Discover Attabad Lake in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan! Your complete guide to routes (air/road), hotels, weather, top spots and many more. Start planning! ✨
Introduction: Where Heaven Meets Earth in Hunza Valley
Think of the pristine blue of a lake that you can imagine to be a spilt crystal of blue sapphire resting in the raw rugged peopled heads of the Hunza valley. No CGI, it is Attabad Lake, Gilgit Baltistan; an unbelievable blessing of nature that now offers such beautiful scenery and pulls at the heart strings of the whole of northern Pakistan.
An outcome of a landslide disaster in 2010, this 21km long wonder has brought a sense of scope in addition to surreal beauty. Such is Lake, located in the northern regions of Pakistan that you cannot leave off your bucket list, simply in case you put the northern regions of Pakistan into your bucket list (and you really should do that!). Bring your sense of surprise, we are in!
Getting to Lake: Your Adventure Routes
Getting to Lake: Your Adventure RoutesIt is the thrill to get to this
slab of heaven! The following is how to overcome the journey:
Flight: Airplane Express The High-Flying Way
Islamabad Gilgit:
Fly Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). There are flights of~1 hour which,
however, depend on weather conditions (book in advance!).
Cost:
15,000 PKR 25,000(return)
Tip:
Seat by the window: an insane view of the Himalayas!
Hunza (Attabad ) to Gilgit (Land on Gilgit): Arrive on Gilgit. Rent a pre ordered car/jeep (3-4 h drive).
Price:
PKR 8,000 – PKR 15,000 (jeep, one way).
Pathway:
Karakoram highway (KKH) and it will be a journey with epic views!
Road: The Fabled Karakoram Journey
The actual expedition of explorationists! Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the most remarkable roads in the world.
Islamabad to Hunza (pp KKH):
Distance: 600 km ~
Duration:
14-18+ (taking into consideration breaks + road conditions).
Options:
Self-Drive: More than just the type of driver one should be on the mountains! The start of rentals is PKR 8,000/day.
Jeep/Car/Driver:
(Very Strongly Recommended). up to PKR 50,000 + (round trip, negotiable).
NATCO/Silk Route buses:
PKR 2,500 -PKR 4,000 (Islamabad to Aliabad/Hunza). Long, sufficient and economical!
Places of importance:
Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Karimabad. Take 2-3 days leisurely along the road with stopovers.
Traveling tip:
Travel in the day. KKH is beautiful and challenging. Make sure road conditions (particularly after it has rained/snowed).
🌦️ Weather Wisdom: When to Visit Attabad Lake
Gilgit-Baltistan has distinct seasons. Timing is EVERYTHING for the perfect trip:
Best Time (April – October):
April-June: Spring bliss! Wildflowers bloom, temps 15°C-25°C. Ideal for photography.
July-August: Peak summer (18°C-28°C). Warmest for boating. Can see afternoon showers.
September-October: GOLDEN AUTUMN! Crisp air (10°C-20°C), golden poplars, clear skies. Perfect.
Winter (November – March):
Brutal but Beautiful: Temps drop below freezing. Snow blankets the peaks. KKH can close due to snow/landslides.
For the Brave: Offers surreal, frozen-lake vistas. Some hotels close; 4×4 mandatory.
Avoid: Monsoon pulses (late July/August) can cause landslides disrupting travel.
🏞️ Beyond the Blue: Must-Visit Attabad Lake & Hunza Spots
Attabad is dazzling, but Hunza is packed with gems! Don’t miss:
Lake Itself:
Boat Rides: Glide on turquoise water! Small boats (PKR 500-800/person) & larger covered boats (PKR 3000-5000/group).
Viewpoints: “Upper Attabad” lookout offers THE iconic panorama. Free access!
Tunnel of Light: Drive through the engineering marvel (Shangri-La Resort Tunnel) bypassing the old slide area.
Valley Highlights (Near Attabad):
Eagle’s Nest (Duikar): Highest viewpoint for sunrise/sunset over Ultar Sar. (30 mins from lake).
Karimabad & Baltit Fort: Historic capital, UNESCO-nominated fort, local bazaars. (40 mins).
Passu Cones & Glacier: Jaw-dropping cathedral-like peaks & glacial trek. (1 hour north).
Hussaini Suspension Bridge: Adrenaline-pumping walk near Passu!
🛏️ Rest Your Head: Hunza Accommodation for Every Wallet
From rustic charm to luxus resort indulgence, Hunza caters to all:
| Accommodation Type | Examples Near Attabad Lake | Price Range (Per Night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resorts | Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort | PKR 25,000 – PKR 40,000+ | Lakefront views, spa, fine dining. Pure indulgence! |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Hilltop Hotel Hunza, Glacier Breeze | PKR 8,000 – PKR 15,000 | Comfort, great views, good facilities. Best value. |
| Guesthouses/Homestays | Old Hunza Inn, Green Pasture Cottage | PKR 3,000 – PKR 7,000 | Authentic experience, local food, warm hosts. |
| Budget Hostels/Camps | Gojal Inn, Riverside Campsites | PKR 1,000 – PKR 3,000 | Backpackers, adventure seekers, social vibes. |
Booking Tip: Reserve MONTHS ahead for peak season (May-Oct), especially luxury stays. Use platforms like Booking.com or local travel agents.
Location Hack: Staying directly on Attabad Lake (like the luxus resort) offers unmatched views but can be pricier. Gulmit/Aliabad offer cheaper options 15-30 mins away.
Your Perfect Lake Itinerary (3-5 Days)
Your Perfect Lake Itinerary (3-5 Days)Day 1: Arrival & Lake Immersion
Arrive in Hunza via air/road. Check into your hotel.
Head straight to Attabad Lake. Take a boat ride (late afternoon light is magical!).
Sunset at the Upper Attabad viewpoint. Dinner at a local Karimabad cafe.
Day 2: Heritage & Heights
Morning visit to Baltit Fort & Karimabad Bazaar (buy apricots & handicrafts!).
Afternoon drive to Duikar (Eagle’s Nest) for sunset over the valley. Stay for stargazing if possible!
Day 3: Northern Adventures
Drive north to Passu. Walk the thrilling Hussaini Bridge.
See the majestic Passu Cones & visit Passu Glacier (short hike required).
Optional: Day trip to Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China border, need permit & full day).
Day 4 (Optional): Relaxation & Hidden Gems
Leisurely breakfast by the lake. Visit the serene Borith Lake near Gulmit.
Explore ancient petroglyphs at Ganish Village. Enjoy a traditional Hunza meal.
Essential Travel Tips for Attabad & Northern Pakistan
Essential Travel Tips for Attabad & Northern Pakistan- Visas: Foreigners require No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to restricted locations (such as Khunjerab). Tour operator.
- Cash is King: There are only a few ATMs. Carry a lot of cash (in PKR) (preferably smaller notes).
- Connectivity: The mobile data (Jazz/Zong) is alright in Attabad/Karimabad, but drop is possible. Hotels are also known to have slow Wi-Fi connection.
- Health: Drinking Water Will help! They do not usually have altitude sickness here, but it is possible. Bring medicine, sunscreen (high UV!), lip balm.
- Respect Culture: Dress decently (more so by the women). Asking locals to take their photographs.
- Sustainability: PLEASE do not litter. Save this paradise!
Conclusion: Why Attabad Will Steal Your Heart
Conclusion: Why Attabad Will Steal Your HeartThis Lake is an experience that permanently marks your soul, not only a place to visit. The wild beauty of Gilgit Baltistan and northern regions of Pakistan is represented by the unfeasible blue water against the harsh, grandiose mountain tops. This lake embodies northern Pakistan’s enchantment whether you are kayaking on its calm surface, admiring it from a resort balcony, or driving the magnificent KKH to reach it. This is a location when the force and beauty of nature meet to produce something absolutely remarkable. Pack your suitcases, grab the trip, and see the legend of Lake for yourself. Your Himalayan fantasy awaits!