A family trip to the north can be the holiday everyone remembers — or the one where everyone is car-sick and exhausted by day three. The difference is almost entirely in the planning. Here is what we have learned from planning family holidays for children, parents and grandparents together.
In this guide
Choose a valley that suits every age
| Family situation | Good choices | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Young children (under 6) | Galiyat, Swat & Kalam, Shogran | Short drives, easy walks, lots of hotels |
| School-age children | Naran (summer), Hunza, Swat | Lakes, jeep rides and forts keep them interested |
| Teenagers | Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows | Adventure and big landscapes |
| Grandparents or limited mobility | Skardu by air, Hunza at a slow pace, Swat | Short flights or gentle road days; viewpoints by car |
Keep driving days short
- Aim for 6–7 hours of driving or less on most days.
- Split Islamabad–Hunza into two days (overnight in Besham or Chilas).
- Stop every two hours — toilets, tea, a walk and fresh air.
- Start early, so you arrive before dark and before children are overtired.
- Choose a spacious vehicle with room for luggage, snacks and a nap.
Motion sickness is common on mountain roads. Seat affected children near the front, keep windows slightly open, avoid heavy meals before driving and ask a doctor about medication.
Family-friendly accommodation
- Ask for family rooms or connecting rooms — available in many mid-range and premium hotels.
- Check for heating in spring and autumn; nights are cold.
- Choose hotels set back from rivers in the monsoon (July–August), particularly in Swat.
- Stay two nights in each place where possible to reduce packing and unpacking.
Altitude and health
Most family destinations — Murree, Swat, Naran, Hunza, Skardu town — sit between about 2,000 and 2,600 m, which rarely causes problems. Places like Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), Babusar Top (about 4,170 m) and Deosai (above 4,000 m) are much higher: keep visits short, walk slowly and drink water. Bring a basic first-aid kit and any regular medicines; pharmacies in remote valleys are limited.
Food on the road
Roadside restaurants serve fresh, hot food — daal, karahi, roti and trout in the valleys. For children, carry familiar snacks, fruit and plenty of bottled water. Ask restaurants to make dishes less spicy; most are happy to.
A sample family plan: 6 days in Hunza
- Islamabad → Besham (shorter first day)
- Besham → Karimabad, with the Rakaposhi viewpoint
- Baltit and Altit forts at a gentle pace; early night
- Attabad Lake boat ride and Passu Cones; lakeside overnight
- Return to Chilas or Besham
- Back to Islamabad
Or try four days in Swat and Kalam — the easiest big-valley trip for families.
Packing for children
- Layers, warm jackets and hats — even in July at high points.
- Comfortable shoes with grip.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm.
- Car entertainment (downloaded — signal is patchy).
- Wet wipes, tissues and a small rubbish bag.
See our complete packing checklist.
Why private trips work for families
On a shared group tour, the pace is set for everyone. On a private family holiday, you can stop when the baby wakes, skip a long excursion, or add a rest day without asking anyone. Tell us who is travelling and we will plan around them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best northern destination for a first family trip?
Swat and Kalam or the Galiyat for young children; Hunza for school-age children and grandparents with a slow pace.
Is Fairy Meadows suitable for children?
For older children who can walk two to three hours uphill, yes. It is remote, with simple facilities and a narrow jeep road.
How many hours a day should we drive with kids?
Ideally no more than six to seven hours, with breaks every two hours.
