If you’re dreaming of mountain valleys, turquoise lakes, and some of the most scenic roads in the world, a trip to Hunza paired with a visit to Skardu should be at the top of your travel list. Both destinations sit in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan’s northern crown jewel, and getting there from Faisalabad is easier than most people assume — whether you prefer flying, taking the train, or hitting the road by bus.
This guide breaks down every travel option from Faisalabad to Hunza and Skardu, so you can plan a trip that fits your budget, time, and sense of adventure.
Why Combine Hunza and Skardu in One Trip
Hunza is famous for the Karakoram Highway, Attabad Lake, Hunza Valley’s apricot orchards, and views of Rakaposhi peak. Skardu, a few hours further east, offers Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake, Deosai Plains, and access to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 base camp treks. Many travelers combine both in a single northern Pakistan itinerary since the route between them is well connected by road.
Getting from Faisalabad to Hunza or Skardu: Your Travel Options
1. By Plane
For travelers short on time, flying is the fastest route. There’s no direct flight from Faisalabad to Hunza or Skardu, so the usual route is:
- Faisalabad to Islamabad (short domestic flight or road transfer)
- Islamabad to Skardu (PIA operates this scenic mountain flight, weather permitting)
Flights to Skardu are weather-dependent and often delayed or cancelled in poor visibility, so it’s wise to keep a few buffer days in your itinerary. There’s no direct flight into Hunza; travelers fly to Gilgit instead and continue by road (roughly 2-3 hours to Hunza).
2. By Train
There’s no railway line into Gilgit-Baltistan, so trains can only get you partway. The practical option is:
- Take a train from Faisalabad to Rawalpindi (several daily departures, comfortable and affordable)
- From Rawalpindi/Islamabad, switch to a bus, private jeep, or domestic flight to continue north
This combination works well for travelers who want to save money on the first leg of the journey while still enjoying a relatively quick and comfortable ride.
3. By Bus
The bus route is the most budget-friendly and arguably the most adventurous way to travel. Typical journey:
- Faisalabad to Rawalpindi/Islamabad by intercity bus or coach (around 4-5 hours)
- Islamabad to Gilgit/Hunza via the Karakoram Highway (12-16 hours, depending on stops and road conditions)
- From Gilgit, local transport or hired jeeps continue to Skardu (around 6-8 hours) or further into Hunza
Several private coach operators run AC sleeper and executive buses on the Islamabad-Gilgit-Hunza route, making the long drive more comfortable. The Karakoram Highway itself is part of the experience, with views of glaciers, rivers, and towering peaks along the way.
Suggested Itinerary Structure
A practical northern Pakistan trip from Faisalabad often looks like this:
- Day 1: Faisalabad to Islamabad (train, bus, or short flight)
- Day 2: Islamabad to Hunza (flight to Gilgit + road, or full bus journey)
- Days 3-4: Explore Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad
- Day 5: Travel from Hunza to Skardu by road
- Days 6-7: Explore Skardu, Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake
- Day 8: Return journey to Faisalabad
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Book domestic flights to Skardu or Gilgit well in advance, since seats fill up quickly in peak season (May-September) and weather cancellations are common.
- If traveling by bus, choose night buses for the Islamabad-Gilgit leg to save a travel day.
- Carry a CNIC or passport, as security checkpoints are common along the Karakoram Highway.
- Pack layers; temperatures swing significantly between Faisalabad’s plains and the mountain valleys.
- Mobile network coverage can be patchy in parts of Hunza and Skardu, so download offline maps beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to fly for speed, take the train partway for comfort, or commit to the full overland bus journey for the adventure, a trip to Hunza and onward to Skardu from Faisalabad is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Pakistan. With some planning around weather and transport schedules, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery anywhere in the world.
