For years Hunza was that trip we kept postponing because of the kids. Last October we finally stopped making excuses, and honestly I wish we had gone sooner.

We flew from Lahore to Islamabad first, stayed one night near the airport, and started the road journey the next morning. With two children (ages 7 and 10) we deliberately did not try to drive the Karakoram Highway in one go. We hired a Land Cruiser with a driver for the whole trip, broke the journey at Chilas overnight, and reached Karimabad the following afternoon. Splitting the drive was the single best decision we made.

Where we stayed

We booked a mid-range hotel in Karimabad with a Rakaposhi view for around PKR 14,000 a night. Waking up to that mountain over breakfast did more for the kids than any screen ever has. The hotel arranged hot water and extra blankets without us asking, which mattered because October mornings were cold.

What the kids actually loved

• The boat ride on Attabad Lake — they could not believe water could be that blue.
• Climbing around Altit Fort, which felt like a real-life adventure game to them.
• Chapshuro. We must have eaten it five times.

Eagle's Nest at sunrise was stunning for us adults, but I will be honest: dragging sleepy children up there at dawn was a negotiation. Worth it, but go in knowing that.

What it cost us

For two adults and two kids over five days, including the private vehicle, hotels, food and activities (but not the flights to Islamabad), we spent roughly PKR 230,000. We could have done it for much less with a public coach and a budget guesthouse, but with children the comfort was worth every rupee.

The mistake I would not repeat

I packed for "autumn" based on Lahore weather. Big mistake. The valley is genuinely cold once the sun drops, and the viewpoints are colder still. Pack proper layers, gloves and a warm cap for everyone, even in October. I ended up buying woollens locally, which honestly made for nice souvenirs.

Would we go again?

In a heartbeat. The kids still talk about "the blue lake" months later. If you have been putting off Hunza because of children, take it from a mother of two: plan it properly, keep a buffer day for the road, and just go. You will not regret it.