Upper Hunza: Gulmit, Passu and Attabad Lake
Upper Hunza is the stretch of the Karakoram Highway north of Karimabad, from Attabad Lake through Gulmit and Passu to Sost below the Khunjerab Pass.
About Upper Hunza
Attabad Lake formed after a landslide blocked the Hunza River in 2010; the highway now passes it through tunnels. Gulmit and Passu are villages beneath jagged peaks, and Sost is the last town before the Chinese border.
Our tours usually overnight in Gulmit on the way back from the Khunjerab Pass, and the Karakoram Highway biking tour rides the whole stretch.
Trips that include Upper Hunza
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karakorum Highway Biking tour | 14 | Mid-June to End-September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour | 12 | Mid-May to End of November | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Gandhara Civilization Tour | 14 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| HinduKush Mountain Bike | 19 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour | 14 | Mid-May to September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Great Karakoram Traverse | 32 | Mid-June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Honeymoon Tour to Naran, Kaghan & Hunza | 10 | Mid-June to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Rush Lake Trek & Hunza Tour | 15 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Upper Hunza
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour
08: Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (5000m) en route. We stay short at Attaabad Lake for photography and continue our journey to Khunjerab Pass and drive back to Gulmit. On Arrival, Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Gulmit
Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour
09: Gulmit to Chilas
After breakfast, we will drive for a full day on Karakoram Highway, enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram Peaks from a different angle, Overnight stay at Chilas
28: Rest day at Karimabad
After breakfast, we will visit Baltit Fort, and later on, we will proceed to Attabad Lake for cruise excursion (16 km) alongside KKH. Overnight stay in a hotel in Karimabad.
Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour
10: Drive to Khunjurab Pass and back to Gulmit
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass in route to visit Ataabad Lake and drive back to Gulmit. Overnight stay at Gulmit.
Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour
11: Gulmit to Chilas
After breakfast, we will drive for a full day on Karakoram Highway, enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram Peaks from a different angle, Overnight stay at Chilas
07: Rest day at Rush Lake
Day free for the climb to Rush Peak (5094m), providing an all-round panorama of Golden Peak, Malubuting, Miar, Ultar, and Passu peaks. (Tent)
Day 16: Hunza Valley – Passu
A ride along the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake and through the iconic Passu Cones landscape. Overnight in hotel/camp at Passu.
Day 17: Passu – Gilgit / Besham
We begin our return journey south along the Karakoram Highway via support vehicles and optional road cycling stretches. Overnight in hotel.
Planning notes
- Upper Hunza is reached by road from Karimabad.
- The Gandhara tour visits the Old House, museum and polo field in Gulmit.
- The Karakoram Highway bike tour rides from Sost through Passu and Gulmit.