A Lahore to Hunza self drive trip is one of the best road journeys in Pakistan. From the plains of Punjab to the Karakoram Highway, past Naran and Gilgit, all the way to the valleys of Hunza — it is a drive that stays with you for years. Renting a self-drive car in Lahore gives you the freedom to stop where you want, travel at your own pace, and carry everything your family needs without depending on bus timings or tour schedules.
Why Drive Yourself from Lahore to Hunza
Public transport to Hunza runs on someone else’s timetable. A self-drive rental puts you in charge: leave Lahore early, take a break at a motorway service area, spend a night in Naran or Gilgit, and reach Hunza fresh. Once you are in Hunza, the same car takes you to Karimabad, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass. One car, one booking, the whole northern trip covered.
The Route: Lahore to Hunza by Road
The most popular route follows the motorway and the Karakoram Highway:
- Lahore to Islamabad — around 4 to 5 hours on the M-2 motorway.
- Islamabad to Mansehra — via the Hazara Motorway, roughly 2 to 3 hours.
- Mansehra to Naran — about 2 to 3 hours through the Kaghan Valley.
- Naran to Gilgit — the longest mountain stretch, around 6 to 7 hours via Babusar Top (open in summer) or the Karakoram Highway via Besham in winter.
- Gilgit to Hunza — about 2 hours along the Karakoram Highway, past Rakaposhi viewpoint and Attabad Lake.
Most travellers split the journey over two days, stopping in Naran or Gilgit.
Best Self-Drive Cars for the Lahore to Hunza Trip
Mountain roads, steep climbs and long distances mean your car choice matters. Drive Time Rent a Car offers seven Pakistan-market models for self-drive rental in Lahore:
- Toyota Corolla Altis and Toyota Corolla Grande — the most comfortable choice for a long mountain journey, with strong engines for steep climbs and roomy cabins for four adults plus luggage.
- Honda Civic — a smooth, powerful sedan that handles motorway cruising and mountain curves with ease.
- Honda City — available in both the 2020 model and the latest model. Reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to handle on narrow mountain roads.
- Toyota Yaris — a modern sedan with a good balance of comfort and economy, well suited to a family of four.
- Suzuki Cultus and Suzuki Alto — compact hatchbacks that are light on fuel and easy to park in crowded hill towns. Best for two or three travellers packing light.
How Long Should You Rent the Car For?
A Lahore to Hunza trip needs at least a week: two days of driving each way, plus three or four days in Hunza. A weekly rental works well for this route — you book the car for the whole trip, drive it up and back, and return it in Lahore with no rush.
Planning a longer northern tour, such as Hunza and Skardu, a monthly rental gives you the car for the entire journey. Drive Time Rent a Car offers weekly, monthly and long-term contract rentals in Lahore.
What to Check Before You Leave Lahore
Check the car before you set off. Check the tyres and the spare, test the brakes on a short drive, and top up engine oil, coolant and wiper fluid. Mountain weather changes fast, and downhill driving on the Karakoram Highway puts heavy load on brakes.
Fill up in Lahore and again at major towns — petrol stations get scarce on some mountain stretches, so never let the tank drop below half. Carry your driving licence, CNIC and the rental agreement, and keep the rental office’s contact number saved in your phone.
Packing for a Hunza Self-Drive Trip
Hunza’s weather can surprise you. Even in summer, evenings in the mountains are cool, and rain can arrive without warning. Pack layers — light clothes for the daytime drive and warm jackets for Hunza evenings — plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the strong mountain sun.
For a full packing list, read our Northern Areas Road Trip Packing Guide.
Driving Tips for the Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and it demands respect. Drive in daylight whenever possible. Keep your speed low on bends, use the horn before blind turns, and give way to larger vehicles on narrow stretches.
Take regular breaks. The drive from Lahore to Hunza is long, and tired driving on mountain roads is dangerous. Check the weather and road conditions before the Babusar Top stretch, and if Babusar is closed, take the Karakoram Highway route via Besham instead.
For more on mountain driving in winter conditions, see our Lahore to Murree Self Drive Rental Guide.
When Is the Best Time to Drive to Hunza?
The best months for a Lahore to Hunza self drive trip are May to October, when Babusar Top is open and the weather is pleasant. Summer brings green valleys and clear views of Rakaposhi and the Passu Cones. Autumn, especially October, brings golden leaves and fewer crowds — many photographers call it the best season in Hunza.
Booking Your Self-Drive Car in Lahore
Visit Drive Time Rent a Car in Wapda Town, Lahore, or contact the office to choose your car and rental term. Weekly rentals suit most Hunza trips, while monthly rentals work better for longer northern tours. Book a few days before you leave, especially in the summer season.
FAQs
How many days does a Lahore to Hunza self drive trip take?
Plan for at least seven days: two days of driving each way and three days in Hunza. A weekly rental covers this comfortably, and a longer trip works well on a monthly rental.
Which car is best for a Lahore to Hunza self drive trip?
For a family, the Toyota Corolla Grande, Toyota Corolla Altis or Honda Civic is the best choice — comfortable, powerful and spacious. The Suzuki Alto and Suzuki Cultus suit small groups travelling light.
Is the road from Lahore to Hunza safe for self-drive?
Yes, the route via the motorway and the Karakoram Highway is well travelled and safe for careful drivers. Drive in daylight and keep your speed low on mountain bends.
Do I need a special permit to drive to Hunza?
No special permit is needed for Pakistani citizens driving a rental car to Hunza. Carry your driving licence, CNIC and rental agreement.
Can I take a rental car from Lahore to Khunjerab Pass?
Yes, the same rental car can take you onward to Khunjerab Pass via the Karakoram Highway. Check the weather first, and allow a full day for the return trip.
Final Word
A Lahore to Hunza self drive trip is a journey worth doing properly — with the right car, enough days, and a relaxed pace. Rent a comfortable self-drive sedan in Lahore on a weekly or monthly term and enjoy one of the greatest road trips in Pakistan.