A 7-day Islamabad–Hunza rental car trip costs roughly PKR 300,000–550,000 (USD 1,050–1,950) all-in with a driver in 2026. The drive is ~600 km each way via the Karakoram Highway — plan two days up, three in Hunza, two back, with stopovers in Naran or Chilas.
What does the day-by-day itinerary look like?
| Day | Route | Drive time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad → Naran (via Babusar, Jun–Sep) or Besham (KKH) | 6–8 hrs | Naran / Besham |
| 2 | Naran → Karimabad via Lulusar Lake & Rakaposhi viewpoint | 6–7 hrs | Karimabad |
| 3 | Karimabad — Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Eagle's Nest sunset | Local | Karimabad |
| 4 | Attabad Lake → Passu Cones → Hussaini Bridge | 3–4 hrs | Passu / Gulmit |
| 5 | Khunjerab Pass day trip (4,693 m, Pak–China border) | 6–7 hrs return | Passu / Karimabad |
| 6 | Karimabad → Naran / Chilas | 7–9 hrs | Naran / Chilas |
| 7 | Return to Islamabad | 6–8 hrs | — |
What does the full trip cost?
Sedan packages run PKR 300,000–380,000 for 7 days; Prado/Fortuner PKR 400,000–480,000; Land Cruiser PKR 480,000–550,000+. Rates include the vehicle, driver, fuel, and tolls; hotels and meals are yours to book. May–October is peak — book 3–4 weeks ahead.
Which route up — Babusar or the KKH?
Babusar Top (June–September) is shorter and more scenic: Naran, Lulusar Lake, and a 4,173 m pass. The KKH via Besham and Chilas is the year-round route — longer, but reliable. Most drivers go up via Babusar in season and return the same way; a loop (up Babusar, back KKH) adds variety but an extra half-day.
Is Khunjerab Pass worth a full day?
Yes if skies are clear — the world's highest paved border crossing (4,693 m) with ibex and marmot sightings in Khunjerab National Park. Skip it if you're altitude-sensitive or pressed for time; Passu and Attabad alone justify the trip. Entry tickets to the park are per-person, paid at the gate.
