The drive to Hunza is one of the great road journeys in the world, and it is long. Nobody sensible does it in one day. There are two ways to go.
Route 1: the Karakoram Highway (all year)
From Islamabad via Hasan Abdal, Thakot, Besham and Dasu to Chilas, then along the Indus to Gilgit and up to Karimabad. This is the year-round route. Most trips overnight in Besham or Chilas. Landslides can cause delays of a few hours; occasionally longer after heavy rain.
Route 2: via Naran and Babusar Pass (summer only)
From late May or June until about mid-October you can drive through Naran and over Babusar Pass to Chilas. It is more scenic, avoids the Besham–Dasu section, and makes a natural first-night stop in Naran.
Which car
An SUV is our firm recommendation: Prado, Fortuner or Land Cruiser for families, a Hiace or Coaster for groups. The highway is paved, but you will want the clearance and comfort over two long days, and for side trips to Hopper, Passu or Khunjerab.
Khunjerab Pass
The Pakistan–China border at Khunjerab (4,700 m) is about three hours beyond Karimabad. It is now officially open all year for trade, but snow still closes the road at times in winter; May to October is the reliable window for a sightseeing trip.
A typical six-day tour
- Day 1 — Islamabad to Besham or Chilas.
- Day 2 — On to Karimabad, with Rakaposhi viewpoint on the way.
- Days 3–4 — Altit and Baltit forts, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Khunjerab.
- Days 5–6 — Return, overnight in Chilas or Naran.
Foreign visitors should read our permits guide and keep passports handy at checkpoints.
