A 5-day Northern Areas package from Islamabad costs PKR 225,000–420,000 (USD 800–1,500) all-in in 2026. Sedans handle Hunza via the Karakoram Highway in season; book an SUV for Skardu side valleys, Deosai, or any winter travel. Pakistani nationals need no NOC for Hunza, Skardu, or Naran.
Which vehicle for which valley?
| Destination | Recommended vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hunza (KKH direct) | Sedan or SUV | Paved throughout in season |
| Naran & Babusar | Sedan Jun–Sep; SUV otherwise | Babusar Top closed Nov–May |
| Skardu + Deosai | SUV (Prado, Fortuner) | Deosai is unpaved plateau |
| Fairy Meadows | SUV to Raikot + local jeep | Final track is jeep-only |
What do multi-day packages include?
Standard packages bundle vehicle, experienced mountain driver, fuel, and tolls. Hotels are usually excluded — you book your own, which keeps pricing honest. The driver's overnight allowance is built into the package rate; confirm this explicitly so there are no per-night surprises.
Do I need permits or an NOC?
Pakistani nationals need no NOC for Hunza, Skardu, Naran, or Swat. Carry your CNIC — checkposts register travellers entering Gilgit- Baltistan. Foreign tourists should carry passport and visa copies; border-adjacent zones (Khunjerab Pass, some side valleys) may require checkpost registration, which your driver handles routinely.
When should I go — and when should I not?
June–September gives full access: Babusar Top, Deosai, and all side valleys open. April–May and October are quieter with 10–20% lower package rates. November–March closes Naran and Babusar entirely; Hunza stays reachable via the KKH, but book a 4x4 and a driver who knows winter conditions. Avoid Eid weeks unless you book a month ahead — rates spike and good drivers sell out first.
