Northern Pakistan Photography Tour
The Northern Pakistan Photography Tour is a 12-day trip for photographers, timed for the best light at Hunza, Passu, Skardu, Deosai and Fairy Meadows, with a photo guide, flexible schedule and small group.
- Duration12 Days
- FormatLandscape / travel photography
- LocationsHunza, Passu, Skardu, Fairy Meadows
- Best SeasonApril, October
- PermitsNo permit needed
Chasing Light in the Karakoram
Northern Pakistan is a dream for photographers: the Passu Cones at sunrise, Hunza in blossom or autumn gold, the lakes of Skardu, and Nanga Parbat glowing over Fairy Meadows. Getting the best images means being in the right place at the right time.
The Photography Tour is planned around light, with early starts, sunset sessions and flexible days to wait for the weather. A photo-savvy guide knows the best viewpoints, and the small group size means plenty of space at each location.
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise on the Passu Cones and Attabad Lake
- Hunza forts and villages in blossom or autumn colours
- The lakes and cold desert of Skardu
- Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat at golden hour
- Small group and flexible schedule
- Photo-savvy guide who knows the best viewpoints
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Gilgit, drive to Hunza
Fly to Gilgit and drive to Karimabad for sunset at the Eagle's Nest.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Hunza
Sunrise over Rakaposhi, Baltit and Altit forts, and village life.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Passu
Sunrise at Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the Hussaini bridge.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Hunza to Skardu
Drive along the Indus to Skardu.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Skardu lakes
Upper Kachura and Shangrila lakes, and sunset in the Katpana desert.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Deosai
Day trip to the Deosai Plains (summer) or Shigar Fort.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Skardu to Chilas
Drive to Chilas.
Overnight: HotelDay 9Fairy Meadows
Jeep and hike to Fairy Meadows for sunset on Nanga Parbat.
Overnight: CottageDay 10Fairy Meadows sunrise
Sunrise and Milky Way shots, then return to Chilas.
Overnight: HotelDay 11Drive to Islamabad
Via the Babusar Pass (summer) or the Karakoram Highway.
Overnight: HotelDay 12Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Shooting schedules are flexible and planned around light, weather, access and filming permissions. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels and cottages along the route
- Domestic flight Islamabad–Gilgit, or road transport
- Private vehicle and 4x4 jeeps where needed
- Photo-savvy local guide
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights and excess baggage for equipment
- Visa fees
- Insurance for crew and equipment
- Camera, sound and drone equipment (local rental can be arranged)
- Government filming fees, if charged
- Lunches
- Talent, location and interview fees
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Photography Tour?
The Photography Tour puts you in the best places at the best times, which is hard to do on a normal sightseeing tour. It suits photographers of every level who want to come home with a strong portfolio.
For wildlife images, see our Snow Leopard Tour; for blossom, the Hunza Cherry Blossom Tour.
Planning a shoot? Read our Pakistan visa guide, or browse all our film and documentary tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Filming Permission
Foreign crews usually need permission (NOC) to film in Pakistan, and some locations need extra local permits. Apply early: we help with the paperwork and liaise with the authorities.
Drones
Drone use is tightly controlled in Pakistan and needs special permission, which is not always granted. Tell us early if you plan aerial shots, and we will advise on what is possible.
Equipment
You can bring your own equipment with customs paperwork, which we help to prepare, or rent cameras, lenses, lighting and sound gear locally through our partners.
When to Shoot
April (blossom) and October (autumn colours) are the most photogenic months; the Babusar Pass and Deosai are open in summer only. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your photography tour.
