Renting a Car for a Trip Up North from Karachi (Naran, Hunza, Skardu)

A road trip from Karachi to the north is one of the great Pakistani adventures, but it’s a long haul, and the right vehicle and driver make all the difference between a memorable trip and a miserable one. Here’s how to do it well.

Pick the right vehicle

The mountains are no place for an underpowered car. For comfort, safety and the climbs up north, the favourites are:

• Toyota Fortuner: a 7-seater 4WD SUV that handles highways and hill roads with ease. The all-rounder for families.
• Toyota Land Cruiser: the most capable and comfortable choice for rough sections toward Skardu and Hunza, and for larger groups who want room to spare.
• Honda BR-V: a budget-friendly 7-seater for smoother routes like Naran and Murree.

All come with a highway-experienced driver, essential for night driving, mountain switchbacks and the long Karachi-to-north stretches.

Popular routes from Karachi

• Karachi to Naran / Kaghan: a classic summer escape; great for first-timers.
• Karachi to Hunza: a longer, spectacular journey through Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Karachi to Skardu: for the serious adventurer; a Land Cruiser is strongly recommended.
• Karachi to Murree / Islamabad: an easier northern run, often a stop on the way up.

We arrange all of these as city-to-city / outstation trips.

What’s included in the price

Outstation trips are quoted as a clear package so there are no surprises on the road:

• The vehicle and a professional driver for the whole trip.
• Driver accommodation and meal allowance, clarified upfront.
• Fuel and tolls are discussed and agreed before you leave.

You get one transparent number for the journey, not a meter ticking in the background.

Tips for a smooth trip

1. Book early, especially June to September; the good 4WD vehicles go fast in peak season.
2. Build in buffer time. Northern roads are slower than they look on a map; don’t over-pack the itinerary.
3. Travel light on people, heavy on space. A 7-seater with five passengers is far more comfortable on a long trip.
4. Tell us your full plan (stops, nights and group size) so we match the right vehicle and driver.

Planning your escape north? Many of our trips start right from our base in Gulistan-e-Johar. WhatsApp us your route and dates for a custom quote, fuel and driver stay included.