Explore Gojal (upper Hunza)

Explore Gojal (Upper Hunza) Tour

Tucked away in the northernmost corner of Hunza Valley, Gojal, more commonly known as Upper Hunza, is one of Pakistan's most spectacular yet least explored mountain regions. Home to dramatic landscapes, centuries-old Wakhi villages, turquoise lakes, mighty glaciers, fertile valleys and some of the highest peaks on Earth, Gojal offers an unforgettable journey for travellers seeking authentic experiences beyond the ordinary.

Stretching from Aeenabad, the first village of Upper Hunza, to the international border at Khunjerab Pass, Gojal shares its boundaries with Central Hunza to the south, China to the north-east and Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north-west. This strategic location has shaped its rich history as an important section of the ancient Silk Road, where traders, explorers and travellers once crossed some of the world's highest mountain passes between South Asia and Central Asia.

Today, Gojal remains one of Pakistan's most rewarding destinations, combining breathtaking scenery with a rich cultural heritage that has remained remarkably well preserved. The journey follows the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH), widely regarded as one of the world's greatest road journeys, connecting a chain of picturesque villages nestled beneath towering peaks and alongside magnificent glaciers. Every bend in the road reveals another unforgettable panorama, making this one of the finest road trips in the Karakoram.

Unlike tours that only visit a handful of popular attractions, this carefully designed itinerary explores every major valley of Gojal. Alongside the villages that line the Karakoram Highway, you will also venture into the remote valleys of Shimshal, Misgar, and Chipursan, each offering its own unique landscapes, history and traditions. Together, they present the complete story of Upper Hunza—its people, culture and extraordinary mountain environment.

Discover the Valleys, Villages and Natural Wonders of Upper Hunza

The journey begins in Aeenabad, the gateway to Upper Hunza, before continuing through the beautiful villages of Shishkat, Gulmit, Ghulkin, Hussaini, Passu, Kirmin, Morkhun, Sost, and onward to the spectacular Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres above sea level.

Each village has its own distinct character and history. Wander through the traditional streets of Gulmit, the historic capital of Gojal, where ancient homes, orchards and welcoming Wakhi families reflect centuries of mountain life. Visit Ghulkin, renowned for its beautiful apricot orchards and access to some of Pakistan's finest trekking routes. Explore Passu, perhaps the most photographed village in northern Pakistan, famous for the iconic Passu Cones, the dramatic Passu Glacier, and the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge.

The tour also includes time at the stunning Attabad Lake, whose brilliant turquoise waters were formed following the 2010 landslide that reshaped the valley. Today, the lake has become one of Pakistan's most recognisable natural attractions, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking and lakeside relaxation against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

One of the highlights of the journey is travelling through Khunjerab National Park, an important protected area known for its pristine alpine landscapes and wildlife. Visitors may spot Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, Golden Eagles, Marmots, and, with exceptional luck, the elusive Snow Leopard, although sightings remain extremely rare.

Beyond the main highway lie three remarkable valleys that reveal an entirely different side of Upper Hunza.

Shimshal Valley, often referred to as the Valley of Mountaineers, is Pakistan's highest permanent settlement and has produced many of the country's most accomplished high-altitude climbers. Surrounded by towering peaks and vast glaciers, Shimshal offers a fascinating insight into one of the most resilient mountain communities in the Karakoram.

To the west lies Chipursan Valley, a peaceful and little-visited region stretching towards the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. Dotted with traditional villages, high-altitude pastures and ancient shrines, Chipursan is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich Wakhi culture and spiritual significance. The valley culminates at Baba Ghundi, where visitors can explore the famous shrine dedicated to the revered Sufi saint.

Further north, Misgar Valley showcases another unique landscape of broad valleys, mountain streams and historic routes that once connected traders with Central Asia through the legendary Mintaka Pass and Kilik Pass. These ancient Silk Road crossings played a crucial role in regional trade for centuries before the construction of the modern Karakoram Highway.

Experience the Complete Upper Hunza Like Never Before

This tour has been designed for travellers who want more than a typical visit to Hunza. Rather than focusing solely on well-known attractions, it provides a comprehensive exploration of the entire Gojal region, allowing visitors to discover hidden valleys, remote communities and spectacular mountain scenery rarely experienced by conventional tourists.

Whether enjoying a cup of traditional Wakhi tea in a family home, walking through centuries-old villages, crossing the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge, standing beside the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, or gazing across the high-altitude landscapes of Khunjerab Pass, every day offers a new perspective on one of the world's most remarkable mountain regions.

The journey also provides countless opportunities for photography, cultural interaction, wildlife observation and light hiking. Throughout the tour, travellers are surrounded by some of the Karakoram's most impressive peaks, including Passu Sar (7,478 m), Shispare (7,611 m), Batura Sar (7,795 m), and the instantly recognisable Passu Cones, creating a spectacular backdrop at every stage of the adventure.

Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, cultural explorers, road-trip enthusiasts and travellers seeking authentic mountain experiences, the Explore Gojal (Upper Hunza) Tour showcases the very best of northern Pakistan. By combining the famous attractions along the Karakoram Highway with the remote valleys of Shimshal, Misgar, and Chipursan, this journey offers the most complete and rewarding exploration of Upper Hunza available, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation of the landscapes, heritage and people that make Gojal one of the true gems of the Karakoram.

Why You'll Love This Tour

The Explore Gojal (Upper Hunza) Tour is the most comprehensive way to discover the northernmost region of Hunza Valley, taking you far beyond the typical tourist trail. While many visitors only experience the attractions along the Karakoram Highway, this journey introduces you to every major valley of Gojal, revealing its extraordinary landscapes, rich Wakhi heritage and centuries-old Silk Road history.

Travel through charming mountain villages including Shishkat, Gulmit, Ghulkin, Hussaini, Passu, Sost, and Khyber, before venturing into the remote valleys of Shimshal, Misgar, and Chipursan—three destinations that remain among the most authentic and least-visited parts of northern Pakistan. From the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake and the dramatic Passu Cones to the vast Passu Glacier, Batura Glacier, and the high-altitude landscapes of Khunjerab Pass, every day presents a different side of the Karakoram.

This tour is perfect for travellers who appreciate breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, photography, wildlife, and meaningful encounters with local communities. Along the way, you'll meet the welcoming Wakhi people, learn about their traditions and mountain lifestyle, and experience the genuine hospitality that makes Upper Hunza so memorable.

Whether you are visiting Pakistan for the first time or returning to explore beyond the well-known highlights, this itinerary offers the most complete exploration of Gojal available. Combining iconic landmarks with hidden valleys, historic Silk Road routes, alpine landscapes and unforgettable mountain views, it is an inspiring journey through one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the Karakoram.