How to Reach Hunza from Lahore in 2025
The first time I heard about Hunza, I was sitting in a café in Lahore, scrolling through pictures of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Something clicked deep within me. A week later, I found myself in the backseat of a friend’s Corolla, headed north. What I saw, felt, and experienced changed how I viewed Pakistan forever. Hunza isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey that speaks to your soul.
For travelers from Lahore, the idea of reaching Hunza might seem overwhelming—over 800 kilometers of varying terrains, unpredictable weather, and many logistics to figure out. But let me assure you: it’s not only doable, it’s deeply rewarding. This blog is your detailed guide to making that journey—your options, your stops, and everything you need to know.
Whether you want to drive yourself, take a luxury bus, fly part of the way, or plan a full family road trip, this guide will walk you through how to reach Hunza from Lahore in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Hunza?
Before we get into how to get there, here’s why you must go.
Unreal landscapes – towering peaks, icy blue rivers, suspension bridges, ancient forts.
Rich culture – Wakhi, Brushiski, and Shina people with warm hospitality.
Peace and safety – Hunza is one of the safest and most peaceful regions in Pakistan.
Adventure + serenity – You can hike a glacier in the morning and sip apricot tea by sunset.
So now, the big question:
How Can You Reach Hunza from Lahore?
There are four main options to get from Lahore to Hunza:
By Road via Public Transport (Buses or Vans)
By Road in Your Own or Rented Vehicle
By Air to Gilgit, then by Road to Hunza
Combination (Bus + Flight or Rent + Public)
Let’s break each option down in detail.
1. Lahore to Hunza by Public Transport (Daewoo/Natco/Luxury Coaches)
This is the most budget-friendly and relatively comfortable option for solo travelers or backpackers.
Route:
Lahore → Islamabad (4–5 hours)
Islamabad → Gilgit (16–18 hours by overnight bus)
Gilgit → Hunza (2–3 hours)
Major Bus Operators:
Faisal Movers: Executive class, with charging ports, AC, and reclining seats.
NATCO (Northern Area Transport Corporation): Specializes in mountainous routes.
Karakoram Express: Occasionally operates on this route seasonally.
Cost (approx.):
Lahore to Islamabad: PKR 1,500 – 2,500
Islamabad to Gilgit: PKR 5,000 – 7,000
Gilgit to Hunza (shared van): PKR 500 – 1,000
Travel Tips:
Book Islamabad to Gilgit tickets in advance, especially in summer.
Buses usually leave Islamabad around 6 PM and reach Gilgit by 10 AM.
Carry snacks, motion sickness tablets, and warm layers.
Best For:
Solo travelers
Budget tourists
Adventure seekers
2. Lahore to Hunza by Your Own Car or Rented Vehicle
Want the freedom to stop wherever you want? This is the best option for families, photographers, or road trip lovers.
Route:
Lahore → Islamabad → Mansehra → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza (via Karakoram Highway)
Total Distance: ~880 km
Time: 18–22 hours (split into 2 or 3 days is recommended)
Recommended Stops:
Islamabad (night halt or food stop)
Besham or Chilas (night stay before entering mountainous areas)
Gilgit (before final stretch to Hunza)
Travel Essentials:
Well-maintained car (preferably a 4×4 for comfort)
Offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
Fuel up before leaving Mansehra and Chilas
Snacks, water, first aid, and car documents
Best For:
Families
Groups of friends
Travel bloggers
Photography enthusiasts
Note: We will cover car rental options in a separate blog, including where to rent, what to check, and prices.
3. Lahore to Hunza by Flight to Gilgit
The fastest—but least flexible—option.
Flight Route:
Lahore to Islamabad (optional if you’re starting directly from Lahore)
Islamabad to Gilgit by PIA
Then drive 2–3 hours to Hunza
Flight Time: 1 hour
Flight Cost (2025): PKR 15,000 – 22,000 (subject to change)
Car from Gilgit to Hunza: Shared van: PKR 500–1000 or Private car: PKR 3,000 – 5,000
Important Notes:
Flights to Gilgit are weather dependent. Many are delayed or canceled due to clouds.
Only operate in daylight hours (early morning flights).
Check-in at least 1.5 hours before departure.
Best For:
Business travelers
Time-conscious tourists
Elderly passengers
4. Mixed Travel: Combo of Bus, Rent, or Flight
A flexible, middle-ground solution.
Examples:
Option A: Lahore to Islamabad by car → Flight to Gilgit → Rent a car to Hunza
Option B: Lahore to Gilgit by bus → Rent a car or jeep from Gilgit to Hunza
Option C: Lahore to Gilgit by car → Hire a local driver for Hunza region
Why Consider This?
More adaptable to your schedule and budget
Lets you save time on one segment and enjoy the scenic drive in another
Best Time to Travel from Lahore to Hunza
Spring (April–May): Cherry and apricot blossoms
Summer (June–August): Peak tourist season; warm days and cool nights
Autumn (September–October): Golden foliage; fewer crowds
Winter (November–March): For snow lovers, though some roads may close due to snow in Chilas or Babusar
Safety Tips
Avoid night driving in mountainous areas.
Keep emergency contacts and documents (CNIC, driving license) ready.
Carry a local SIM card with data (Telenor or SCOM for Gilgit region).
Always check road conditions before traveling—especially during monsoons or landslides.
Packing Essentials
CNIC/passport (required at checkposts)
Power bank & extra phone charger
Warm jacket (even in summer, Hunza nights are chilly)
Reusable water bottle
Snacks (dry fruits, biscuits)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
What Makes the Journey Special?
Honestly, it’s not just about getting there—it’s everything in between.
Watching the Indus River race beside your car
Seeing Nanga Parbat peak towering in the distance
Stopping at Rakaposhi View Point for tea and photos
Sharing a plate of paratha with strangers-turned-friends at roadside dhabas.
The Takeaway
Traveling in Pakistan is both exciting and accessible because to its varied transportation system. Every type of traveler has an alternative, from the convenience of ride-hailing services to the affordability of buses and trains.
Metro busses, Careem, and Uber are the most convenient means of transportation for brief city excursions. Pakistan’s picturesque train routes and opulent bus services offer comfortable and reasonably priced long-distance travel. The quickest option to travel long distances is still by domestic flight, particularly when traveling to far-flung northern locations.
Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan? Plan your vacation now to take advantage of the amazing nation’s transportation infrastructure!
Explore carefully planned tours to see the best of this fascinating nation. Please get in touch if you would need more travel advice; we are happy to assist you in organizing your upcoming journey! Additionally, by completing this form, you can personalize your journey.
FAQ: Reaching Hunza from Lahore
1. How far is Hunza from Lahore?
Approximately 880 km via road; takes about 18–22 hours.
2. Can I reach Hunza directly by bus from Lahore?
No. You’ll need to change at Islamabad or Rawalpindi, then take a bus to Gilgit, and then go to Hunza.
3. What is the fastest way to reach Hunza from Lahore?
Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, then a 2–3 hour drive to Hunza.
4. Are there flights from Lahore to Hunza?
Not directly. You can fly to Islamabad, then take a PIA flight to Gilgit.
5. Is it safe to drive from Lahore to Hunza?
Yes, with proper planning and daytime travel. Avoid night drives in mountainous regions.
6. What is the cheapest way to go to Hunza from Lahore?
Taking a bus from Lahore to Islamabad, then NATCO or Faisal Movers to Gilgit, and then a local van to Hunza.
7. Do I need a permit to enter Hunza?
No permit for Pakistani citizens. Foreigners may need a registration note or inform local authorities.
8. How can I book a flight to Gilgit?
Through the PIA website or travel agencies. Always check weather before booking.
9. How many days do I need for a Lahore to Hunza trip?
Minimum 6–7 days for a relaxed trip; 3 days travel + 3–4 days exploring Hunza.
10. Can I take my own car to Hunza?
Yes, if it’s in good condition. Roads are paved but require careful driving after Chilas.
11. What mobile networks work in Hunza?
Telenor and SCOM have the best coverage. Zong and Jazz may not work well in remote areas.
Daniel loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations and making new friends. Writing blog posts since 2015, Daniel says it helps him to document his travels and cherish them. He loves the fact that what he writes might actually help someone have a better experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his spare time, he loves listening to Tchaikovsky and spend time with his dog Coconut.
