Helicopter Safari over the Karakoram
The Helicopter Safari is a 6-day private flying tour over northern Pakistan, past Nanga Parbat, Fairy Meadows, the Deosai Plains, Skardu, Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass, where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet. Available on request only.
- Duration6 Days
- AvailabilityOn request only
- RouteNanga Parbat, Skardu & Hunza
- Best SeasonApril – October
- AircraftPrivate charter
Three Great Ranges from the Air
Northern Pakistan holds some of the highest mountains and longest glaciers on earth, and many of them are days of walking from the nearest road. The Helicopter Safari lets you see them in a few hours: the north face of Nanga Parbat, the meadows below it, the high Deosai Plains, the glaciers of the Karakoram and the peaks around Hunza.
This is a private charter, planned around your group, the weather and flight permissions. We fly from Islamabad to Skardu via the Kaghan Valley and Nanga Parbat, continue over the Karakoram to Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass, and return to Islamabad along the Indus. Available on request only; contact us with your dates and group size for a quote.
Trip Highlights
- Fly past the north face of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) and Fairy Meadows
- See the Deosai Plains and Sheosar Lake from above
- Glacier views over the Shigar and Braldu valleys (weather permitting)
- Landing in Hunza for lunch and a visit to Baltit Fort
- Fly towards the Khunjerab Pass on the China border
- Private charter planned around your group, on request only
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Evening welcome briefing.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Islamabad and safety briefing
Morning sightseeing in Islamabad or a visit to the Taxila Museum, then a flight and safety briefing with the operator.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Islamabad to Skardu by helicopter
Fly north over the Kaghan Valley and the Babusar Pass, along the Indus past Chilas, then close to Nanga Parbat and Fairy Meadows. Continue over Astore, the Deosai Plains and Satpara Lake to Skardu.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Skardu to Hunza and Khunjerab
Fly over the Shigar and Braldu valleys towards the great glaciers (weather permitting), then to Hunza for lunch and Baltit Fort. Continue past Passu towards the Khunjerab Pass and return to Gilgit or Hunza.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Fly back to Islamabad
Return south along the Indus and the Karakoram Highway, with views of Rakaposhi and the Indus gorges, landing in Islamabad in the afternoon. Farewell dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Itineraries can change with weather, flights, road conditions and aviation permissions. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad, Skardu and Gilgit or Hunza
- Private helicopter charter for the flying days in the itinerary
- Flight permissions and ground handling arranged by our team
- Refreshments on flying days and lunch in Hunza
- English-speaking guide and ground transport on landing days
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and phone calls
- Extra flying hours or route changes requested on the day
- Extra nights caused by bad weather or flight restrictions
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Helicopter Safari?
The Helicopter Safari is the fastest and most spectacular way to see the mountains of northern Pakistan. In three flying days you see places that take weeks to reach on foot, from Nanga Parbat to the glaciers of the Karakoram.
It suits travellers with limited time, photographers, and anyone who cannot trek but wants to see the high mountains up close. The safari is available on request only: every flight depends on aircraft availability, government permission and the weather, so we plan each one individually.
Want to see the mountains on the ground as well? Combine the flight with our Karakoram Highway Silk Road Tour, a stay in the Hunza Valley, or a short trek such as the Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek. Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
On Request Only
The Helicopter Safari is not a fixed-departure tour. We plan every flight on request, based on your dates, group size and aircraft availability, and send a written quote.
Weather & Safety
Mountain flying depends on clear weather. If conditions are not safe, the pilot will delay or change the route, and spare time may be needed in Skardu or Gilgit.
Permissions
Helicopter flights in northern Pakistan need government permission and approved operators. Our team handles the paperwork, so please send passport details well in advance.
When to Go
April to October gives the best flying weather in the north, with clear skies most common in spring and autumn. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
The Helicopter Safari is available on request only. Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will check availability and send you a quote.
