Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore Hunza and Phandar valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. As winter gives way to warmer days, the mountain valleys come alive with pink and white blossoms, green fields and snow-covered peaks. Cherry, apricot, almond, peach and apple trees begin to flower, transforming traditional villages and fruit orchards into beautiful spring landscapes.
Our Hunza and Phandar Cherry Blossom Tour takes you through two distinct regions of northern Pakistan, each with its own scenery and character. In Hunza, explore the picturesque villages of Ghulkin, Passu, Khyber and Shishkat, where blossoming orchards sit beneath the dramatic peaks of the Karakoram. Enjoy scenic drives along the Karakoram Highway, discover traditional settlements and take in the striking turquoise waters of Attabad Lake.
The journey continues towards Phandar Valley, known for its peaceful atmosphere, open landscapes, flowing rivers and beautiful alpine scenery. Explore Gupis, Khalti and Phandar, where spring brings fresh colours to the valley and blossom-covered trees add to the charm of its traditional villages. The region offers wonderful opportunities for photography, village walks and experiencing the quieter side of life in Gilgit-Baltistan.
At Hunza Explorers, we have been organising journeys across northern Pakistan since 2003. Our local guides bring first-hand knowledge of the region, helping us choose suitable routes and blossom-viewing locations according to seasonal conditions. Since blossom timing varies with altitude, temperature and weather, our local experience helps us plan the journey around the best conditions available during your travel dates.
The best time for a Hunza and Phandar Cherry Blossom Tour is generally from March to April, although flowering periods can vary from year to year and between valleys. This journey is an opportunity to experience northern Pakistan at the beginning of spring, combining spectacular mountain scenery, traditional villages, fruit orchards and genuine local hospitality.
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our guide and driver will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive in the morning, we will arrange a half-day sightseeing tour of Islamabad, including some of the city's notable landmarks. For afternoon or evening arrivals, the day will be kept free to allow you to rest after your journey.
After breakfast, we will leave Islamabad and travel north towards Chilas along the legendary Karakoram Highway. The journey takes us through changing landscapes, from the green valleys and mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the rugged terrain of the Indus Gorge. We will make short stops along the way for photography, refreshments and lunch, allowing time to enjoy the scenery.
Upon arrival in Chilas, we will transfer to our hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey north along the Karakoram Highway towards Shishkat village in Upper Hunza. En route, we will stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, where, weather permitting, we can enjoy views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), the ninth-highest mountain in the world. We will also visit the meeting point of three great mountain ranges: the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush.
The drive takes us through the spectacular landscapes of the Indus and Gilgit valleys, with opportunities for photography along the way. Upon reaching Shishkat, near Attabad Lake, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy the mountain surroundings.
After breakfast, we will set off for a full-day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the highest paved international border crossing in the world, connecting Pakistan with China. The drive takes us through the spectacular landscapes of Upper Hunza, following the Karakoram Highway through traditional mountain villages, vast valleys and the dramatic scenery of Khunjerab National Park.
We will make stops along the way to enjoy the mountain views and look out for local wildlife, including the Himalayan ibex and, with some luck, the elusive snow leopard. At Khunjerab Pass, we will have time to explore the Pakistan–China border area, take photographs and enjoy the extraordinary high-altitude surroundings.
After our visit, we will drive back through Khunjerab National Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. We will return to our hotel in Ghulkin, Gulmit or Passu in the afternoon.
Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful villages and landscapes of Upper Hunza. We will begin with a visit to Passu, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and the impressive Passu Glacier. Enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks and glacier before continuing to Borith Lake, a peaceful high-altitude lake surrounded by rugged mountains.
We will then visit the famous Passu Suspension Bridge, offering a memorable experience and spectacular views of the Hunza River and surrounding valleys. Our journey continues to Gulmit, where we will explore the historic Ondra Fort (Poygah) and Gulmit Old House, gaining an insight into the traditional architecture and heritage of the region.
Throughout the day, we will also enjoy leisurely walks through the traditional villages of Passu, Ghulkin and Gulmit, meeting local people and discovering the everyday life of Upper Hunza.
After breakfast, we will leave Upper Hunza and drive towards Karimabad, exploring some of the region's most remarkable natural and historical sites along the way. Our first stop will be Attabad Lake, famous for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting. We will have time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs before continuing to the Sacred Rocks of Hunza, which feature ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left by travellers and traders who once passed through this historic route.
From here, we will drive towards Hopper Valley, a beautiful mountain valley in Nagar District. We will explore the surrounding landscapes and visit Hopper Glacier, where the contrasting colours of ice, moraine and surrounding mountains create a remarkable setting.
After exploring Hopper Valley, we will continue to Karimabad. Before reaching our hotel, we will stop at Ganish Village, one of the oldest settlements in Hunza. We will walk through its traditional lanes and explore its historic mosques, watchtowers and beautifully preserved heritage houses, offering a glimpse into the history and traditional architecture of Hunza. We will then continue to our hotel in Karimabad.
Today we will explore Karimabad and the historic villages of Central Hunza, discovering the region's rich history, architecture and mountain scenery. Our day begins with a visit to Baltit Fort, a centuries-old landmark overlooking Karimabad, once the residence of the rulers of Hunza. We will then continue to Altit Fort, another remarkable heritage site that reflects the history and architectural traditions of the former Hunza Kingdom. We will also visit the Royal Garden and explore the surrounding historic settlement.
Later, we will take a leisurely walk through Karimabad Bazaar, where you can browse traditional handicrafts, locally made souvenirs, gemstones and regional products while experiencing the everyday atmosphere of the town.
In the late afternoon, we will drive up to Duiker Viewpoint, one of the finest locations to appreciate the panoramic scenery of Central Hunza and Nagar Valley. From here, the surrounding mountains, including Rakaposhi, Diran Peak and Ultar Sar, create an impressive backdrop. We will spend some time enjoying the sunset as the changing light falls across the mountain peaks and valleys before returning to Karimabad.
After breakfast, we will leave Karimabad and travel towards Gupis in Ghizer District, following a scenic route through the mountain landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey takes us through changing scenery, traditional settlements and beautiful valleys, with plenty to enjoy along the way.
As we travel through Ghizer Valley, we will make several stops in small villages to admire the spring blossoms. Depending on the seasonal conditions, cherry and apricot trees will be covered in delicate pink and white flowers, adding colour to the surrounding orchards and mountain scenery. These stops will also provide excellent opportunities for photography and short village walks.
We will continue towards Gupis, enjoying the peaceful landscapes and views of rivers, mountains and traditional villages along the route. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Today we will explore the beautiful landscapes of Phandar Valley, one of the most peaceful and scenic destinations in Ghizer District. After breakfast, we will drive towards Phandar, enjoying the changing mountain scenery, traditional settlements and spring colours along the way.
Our first stop will be Khalti Lake, known for its clear blue waters and spectacular mountain surroundings. We will spend some time enjoying the scenery and taking photographs before continuing towards Phandar.
In Phandar, we will explore the famous Phandar Lake and the river flowing through the valley, surrounded by green fields, traditional houses and snow-covered mountains. We will also visit some of the small villages, where spring brings cherry and apricot blossoms to the orchards, creating beautiful settings for photography and leisurely walks.
Throughout the day, we will have time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, meet local residents and experience the natural beauty of Phandar Valley. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Gupis.
After breakfast, we will leave Gupis and drive back towards Gilgit, following the scenic route through Ghizer Valley. Along the way, we will enjoy the mountain landscapes, rivers and traditional villages that make this region so distinctive.
Before reaching Gilgit, we will visit Kargah Buddha, an ancient rock carving dating back to the 7th century. Set into a cliff outside Gilgit, this remarkable archaeological site reflects the region's Buddhist heritage and its historical importance along the ancient trade routes.
Upon arrival in Gilgit, we will explore the city and its main attractions, including the local bazaar, where you can experience the everyday atmosphere of the regional capital and browse traditional handicrafts and local products.
After breakfast, we will leave Gilgit and begin our journey south towards Besham along the legendary Karakoram Highway. The route follows the mighty Indus River through deep gorges, rugged mountains and dramatic landscapes, offering a different perspective of northern Pakistan.
We will make short stops along the way for photography, refreshments and lunch, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and stretch our legs during the drive. By afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and journey time, we will reach Besham and transfer to our hotel.
After breakfast, we will leave Besham and drive towards Islamabad. En route, we will visit Taxila Museum and one of the nearby archaeological sites, depending on the available time. Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of the ancient Gandhara civilisation, offering a fascinating insight into the region's Buddhist history and heritage.
After exploring Taxila, we will continue to Islamabad. Depending on our arrival time and your flight schedule, we will visit some of the capital's main attractions before heading to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
Our services conclude at the airport. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to welcome you back to Pakistan.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pakistan’s autumn season with the expert team of Hunza Explorers on a tour of the Hunza Valley, where you can witness the stunning colors of the changing leaves and immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the region.
Hunza Valley is a true paradise on earth, especially during the spring season when the cherry and apricot trees are in full bloom, covering the entire valley with a blanket of colorful flowers. Hunza valley is renowned worldwide for its mesmerizing beauty and enchanting landscape…
Hunza Valley is a beautiful and serene destination in the northern regions of Pakistan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and traditional lifestyle of the local communities. At Hunza Explorers, we offer a variety of sightseeing tours of Hunza Vall…
