Spiral garnet porphyroblasts are known to record lengthy periods of deformation and metamorphism by preserv-ing single or multiple FIAs (Foliation Intersection Axis) formed normal to tectonic shortening directions. Thanks to technological advances in X-ray computed micro-tomography (XCMT), FIAs can now be readily determined in relatively large samples in contrast to previous methods that require the preparation of a set of radial vertical and horizontal thin sections of samples. XCMT scanning not only alleviates tedious thin section based procedures but also illuminates the complete internal architecture of a rock sample allowing three-dimensional (3D) quantita-tive shape analysis of an individual porphyroblast as well as precise measurement of FIAs. We applied the tech-nique to a sample from the Hunza Valley in the Karakoram metamorphic complex (KMC), NW Himalayas, containing numerous garnet porphyroblasts with spiral-shaped inclusion trails. The XCMT imaging reveals an E–W trending FIA within the sample, which is consistent with orthogonal N–S collision of the India-Kohistan Is-land Arc with Asia. Garnet long axes (XGT) have variable plunges that define a broad sub-vertical maximum and a small sub-horizontal maximum. The XGT principle maxima lie at N-090 and N-120. Smaller maxima lie at N-020 and N-340. Geometric relationships between XGT axes and FIA orientation in the sample suggest that porphyroblast shapes are controlled by the geometry of the lens-shaped microlithons in which they tend to nu-cleate and grow. The orientation of inclusion trails and matrix foliations in the sample are correlated with three discrete tectono-metamorphic events that respectively produced andalusite, sillimanite and kyanite in the KMC. Late staurolite growth in the sample reveals how the rocks extruded to the surface via a significant role of roll-on tectonics, which can be correlated with the Central Himalayas.