Every year, thousands of adventurous souls set out from Lahore to witness the staggering peaks of Rakaposhi, the mystical plains of Deosai, and the tranquil turquoise waters of Attabad Lake. Yet, the journey through the rugged mountain terrain of KPK and the Karakoram Highway (KKH) demands serious respect.
When you hire an executive rent a car in Lahore for your Northern Areas expedition through Iris Tours, you receive more than just high horsepower—you get a battle-tested vehicle, rigorous pre-departure mechanical inspection, and a seasoned mountain chauffeur.
Popular Northern Tour Routes from Lahore
| Itinerary | Transit Route (via KPK) | Best Vehicle | Est. Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore to Naran Kaghan (3-4 Days) | M-2 -> Hazara Motorway (M-15) -> Balakot -> Naran | Toyota Fortuner / Corolla Altis / Grand Cabin | Rs. 10,000 - 22,000 / day |
| Lahore to Hunza Valley (6-8 Days) | Babusar Pass (Summer) or KKH via Besham (All Seasons) | Toyota Fortuner 4x4 / Prado / Hiace Grand Cabin | Rs. 18,000 - 28,000 / day |
| Lahore to Skardu & Deosai (7-10 Days) | KKH -> Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1 Expressway) | Toyota Fortuner Sigma 4 / Land Cruiser Prado | Rs. 22,000 - 32,000 / day |
Babusar Top vs. Karakoram Highway (Besham): When to Take Which
One of the most frequent questions from travelers leaving Lahore is which route to take when entering Gilgit-Baltistan from KPK:
Route A: Babusar Pass (Summer Route)
- Open Period: Late June to mid-October only.
- Route: Lahore → M-2 → Hazara Motorway M-15 → Balakot → Naran → Babusar Pass (4,173m) → Chilas.
- Advantages: Shorter drive (saves ~5 hours) with breathtaking alpine meadows and cool temperatures.
- Vehicle Note: Steep altitude climb; engines require pristine cooling systems and clean radiators.
Route B: Karakoram Highway via Besham (All-Weather)
- Open Period: Year-round (Winter, Spring, Fall).
- Route: Lahore → M-2 → Hazara Motorway to Thakot → Besham → Dasu → Chilas → Gilgit.
- Advantages: Stays at lower elevation along the roaring Indus River gorge; immune to snow blockades.
- Driver Caution: Ongoing dam construction near Dasu causes road bypasses; commercial mountain driving skills mandatory.
How Iris Tours Prepares Vehicles for Northern Expeditions
Unlike city driving in Gulberg or DHA, northern expeditions test automotive stamina. Before every outstation booking leaves Lahore:
- Complete Braking Overhaul: Premium ceramic brake pads, fresh DOT-4 brake fluid, and handbrake tensioning to handle steep descents from Babusar, Deosai, and Shangrila.
- All-Terrain Heavy Ply Tires: Inspected tread depth with robust sidewalls to resist punctures from sharp shale rocks along Kohistan and Hunza.
- Dual Heating & AC Verification: High-capacity heaters for sub-zero night temperatures at Khunjerab and rapid defoggers for windshield safety in foggy valleys.
- Verified Mountain Drivers: Our chauffeurs have clocked over 100,000 km across Northern Pakistan. They understand low-gear engine braking, river fording, and convoy safety.