Road trip to Hunza Valley in Pakistan

Day 1 - Islamabad to Naran Valley

Islamabad is the main starting point (major cities) for all the trips going up north in the mountains. Start your journey from Islamabad through the new motorway M1 road. You will reach Naran in six hours if you drive without making any stops. The road is well-paved so this leg of the journey is going to be very smooth. Naran is a touristy town so it only makes sense to stop at Naran overnight and prepare for a long 10hours drive to Hunza the next morning. 

Day 2 - Naran to Karimabad in Hunza Valley

After driving 3.5hrs from Naran, you will finally enter into the state of Gilgit Baltistan- the land of the mountains. From this point to your destination of the day, Karimabad, Hunza Valley, these are the places you should be stopping by:

1. Mt. Nanga Parbat viewpoint - This first pitstop of the day will be the Mt. Nanga Parbat viewpoint, the 8th highest mountain in the world also known as the 'Killer Mountain'. If the weather is clear, you can get a clear look at the Nanga Parbat peak from this point.
2. Junction Point - This is a very important landmark as soon as you enter Gilgit because at this point three mountain ranges collide with one another, the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush mountain range. It is truly a sight to behold!
3. Mt. Rakaposhi viewpoint - As you get near to the Hunza Valley, the last town before it is Nagar, which is home to Mt. Rakaposhi the 27th highest mountain and the steepest slope in the world. Unlike, Mt. Nanga Parbat, Mt. Rakaposhi can be seen at a very close distance very clearly from this point. This is also a great place to enjoy some snacks as there are many restaurants and to take a toilet break too.

Day 3 - Hunza Valley

1. But before leaving Karimabad in the morning, hike all the way up to the Baltit Fort, an 800 years old fort. The hike is a little steep but the views and the fort tour are worth the hike. 
2. As you will drive down from the Karimabad valley, drive another short 15-20 mins to the village of Ganesh. Ganesh is a 1000 years old civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People still live there in the old brick houses and any local boy will be very excited to show you around his tiny village without expecting any compensation in return. 
3. Nex up, drive to the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge which is the second scariest suspension bridge in the world! Crossing that bridge is not for the faint-hearted! Though there are only small villages on the other side of the bridge, if you are feeling adventurous, you should consider crossing the dangerous bridge.

Day 4 - Hunza Valley

1. Start your day with a 30mins hike to Borith Lake near the Passu village. It is an easy hike and if you reach early, you can get the entire lake to yourself. It is the best peaceful way to start the day.
2. For this day, do not plan anything else, because today you will do a day trip to the Khunjerab Pass, which is the Pakistan-China border located at 4693 meters altitude.
3. Eat a filling breakfast and carry lots of water and protein bars because there is a high chance for you to get altitude sickness.