This structured itinerary connects the most breathtaking alpine lakes and high-altitude passes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Trip Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Best Time to Visit: June to September (roads are fully cleared of winter snow)
Recommended Transport: 4×4 Jeep for mountainous terrains (Deosai and Saif-ul-Malook tracks)
Day-by-Day Route Overview
Day 1: Islamabad to Naran Valley
Route: Islamabad — Hazara Motorway — Mansehra — Balakot — Naran
Highlights: Enjoy a scenic drive along the Kunhar River, passing through lush green pine forests and small mountain towns. Spend the evening exploring Naran bazaar.
Overnight: Naran
Day 2: Naran to Lake Saif-ul-Malook, via Babusar Top to Chilas
Route: Naran — Lake Saif-ul-Malook — Babusar Pass — Chilas
Highlights: Take an early morning 4×4 jeep ride to Lake Saif-ul-Malook to catch the sunrise reflection of Malika Parbat. Afterward, drive up to Babusar Top (13,700 ft) for sweeping panoramic views before descending into Chilas.
Overnight: Chilas
Day 3: Chilas to Skardu Valley
Route: Chilas — Jaglot (Karakoram Highway junction) — Skardu
Highlights: Follow the mighty Indus River as it carves through the world’s most dramatic mountain convergence zone (where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush meet). Arrive in Skardu by late afternoon.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 4: Upper Kachura Lake & Shangrila Resort
Route: Skardu Town — Kachura Village
Highlights: Spend your morning walking through deep fruit orchards down to the crystal-clear, deep waters of Upper Kachura Lake. In the afternoon, visit the famous heart-shaped lower lake at Shangrila Resort.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 5: Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake Excursion
Route: Skardu — Deosai Plains — Sheosar Lake
Highlights: Board a 4×4 jeep to ascend to the “Roof of the World”—Deosai National Park. Traverse rolling alpine meadows blanketed in wild summer flowers, look out for Himalayan brown bears, and spend time along the shores of Sheosar Lake.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 6: Skardu to Hunza Valley (Karimabad)
Route: Skardu — Karakoram Highway — Karimabad, Hunza
Highlights: Drive back down to the Karakoram Highway and head north toward Hunza. Visit the historical Altit and Baltit Forts, and catch a stunning sunset view over the Rakaposhi and Ultar peaks from Duikar.
Overnight: Karimabad (Hunza)
Day 7: Attabad Lake and Return / Onward Journey
Route: Karimabad — Attabad Lake — Passu (Optional) — Gilgit / Islamabad
Highlights: Spend your morning at Attabad Lake enjoying turquoise waters, high-speed boat rides, or jet skiing. Cross the nearby Hussaini Suspension Bridge before concluding your trip.
Pro-Tips for Travelers
Altitude Preparation: Deosai and Babusar Top exceed 13,000 feet. Stay hydrated and give yourself a day to acclimate in Skardu or Naran before heading to higher passes.
Photography Golden Hours: Shoot Lake Saif-ul-Malook and Upper Kachura early in the morning when winds are calm and reflections on the water are mirror-like.