Backpacking northern Pakistan means NATCO buses, shared vans, and guesthouses instead of private drivers and flights. It’s genuinely doable and cheaper than any of our other itineraries. It’s also honestly a better way to actually meet people along the way.

Backpacking northern Pakistan itinerary: the route at a glance

Backpacking northern Pakistan itinerary: getting there by NATCO bus

NATCO has historically been the primary bus company permitted to carry foreign travelers. It runs from Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal in Rawalpindi to Gilgit. Faisal Movers has recently started carrying foreigners too, so check at the terminal for current options.

• Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Gilgit: roughly PKR 1,200 to 3,800 depending on service level, with overnight departures common
• Book a few days ahead in peak summer season, since seats fill fast
• Carry passport and visa copies. You’ll pass 15 or more checkpoints along the route, and having copies ready speeds things up
• Luggage over 40 to 50 kg needs a courier service instead, so pack accordingly

Getting around once you’re there

Once in Gilgit-Baltistan, shared vans (locally called wagons) connect towns for a fraction of private transport costs.

• Gilgit to Aliabad/Karimabad: roughly PKR 400 to 700
• Local vans run morning through afternoon, generally not overnight
• Ask locally where vans depart from, since smaller towns often don’t have a formal terminal
• Hitchhiking is common and generally safe in popular areas like Hunza, though use normal judgment as you would anywhere

The Fairy Meadows side trip

Worth adding if your schedule allows two extra days.

• Bus south to the Raikot Bridge junction
• Negotiate a jeep to Tato village, a rough 1.5 to 2.5 hour 4×4 ride
• Then a steep hike uphill, roughly 3 to 4 hours, to Fairy Meadows itself
• Jeep plus camping runs roughly PKR 4,000 to 6,000

Where to stay

Budget guesthouses and hostels exist throughout Hunza and Skardu, generally under PKR 3,000 a night. Karimabad has the widest range; smaller towns like Passu and Gulmit offer quieter, cheaper alternatives with fewer amenities.

Estimated costs

A careful independent backpacker can do this full route for roughly PKR 35,000 to 55,000 per person over two weeks. That covers buses, vans, guesthouses, and food. That’s a fraction of the cost of a private-vehicle trip covering the same ground. See our full cost breakdown for more detail. Also useful: our backpacking Pakistan guide, for border crossings and the wider overland picture.

Practical tips

• Book NATCO tickets a few days ahead in summer. Seats fill up fast, especially on VIP-tier buses.
• Keep passport copies accessible at all times. Checkpoints are frequent and expect them.
• Have a flexible schedule. Shared transport runs on its own rhythm, not a fixed timetable.
• Carry more cash than you think you need. ATMs are unreliable outside major towns, and shared vans and guesthouses are cash-based.

Pair this with our packing list for northern Pakistan and altitude sickness guide before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners take NATCO buses in Pakistan?

Yes, NATCO has historically been the main bus company permitted to carry foreign travelers along the Karakoram Highway. Faisal Movers has recently started allowing foreigners too, so check current options at the terminal.

How much does backpacking northern Pakistan cost?

Roughly PKR 35,000 to 55,000 per person over two weeks for a careful independent traveler using buses, shared vans, and guesthouses.

Is hitchhiking safe in Hunza?

Generally considered safe and common in popular areas like Hunza specifically. Normal travel judgment still applies, though, as it would anywhere.

Do I need a private vehicle for this route?

No. Shared vans connect all the major towns, and NATCO buses handle the longer Islamabad-Gilgit and Gilgit-Skardu legs.

How many checkpoints will I pass on the way north?

15 or more along the Karakoram Highway. Keep passport and visa copies accessible to speed things up at each one.