Khunjerab National Park Wildlife Tour
The Khunjerab National Park Wildlife Tour is an 8-day trip to the high Karakoram on the border with China, looking for Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, golden marmots, yaks and birds of prey in one of the highest national parks on earth.
- Duration8 Days
- PaceEasy
- Key WildlifeIbex, blue sheep, marmots
- Best SeasonJune – October
- GroupSmall group, 2–8
Wildlife on the Roof of the Karakoram
Khunjerab National Park was created in 1975 to protect the wildlife of the high Karakoram, including the Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep and snow leopard. It stretches from Sost to the Khunjerab Pass at about 4,693 m on the border with China.
On this tour we base ourselves in Hunza and Passu and make game drives and short walks into the park, looking for ibex on the cliffs, golden marmots in the meadows, yaks grazing in high valleys, and birds of prey. Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards live in remote parts of the park and are rarely seen, but the scenery alone is extraordinary.
Trip Highlights
- Himalayan ibex on the cliffs of the Khunjerab valley
- Golden marmots in the high meadows
- Blue sheep and domestic yaks in side valleys
- The Khunjerab Pass at about 4,693 m
- Golden eagles, lammergeiers and snowcocks
- Attabad Lake, Passu and the villages of Upper Hunza
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
Mountain flight to Gilgit and a 2-hour drive to Karimabad (or drive the Karakoram Highway if flights are cancelled).
Overnight: HotelDay 3Hunza to Passu
Drive past Attabad Lake to Passu, birding along the river.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Khunjerab National Park
Early game drive into the park to look for ibex and marmots, continuing to the Khunjerab Pass.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Side valleys of the park
Explore side valleys on foot with a park ranger, looking for blue sheep and birds of prey.
Overnight: HotelDay 6Morning in the park, back to Hunza
A final early drive in the park, then return to Karimabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Drive to Gilgit, fly to Islamabad
Drive to Gilgit for the flight to Islamabad, or continue by road if flights are cancelled.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and itineraries can change with weather, animal movements and park rules. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels in Islamabad, Hunza and Passu or Sost
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Gilgit–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Khunjerab National Park ranger
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver, and 4x4 jeeps where needed
- Expert local wildlife guide or naturalist
- National park and conservancy entry fees
- Binoculars and a spotting scope for the group
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Camera fees, drones and professional filming permits
- Tips for guides, drivers and trackers
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Khunjerab Wildlife Tour?
The Khunjerab National Park Wildlife Tour combines easy wildlife watching with some of the most dramatic scenery on the Karakoram Highway. Marmots and ibex are seen on most trips, and every drive into the park feels like an expedition.
It suits families, birders and photographers. Combine it with our Karakoram Highway Silk Road Tour or a short trek such as the Patundas Meadows Trek.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our wildlife tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Sightings
Ibex, marmots and birds of prey are seen on most trips. Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards live in remote areas and are rarely seen.
Comfort & Fitness
Game drives are easy, but the Khunjerab Pass is at about 4,693 m, so we visit only briefly. Bring warm layers.
Permits & Ethics
We stay on park roads and trails with a ranger, and keep a respectful distance from all animals.
When to Go
June to October is the best time for Khunjerab National Park, when the high meadows are green. 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 Khunjerab wildlife tour.
