Hunza vs Skardu: Which Mountain Paradise Should You Visit Next

  • 23 Sep 2025
  • Asma
  • Travel Guide
  • 0

Hunza or Skardu, which northern gem should be on your bucket list? Dive into this detailed travel guide comparing landscapes, culture, food, and adventure to help you choose your perfect mountain escape.

Hunza: Land of Fairytales and Friendly Vibes

Hunza is like stepping straight into a postcard. Picture snow-capped Rakaposhi glowing at sunrise, winding roads lined with apricot blossoms in spring, and villages where everyone greets you with a smile. Karimabad is the heart of Hunza, where you can explore the Baltit and Altit Forts, sip apricot juice with locals, and shop for gemstones. Hunza is also foodie heaven. From piping hot chapshuro (Hunza pizza) to walnut cakes, the valley keeps both your stomach and soul full. Add to that the easy accessibility (a smooth drive from Gilgit), and Hunza feels like a dreamy, laid-back escape perfect for families and first-time travelers.

Seasonal Magic in Hunza

  • Spring (March–May): Apricot and cherry blossoms paint the valley in pastel colors.
  • Summer (June–August): Best time for road trips and treks. Attabad Lake looks surreal under the summer sun.
  • Autumn (September–November): The valley turns golden with apricot leaves-photographers call it “Hunza’s golden season.”
  • Winter (December–February): Quieter, snow-covered, magical but chilly.

Foodie Highlights

Hunza is known for its organic, hearty food that reflects the valley’s simple lifestyle. Don’t miss:

  • Chapshuro (Hunza pizza) – bread stuffed with minced meat, onions, and spices.
  • Diram Pitti – a sweet porridge made with sprouted wheat.
  • Apricot Oil Dishes – traditional meals cooked with Hunza’s famous apricot oil.

Must-Visit Places in Hunza

  • Attabad Lake: Formed after a landslide, now a turquoise wonder where you can boat or jet ski.
  • Passu Cones: Dramatic, spiky peaks that are Instagram gold.
  • Baltit & Altit Forts: 700-year-old forts that give a peek into Hunza’s history.
  • Khunjerab Pass: The world’s highest paved border crossing into China.

Skardu: The Gateway to Mighty Giants

If Hunza feels like a storybook, Skardu is an epic adventure novel. Surrounded by towering peaks like K2 and Broad Peak, it’s the gateway for trekkers heading to the Karakoram and Himalaya ranges. Skardu is about 8–10 hours by road from Gilgit or a 45-minute flight from Islamabad (though flights depend on weather).

Seasonal Magic in Skardu

  • Spring: Pleasant weather and fewer crowds, perfect for exploration.
  • Summer: Peak season for trekking, especially to Baltoro Glacier and K2 Base Camp.
  • Autumn: The landscapes turn fiery red and golden, especially around Shigar Valley.
  • Winter: Harsh, but a wonderland for those who dare. The Katpana Cold Desert looks surreal under snow.

Foodie Highlights

Skardu has a mix of Tibetan and Balti flavors:

  • Balti Yakhni (meat soup) – hearty, warm, and perfect for cold evenings.
  • Mamtu (dumplings) – steamed with meat or veggie fillings.
  • Buckwheat bread with apricot oil – a Balti staple.

Must-Visit Places in Skardu

  • Shangrila Resort & Lake (Lower Kachura Lake): A picture-perfect lake with floating restaurants.
  • Deosai National Park: Known as the “Land of Giants,” this plateau blooms with wildflowers in summer.
  • Shigar Fort: A restored fort that doubles as a heritage hotel.
  • Katpana Desert: The world’s highest cold desert, yes, you read that right!
  • Satpara Lake: A calm, blue lake just outside Skardu city.

Travel Tips for Both Hunza & Skardu

  • Book early: Both spots get packed in summer—book hotels and flights in advance.
  • Cash is king: ATMs are limited, so carry cash.
  • Weather check: Especially for Skardu flights always keep a buffer day in your plan.
  • Clothing: Pack layers, even summers get chilly at night.
  • Connectivity: Internet is improving but expect patchy signals.

Final Verdict – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Hunza and Skardu is like picking between two priceless gems. If you’re after comfort, culture, and an easy road trip, Hunza is your best bet. If you’re craving adventure, epic treks, and raw beauty, Skardu will steal your heart. But here’s a pro tip: if you’ve got the time, why choose? Do both! A combined Hunza-Skardu trip is the ultimate northern Pakistan experience. Imagine sipping apricot juice in Hunza one day and waking up to Skardu’s cold desert the next. Pure magic. A big surprise for you wanderers! Mosafir has a perfect solution to this never ending debate Mosafir is offering the ultimate Hunza Skardu Combo package.

“Can’t decide between Hunza’s fairytale charm and Skardu’s raw adventure? Why not experience both! With Mosafir’s Hunza & Skardu Combo Tour Package, you don’t have to choose, enjoy breathtaking lakes, forts, valleys, and deserts in one unforgettable journey.”

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Posted by Asma

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