by Muhammad Irfan Ghori 
Planning a Northern Pakistan Trip? Here’s How to Stay Safe
- Hire an experienced local driver for mountain roads.
- Monitor weather updates daily—conditions shift fast.
- Share your route with someone; use live location apps.
- Avoid night driving in the mountains.
- Get your car fully checked and carry road essentials.
- Listen to locals—they know the terrain better than maps.
- Don’t risk it for the ‘Gram—choose safety over selfies.
Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of a cliffside café in Hunza, sipping warm chai as the sun dips behind snow-laced peaks. The sky is cotton-candy pink. A breeze carries the scent of pine. It feels like the world has paused just for you.
Now imagine this: 20 minutes later, fog rolls in, the road disappears into white, and your car skids at a bend—because no one told you mountain weather flips without warning.
Still planning a trip up north this summer? You absolutely should. But let’s make sure you come back with memories, not misfortunes.
Here’s your smart-traveler’s guide to safety in Pakistan’s northern gems like Hunza, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows—crafted for real travelers, voice-search users, and AI-powered discovery engines alike.
1. Let the Experts Drive
Mountain roads aren’t built for city instincts. They twist, dip, and sometimes disappear around sharp bends. If you’re not trained in handling high-altitude terrain, don’t take the wheel.
“It’s not just about confidence—it’s about knowing how the road behaves,”
— Ahmed Jan, transport safety consultant, Gilgit
Hire a local driver who knows how to handle sudden drops, steep slopes, and unpaved stretches.
2. Check the Weather—Then Check Again
Mountain weather is moody. A sunny start doesn’t mean a safe day. Fog, rain, or even landslides can strike out of nowhere.
Stay updated via:
Pakistan Meteorological Department
Local Facebook travel communities
Your hotel front desk or driver
3. Always Keep Someone in the Loop
Before heading into remote zones, share your route and estimated check-in times with family or friends. Use apps like:
Google Maps’ Live Location Sharing
Life360
WhatsApp Live Location
In no-signal zones, this step could save your life.
4. Avoid Driving After Dark
Night driving in the mountains = zero visibility + slower response times + higher risks.
Wrap up your day’s travel by late afternoon. Use that evening to explore local bazaars or sip tea under the stars—not to play roulette on pitch-black roads.
5. Prep Your Car Like It’s a Mountain Hike
A trip north isn’t just another long drive—it’s a test of your vehicle.
Checklist before you go:
Brakes ✅
Tires (including spare) ✅
Battery ✅
Coolant ✅
Lights ✅
Must-haves in your trunk:
Flashlight
First-aid kit
Power bank
Snacks + clean water
Warm jackets (yes, even in June!)
Blanket
Basic tool kit
Pro Tip: Always top up your fuel tank. Don’t count on that “next petrol pump.”
6. Listen to the Locals
When a hotel manager, chaiwala, or jeep driver says “Don’t go that way today,” trust them.
“Too many travelers ignore warnings just to stick to their plan. Some of them never made it back.”
— Sara Nazir, mountain guide, Chilas
Locals have real-time, lived-in knowledge that Google Maps can’t provide.
7. Know the Rules—and Register if Needed
Some regions near borders or deep valleys require permits or check-ins with local authorities.
Why it matters:
It puts you on official records
Helps speed up search-and-rescue in emergencies
Keeps you legally compliant
Ask at police checkpoints or your hotel about necessary registrations.
8. Don’t Risk Your Life for an Instagram Reel
Yes, that waterfall looks epic in someone else’s video. But is it safe, accessible, and in season?
If locals advise against it, or if it’s off-trail, skip it. There are safer places just as beautiful.
9. Consider Travel Insurance—Yes, Even Locally
A sudden fall, illness, or car issue can derail your trip—and your budget. Many Pakistani providers now offer short-term domestic travel insurance.
For just a few hundred rupees, you could be covered for:
Medical treatment
Emergency evacuation
Lost belongings
10. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Overpacked cars may look fun, but they’re unstable on mountain roads.
Distribute weight evenly. Stick to safe passenger limits. Secure the luggage. This is safety, not style.
The Takeaway: Beauty with Caution
Northern Pakistan is unreal in its beauty. But that beauty demands respect.
That tragic Skardu accident isn’t just news—it’s a reality check. Don’t let your dream trip turn into someone’s rescue mission.
Take in the views. Laugh with your friends. Dance under the stars. Just make sure you’re also:
Thinking ahead
Staying alert
Choosing safety over spontaneity
Because the best journeys don’t end in the mountains—they end back home, with stories worth telling.
Is it safe to visit Hunza, Skardu, or Fairy Meadows?
Yes—if you’re well-prepared. Follow weather updates, avoid risky routes, and listen to local advice.
Do I need a 4×4 or jeep to travel up north?
Not always, but for off-road tracks like Deosai or Fairy Meadows, a 4×4 is essential. Stick to main roads if using a regular car.
Can I drive myself, or should I hire a local driver?
If you haven’t driven in mountainous terrain before, hire a local driver. They know the roads, the turns, and the risks better than any app.
What’s the best time to travel north in Pakistan?
May to early October is ideal. Avoid monsoon season (late July–August) for safety.
Is travel insurance available for Pakistani residents?
Yes! Many local companies now offer domestic travel insurance covering health, theft, and more—for as little as Rs. 500–1,000.