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Which SIM works in Hunza and Skardu? SCOM, Jazz and Zong all provide mobile services in parts of northern Pakistan, but the network that works in one town may have no signal farther up the valley. SCOM is particularly relevant in Gilgit-Baltistan, while many international travel eSIMs connect through Jazz or Zong instead.
If you're heading to Gilgit, Karimabad, Skardu or along the Karakoram Highway, the important question isn't simply whether your eSIM covers Pakistan. It's which local network it can use at each stop. An eSIM can work in Islamabad and still lose coverage on the road north.
Below, you'll find a practical breakdown of the main networks, what to plan for at popular destinations, when a local SCOM SIM might help and what to download before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.
Which mobile network is best in northern Pakistan?
The main networks worth investigating are SCOM, Jazz and Zong, although coverage varies considerably between locations.
Ufone and services associated with the former Telenor Pakistan network may also be available in some areas.
There isn't one operator that can guarantee continuous coverage across Gilgit-Baltistan.
SCOM: an important network in Gilgit-Baltistan
SCOM is operated by the Special Communications Organization (SCO), which provides telecommunications services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Its regional infrastructure makes it particularly relevant to travellers heading beyond the main towns and tourist centres.
However, SCOM doesn't cover every mountain road, village, trekking route or high-altitude location.
Even where SCOM has coverage, the available service can vary between voice calls, basic mobile data and faster connections.
One important limitation for international travellers is that most travel eSIM providers do not specifically advertise SCOM as a supported roaming network.
That means buying a Pakistan eSIM doesn't automatically give you access to SCOM, even if your phone can detect the network.
Jazz: worth considering for general travel
Jazz has extensive mobile infrastructure across Pakistan and provides services in parts of the northern region.
It's a reasonable network to look for when comparing international travel eSIMs, especially if your itinerary combines major Pakistani cities with northern destinations.
However, don't assume that Jazz's nationwide coverage translates into uninterrupted service along the Karakoram Highway or in remote valleys.
Zong: another important option
Zong also provides mobile services in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and is used by some international travel eSIM providers.
It is worth comparing alongside Jazz, particularly for stays in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu.
However, the fact that a local operator has network-sharing arrangements doesn't necessarily mean an international roaming eSIM can access every partner network or cell site.
Always check the specific networks supported by your package.
For an international option, compare Pakistan travel eSIM plans and check the network details shown by each provider before purchasing.
Mobile coverage in Hunza, Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan
Coverage in the mountains depends on the precise location, surrounding terrain, mobile operator and available infrastructure.
The following is a practical guide to what you should plan for, rather than a guarantee that a particular network will work at every location.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Islamabad and Rawalpindi have extensive mobile network coverage and are convenient places to prepare before heading north.
If you're travelling onwards by road, use this opportunity to install your eSIM, download offline maps and save important booking information.
Don't leave essential downloads until you're already on a mountain road.
Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway connects major settlements through mountainous terrain, including deep valleys and remote stretches where mobile coverage can be interrupted.
You may have usable service near towns, roadside businesses and populated areas, followed by sections with weak or no reception.
Coverage can also change because of weather, power interruptions, road damage or maintenance affecting local infrastructure.
Download the route in advance and keep important directions accessible without internet access.
Gilgit
Gilgit is one of the main population centres in the region and has mobile services from multiple operators.
It's a useful location for arranging transport, contacting accommodation and preparing for journeys farther into the mountains.
However, reception and data speeds still depend on the operator and exact location.
Karimabad and central Hunza
Karimabad and the surrounding Hunza area have established mobile services, particularly around populated and tourist locations.
But accommodation on hillsides, remote viewpoints and routes away from the main settlements can experience weaker reception.
If your hotel depends on WhatsApp for check-in or pickup arrangements, save its phone number and address before travelling.
Gulmit, Passu and Upper Hunza
As you travel farther into Upper Hunza, mobile coverage becomes more location-dependent.
SCOM is particularly worth investigating in this part of the region, although availability should be confirmed for the actual villages and locations on your itinerary.
Don't assume that a travel eSIM using Jazz or Zong will work continuously between settlements.
Sost and Khunjerab Pass
Sost is an important settlement on the route towards the Pakistan–China border.
Beyond populated areas, reception can become increasingly unpredictable as the road climbs towards Khunjerab Pass.
There may be telecommunications infrastructure serving parts of the route, but visitors should not depend on having working mobile data at the pass itself.
Save maps, permits and travel arrangements offline, and check road access and weather conditions before departure.
Skardu
Skardu is another major northern destination with established mobile services.
Visitors staying in central Skardu have more connectivity options than those travelling to remote valleys, lakes and mountain routes outside the town.
If your trip includes Shigar, Khaplu or other surrounding areas, check coverage separately rather than assuming conditions will be identical to central Skardu.
Deosai National Park
Deosai is a remote high-altitude plateau where mobile reception should not be relied upon.
Even if you occasionally detect a signal, it may not be strong or stable enough for calls, messaging or navigation.
Plan your journey, transport and return arrangements before entering the area.
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat routes
Fairy Meadows and routes towards Nanga Parbat involve difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.
Mobile service may be available in some locations, but it shouldn't be treated as a dependable means of communication throughout the journey.
Arrange transport, accommodation and meeting points in advance, and follow local guidance about road and trekking conditions.
Can you use a travel eSIM in Hunza and Skardu?
Yes, provided your eSIM supports Pakistan and can connect to a local network with coverage where you're staying.
However, the phrase "Pakistan coverage" doesn't mean that every operator or every part of the country is included.
A travel eSIM might use Jazz, Zong or another local network without supporting SCOM.
This is particularly important if you're planning to spend time away from Gilgit, Karimabad or Skardu.
Before purchasing, check:
- Supported networks: Which Pakistani operators can the eSIM use?
- Network switching: Does the package support more than one local network?
- Coverage: Do the supported operators serve your specific destinations?
- Validity: Will the plan remain active throughout your trip?
- Data allowance: Is there enough data for maps, messaging and bookings?
Before departure, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not network-locked. Our unlocked-phone guide explains how to check.
Even a multi-network eSIM cannot guarantee service where none of its supported networks has usable coverage.
Should you buy a local SCOM SIM?
A local SCOM SIM may be useful if your itinerary includes remote parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and your international eSIM does not support SCOM. It is not a guarantee of coverage, and buying a local SIM may involve identity checks and registration requirements.
If your phone was bought abroad, check Pakistan's rules for using it with a local subscription before relying on this option. Our main Pakistan eSIM guide explains the difference between international roaming eSIMs and local SIMs, including PTA registration.
How to download offline maps for northern Pakistan
Offline navigation is one of the most useful preparations you can make before travelling north.
Google Maps allows you to download map areas for offline use, although some features and route types are unavailable without an internet connection.
Before leaving Islamabad or another location with reliable Wi-Fi:
- Open Google Maps on your phone.
- Tap your profile picture and select Offline maps.
- Choose Select your own map.
- Adjust the map area to cover your intended route and destinations.
- Download the map while connected to Wi-Fi.
- Open the downloaded map to confirm it is available offline.
For hiking, consider a dedicated offline mapping application with suitable topographic information and downloadable trails.
Don't assume that a road-navigation map contains accurate information about remote mountain footpaths.
Essential preparation before travelling north
Mobile connectivity should be one part of your travel preparation, not your only backup plan.
- Save accommodation details: Keep addresses, phone numbers and booking confirmations offline.
- Download maps: Include the main road route and any planned alternative routes.
- Arrange transport: Confirm driver details and meeting points before entering areas with poor reception.
- Carry a power bank: Long journeys, cold conditions and repeated network searching can drain your phone battery.
- Keep emergency contacts: Save important numbers and local contacts somewhere accessible without mobile data.
- Check road conditions: Mountain roads can be affected by landslides, snow, flooding and closures.
- Share your itinerary: Let someone know your intended route and expected arrival or return time.
For remote trekking, arrange appropriate local guides, communications equipment and emergency planning before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Which SIM works best in Hunza?
SCOM is an important network to investigate in Hunza, particularly beyond the main towns. Jazz and Zong also provide services in parts of the region. The best choice depends on your exact location and whether you're using a local SIM or international roaming eSIM.
Does Zong work in Skardu?
Zong provides services in parts of the Skardu area, but coverage and performance vary by location. Check the operator's current coverage information and don't assume service will continue into surrounding valleys.
Does Jazz work on the Karakoram Highway?
Jazz has coverage along parts of the route, particularly near populated areas. However, mountain terrain and remote sections can cause significant gaps. Continuous coverage should not be expected.
Can a Pakistan travel eSIM use SCOM?
Only if the particular provider has suitable network access and explicitly supports it. Most international travel eSIMs don't advertise SCOM, so don't assume it's included.
Will my phone work at Khunjerab Pass?
Mobile coverage at high-altitude border locations can be limited or unreliable. Don't depend on having a working connection at Khunjerab Pass, even if your phone works in Sost or other settlements along the route.
Compare Pakistan eSIM plans before heading north
For travel between major northern towns, a Pakistan travel eSIM can be convenient if its supported network covers your route. For remote valleys and trekking, plan for gaps in service and investigate local options before departure.
Compare Pakistan eSIM plans, or read the main Pakistan eSIM guide for general network information and PTA registration.
Editorial note: Mobile coverage, roaming access, local SIM requirements and road conditions can change. Check current operator coverage and official travel advice for your exact itinerary. No mobile plan guarantees reception in remote terrain.
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