Frequently Asked Questions

Each season offers something different. The most popular times are:

• Spring (March–May): Famous blossom season in Hunza. Apricot and cherry trees bloom, creating stunning pink-and-white landscapes. Ideal for photography and valley touring.
• Summer (June–August): High passes open, ideal for K2 Base Camp and Concordia treks. Warm days with cool nights. Longer daylight hours for hiking.
• Autumn (September–October): Poplar trees turn golden, skies are crystal clear, and crowds thin out. Many consider this the most beautiful season.
• Winter (November–February): Cold and some roads close, but the landscape is magical. Suitable for cultural tours and Naltar skiing.

General tourism to Hunza, Nagar, and Skardu does not require a special permit for Pakistani nationals or most foreign visitors. However, high-altitude trekking routes do require permits:

• K2 Base Camp and Concordia Trek: Restricted Zone Permit required
• Deosai National Park: Entry fee and conservation permit required
• Certain military-proximity areas: NOC (No Objection Certificate) may be needed

HNS Travels handles all permit applications on your behalf as part of your package. Just provide your passport details and we take care of the rest.

It depends on the tour. Our valley and cultural tours (Hunza Classic, Family Getaway) require only moderate fitness — comfortable walking on uneven terrain for 2–4 hours daily. Our trekking packages, especially K2 Base Camp, require good cardiovascular fitness and prior trekking experience. We always recommend consulting your doctor before high-altitude trips and allow extra acclimatization days in our itineraries.

There are two main ways:

• By Air: PIA operates flights to Gilgit and Skardu from Islamabad. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes but is highly weather-dependent — delays and cancellations are common. Book flexible tickets.
• By Road: The Karakoram Highway (KKH) from Islamabad to Gilgit/Hunza takes 12–18 hours by bus or car. The KKH is one of the world's great road journeys. We recommend private transport for comfort and flexibility.

Our packages include transportation from Islamabad, so you do not need to arrange anything yourself.

You can book via our Contact page by filling out the inquiry form — mention your preferred package, travel dates, and group size. Our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a detailed quote and itinerary. Once confirmed, a 30% deposit secures your booking. The remaining balance is due 21 days before departure.

Cancellations made more than 45 days before departure forfeit only the 30% deposit. Between 30–44 days: 50% charge. Between 15–29 days: 75% charge. Less than 15 days: no refund. In the rare case we cancel a tour due to force majeure (severe weather, civil unrest), a full refund or free rescheduling is offered. Full details are in our Terms & Conditions.

Absolutely. Custom itineraries are one of our specialties. Tell us your interests (photography, culture, trekking, relaxation), your available dates, group size, and budget — we will design a unique tour just for you. There is no extra fee for custom planning.

Major towns (Gilgit, Karimabad, Skardu) have reasonable Telenor and Jazz coverage. Remote valleys and trek routes are mostly off-grid. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of your itinerary before departure. Our guides carry satellite communicators on all high-altitude treks.

Northern Pakistani cuisine is delicious and varied — fresh bread, apricot products, dumplings, mountain trout, and hearty stews. On valley tours, meals are at local guesthouses and restaurants. On treks, our cooks prepare fresh meals at camp. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary requirements — just inform us when booking. Halal food is standard throughout.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. Helicopter evacuation from high-altitude areas can cost USD 5,000–20,000 without insurance. HNS Travels does not provide insurance but can recommend reputable providers. All trekking permits require proof of insurance for high-altitude routes.