Tour Overview & Experience
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Custom pacing, private certified native guides & tailored group itineraries.
Every trip helps support Conservation
Fair-wage porter insurance, Leave-No-Trace practices & local community aid.
Seamless travel, every detail perfected
All permits, deluxe accommodations, private transport & 24/7 expert logistics.
Hunza Adventure Tours offers unique Pakistan autumn tour packages to the most scenic valleys of Baltistan. These exclusive autumn photography tours take you to the beautiful valleys of Baltistan at the time of year when they look their absolute best.
Autumn is the season when the landscape of Baltistan valleys resembles a painting. Trees throughout the valleys seem to be on fire as their leaves turn gold, red, orange, and bronze — contrasting sharply with the barren mountains, their tops covered in snow, and the emerald-green and blue waters of rivers snaking through the valleys. It is a photographic dream come true.
Beginning your journey from Skardu, you will pass through the beautiful Shigar Valley, Khaplu Valley, and Hushe Valley. Autumn is the most colorful season, as the entire region wraps itself in yellow, red, and orange. You may have witnessed autumn colors elsewhere in the world, but you will never see such a stunning combination of beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, and colorful trees in a single valley. Autumn in Shigar and Khaplu valleys is magnificent and unforgettable — truly the best time for exploring the beautiful Baltistan valleys.
Join Hunza Adventure Tours to witness the beauty of autumn and its fascinating spectrum of colors. Book your seat on our Skardu Baltistan Valley autumn tours today. Hunza Adventure Tours offers affordable autumn tour packages to Skardu and the Baltistan valleys from mid-October through the end of November
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Skardu Valley – The gateway to the Karakoram, with its dramatic landscapes and bustling bazaars
- Khaplu Palace – Visit the beautifully restored 19th-century palace of the Yabgo Raja
- Hushe Valley – Journey to the last village in the Karakoram, gateway to Masherbrum (K1)
- Satpara Lake – A stunning turquoise lake at 2,636m, fed by the Deosai Plains
- Shigar Fort – Explore a 400-year-old Balti fort and its surrounding apricot orchards
- Balti Culture – Experience the warm hospitality of the Balti people
- Karakoram Highway – Travel one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads
- Nanga Parbat Views – Marvel at the "Killer Mountain" (8,126m) from the air or road
Day-by-Day Itinerary (10 Days)
Arrival Rawalpindi / Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan! Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Rest and prepare for your journey north. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Skardu (or Drive to Chilas)
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Skardu. The one-hour flight offers spectacular views of Nanga Parbat and the Himalayas . If the flight is cancelled due to weather, we will travel by road along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas for an overnight stay. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,290m (Skardu) / 1,250m (Chilas) | Flight: 1 hour
Free Day in Skardu (or Drive Chilas to Skardu)
If you flew to Skardu, enjoy a free day to rest and acclimatize. Explore Skardu's local bazaars or simply relax. If you drove to Chilas yesterday, today you will continue by road to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Khaplu
Depart Skardu and drive east through the scenic Shyok Valley to Khaplu. The road follows the Shyok River, crossing the Indus about 35 km from Skardu . Khaplu, at 2,600m, is home to the historic Khaplu Palace (Yabgo House), one of Baltistan's finest heritage sites. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,600m | Distance: 65-99 km | Drive: 2-3 hours
Day Trip to Hushe
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hushe Valley, the last village in the Karakoram Range and the gateway to Masherbrum (K1) and K6 . The drive from Khaplu to Hushe takes approximately 2-3 hours on a rugged jeep track. Explore the village, meet local Balti people, and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. Return to Khaplu for overnight. Altitude: 2,950m (Hushe) | Distance: approx. 60 km | Drive: 2-3 hours each way
Drive to Skardu – Visit Satpara Lake
Depart Khaplu and drive back to Skardu. In the afternoon, visit Satpara Lake, a stunning natural lake just 7-9 km south of Skardu . Situated at 2,636m (8,650 ft), the lake is fed by the Satpara Stream from the Deosai Plains and is a major source of water for Skardu . Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,636m (Satpara) | Distance: 65 km (Khaplu-Skardu) + 9 km (Satpara) | Drive: 2-3 hours
Day Trip to Shigar Valley
Spend the day exploring Shigar Valley, located about 30 km north of Skardu . Visit the 400-year-old Shigar Fort, a beautifully restored Balti fort at 2,250m . The valley is known for its apricot orchards and serves as the gateway to Askole, the trailhead for K2 treks . Return to Skardu for overnight. Altitude: 2,300m (Shigar) | Distance: 30 km | Drive: 1 hour each way
Fly or Drive to Besham
Transfer to Skardu Airport for your return flight to Islamabad. If the flight operates, you will fly to Islamabad and then drive to Besham. If the flight is cancelled, you will drive from Skardu to Besham via the Karakoram Highway — a long but scenic journey through the Indus Gorge. Overnight at hotel in Besham. Altitude: 610m | Distance: 322 km (Islamabad-Besham) | Drive: 6+ hours
Day 09: Free Day in Islamabad (or Drive Besham to Islamabad)
If you flew to Islamabad on Day 08, enjoy a free day in the capital. If you drove to Besham, today you will continue by road to Islamabad. The drive covers approximately 264 km and takes about 4-5 hours . Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m | Distance: 264 km | Drive: 4-5 hours
Transfer to airport for flight to onward destination.
After an unforgettable Baltistan adventure, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward destination.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Transport & Transfers: All domestic flights and ground transportation included.
- Accommodations: Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps (including D3V sleeping tents, toilet tents, and shower tents).
- Meals & Catering: Full board (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our dedicated camp cook and kitchen staff.
- Permits & Official Fees: Complete government trekking permits, official paperwork, bridge tolls, campsite fees, and mandatory waste management dues.
- Logistics & Camp Gear: Comprehensive trekking logistics, communal gear, and non-personal equipment.
- Dedicated Crew: Licensed professional mountain guide, kitchen assistants, and porters (up to 15 kg personal luggage allowance per guest).
- Safety & Emergency Support: Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and satellite phone connectivity for emergency communication.
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Skardu Baltistan Autumn Tour Package | 2027 | BOOK NOW
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize Trips?
We loves to customize personal trips for you, your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on number of individuals, so the number in your party may affect your land costs. Just give us a call/contact us and let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to Make It Happen.
What if i want to arrive earlier or depart later than the trip dates?
We are happy to help you arrange accommodations before and after your trip. We can recommend side excursions and restaurants for the extra time.
Who will be picking me up and where?
Our guide or representative will pick you up at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. We can help you arrange accommodations if you arrive earlier, and we are happy to make suggestions for transportation, restaurants and sightseeing.
Who will my guide be?
All of our guides are highly skilled experienced professionals who have been selected based on their careful judgment, local knowledge, understanding of our client’s needs, patience and supportive guiding styles, and great personalities. In addition to their impressive personal achievements in the field, our guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their group’s enlightenment. Our international guides and staff surpass the needs of our clientele and make the trip enjoyable beyond expectations.
Who will i meet on my arrival in Pakistan?
You will be greeted by our representative at airport on your arrival. He shall be holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.
Reserving a trip: how quickly do the trips fill up?
There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. Many of our trips fill up months in advance. So send in your application and a deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want.
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
This must be obtained before arrival and we recommend that you contact your local Pakistani embassy or consulate when planning your trip.
How is Gilgit Baltistan as a destination? Which places can we see in winter?
Gilgit Baltistan is a beautiful destination. So much so, that one should definitely plan a visit. With beautiful lakes and treks to offer, Gilgit Baltistan is a must-visit place to go to. In winter, the temperature in Gilgit Baltistan drops down severely and becomes even more picturesque. One can visit the frozen lakes , if not the Baltoro trek, one can do the trek in Hunza Valley, visit Gilgit Baltistan festivals that help you interact with the locals as well.
What do i need to bring?
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a dossier. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Can i request single accommodations?
All accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodations, we will pair you with another traveler of same gender. If you request single accommodations or a roommate cannot be assigned, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee.
Are there any restrictions for the Photography in Pakistan?
Pakistani people love to take pictures and photograph themselves !
Do not forget your camera !
Photography is a great fun in Pakistan as you will have enough sunlight most of the time. In some of the monuments one has to pay fee for the photography. Our guide will suggest you where it is worth to photograph and where not. At some of the locations photography is not allowed. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, which can include some the train stations, bridges and airports also.Do not photograph these objects otherwise your film can be confiscated.
Should I tip my guide?
Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides. Check your departure packet for details.
How do i sign up for a trip?
You can sign up for the trip directly on our website. To secure your place on this trip, please click on the BOOK NOW button at the side of the page, or the dates tab to the right. You will also need to have the below information to hand:
• Name as per Passport
• Home Address
• Email Address
• Telephone Number
• Date of Birth
Before you embark on your trip, it is essential that we receive your passport, travel insurance, next of kin, medical details and dietary requirements (if applicable). If you have any medical conditions to declare or are over the age of 65, you will be required to complete a medical declaration form, signed and stamped by your GP. If you don’t have all this information to hand, you can still register your place today, and then re-log into the form before you depart by using your email address and the password you create upon registration.
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
For the trip confirmation you need to pay us the 40% payment in advance and the remaining 60% payment on arrival in Pakistan and for an
application alone won’t reserve a space
What happens if Hunza Adventure Tours has to cancel my trip?
If we cancels a trip due to any reason, you will receive a full refund.
Is it safe to travel in the Karakorum region?
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none than in anywhere in the world despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.
we have continued to operate trips in the region each year and we are confident that these regions remains one of the most beautiful, compelling and welcoming places on earth.
The major concentrations of troubles are in the western parts of Pakistan and 100s of miles to the Islamabad. Their major concentrations are in areas which have had little or no tourism (investment, hard currency, etc) which is one of the reasons that their message has played well in these very poor districts. By comparison, the K2 Region is a very well and worldly part of Pakistan.
That said, whenever you travel in Pakistan (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you should definitely use personal caution. We avoid any known dangerous situations. We monitor political situations posted by the government Office and ground reports from our staff and network of contacts. As when traveling in any region, make sure to keep an eye on your possessions and take certain common-sense measures to prevent theft or dangerous situations.
The first rule of trekking K2 Base Camp is to step to the wall side when you meet a mule, since otherwise you can be knocked off the edge.
The main danger for most people doing the straight-in, straight-out route is altitude sickness(AKA Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS). For most people, this can be avoided by sleeping no more than 300 metres higher than you did the night before and taking an acclimatisation day every 1000 metres. Serious AMS is more common in folk doing group tours than in independent trekkers.
Other common injuries are twisted ankles and sprains. Rock falls, moraine and glacier crossings add significant risk to longer treks involving crossing high passes such as the Gondogoro-La. As always, it’s unwise to trek solo in case you fall and can’t extricate yourself: Do note, that it is illegal to trek solo.
What is the recommended age and denomination of USD bills?
There is no specific age of USD bills, however, we recommend the guests to carry new crisp bills when traveling. All denominations are acceptable, however, it is easier if you have smaller denominations of 5’s, 10’s and 20’s.
Can i drink the tap water ?
Pakistani tap water is not safe to drink. Bring water purifying tablets or a water purifying stickto save money and the environment. Note that at higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to use boiled water.Buy a decent thermos flask or plastic water container, so that you can top up with hot, boiled water at the beginning of the day – starting with hot water will stop it freezing.
Can I extend my trip ?
Yes – why not stay on and explore more of what Pakistan has to offer! We can request with to change your return date with the airline. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.
How is Hunza Adventure Tours able to offer such competitive prices?
Our unique style of off the beaten track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you’ll notice are the inclusions. While we don’t include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the ‘Included Highlights’ of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
What is a customized itinerary?
In brief a customized itinerary is an itinerary prepared according to your personal needs. After all, you would have requested this to us as part of the process of customization. Your specific interest, preferences and needs are weighted with our knowledge of logistics and highlights of the area.
What currency is used in Pakistan and where can I exchange money?
The Pakistani currency is the rupee, which is made of 100 paisa. Major currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easily exchanged throughout Pakistan. Most international airports of the country have the money exchange counters, and also some selected larger hotels and resorts have this facility to their customer.
Can I use my credit card in Pakistan?
Of course the most regularly used cards are Visa and MasterCard, but neither American Express nor Dinner’s Club are broadly accepted in Pakistan. While you are going out of the main cities to the small places, it is recommended that you carry enough Pakistani currency for purchasing and tipping purpose.
Is Pakistan a good destination for family traveler?
With its many diverse landscapes and attractions, Pakistan is an admirable destination for the family traveler. Some of the good options are beach holidays and wildlife adventures in the national parks, while many monuments have sight and light shows that will capture children’s imagination. For teenagers, the many outdoor activities, such as camel safari and trekking, are an illustrative card. Without the second thinking, the big challenge for families travelling in this country might be the distances that need to be covered between cities. Air travel and railway journeys are usually the most comfortable forms of traveling, and are strongly recommended to those with the young children.
What kind of food will I be able to eat in Pakistan?
Pakistani cuisine has several variations, with each region famous for its own techniques, ingredients and spices. In northern regions, meat dishes are very popular, which are usually made with chicken, mutton or lamb whereas in southern part vegetarian cuisine is most favored. In addition, seafood is also readily available, particularly at the coast. While Pakistani cuisine tends to be spicy, most restaurants will gladly prepare a milder variation of the meals on the request of their customer.
Do you have experienced guides in different cities of Pakistan ?
We have English speaking guides all over Pakistan. At many places , we also have french , German , Spanish ,Italian and Japanese and other language speaking guides. We can also provide accompanying foreign language speaking tourist guides for individuals and groups. The availability of foreign language speaking guides can be confirmed at the time of reservation.
Can women travel alone?
Every year hundreds of women travel alone into the remote valleys of Pakistan. Many of them can be seen in the streets of Hunza, Gilgit and Baltistan. To take a safer holidays in Pakistan we advice you to wear modest dress which cover whole of their body. Secondly before starting a trek or tour with local guide in the wilderness, please report about your program to the nearest police station or to your embassy with the identity/contact of your local guide/company.
How do I communicate?
English is Pakistan’s official language and widely spoken throughout Pakistan. Most of the signboards are in English. All our drivers, guides and even peoples in the remote valley can understand and speak English.
How to get information about the Weather?
The weather report can be obtained online from internet you can seach the destinations where you will be going.
What is the distance of hotel from the Airport?
Normally it takes 15-30 minutes from the Islamabad International Airport to the city hotels. However it depends upon the condition of the traffic at the time of the day. The distance varies from 15 to 30 kilometers.
What to bring?
Hunza Adventure Tours will provide all necessary accommodation, meal and transportation requirements outlined in the specific tour itineraries (exceptions will be notified). For our trekking and climbing programs, trekkers will be requested to provide personal equipment, appropriate mountain attire and medical supplies.
Who will brief the guests about their further program at the destination?
Our local agent or their representative or the guides will inform the guest’s of their further program at the destinations on daily basis mostly in the evening about the next day’s program.
How much tips to be given to the porters, drivers and the guests?
Tips are dependent of the services provided. A small amount of money can be given at each service to insure prompt and reliable service. For guides it depends on how informative, knowledgeable, helpful they are.
Whether it is good and cheap to eat outside the hotel (restaurants)?
Some of the restaurants are cheaper and frequently visited by the local people. So sometimes yes, it is a good experience to eat outside the hotels and get to meet the local population.
If the domestic air tickets for all sectors are confirmed and in case any sector is waitlisted, what alternate option we will give them?
We offer alternative arrangements in case the flight tickets are not confirmed nor have no chances of getting confirmed. Railway Journey or by surface. We always look at various factors such as the condition of the roads, time of travel and the time taken to cover the distance, comfort and offer the best possible option with consultation, acceptance and agreement with the guest.
About the bank processing charges?
Bank Processing charges are levied on the payment collected on or through the credit cards. It is usually 3.5% of the total amount to be collected or of the invoice raised by us.
How to go about the procedures to get the lost baggage?
In case a bag is lost in transit by the airlines. We file a lost baggage report with the airlines. If the guest continues with the journey, we collect the baggage from the airlines for the guest. For the collection of a lost baggage we need the following: We need an authorization from the guest authorizing Hunza Adventure Tours, and their representative to collect the baggage on their behalf.
A photocopy of the passport of the guest, a letter addressed to the Superintendent customs. The keys of the lost bag for custom clearance.
The original copy of the lost baggage report lodged with the airlines. We will deliver the bag at the doorstep and bill the guest for the services provided. The amount of the invoice can be collected from the airlines at home.
Will the airline pay for the damage and temporary compensation?
Yes, the airlines pay an inconvenience allowance to buy personal effects. They even offer the baggage delivery charges or sometimes offer to deliver the baggage by themselves at the doorstep.
How to take the claim for the damages?
Before walking through the airport exit gates, you must locate your airline's Baggage Service Counter or Lost and Found Desk in the arrivals area.