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2025

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2026

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

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From
NZ $2,234 per person

Karakoram Highway and Hunza Shangri-La, Pakistan

9 days
Start and end in Islamabad
4.4
483 traveler reviews
From
NZ $2,234 per person
+ $410 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 6 - 12
Ages 18+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Islamabad to Naran

    You'll arrive at Islamabad Airport early in the morning for a meet and greet, then start driving toward Naran, which is about 250 km away. The road takes you through changing landscapes as you head north. After settling into your hotel in Naran, you'll have time to rest after the journey.

  2. Day 2

    Naran to Hunza

    After breakfast, you're heading out toward Hunza on what turns out to be quite the drive. The route crosses Babusar Top at 4,170 meters, which gives you some serious elevation and views. Once you join up with the Karakoram Road, you'll stop briefly at Rakaposhi Peak viewpoint to grab some photos before continuing into Hunza for the night.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast
    Landmarks/POIs
    Babusar Top
    Rakaposhi Peak
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Hunza

    This day focuses on what Hunza has to offer historically. You'll visit Baltit Fort, which dates back about 1,000 years and used to be the royal residence before the Agha Khan Foundation restored it in 1996. Then it's over to nearby Altit Fort, and after that you'll have free time to wander through Karimabad Bazaar picking up local handicrafts and getting a feel for the area.

    Included Activities

    • Visit Baltit Fort
    • Visit Altit Fort
    • Visit Karimabad Bazaar
    Landmarks/POIs
    Baltit Fort
    Altit Fort
    Karimabad Bazaar
  4. Day 4

    Hunza

    Following breakfast, you're driving up to Khunjerab National Park, sitting at over 4,500 meters where Pakistan and China meet at the highest international border crossing. The drive and time there takes about 8 hours total, so it's a long day. On the way back, you'll stop in Gulmit to see handmade rugs and other local products while spending time with the communities there.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast
    • Visit Khunjerab National Park and Pakistan-China border
    • Visit Gulmit
    Landmarks/POIs
    Khunjerab National Park
    Khunjerab Pass
  5. Day 5

    Hunza to Skardu

    You're in for a 6 to 8 hour drive today along the Karakoram Highway, leaving Hunza Valley and heading toward Skardu. The road is scenic but requires patience. You'll pass through Gilgit, which is the regional capital of Gilgit-Baltostan, before continuing on to Skardu. Once you arrive, you'll be close to Shangrila Lake, one of Pakistan's most beautiful natural spots.

    Landmarks/POIs
    Shangrila Lake
  6. Day 6

    Skardu to Khaplu

    The drive from Skardu to Khaplu takes about 4 to 5 hours and follows the Indus River, passing small Balti and Tibetan towns along the way. Once there, you'll check out Khaplu Fort, an architectural work from 1840 built by Raja Daulat Ali Khan. Then you can explore Chaqchan Mosque, which has nearly 700 years of history and carries significant cultural weight in the region.

    Included Activities

    • Visit Khaplu Fort
    • Visit Chaqchan Mosque
    Landmarks/POIs
    Khaplu Fort
    Chaqchan Mosque
  7. Day 7

    Khaplu to Shigar Valley to Skardu

    Today you're driving from Khaplu Valley into Shigar Valley, which serves as the gateway for trekking deeper into the Karakoram mountains. This valley offers some of the best views around Skardu. You'll tour a 400 year old fort and the 17th century Raja's Palace, then head back to Skardu for the night.

    Included Activities

    • Visit 400-year-old fort in Shigar Valley
    • Visit 17th century Raja Palace
    Landmarks/POIs
    Shigar Valley
    Shigar Fort
  8. Day 8

    Skardu to Islamabad

    You'll head to Skardu Airport for a flight back to Islamabad. Once you land and settle in, the afternoon opens up for exploring Pakistan's capital. This city tour hits the main highlights and gives you a chance to see what Islamabad is all about before wrapping up.

    Included Activities

    • Afternoon city tour in Islamabad
  9. Day 9

    Departure

    Your time in Pakistan comes to an end as you depart from Islamabad.

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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Meals
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Penguin Travel

Number of tours

40

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Emily
    · September 22nd, 2025
    I just returned from an incredible tour through the five Stans, and it was an experience I'll never forget! The pace was fast, moving locations every day or every other day, but it allowed us to see and do so much in a short amount of time. Kyrgyzstan was definitely my highlight! Its nature and culture were absolutely breathtaking. I was also pleasantly surprised by Turkmenistan, which offered a unique experience I didn’t expect. One of the biggest reasons this trip was so memorable was our lovely guide Agni. She was patient, caring, and dedicated to making sure everyone’s requests were met. Her thoughtfulness and personal touch really made the experience stand out, and her experience growing up in the USSR brought such an interesting perspective to the trip. Highly recommend Agni and penguin if you are interested in a trip though central Asia!
    Show more
  • Tracey
    · September 18th, 2025
    Penguin delivered a rewarding and action-packed three-week tour, covering the best sites in the region. Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and Uzbekistan’s architecture were standout highlights, and while more time in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan beyond the capital cities would have been perfect, the itinerary made smart use of the available schedule and budget. Our group of 12 was comfortable,though I feel 16 may have struggled on the smaller mini buses. The trip offered good value, with memorable experiences like the yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan and generally good accommodation. Some travel days were long, but the scenery and activities made them worthwhile. The local guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, though I sometimes found it challenging to fully understand them. Agni, the tour leader, brought invaluable language skills and a deep understanding of life in a former USSR country, which allowed us to connect more meaningfully with local people, gain greater insight, and resolve minor issues smoothly. She brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the group, and when several participants experienced stomach issues, she consistently checked in with everyone in her caring, thoughtful way. That said, communication was occasionally inconsistent, with changes to meeting times or locations not always clearly shared, and at times the group was unfairly blamed for resulting issues. With clearer organisation and more consistent updates, this would have been a five-star experience. Nevertheless, it was a highly enjoyable, worthwhile, and often exhilarating trip, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who, like me, enjoys travelling full-on. Thank you Agni and Penguin for such a great tour.
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  • Frank
    · September 18th, 2025
    I’m a 27-year-old who loves backpacking and finding off-the-beaten-path experiences. With the help of my guide, Agni Tzvete, Penguin Travel, and their excellent local partners, I discovered a true gem in Central Asia through Penguin’s 5 Stans Express Tour. Penguin packed the itinerary to the brim with hikes, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, cultural tours, and other unique experiences. The pace is fast, with significant time spent in mini-buses, but the breathtaking landscapes and engaging activities more than made up for the long drives. The local guides were knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to ensure we had a great experience. I also appreciated having free time to explore on my own in the places where we stayed. It’s clear that Penguin puts a lot of care into balancing activities and downtime, creating a well-rounded experience. As of this writing, I haven’t seen another company that offers so much at such a reasonable price point. For anyone who loves adventure, culture, and exploring a truly unique part of the world—and doesn’t mind a fast pace—this tour is for you!
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 12 Nov, 2025
  • From Sunday
    21 Jun, 2026
    To Monday
    29 Jun, 2026
    English
    From:
    NZ $2,234 per person
    Multiple Room Types
    Local Payment
    $410
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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • S

    Steve

    Asked on April 29th, 2025

    Will this tour be available in 2026? If so when will you start taking bookings for this?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten May 2025

      We plan to run it is 2026 as well, we should have the dates in a month or two.

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Reach out to the experts at Penguin Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
NZ $2,234 per person
+ $410 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 307125

  • Currency
    Pakistan Rupee
    Pakistan
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Pakistan. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Pakistan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before January 6th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after January 6th, 2026, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Penguin Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Penguin Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Penguin Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec