Hunza (Karimabad) is roughly 600 km from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway — 13 to 16 hours of driving, normally split over two days. Flying Islamabad–Gilgit (about an hour) plus a 2.5 hour drive is the short way in.
| Distance | ≈ 600 km |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 13 – 16 hours (2 days recommended) |
| Road | Karakoram Highway (N-35) throughout |
| Best months | April – November (KKH open year-round, best in these months) |
| 4x4 needed? | No — the KKH is paved; ordinary cars do it daily |
Islamabad → Besham or Naran≈ 270 km · 5 – 6 h
Two openings: KKH via Thakot, or (July–Sept) the Naran–Babusar line.
Besham/Naran → Chilas≈ 190 / 110 km · 4 – 5 / 3 h
The usual overnight; Babusar drops you at Chilas directly.
Chilas → Gilgit turn≈ 130 km · 2.5 h
Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the Indus–Gilgit river junction en route.
Gilgit → Karimabad≈ 100 km · 2 – 2.5 h
Rakaposhi viewpoint at Ghulmet is the mandatory tea stop.
Local hosts run trips to Hunza with drivers who do this road every week — transport, stays and the jeep tracks handled, booked direct with the people who live there.
About 600 km via the Karakoram Highway — 13 to 16 hours of driving, best split over two days. Fly to Gilgit and it becomes an hour in the air plus a 2.5 hour drive.
The KKH to Hunza is maintained year-round; winter brings occasional closures after slides or snow. Babusar Pass, the summer shortcut, only opens roughly July to September.
No — the KKH and the roads to Karimabad, Attabad and Passu are paved. Ordinary sedans make the trip every day of the season.
Naran (in summer, via Babusar) or Chilas/Besham on the KKH line. Both put Karimabad within an easy second day.