Ultimate Northern Areas Tour Guide

Ultimate Northern Areas Tour Guide By Royal Car Rental | Premium Transport Services

Last Updated: 2025

If you are reading this, you are likely staring at a map of Pakistan, dreaming of the snow-capped Rakaposhi, the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, or the cold desert of Skardu. You can already picture yourself there: sipping tea at a roadside dhaba in chilly weather, watching the sunset over the Indus River, or crossing the mystical Deosai Plains.

But there is one massive hurdle standing between you and that dream vacation: The Drive.

The journey from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan is not a simple Sunday drive on the Motorway. It is a grueling, 600+ kilometer odyssey through some of the most unforgiving (yet beautiful) terrain on earth.

At Royal Car Rental, we have arranged transport for hundreds of families, international tourists, and corporate teams heading North. We know that your vehicle and your driver are not just “transport”—they are the most critical part of your safety and enjoyment.

In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Rent a Car in Islamabad for Northern Areas. No fluff, no sales talk just the on-the-ground reality of how to plan a safe and memorable road trip with us.

Why “Rent a Car with Driver” is the Only Way to Go

We often get asked by clients: “Can’t we just drive our own car to Hunza?”

Our answer is always honest: You can, but for a stress-free holiday, you shouldn’t.

Driving on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) or the Skardu Road requires a specific skill set. Here is why hiring a Rent a Car with Driver service from Royal Car Rental is an investment in your safety, not just an expense.

1. The Fatigue Factor

The drive from Islamabad to Hunza takes anywhere from 14 to 18 hours. Driving that long requires immense concentration. One moment of distraction on the winding roads of Kohistan can be risky. When you hire one of our professional chauffeurs, you get to sleep, enjoy the view, and chat with your family. You arrive in Hunza fresh, not exhausted.

2. Expert Navigation

The mountains are unpredictable. Landslides, road blocks, or sudden weather changes are common. Our local drivers navigate these routes weekly. They know exactly when to stop, when to push through, and which local restaurants offer hygienic food. They know the roads better than Google Maps.

3. Vehicle Preservation

Mountain driving is tough on cars. Brakes overheat and engines are pushed to the limit. A professional driver knows how to drive in the correct gear to save the brakes on steep descents like Babusar Top. This ensures the car remains in perfect condition throughout your tour.

Choosing Your Ride: Which Car is Right for You?

Rent a Car in Islamabad for Hunza Skardu

This is where most travelers make mistakes. They book a car based on price cab, not terrain. At Royal Car Rental, we want to ensure you have the right tool for the job. Here is our breakdown of the best vehicles for Rent a Car Islamabad to Hunza/Skardu trips.

1. The Budget Friendly: Toyota Corolla / Yaris

• Best For: Couples or small families (2 adults + 2 kids) on a strict budget.
• The Reality: These sedans are reliable and comfortable for the paved Karakoram Highway.
• Our Recommendation: It is a great option for reaching Hunza. However, for Rent a Car Islamabad to Skardu, we advise caution. While the main road is paved, visiting scenic spots off-road can be difficult due to low ground clearance.
• Comfort Rating: 6/10

2. The Family Favorite: Honda BR-V

• Best For: Families of 5-6 people who need extra seating on a budget Honda BRV.
• The Reality: The BR-V is popular because it offers 7 seats and better ground clearance than a Corolla.
• Our Recommendation: This is a solid choice for paved roads. Note: It has a smaller engine (1.5L). If you have 7 adults and heavy luggage, it will struggle on steep inclines like Babusar Top. We recommend keeping the passenger count to 5 adults for maximum comfort.
• Comfort Rating: 7/10

3. The King of the North: Toyota Prado (TX/TZ)

• Best For: Families who prioritize luxury, safety, and power.
• The Reality: This is the undisputed champion of Northern travel. High ground clearance, 4×4 capability, and massive torque. Potholes? What potholes?
• Our Recommendation: If your budget allows, book a Prado. It turns a bumpy, painful 15-hour journey into a comfortable first-class experience. It is essential if you plan to visit Deosai Plains or Naltar Valley.
• Comfort Rating: 10/10

4. The Group Mover: Toyota Grand Cabin

• Best For: Large families (10-13 people) or tour groups.
• The Reality: This is not a standard van. The Grand Cabin is a high-roof luxury cruiser with comfortable individual seats, ample legroom, and powerful dual AC.
• Our Recommendation: This is the most economical option “per head.” It is powerful enough for the mountains and comfortable enough for long naps. Highly recommended for large “All Pakistan” tours.
• Comfort Rating: 10/10

The Routes: What You Need to Know

When you book your Rent a Car Islamabad service with Royal Car Rental, we help you choose the best route based on the season.

Route A: The Naran-Babusar Route (Summer Only)

• Status: Open roughly June to October.
• Path: Islamabad -> Hazara Motorway -> Balakot -> Naran -> Babusar Top -> Chilas -> Hunza.
• Why Choose This: It is extremely scenic. You cross the 13,700ft Babusar Pass and see Lulusar Lake. It cuts the travel time significantly.
• Note: It is closed in winter due to snow.

Route B: The KKH / Besham Route (All Year)

• Status: Open 365 days a year.
• Path: Islamabad -> Hazara Motorway -> Thakot -> Besham -> Dasu -> Chilas -> Hunza.
• Why Choose This: It is the only option in winter or early spring. The road is wider and generally faster now due to CPEC construction.
• Note: It is lower altitude (hotter) and less scenic than Naran, but very reliable.

Rent a Car Islamabad for Skardu: The Deosai Challenge

Skardu is a unique destination. While the main road to Skardu is now excellent, the real magic lies off the main road.

If your itinerary includes Deosai Plains (the second-highest plateau in the world), Basho Valley, or Soq Valley, a standard car (Corolla/Civic) simply cannot go there.

• The Problem: If you rent a Corolla from Islamabad, you will have to park it at your hotel in Skardu and hire a local “Prado Jeep” (costing PKR 15,000 – 20,000 per day) just for the Deosai day trip.
• The Royal Solution: We recommend renting a Toyota Prado or Fortuner from Islamabad directly. It costs a bit more upfront, but you save money by not having to hire extra Jeeps in Skardu. Plus, you keep your own comfortable, hygienic vehicle the whole time.

Transparent Logistics: No Hidden Surprises

At Royal Car Rental, we believe in 100% transparency. Many budget agencies hide costs to look cheap, only to surprise you later. Here is exactly how the billing works for Northern Areas tours:

1. Driver’s Food & Accommodation

This is the industry standard.

• Food: You can either invite the driver to eat with you (a warm gesture) or provide a daily meal allowance (typically PKR 1,000 – 1,500).
• Accommodation: Most hotels in the North offer “Driver Quarters” for free or a nominal fee. You simply ask the hotel manager to accommodate the driver. If not available, you provide a mattress in a budget room.

2. Fuel Policy

Rentals are always “Rent + Fuel.” You receive the car with a full tank, and you return it with a full tank. This ensures you only pay for exactly what you use.

3. Toll Taxes & Parking

The client pays for toll taxes (Motorway/Tunnel fees) and any parking fees at tourist spots.

4. Breakdown Policy (The Royal Promise)

This is what separates us from the rest.

• Our Promise: Our fleet is rigorously maintained. However, machines are machines. In the rare event of a breakdown, Royal Car Rental has a network of support across Gilgit and Skardu. We will either repair the vehicle immediately or dispatch a replacement vehicle to ensure your trip continues without ruin.

Sample Itineraries

To help you plan, here are two optimized itineraries that our clients love.

Plan A: The Hunza Retreat (5 Days)

• Day 1: Islamabad to Naran (Night stay). Enjoy the river rafting.
• Day 2: Naran to Hunza (Karimabad) via Babusar Top. Sunset at Eagle’s Nest.
• Day 3: Visit Altit/Baltit Forts and Attabad Lake. Drive through the tunnels to Passu Cones.
• Day 4: Day trip to Khunjerab Pass (China Border) and drive back to Naran/Besham.
• Day 5: Return to Islamabad.

Plan B: The Skardu Adventure (7 Days)

• Day 1: Islamabad to Chilas (Long drive via Besham/Naran).
• Day 2: Chilas to Skardu. Visit Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake).
• Day 3: Visit Shigar Fort and the Cold Desert.
• Day 4: Trip to Deosai Plains (Sheosar Lake). (Requires 4×4).
• Day 5: Visit Manthoka Waterfall and Khaplu Palace.
• Day 6: Skardu to Naran/Besham.
• Day 7: Return to Islamabad.

Royal Car Rental’s Safety Guidelines

Your safety is our priority. Here are the standards we maintain for every tour:

1. Tire Check: We do not send cars with weak tires to the mountains. Grip is everything on the KKH.
2. AC Performance: Even in the mountains, the valleys can be hot. Our AC systems are checked before every trip.
3. Experienced Drivers: We do not assign “City Drivers” to mountain tours. Our Northern team consists of drivers who know every curve of the highway.
4. Motion Sickness Prep: We advise families to carry motion sickness medicine. Our drivers are trained to drive smoothly to minimize discomfort for children and elders.

Conclusion: Start Your Adventure with Royal Car Rental

A trip to the Northern Areas is a memory of a lifetime. It is a journey through history, culture, and nature’s rawest beauty. But the road there demands respect and a reliable vehicle.

By choosing Royal Car Rental Islamabad, you are buying peace of mind. You are buying the freedom to stare out the window at the mountains instead of staring at the bumper of the truck in front of you.

Whether you need a rugged Prado for Deosai or a spacious Grand Cabin for your whole extended family, we have the fleet and the expertise to make it happen.

Are you ready to explore the North?

Contact Royal Car Rental today for a customized quote and let us take the wheel while you make the memories.

For bookings and inquiries, search for Royal Car Rental Islamabad or visit our office.