The Jewel of the North: Hunza and Azad Kashmir Tour Package

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the north in our Hunza and Azad Kashmir tour package. Marvel at the majestic Himalayan and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, visit the iconic Mangla Dam, and explore the breathtaking Shounter and Neelum Valleys. The distance between Azad Kashmir to Hunza Valley is 285 km by road. 

Hunza and Azad Kashmir are blessed with pristine natural beauty and rich culture. Hunza offers stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, valleys, and lakes, while Azad Kashmir Valley has unspoiled natural beauty, lush green forests, and crystal-clear streams. You can also engage in thrilling activities like trekking, hiking, camping, paragliding, and fishing.

Top Places to Visit

• Chilas
• Balakot
• Hunza
• Attabad Lake
• Eagles’ Nest Viewpoint
• Altit & Baltit Fort
• Neelum Valley
• Sharda Temple
• Taobat Viewpoint
• Athmuqam Village
• Muzaffarabad
• Red Fort
• Kel
  

  Best Time to Visit

  April to October is the best time to visit the Hunza and Azad Kashmir valleys. The weather is pleasant, and tourists enjoy outdoor activities, sightseeing, and attending cultural festivals. 

  Famous Festivals

  Hunza is famous for its festivals, such as the Harvest Festival, the Spring Festival, and the Silk Route Festival. Azad Kashmir Valley celebrates festivals such as the Sharda Festival, the Basant Festival, and the Urs of Sufi Saints.

  1. Hemis Festival

  The Hemis Festival (which takes place between February and July) is a celebration honoring Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) through a dance performance at the Hemis Gompa in Leh. Guru Rinpoche is credited with founding Tibetan Buddhism and improving the spiritual state of all living beings. The festival is renowned for its mystic mask dances, known as Chams Performances, which are part of the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and performed only in certain gompas.

  2. Baisakhi Festival

  Baisakhi is a well-known event celebrated by the Sikh community on April 13. Baisakhi is celebrated as the harvest festival in Jammu and Kashmir, which has a sizable Sikh community. The day heralds the start of the harvest season in India and is one of the most lively festivities in Kashmir.

  3. Tulip Festival

  During spring, the tulip gardens in Kashmir come to life with rows of brightly colored tulips, particularly at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. The park boasts a variety of tulips and hosts the famous Tulip Festival, featuring local handicrafts, cultural programs, delicious cuisine, and, of course, tulips.

  4. Shikara Festival

  The Shikara Festival honors the history of Kashmir’s famed watercraft, the Shikaras. The event includes cultural programs, a shikhara race, a dragon boat race, and a canoe polo match. It takes place in July or August and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Kashmiri culture.

  5. Gurez Festival

  The Gurez Festival is held in the tranquil Gurez Valley, which is 8,000 feet above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and the Neelum River. The festival showcases the local people’s handicrafts, cuisine, and culture and features river rafting, trekking, zorbing, cycling, and competitions like painting and drawing. The festival takes place in July or August and is one of the most unique festivals in Jammu and Kashmir.

  6. Thukhum Rezi Hunza Festival

  Thukhum Rezi begins the agricultural season and is celebrated in the Hunza Valley with classic polo contests, music and dance performances, and symbolic farming. The festival ends with collective prayers for peace and harmony in the valley. Each household prepares a unique traditional dish called SEMN, BAAT, and KHISTA to share with others. It is celebrated between March 5th and 8th.

  7. Shimshal Kuch Festival

  Shimshal Kuch is a festival celebrated in a remote village in the upper Hunza region. It marks family and cattle reuniting after spending five months in the Pamirs. Shepherds sacrifice goats on the Shamshal Bridge to thank God for the safe return of their families and herds. The festival takes place from October 15 to 18 in Shimshal Valley.

  8. Chineer Hunza Festival

  Chineer is a harvest festival celebrated during the first week of July in the Upper Hunza region when the barley crop is ripe. Families led by the head of the household gather in the barley field with a traditional meal to pick and bake the barley. Afterward, everyone gathers to eat local dishes and pray for a good harvest. It is a celebration of the only crop season in the mountains.

  9. Baba Ghundhi Hunza Festival

  The Baba Ghundi Festival commemorates the remarkable service of Baba Gundi, a Sufi saint who spread Islam and eradicated evil in the upper Gojal region. The festival includes sports such as Buzkashi, Nice Bazi, polo, yak races, and tug-of-war. It brings together Wakhi people from the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan to revive centuries-old trade traditions. The festival occurs from July 21 to 23 at the Buzrug “Baba Gundi” mystical shrine in Chipurson Upper Gojal Valley, Hunza.

  Famous Food

  And what is a tour without good food? 

  Azad Kashmir has a rich culture and traditional cuisine, including famous dishes such as Kashmiri Saag, Goshtabay (meatballs), Rogan Josh, and the iconic Kashmiri Pink Tea. Enjoy delectable treats such as Baakirkhaanis and Kulchas with your tea. 

  Make sure to savor the delectable flavors of Hunza by trying the mouthwatering Chapshuro, savory Gyaling/Gral, hearty Buroshapik/Ghilmindi, flavorful Diram Pitti, refreshing Tumoro Tea, warming Hoilo Garma, rich Buttering Doudo, and spicy Harissa during your visit. 

  Historical Background 

  Hunza Valley

  The Hunza Valley has a long history of culture dating back to the eighth century B.C. that was formerly the center of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The inhabitants of Hunza are thought to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. Their unique language, vibrant music, and art intertwine the valley’s history. The valley has also been home to famous personalities, including Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

  Azad Kashmir Valley

  During the Partition of India in 1947, the British relinquished their control over the princely states, which were then given the choice to join India, and Pakistan or stay independent. Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir opted for independence and proposed standstill agreements with both nations. However, a revolt broke out in Poonch in the spring of 1947 due to the administration’s imposition of taxes on the peasantry. 

  The uprising was met with violent suppression, resulting in widespread massacres and the expulsion of Hindus and Sikhs from various districts. The non-Muslim population in the region decreased dramatically, from 114,000 in 1941 to only 750 by 1951. The successful rebellion prompted the pro-Pakistan leaders of western Jammu to establish a provisional government for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pallandri on October 24, 1947.

  Itinerary 

  Day 1

  Arrival in Islamabad

  • Arrive at Islamabad airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
  • Spend the rest of the day leisurely, exploring the city and getting acclimated to your new surroundings.

  Day 2

  Drive from Islamabad to Chilas

  • After breakfast, start your journey to Chilas, a small town in Pakistan’s northern region.
  • The drive from Islamabad to Chilas is approximately 8-9 hours, taking you through scenic mountain roads and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Along the way, make stops at Balakot and Besham, and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.

  Day 3

  Drive from Chilas to Hunza

  • After breakfast, continue your journey to Hunza, one of the most beautiful valleys in the northern region of Pakistan.
  • The drive from Chilas to Hunza is approximately 5-6 hours, passing through gorgeous mountain scenery and stunning scenery.
  • Arrive in Hunza late afternoon and check into your hotel for the night stay.

  Day 4

   Explore Hunza

  • Visit the famous Attabad Lake, a glistening blue lake surrounded by towering mountains and lush green hills. This lake was formed in 2010 due to a landslide and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
  • Hike to the famous Eagles’ Nest Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It is a popular spot for trekkers and nature lovers, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Visit the Baltit Fort, a historic fort built in the 13th century. This fort is an important cultural landmark with a rich history and fascinating architecture. Explore the fort’s museum and learn about the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
  • End the day by relaxing at your hotel in Hunza, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the northern region.

  Day 5

  Drive from Hunza to Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

  • After breakfast, drive to Neelum Valley, a scenic valley in Azad Kashmir.
  • The journey from Hunza to Neelum Valley takes about 8 to 9 hours.
  • Arrive in Neelum Valley late afternoon and check into your hotel for the night.

  Day 6

  Explore Neelum Valley

  • Visit the famous Sharda Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sharda. This temple is an important cultural and religious landmark with a rich history and fascinating architecture.
  • Hike to the famous Taobat viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This viewpoint is a popular spot for trekkers and nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Visit the Athmuqam Village, a traditional Kashmiri village known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Explore the town and learn about the local way of life.
  • End the day by relaxing at your hotel in Neelum Valley, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Azad Kashmir.

  Day 7

  Drive from Neelum Valley to Muzaffarabad

  • After breakfast, drive to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.
  • The drive from Neelum Valley to Muzaffarabad is approximately 4-5 hours.
  • Arrive in Muzaffarabad late afternoon and check into your hotel for the night.

  Day 8

  Explore Muzaffarabad

  • Today, visit the famous Red Fort.
  • After visiting the Red Fort, visit the Muzaffarabad Museum, which showcases the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Learn about the history of Azad Kashmir and discover the region’s unique cultural traditions.
  • Explore Muzaffarabad’s bustling bazaars and markets, sampling local street food and shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts.
  • End the day by relaxing at your hotel in Muzaffarabad, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Azad Kashmir.

  Day 9

  Drive from Muzaffarabad to Kel

  • After breakfast, drive to Kel, a small town in Azad Kashmir’s heart.
  • The drive from Muzaffarabad to Kel is approximately 3-4 hours.
  • Arrive in Kel late afternoon and check into your hotel for the night.

  Day 10

  Departure from Kel

  • After breakfast, drive back to Islamabad, where your tour will end.
  • The trip from Kel to Islamabad is approximately 7-8 hours.
  • Upon arrival in Islamabad, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

  FAQs

  What is included in the Hunza and Azad Kashmir tour packages?

  Depending on the service provider, the exact details of the tour package may vary, but it usually includes lodging, transportation, guided tours of famous tourist attractions, and certain meals.

  How long is the Hunza and Azad Kashmir tour?

  The length of the tour can vary, but typically it ranges from 9 to 10 days.

  Is the tour package customizable?

  Yes, we offer customizable options to cater to travelers’ specific preferences and needs.

  What is Azad Kashmir?

  Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is a self-governing territory in Pakistan. It is located in the northern part of the country and shares a border with India.

  How do I get to Azad Kashmir?

  You can reach Azad Kashmir by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Islamabad International Airport, and from there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Azad Kashmir. By road, it takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Azad Kashmir from Islamabad.

  What are the popular tourist attractions in Azad Kashmir?

  Some famous tourist attractions in Azad Kashmir include Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Banjosa Lake, Pir Chinasi, Toli Pir, and Sharda Peeth.

  What is the culture of Azad Kashmir like?

  Azad Kashmir has a rich culture heavily influenced by its location and history. The people of Azad Kashmir are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The region is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Kashmiris, Paharis, and Gujjars, each with unique customs, traditions, and dialects. The traditional dress of Azad Kashmiri women includes the shalwar kameez, while men often wear the phiran and shalwar kameez.

  Is it safe to travel to Azad Kashmir?

  Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Azad Kashmir. However, as with any destination, it is always important to take the necessary precautions, such as avoiding political gatherings and being aware of your surroundings. Reviewing the most recent travel warnings before making travel arrangements is also advised.