How Much Does a Hunza Trip Cost?
Hunza is one of the most affordable mountain destinations in Asia for what it delivers: Himalayan-scale scenery, forts, lakes, and glaciers at prices far below comparable trips abroad. But "cheap" covers a wide range. A 7-day trip can cost one backpacker as little as PKR 55,000–70,000, while a comfortable private trip can run past PKR 180,000 per person.
This guide breaks down the real costs of a week in Hunza in Pakistani rupees: getting there, where to stay, what food costs, and the jeeps, boats, and entry tickets that add up along the way. For when to time your visit, see our best time to visit Hunza guide, and for the destination itself, our Hunza Valley travel guide.
The short answer: 7 days, one person
| Travel style | 7-day total per person | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (public transport, guesthouses) | PKR 55,000–70,000 | PKR 8,000–10,000 |
| Mid-range (some private transport, good hotels) | PKR 115,000–145,000 | PKR 16,000–21,000 |
| Comfortable (private car, deluxe hotels) | PKR 180,000–250,000+ | PKR 26,000–36,000 |
Prices are approximate and move with the season: peak months (April–May blossom, June–August summer, October autumn) cost more than winter. Group tour packages from Islamabad commonly advertise 6–7 day trips around PKR 19,000–21,000 per person on group sharing, while private couple packages with deluxe hotels run PKR 85,000–110,000 per person for 6 days.
Getting there: Islamabad to Hunza
Transport is usually the biggest single line item, and the widest range, because you have three very different options:
By air (fastest): PIA and other carriers fly Islamabad to Gilgit in about an hour, then it is a 2–3 hour drive to Karimabad. Fares run roughly PKR 8,000–25,000 one way depending on how early you book. The catch: mountain weather cancels Gilgit flights often, so keep a flexible plan.
By NATCO bus (cheapest): The public bus from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit costs roughly PKR 3,000–6,000 and takes 18–22 hours. It is long but scenic, and the standard backpacker choice.
By private car or rented vehicle (most flexible): A private car with driver for the Islamabad–Gilgit run is negotiable, roughly PKR 30,000–45,000 for the one-way hire depending on the vehicle. Self-driving your own car splits fuel, which is the cheapest option for groups of three or four.
Return trip doubles these figures. Budget travelers by bus can get to Hunza and back for under PKR 12,000; flying both ways can exceed PKR 40,000.
Where to stay: hotels and guesthouses
Karimabad, Aliabad, and Gulmit have the most options, from simple family-run guesthouses to luxury resorts.
- Budget guesthouses: PKR 3,000–5,000 per night for a clean room, often with breakfast and a mountain view.
- Mid-range hotels: PKR 6,000–12,000 per night for comfortable rooms with hot water, Wi-Fi, and better locations.
- Deluxe resorts: PKR 15,000–30,000+ per night at properties like the Serena or Luxus at Attabad Lake.
Seven nights in a budget guesthouse runs about PKR 21,000–35,000; mid-range totals roughly PKR 45,000–80,000. Book ahead for April, June–August, and October; the best places fill fast and prices spike. Winter rates drop sharply.
Food: eating in Hunza
Food is the pleasant surprise. A meal at a local dhaba or restaurant runs PKR 300–600 per person; a proper dinner (karahi, daal, roti, chai) at a good spot costs around PKR 800–1,500 per person. Budget PKR 2,000–3,500 per day for three solid meals, more if you eat at hotel restaurants every night.
Do not miss the local food: dried apricots, walnuts, and mulberries from Karimabad's bazaar cost very little and make the best trip snacks. Fresh trout near Attabad and Passu is a classic Hunza meal.
Getting around: jeeps, boats, and entry tickets
Once in Hunza, local transport is the second cost bucket:
- Local taxis and shared vans around Karimabad, Altit, Baltit, and Duikar (Eagle's Nest): PKR 500–2,000 per trip or shared per seat.
- Khunjerab Pass day trip (2–3 hours each way from Karimabad): renting a jeep or car runs roughly PKR 8,000–15,000 for the vehicle, split among passengers.
- Attabad Lake boating: boat rides start around PKR 1,000–2,500 per person depending on the boat and duration.
- Fort entries (Baltit and Altit): a few hundred rupees each, money well spent.
- Hussaini suspension bridge and Passu: reachable on the Khunjerab day trip route.
Plan roughly PKR 15,000–30,000 for the week's local sightseeing if you join shared transport, more if you hire private jeeps.
Sample 7-day budgets
Budget traveler (about PKR 60,000 per person):
Transport: NATCO bus return, ~PKR 10,000. Hotels: 7 nights in budget guesthouses, ~PKR 28,000. Food: PKR 2,000/day, ~PKR 14,000. Local sightseeing (shared): ~PKR 8,000.
Mid-range traveler (PKR 115,000–145,000 per person):
Transport: one flight + bus, or shared private car, ~PKR 25,000–35,000. Hotels: 7 nights mid-range, ~PKR 50,000–70,000. Food: PKR 3,000/day, ~PKR 21,000. Local sightseeing: ~PKR 20,000.
Comfortable traveler (PKR 180,000–250,000+ per person):
Transport: return flights, ~PKR 30,000–45,000. Hotels: 7 nights deluxe, ~PKR 90,000–140,000. Food: PKR 4,000/day, ~PKR 28,000. Private jeeps and boats: ~PKR 30,000–40,000.
Traveling as a couple or group cuts per-person costs significantly, since rooms and hired vehicles are split.
Money-saving tips
1. Travel in shoulder months. Late September and early November (before snow) offer good weather with lower hotel rates than peak October.
2. Split fixed costs. Rooms, jeeps, and private cars cost the same whether 2 or 5 people use them, so go with friends.
3. Book flights early. Gilgit fares swing wildly; early booking can halve the price.
4. Eat local. Hotel restaurants charge double the dhaba next door for similar food.
5. Compare group packages honestly. A PKR 20,000 group tour looks cheap, but check what is included: many exclude dinners, entry tickets, and the Khunjerab jeep. Price your DIY trip the same way before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Hunza in 5 days instead of 7?
Yes, but the journey eats two days (there and back by road), leaving three in the valley. Five days works if you fly. Seven days lets you see Upper Hunza and Khunjerab without rushing.
Is Hunza expensive compared to Naran or Swat?
Slightly more, mainly because it is further (higher transport cost) and its best hotels charge a premium. Daily costs in the valley are similar to other northern destinations.
How much cash should I carry?
ATMs exist in Karimabad and Aliabad but can run dry in peak season. Carry enough cash for your week, roughly PKR 30,000–50,000 for a budget trip, more for comfort.
Are credit cards accepted in Hunza?
At larger hotels, yes. Guesthouses, dhabas, jeep drivers, and boat operators are cash-only.
What is the cheapest month to visit Hunza?
December to February, when hotel rates are at their lowest. Shoulder months like March and late November are also good value with milder weather.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Prices are approximate ranges based on 2025–26 listings and move with season and fuel costs. Confirm current rates when booking.