Guide
Islamabad to Gilgit by Car With Driver: Karakoram Highway, Spots and Overnight Stops
Gilgit is the main hub of Gilgit-Baltistan and the starting point for Hunza, Naltar and Skardu. The Karakoram Highway is spectacular and long, so most visitors plan two days each way.
Last updated: · SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES
The short answer
The route
The road passes Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham and Chilas along the Indus river, with the high mountains of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi visible on clear days. The Babusar route through Naran is shorter in summer but seasonal.
Places to visit around Gilgit
- Kargah Buddha, an ancient rock carving near the city.
- Naltar Valley and its coloured lakes, a day trip by 4x4.
- The Gilgit suspension bridge and the river views.
- Rakaposhi viewpoint on the way to Hunza.
- Gilgit bazaar for local dried fruit and crafts.
Where to stay
Gilgit has a range of hotels near the airport road and Jutial, from budget to comfortable. Book early in summer. We are an independent car with driver service, not a hotel agent: confirm rooms and rates with the hotel.
Best time to go
April to October is the main season. Winter brings snow and road closures, so ask us before planning.
Visiting Gilgit from abroad or as an overseas Pakistani
SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES is based in G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, and provides every vehicle with an experienced professional driver, for families, groups, visitors from abroad and overseas Pakistanis. Send your flight details and we plan the pickup at Islamabad Airport, then the whole Gilgit trip with the same driver. If you are not a Pakistani citizen, check the current visa, permit and travel advisory rules for your nationality and the areas you will enter before you book.
Visit Pakistan with a driver → · Overseas Pakistanis → · Airport pickup →
Book a car with driver for Gilgit
Choose your car below and press Book to open the booking form with your trip filled in, or send your date, pickup point and passengers on WhatsApp. We reply with the vehicle and a quote before you travel. Every booking includes a professional driver who stays with you for the whole trip.
Choose your car for Gilgit and book directly
Every car comes with a professional driver. Press Book to open the booking form with the car and the trip already filled in.
PradoA comfortable, capable SUV that suits families, business trips and city-to-city journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Prado with driver
Land Cruiser V8 2018 ModelA premium full-size SUV for comfort on long drives, weddings and executive travelNorthern areas · Family travel · VIP / executiveBook Land Cruiser V8 2018 Model with driver
Toyota FortunerA practical seven-seat SUV for families, airport pickups, hill roads and intercity journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Toyota Fortuner with driver
RevoA rugged double-cabin pickup for tougher roads, adventure routes and luggage-heavy tripsAdventure routes · Northern areas · Mountain roadsBook Revo with driver- Real photos on request
Ask us on WhatsAppCoasterA group vehicle for families, tours, events and wedding guests (available on request)Group travel · Family groups · Corporate groupsBook Coaster with driver
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive from Islamabad to Gilgit in one day?
It is possible but very long and tiring. We strongly recommend an overnight stop.
Which car is best for Gilgit?
A 4x4 SUV like a Prado, Land Cruiser or Fortuner. A Coaster suits groups.
Can we go on to Hunza and Skardu from Gilgit?
Yes. Gilgit is the hub for both. Tell us your days and we plan the loop.
Is Naltar worth visiting?
Yes, especially in summer and autumn, and it needs a local 4x4.
Does the driver stay with us in the north?
Yes. The same driver stays for the whole trip.
Related pages
Car Rental With Driver in Gilgit-BaltistanChauffeur-driven travel to and from Gilgit-Baltistan: Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Attabad Lake and more, from our Islamabad base.→
Islamabad to Gilgit Car With DriverBook a car with professional driver from Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Gilgit→
Islamabad to Hunza by Car With Driver: Spots, Hotels, Days and Best SeasonIslamabad to Hunza with a professional driver: Karakoram Highway time, Baltit and Altit forts, Attabad Lake, Passu, Khunjerab, hotels, season and cars.→
Islamabad to Skardu by Car With Driver: Route, Days, Season and StopsPlan Islamabad to Skardu by road with a professional driver: realistic days, the route over the Karakoram Highway or Babusar, best months, stops and the right 4x4.→
Islamabad to Naltar Valley Car With DriverCar with professional driver from Islamabad to Naltar Valley (Gilgit): coloured lakes in the upper valley.→
Tell us your plan, get a quote
Call, WhatsApp or send the booking form with your pickup, destination and dates.