Pakistan in 14 days

Fourteen days is the point where both northern valleys stop competing for the same week. It's also enough to add Lahore, which northern itineraries drop as a matter of habit and shouldn't.

This route runs north first, while your energy and your weather luck are still good, and keeps the soft days at the back where they can absorb trouble. It's a mountain trip with a city on the end of it, not a tour of the country. If you'd rather it were the other way round, the 10-day heritage route runs Lahore to Karachi and never goes near a pass.

Days 1–2 — Islamabad

Arrive and adjust. One night before flying north applies from day 2 onward.

Day 3 — fly to Skardu

The better of the two northern flights, which is not the same thing as a dependable one. Have the road answer ready before you need it.

Days 4–6 — Skardu

Day 4: Katpana and the Kachura lakes, gently. First day at altitude.

Day 5: the Shigar valley, or Khaplu if you'll take the longer drive for it.

Day 6: Deosai if it is open. A long day, and the best one on offer here when the season allows it.

Things to do in Skardu has the detail.

Day 7 — Skardu to Gilgit

Along the Indus. The road has been upgraded substantially, so throw out the older timings you'll find quoted elsewhere. Overnight in Gilgit.

Days 8–10 — Hunza

Up to Karimabad, then the valley properly: the forts, Gojal, Duikar, and Khunjerab if the pass is open. Where to stay in Hunza covers which village to pick.

Day 11 — Gilgit, and buffer

Back down. Treat this as a buffer day. On this route something usually slips, and this is where it gets absorbed instead of eating Lahore.

Day 12 — south to Islamabad, onward to Lahore

Fly or drive. If the day goes cleanly, carry on to Lahore that same evening on the motorway.

Day 13 — Lahore

The Fort, Badshahi Mosque, the Walled City. One full day isn't enough for any of it, and it is far better than skipping the city.

Day 14 — depart

The honest caveat

This is a full fourteen days with two internal flights in it, and either one can cancel. If your flight home is non-refundable and your dates won't move, cut Lahore. Don't cut the buffer on day 11.