Planning a vacation to the Northern Areas but stuck choosing between Skardu and Hunza?
You’re not alone every year thousands of travelers face the same confusion.
Both are beautiful.
Both are magical.
Both offer unforgettable experiences.
But they’re very different.
Here’s a simple, human guide to help you pick the best destination for your next trip.
Hunza: The Valley of Peace & Culture
Hunza is calm, clean, and feels like a storybook village wrapped between mountains. If you want a relaxed holiday where everything is nearby, Hunza is your place.
Why People Love Hunza
- Attabad Lake’s blue water
- Passu Cones (the famous jagged peaks)
- Baltit & Altit Fort
- Smooth, scenic roads
- Friendly people and safe environment
- Amazing cafés and food spots
Hunza feels organized, almost like a European village inside Pakistan.
Best For
✔ Families
✔ Solo female travelers
✔ Photography lovers
✔ Travelers who want peaceful vibes
Hunza is soft, calm, and full of warmth.
Skardu: Raw, Wild & Full of Adventure
Skardu is a different world, dramatic landscapes, huge deserts, crystal lakes, and mountain ranges that shock you with their size.
Why Travelers Choose Skardu
- Shangrila Lake & Upper Kachura
- Shigar Fort & Cold Desert
- Deosai National Park
- Manthoka Waterfall
- Satpara Lake
- Mesmerising long drives
Skardu is vast, powerful, and feels like pure nature.
Best For
✔ Adventure lovers
✔ Road trip fans
✔ Couples wanting dramatic views
✔ Anyone who loves nature
Skardu hits different, it feels like the true heart of the mountains.
Travel Experience: Which One Is Easier?
Hunza is easier.
Smooth roads, shorter travel time, and all famous spots are close to each other.
Skardu takes effort.
The journey is long and sometimes rough, but the views are worth every minute.
(PS: Stayovers has properties that make the Skardu stay extremely comfortable.)
Which One Has Better Stays?
Both!
But the vibe is different.
- Hunza stays = cozy, warm, family-friendly, views of Passu & Rakaposhi.
- Skardu stays = dramatic lakes, valleys, deserts, and some luxury forts.
Stayovers offers handpicked premium stays in both regions, safe, clean, verified, and picture-perfect.
Food & Cafés
Hunza has more established cafés and restaurants.
Skardu has fewer, but the food is more traditional and flavorful.
Budget Comparison
Hunza is generally more budget-friendly.
Skardu is a little expensive because of transport and distance.
So… Skardu or Hunza? Which Should You Choose?
Choose Hunza if you want:
- Peace
- Cleanliness
- Short distances
- Organized tourist spots
- Soft vibes
Choose Skardu if you want:
- Adventure
- Wild nature
- Big landscapes
- Desert + lakes + waterfalls
- A dramatic, unforgettable experience
Our Verdict as Stayovers
If you’ve never been to the North before → start with Hunza.
If you want your trip to feel like a movie → go to Skardu.
No matter which destination you choose, Stayovers can plan everything for you
premium stays, transport, guides, itineraries, and safe travel from start to finish.
Comments