Hunza & Skardu Apricot and Cherry Blossom Spring Tour

Best Time: Late March – April (peak blossom season)
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Destinations: Islamabad • Skardu • Shigar • Kharmang • Khaplu • Machulo • Gilgit • Hunza • Phander or Naltar

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Flexible Arrival in Islamabad (Altitude 540 m | Avg. 12–26 °C)

• Flexible pickup: Our team meets you at Islamabad International Airport at the actual arrival time of your international flight, so you won’t feel rushed.

• After a welcome drink and fresh flowers, enjoy an easy city orientation: Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh sunset view, and either Lok Virsa Museum or the art-filled Saidpur Village.

• Check into a boutique city hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Pakistani cuisine.

• Clothing tip: Light layers for warm afternoons and a light jacket for evening.

• Culture: Modest attire (cover shoulders/knees) is appreciated in mosques and markets.

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Day 2 – Scenic Flight to Skardu & Upper Kachura Lake

(Domestic flight 1 h is included in the package; 15–18 h road option if weather delays flights)

• Fly over the mighty Nanga Parbat and the jagged Karakoram peaks.

• Stroll through the fairytale Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura) and hike to Upper Kachura Lake, framed by budding apricot trees.

• Evening walk across the Katpana & Sarfaranga Cold Deserts glowing in golden light.

• Overnight at a luxury resort near Skardu.

• Clothing: Warm fleece/down jacket; waterproof shoes—nights can drop below freezing.

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Day 3 – Skardu Heritage & Blossom Walks

• Hike or 4×4 ride to Kharphocho Fort for sweeping views of the Indus River.

• Visit local organic farms where the first apricot blossoms perfume the air.

• Bonfire evening at Soq Valley with mountains bathed in sunset glow.

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Day 4 – Shigar Valley: Apricot Orchards & Royal Fort (32 km / ~1 h)

• Discover the restored 17th-century Shigar Fort and stroll through its royal gardens.

• Walk the Shigar Cold Desert among wild apricot trees and enjoy blossom tea with villagers.

• Overnight in the fort’s heritage suites for a touch of royal ambience.

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Day 5 – Kharmang Valley & Gwari Organic Photography Spot (80 km / ~2 h)

(Good paved road; 4–8 guests travel by Grand Cabin, 8–15 by Saloon Coaster)

• Drive along the Indus to Manthoka Waterfall, a 180-foot cascade.

• Capture the Gwari Organic Photography Spot, where cherry and apricot blooms frame turquoise rivers and rugged peaks.

• Head to Kkhaplu for the evening.

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Day 6 – Khaplu: The Pearl of Baltistan 

• Visit Khaplu Fort & Palace, the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, and Barah Valley with its corridor of blossoms. Thoqsikhar Palace Khaplu view point and Local Market visit.

• Overnight in a beautifully restored heritage hotel.

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Day 7 – Machulo Village & Hushe Valley (40 km / ~2 h)

• Early drive to Machulo Village (3,000 m), called the “Roof of Baltistan”, with epic views of Mashabrum (K1) and the Haldi Cones.

• Picnic in Haldi Meadows amid a sea of apricot blossoms, then continue to Hushe Valley, gateway to the world’s highest mountains.

• Return to Machulo for Local Homestay (that gives back to community a partial and its part of our sustainable tourism or Khaplu hotel for the night.

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Day 8 – Scenic Drive to Gilgit (320 km / 8–10 h)

• Journey west through dramatic gorges along the roaring Indus River.

• Evening stroll along the Gilgit River; overnight in Gilgit.

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Day 9 – Into Hunza: Rakaposhi & Karimabad (100 km / ~3 h)

• Stop at Rakaposhi View Point for tea with a 7,788 m giant in the background.

• Continue to Hunza Valley and check into a luxury boutique hotel.

• Sunset visit to Baltit Fort, followed by a traditional Hunza dinner.

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Day 10 – Hunza Blossom Day

• Explore Altit Fort and royal gardens bursting with apricot blossoms.

• Drive to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint for a 360° panorama of the valley and Ultar Peaks.

• Tea with a local family for authentic Hunza hospitality.

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Day 11 – Upper Hunza Adventure: Passu & Attabad Lake (50 km / ~2 h)

• Boat ride on the turquoise Attabad Lake, walk across the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and photograph the iconic Passu Cones and Passu Glacier.

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Day 12 – Khunjerab Pass (weather dependent) (85 km / 3–4 h each way)

• Drive to the world’s highest paved border crossing (4,693 m).

• Spot Himalayan ibex or marmots and enjoy stunning mountain scenery.

• Oxygen levels are low—walk slowly.

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Day 13 – Phander Valley or Naltar Valley (season dependent) (4–6 h)

• Choose Phander Valley, known as “Little Kashmir”, or the jewel-like lakes of Naltar Valley.

• Picnic lunch and photography; overnight in a cozy lodge.

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Day 14 – Return to Islamabad

(Domestic flight from Gilgit to Islamabad included; 12–14 h road option if weather delays flights)

• Farewell dinner in Islamabad with live folk music.

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Day 15 – Departure

• Airport transfer for your onward flight, carrying with you the scent of apricot blossoms and the memories of the Karakoram peaks.

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✅ What’s Included

• Two domestic flights: Islamabad–Skardu & Gilgit–Islamabad (weather-permitting)

• Airport pick-up & drop-off

• Tourist Standard/ Luxury/ Standard hotel on twin bed sharing 3-5 Star hotels, included breakfast.

• Private road transfers:

  • 1–4 guests: Five-door Toyota Prado

  • 5–8 guests: Toyota Grand Cabin

  • 9–15 guests: Saloon Coaster

• Professional English-speaking local guides

• Entry permits and documentation

• 24/7 on-tour support & emergency assistance

What’s not Included

• All national parks (Deosai/Khunjerab, forts, Lakes, resorts, museums, bridges, adventure, boating fees.
• Personal expenses i.e. Cosmetics, jewellery, mobile or communication, soft drinks etc.
• Travel insurance (we recommend Global Rescue Insurance).
• Lunches, Dinners and soft drinks

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Accommodation

Twin-sharing rooms in carefully selected hotels and mountain lodges, all with private bathrooms, hot water, heating and reliable Wi-Fi.
Choose your style:

Group discounts: 5–8 guests –10% pp | 9–15 guests –13% pp

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Booking & Payment

• Standard policy: 30% advance to reserve flights, vehicles, guides & hotels.

• Flexible option:  30% initial deposit.

• Remaining 70% can be paid on arrival in Islamabad or via bank transfer one week before arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are domestic flights included?
Yes, both Islamabad–Skardu and Gilgit–Islamabad flights are included in the tour fee. Please check the right category.

2. What if flights are cancelled?
If weather cancels flights, we provide a comfortable road transfer in the same private vehicle class.

3. How are the roads?
About 90% of the route is on well-maintained roads. Vehicles are air-conditioned and designed for mountain travel.

4. When is the best time to see full bloom?
Typically last week of March through mid-April, depending on winter snowfall.

5. Is there a confirmed group for March–April?
Yes, we are already planning our  next year blossom departures. Private tours can also be customised.

6. Is 30% booking deposit mandatory?
We normally request 30% to secure flights & hotels, but we’re flexible too. 

7. How does pricing compare to others?
Our prices reflect inclusive flights, premium vehicles and licensed guides. You are welcome to compare with other operators; we keep pricing fair and transparent with flexible various options.

8. What is the average temperature during the tour?
Islamabad: 12–26 °C | Skardu/Hunza: 2–15 °C | Khunjerab Pass: –10–0 °C. Layered clothing is essential.

9. What should I pack?
Thermal base layers, fleece or down jacket, sturdy waterproof shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, and a scarf or shawl for mosque visits.

10. How do you support local communities?
A portion of each booking goes to girls’ education projects in remote valleys, covering a child’s annual school fees.