Guide
Northern Pakistan by Car: Itineraries for Hunza, Skardu, Naran and Swat
Mountain roads are slower than they look on a map. These plans show a realistic number of days for four classic trips, the typical driving time for each leg and the vehicle that suits the road.
Last updated: · AL HADI RENT A CAR
The short answer
How to read these plans
Driving times are typical ranges for a comfortable pace with short stops. They are not promises: monsoon rain, landslides, snow, Friday and holiday traffic and security checks change the day. Always keep one flexible day in a long trip, and ask your driver for the latest road news before each leg.
Naran and Kaghan Valley: 3 days
Best vehicle: Prado, Fortuner or Land Cruiser for the mountain road. Best season: roughly June to September.
- Day 1: Islamabad to Naran via Abbottabad, Mansehra and Balakot. Typically a long day of about seven to eight hours with a lunch stop.
- Day 2: Saiful Muluk Lake (the final stretch is by local jeep), Lalazar and the river in Naran.
- Day 3: Return to Islamabad. Babusar Top is a seasonal extension that is open only in the warm months.
Swat and Kalam: 3 to 4 days
Best vehicle: Prado, Fortuner or Revo. Swat is greenest in spring and early summer, and autumn colours are popular too.
- Day 1: Islamabad to Swat by motorway and the Malakand road. Typically four to five hours to Mingora.
- Day 2: Mingora, Malam Jabba or Fizagat and the river valley.
- Day 3: Kalam and Mahodand Lake area, with a little more driving on mountain road.
- Day 4: Return to Islamabad.
Hunza Valley: 5 days
Best vehicle: Prado, Land Cruiser or Fortuner on the Karakoram Highway, and a Coaster for larger groups on the main route. Best season: spring to autumn.
- Day 1: Islamabad to the Karakoram Highway and an overnight stop. The full run to Hunza is usually split over two days, with a night in a town such as Besham, Chilas or Gilgit.
- Day 2: Continue to Karimabad in Hunza.
- Day 3: Baltit and Altit forts, Eagle's Nest viewpoint and Attabad Lake.
- Day 4: Khunjerab Pass if it is open in your season, or a relaxed day around the valley.
- Day 5: Start the return journey toward Islamabad, again with an overnight stop.
Skardu and Baltistan: 6 days
Best vehicle: Land Cruiser, Prado or Revo, especially if you plan Deosai or other rough tracks. Deosai is seasonal and closes with snow.
- Days 1 and 2: Islamabad to Skardu by the Karakoram Highway and the Skardu road. Plan two days of driving with an overnight stop.
- Day 3: Skardu town, Shangrila area and Upper Kachura.
- Day 4: Shigar Valley and Khaplu, or Deosai National Park in summer when the plateau is open.
- Days 5 and 6: Return by the same road with a night on the way.
Islamabad to Skardu → · Deosai National Park → · Shigar Valley →
Before you book a long trip
- Tell us your dates early: popular vehicles and weekends in summer fill first.
- Say how many people and bags are travelling so we choose the right vehicle.
- Ask how driver meals and overnight stay are handled for the number of days.
- Keep a spare day for weather or road closures, and agree with your driver when to start each morning.
Frequently asked questions
Are the driving times exact?
No. They are typical ranges for a comfortable pace. Traffic, weather and road work change them, and your driver plans each day around the conditions.
Can you plan a different route?
Yes. Send the places you want to see and your dates, and we suggest a realistic plan and the right vehicle.
Which vehicle is best for the north?
A Prado, Land Cruiser or Fortuner suits most mountain roads, a Revo suits rougher tracks, and a Coaster suits groups on the main routes. See the vehicle guide for details.
When is the best time to travel north?
Most trips run from late spring to early autumn. Some high roads and passes open only in summer and close with snow, so tell us your dates and we advise.
Related pages
Northern Areas of Pakistan: Car Rental With DriverCar with professional driver from Islamabad to Murree, Naran, Swat, Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Neelum Valley and more, in SUVs, 4x4s and Coasters.→
Which Car With Driver Should You Choose? A Guide by TripCompare our Prado, Land Cruiser, Fortuner, Revo, sedans, luxury SUVs and Coaster by seats, road suitability and best use, with a driver included.→
Murree and Galiyat in Winter: Road and Snow Guide for VisitorsHow to plan a Murree or Galiyat trip in snow: the right vehicle, when to leave, what to carry and why a local professional driver helps.→
Private Tour Transport With DriverA private vehicle and driver for your own tour, whether a weekend in the hills or a multi-day trip through the north→
Routes From Islamabad With a Professional DriverIslamabad to Lahore, Peshawar, Murree, Naran, Swat, Hunza, Skardu and more: one-way, round-trip and multi-day trips with a professional driver.→
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