The Karakoram Photo Workshop is an immersive photography journey through northern Pakistan’s most spectacular mountain regions, from Skardu and Khaplu to Hunza and Passu. Timed with the spring blossom season, the workshop offers exceptional opportunities to photograph apricot orchards in bloom, high-altitude deserts, glacial valleys, and remote villages set beneath some of the world’s tallest peaks.

Following the Indus River and the legendary Karakoram Highway, participants will witness the dramatic meeting point of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges, with clear views of iconic summits such as Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and the Passu Cones. Combining sunrise and sunset shoots with cultural encounters in historic forts and traditional communities, this workshop is designed for photographers seeking both striking landscapes and authentic visual storytelling.

For inquiry, please e-mail me at: kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com

Day 1: Islamabad – Skardu (2,300 m)
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. In the afternoon, head out for photography near the Cold Desert. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 2: Skardu – Khaplu (2,600 m)
Early morning photography around Skardu, followed by breakfast. Drive to Khaplu (approx. 3.5 hours) with photography stops along the way. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy some free time. Later, take a walk through the valley for sunset photography. Overnight in Khaplu.

Day 3: Khaplu – Machulu – Khaplu (2,700 m)
Early morning drive to Machulu Valley for photography, capturing apricot blossoms with views of the iconic Haldi Cones. Return to Khaplu. In the evening, drive to Barah village to photograph apricot orchards and terraced fields. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Khaplu.

Day 4: Khaplu – Skardu (2,300 m)
Morning photography followed by breakfast. Drive back to Skardu (approx. 3.5 hours), stopping at small villages along the route for photography. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy free time. In the evening, visit nearby sand dunes for sunset photography. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 5: Skardu – Hunza Valley (2,400 m)
Morning photography, breakfast, and packing. Drive to Hunza Valley (approx. 6 hours). Travel along the Indus River via the Gilgit–Skardu Road, reaching the junction of the three great mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. In clear weather, enjoy views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). This area is also the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. Join the Karakoram Highway, bypass Gilgit town, and stop briefly at the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Arrive in Hunza, check in, and enjoy evening photography with views of Rakaposhi. Overnight in Hunza Valley.

Day 6: Hunza Valley (2,500 m)
Visit Baltit Fort (a 10-minute uphill walk) for panoramic views of the valley. Continue to Altit Fort and the Royal Garden (5-minute drive from Baltit). Enjoy tea at Kha Basi Café in the Royal Garden, run by local women. In the evening, drive to Duikar for sunset photography and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including Rakaposhi (7,785 m), Diran Peak (7,200 m), Spantik / Golden Peak (7,027 m), Ultar Peak (7,388 m), and the Miar Glacier. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Days 7–9: Hunza – Hopper – Passu
Drive to Hopper Valley, Nagar (approx. 1 hour), known for its stunning blossom colors and excellent photography opportunities. Continue to Attabad Lake (approx. 1.5 hours) and explore the area before driving to Gulmit (10 minutes). Visit the old carpet house in the historic town, operated by local women. Proceed to Ghulkin Village (15 minutes) and walk to the viewpoint (10 minutes) for panoramic views of the valley and Passu Cones. Visit a local home for tea with a host family, then continue to Hussaini Village (10 minutes). Walk to the famous suspension bridge and cross it if desired. Continue to Passu for overnight stay. On Day 9, drive to Gilgit.

Day 10: Gilgit – Islamabad (500 m)
Transfer to Gilgit Airport and fly back to Islamabad.

Ian Plant

Kah-Wai Lin