Hunza in spring runs from cold, quiet March through the blossom weeks of April to a settled, green May, and the three months feel very different. Typical daytime highs in the valley are about 8 °C in March, 15 °C in April and 20 °C in May, with nights from about −2 °C to 8 °C. Blossom is the headline, but for planning a trip the weather, the roads and the crowds matter as much.
This guide treats spring as three separate months. For the flowers themselves, and the best weeks to see them, read our Hunza blossom season guide and the April guide.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| March | Highs about 8 °C, lows about −2 °C; snow retreating; quiet |
| April | Highs about 15 °C, lows about 4 °C; blossom; busiest month |
| May | Highs about 20 °C, lows about 8 °C; green terraces; trekking starts |
| Khunjerab Pass | Tourist season usually from about May; check first |
| Babusar Top | Closed by snow until about the end of June |
| Altitude | Karimabad about 2,500 m |
Temperatures come from weather and travel sites that broadly agree; treat them as typical ranges, not forecasts.
Hunza in March
March is the end of winter. Days are cool, nights fall below freezing, and snow is retreating from the valley floor but still sits on the slopes. The first blossom can appear in lower Hunza, around Karimabad and Aliabad, from about mid to late March, with the upper villages such as Gulmit and Passu blooming several days later.
It is quiet. Rooms are easy to find and the villages are not crowded, though some smaller places are only just reopening after winter. If you want to see Hunza with few visitors and are happy in a warm jacket, March works. Our Nauroz in Hunza guide covers the spring festival around 21 March.
Hunza in April
April is when most people come. Highs reach about 15 °C, blossom is at or near its peak in the main villages, and the weather is usually stable. Travel sites advise booking rooms at least three weeks ahead, and the blossom weeks and Eid holidays fill up faster than that. The exact dates shift by a week or two each year with the winter, so a plan that depends on one weekend is a gamble.
Hunza in May
May is the month many people overlook. Highs reach about 20 °C, the terraces are green as the blossom fades, and the valley is quieter than April. It is also when longer treks begin to become possible, and when the top of the Karakoram Highway starts to open to visitors.
Roads and passes in spring
- Karakoram Highway. The road through Hunza is open throughout the spring, but landslides and rockfall can close stretches for hours or days, especially after rain.
- Khunjerab Pass. In December 2024 the border crossing was opened year-round for trade, but that is not the same as tourists driving up in March. Visitors are usually allowed from about May, weather permitting. Ask in Karimabad or Sost before you plan around it. Our when does Khunjerab Pass open guide has the detail.
- Babusar Top. The route from Naran is normally open only from about the end of June to October, so spring visitors coming from the south use the Karakoram Highway.
The UK government's travel advice for Pakistan advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, via Besham, Dasu and Sazin. Pakistani travellers still use it, but check news and police advice before you go. Overseas visitors should read their own government's advice first, because it can affect travel insurance. Gilgit-Baltistan itself is not on the UK list.
What to pack for Hunza in spring
- Layers, since a 20 °C afternoon can follow a near-freezing morning
- A proper warm jacket, hat and gloves for evenings, especially in March
- A light waterproof, since spring showers are possible
- Sturdy shoes; the old lanes around Baltit and Altit are steep
- Sun protection, because the sun at 2,500 metres burns even in cool weather
Which spring month should you choose?
Choose April if blossom is the whole point and you can book early and stay flexible. Choose March if you would rather have quiet villages and cold air, and are willing to miss the full bloom. Choose May for warmer days, greener scenery and more options above the valley floor, at the cost of missing peak blossom.
If you cannot decide, compare spring with the other seasons in our when to go guide, or see how the trip could fit into our Gilgit, Hunza and Khunjerab tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunza good to visit in spring?
Yes. April has the blossom, May has milder weather and fewer people, and March is very quiet but cold.
How cold is Hunza in March?
Typical daytime highs are about 8 °C, with nights around −2 °C. Snow can still be on the slopes.
Is Khunjerab Pass open in spring?
The pass is open for trade, but visitors are usually only allowed from about May. Confirm locally before you plan around it.
When is the best month to see blossom in Hunza?
April is the main month, though the first flowers can appear in late March in lower villages. Timing varies from year to year.
Do I need to book hotels in advance for spring?
For April, yes, and earlier for the blossom weeks and holidays. In March and May you can usually book closer to the date.
