Renting a Car to Hunza – Your Complete 2025 Travel Guide
There’s something about seeing the mountains rise before you, slowly, curve after curve, while the sun strikes the peaks. On my third trip to Hunza, I ditched the public transport and rented a car. It was a game-changer.
I stopped for chai whenever I wanted. Took photos when the light hit just right. Changed my route when the road called. That flexibility turned the journey into a true adventure.
Renting a car to Hunza isn’t just a way to get there—it’s a way to feel everything along the way. Whether you’re a solo explorer, traveling with friends, or going on a family vacation, this guide will walk you through how to rent a car to Hunza, what to expect, how much to pay, and the pros and cons of different rental options in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Rent a Car to Hunza?
Let’s get this out of the way: public transport works. But renting a car gives you:
Freedom to explore off-route spots like Rakaposhi Base Camp, Hoper Glacier, or Miachar Viewpoint
Control over your schedule, stops, and comfort
Privacy and safety, especially when traveling with family or gear
Cost-effectiveness for groups splitting fuel/rent
Plus, it’s not just about Hunza—the journey through the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Top (seasonally), or Nanga Parbat viewpoints becomes part of the adventure.
Where Can You Rent a Car From?
You can rent a car to Hunza from these main locations:
Lahore – Full-route drive (880+ km)
Islamabad/Rawalpindi – Popular and convenient
Gilgit – Best for local travel only
Skardu (limited) – If you’re extending your trip
Let’s break down your options by starting city.
1. Renting a Car from Lahore to Hunza
Distance: 880 km
Drive Time: 18–22 hours (recommended in 2–3 days)
Car Rental Companies in Lahore:
RCI Rent a Car
Royal Car Rentals
Lahore Rent a Car Services
Local travel agents (via Facebook or PakWheels forums)
Types of Cars Available:
1300cc–1500cc Sedans (Corolla, City)
SUVs (Prado, Surf, Fortuner)
4x4s (Jeep for mountain flexibility)
Vans (Hiace or APV for families/groups)
Estimated Cost (2025):
Sedan (without driver): PKR 8,000 – 10,000/day
SUV (with driver): PKR 15,000 – 25,000/day
Hiace: PKR 18,000 – 22,000/day
Fuel Costs (Lahore to Hunza):
~PKR 35,000–50,000 round trip (depending on vehicle)
Security Deposit:
Usually PKR 20,000–40,000 + CNIC copy
Documents Required:
Valid CNIC and driver’s license
Rental agreement
Optional: No Objection Certificate (NOC) for inter-provincial travel
Best For:
Full control over trip
Families or groups of 3–6
Flexible itineraries (e.g., stopping in Naran, Chilas, Gilgit)
2. Renting a Car from Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Hunza
Distance: 580 km
Drive Time: 14–18 hours
Why Start from Here?
Avoid long Lahore-Islamabad leg
Better access to high-terrain-ready vehicles
Quick access to Babusar/Naran route in summer
Car Rental Options:
Pakistan Car Rentals
PAKWheels Rent a Car Section
Shahnawaz Travels
Rawal Rent a Car
Pak China Tourism
Estimated Rates (2025):
Corolla: PKR 6,000 – 8,000/day
SUV: PKR 12,000 – 18,000/day
Jeep with driver: PKR 15,000 – 20,000/day
Driver vs. No Driver:
Most rentals for this route include drivers
Driving on mountain roads (especially Chilas to Hunza) can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced
Best For:
Easier logistics
Tourists landing in Islamabad
Summer travelers using Babusar route
3. Renting a Car in Gilgit to Explore Hunza
If you’re flying or busing into Gilgit, this is your best option.
Distance to Hunza: 100 km
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
Local Rental Options in Gilgit:
Hunza Rent a Car (Aliabad)
Karakoram Tours & Rent a Car (Gilgit)
Gilgit Baltistan Travels
Ask your guesthouse for local driver contacts
Car Options:
4×4 Jeeps
Small SUVs (Jimny, Hilux)
Vans for 6–10 people
Estimated Rates:
With driver: PKR 5,000 – 8,000/day
Without driver (rare): PKR 3,000 – 5,000/day
Perks:
Local drivers know the terrain, weather, and viewpoints
Easier access to offbeat places like Passu, Hussaini, or Hopper
Best For:
Tourists flying into Gilgit
Short-stay explorers
Travelers visiting nearby areas (Attabad, Khunjerab, Hopper Valley)
| Factor | Self-Drive | With Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Yes | Yes |
| Local knowledge | No | Yes (can guide and help) |
| Night driving | Risky (not recommended) | Safer if necessary |
| Permits/Checkposts | Must handle yourself | Driver takes care |
| Cost | Slightly cheaper | Slightly higher, but worth it |
| Stress-Free Travel | No | Yes |
Verdict: If you’re not experienced with high-altitude driving, hire a driver. It’s safer and more convenient.
Scenic Routes You Can Enjoy When Renting a Car
When you rent a car, the route itself becomes part of your trip. Here’s what you can enjoy along the way:
Via Babusar Pass (Summer Only: June–Oct)
Route: Islamabad → Naran → Babusar → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza
Highlights: Lulusar Lake, Babusar Top, Fairy Meadows turn
Condition: Great in summer; closed in winter
Via Besham (Year-Round)
Route: Islamabad → Mansehra → Besham → Dasu → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza
Highlights: River Indus, Kohistan Valley, Junction View Point
Condition: Slower but always open (barring landslides)
Both routes converge in Chilas, leading to Gilgit and then up to Hunza through the breathtaking Karakoram Highway.
Important Travel & Safety Tips
Fuel: Fill your tank in Mansehra and Chilas; limited fuel stations ahead.
Spare Tire & Tools: Always check the spare wheel, jack, and toolkit before departing.
Cell Coverage: Weak beyond Chilas. SCOM or Telenor work best in GB.
Daylight Driving: Always plan to drive during the day; mountain roads are not lit.
Traffic Rules: Police checkposts along the way may ask for your CNIC and papers.
Weather Alerts: Check road conditions during monsoon season and snow months.
| Item | Estimated Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Car Rental (5 days) | 35,000 – 40,000 |
| Fuel (round trip) | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Driver Fee (if included) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Tolls and parking | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total | 66,000 – 82,000 |
Pros and Cons of Renting a Car to Hunza
Pros
Total freedom
Easier stopovers
Off-route adventures
Comfortable and customizable
Cons
Costlier than public transport
Driving fatigue or stress
Risks in mountainous driving
Responsibility for vehicle damage
Conclusion – The Road Is Yours
Renting a car to Hunza turns your trip into a story. You’re no longer a passenger—you’re the pilot, choosing when to stop, how long to stay, and where the next view will hit you hardest.
With the right planning, it’s safe, exciting, and empowering. Whether you’re leaving from Lahore, Islamabad, or just Gilgit, renting a car in 2025 is easier and more accessible than ever.
So take the wheel—or hire someone who knows the road better—and let the Karakoram Highway guide you north.
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.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
1. Is it safe to drive to Hunza by car?
Yes, if done in daylight and with experience in mountain roads. Otherwise, hire a local driver.
2. What’s the best car type for Hunza roads?
A 1300cc sedan works in summer. For winter or higher valleys (e.g., Khunjerab), go for an SUV or 4×4.
3. Do I need a driver’s license to rent a car?
Yes. You’ll need a valid CNIC and a driving license.
4. Can I rent a car without a driver?
Yes, especially in Lahore or Islamabad. In Gilgit, most rentals include a driver.
5. What’s the cost to rent a car from Lahore to Hunza?
Expect PKR 60,000–90,000 for a round trip including fuel and rental, depending on car and days.
6. Are rental cars insured for mountainous travel?
Not always. Check with the company. Extra coverage is recommended.
7. Can I rent a car in Gilgit to explore Hunza?
Yes, and it’s often more convenient for local day trips.
8. Is fuel included in the rental?
Usually not. You pay for fuel separately.
9. Can I cross Babusar Pass with a rented car?
Yes, but only in summer months (June–October) and if the car is capable.
10. How do I book a car rental in advance?
Through rental websites, Facebook pages, or direct WhatsApp with the company. Always confirm car type and terms.
11. What happens in case of breakdowns?
You’ll need to call the company or manage repairs locally. Having a driver avoids this hassle.
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.
