. Tell us your dates

    Two minutes on the Plan My Trip form — destinations, month, group size.

  2. Get your itinerary in 24 hours

    A personal route with honest advice on what fits your dates — free, no obligation.

  3. Travel with locals

    Local drivers and guides from Nagar and across Gilgit-Baltistan, with support on WhatsApp throughout.

Gilgit-Baltistan by season

When to Go — Gilgit-Baltistan by Season

Start Planning — It's Free

Two minutes now, a personalised itinerary within 24 hours.

Your Adventure Companion

Gilgit Baltistan Discoveries is the travel guide and booking platform of Explore Nagar Travels Pvt Ltd — the same local team, with a new home on the web.