6 Days Skardu Tour by Road
Skardu tour package with Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Shigar Fort, Katpana desert and optional…
Per person
PKR 55,000
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Skardu tour packages
Skardu tour packages with Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Shigar Fort, Katpana cold desert and Deosai Plains.
Best time to visit: May – October
2 Skardu packages
7 Days Hunza & Skardu Grand Tour
See the best of Gilgit-Baltistan in one week: Hunza, Attabad Lake, Passu, Shangrila, Upper…
Per person
PKR 72,000PKR 79,000
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About Skardu
Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, is the gateway to some of the highest and most spectacular mountains on earth, including K2 and the Karakoram's famous eight-thousanders. But you do not need to be a mountaineer to fall in love with Skardu. The region is full of easily accessible wonders: crystal-clear lakes, cold deserts with sand dunes, historic forts, green valleys and the vast Deosai Plains. Our Skardu tour packages let you discover it all with comfortable hotels and experienced drivers.
How to reach Skardu
By road, Skardu is reached from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit (or Chilas), followed by the Gilgit–Skardu road, which runs through a dramatic gorge along the Indus River. The journey usually takes two days with an overnight stop. Flights between Islamabad and Skardu are much faster and offer incredible aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the mountains, but they depend heavily on weather. Many travellers drive one way and fly the other.
Best places to visit in Skardu
Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake
Shangrila is one of the most photographed places in Pakistan. Red-roofed cottages, gardens, a café inside an old aircraft fuselage and the calm lake with mountain reflections make it feel like a fairy tale. It is about 20–30 minutes from Skardu city.
Upper Kachura Lake
A short walk from the road leads to Upper Kachura Lake, a deep, clear lake surrounded by trees and mountains. It is quieter than Shangrila and ideal for a peaceful break or a short boat ride.
Katpana cold desert
Just outside Skardu, Katpana is one of the highest cold deserts in the world. The contrast of sand dunes against snowy peaks is unforgettable, especially at sunset. Jeep and bike rides are available.
Shigar valley and Shigar Fort
About an hour from Skardu, Shigar is a green valley of orchards and fields. The 17th-century Shigar Fort has been beautifully restored and gives insight into the history of the local rulers. Nearby, the Sarfaranga desert offers more dunes and adventure activities.
Skardu Fort (Kharpocho)
Perched on a rocky hill above the city, Kharpocho Fort offers wide views over the Indus River and the Skardu valley. The climb is short but steep.
Deosai National Park
Deosai, often called the "Land of Giants", is one of the highest plateaus in the world, at around 4,000 metres. In summer it is covered with wildflowers and is home to the Himalayan brown bear, golden marmots and many birds. Sheosar Lake on the plateau is stunning. Deosai is accessible only by 4x4 jeep, usually from late June to September.
Manthokha Waterfall and Basho valley
Manthokha in Kharmang is one of Baltistan's most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by trees and small streams. Basho valley, with its forests and meadows, is a great option for those who want to escape the crowds.
Khaplu
Further east, Khaplu is home to the restored Khaplu Palace and the historic Chaqchan Mosque. It can be added as a day trip or overnight stay for a more relaxed tour.
Best time to visit Skardu
The main season is April to October. April and May bring blossoms, June to September is ideal for Deosai and high valleys, and October offers autumn colours and clear skies. Winter is cold, but Skardu city and nearby lakes can still be visited, with snow creating beautiful scenes.
How many days do you need?
For Skardu alone, plan six days by road (including travel) or three to four days if you fly. A seven-day trip can combine Skardu with Hunza, and longer tours can include Khaplu, Deosai and Astore.
Where to stay
Skardu city has the widest choice of hotels, from budget to upscale. Resorts near Kachura and Shangrila offer lakeside stays, and Shigar and Khaplu have heritage hotels in restored forts and palaces. Our packages include reliable hotels in each category.
Travel tips for Skardu
- Altitude can cause mild headaches; drink plenty of water and take it easy on the first day.
- Carry warm clothes, especially for Deosai, where temperatures drop sharply.
- Book Deosai jeeps and flights in advance during peak season.
- Keep cash for smaller towns, and carry your original ID for checkpoints.
- Respect local culture and the fragile environment; avoid plastic waste.
Explore our Skardu tour packages above, or ask our team to design a custom Baltistan itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the road to Skardu safe?
The Gilgit–Skardu road and the Karakoram Highway are travelled daily by tourists, buses and trucks. The roads run through dramatic mountain terrain, so landslides can occasionally occur, especially in heavy rain. Travelling with an experienced driver, avoiding night driving and checking road updates keep the journey safe and comfortable.
How reliable are flights to Skardu?
Flights from Islamabad to Skardu are scenic and quick but depend on clear weather along the route. Delays and cancellations are common, particularly in winter and the monsoon period. We recommend keeping a buffer day and, if possible, flying one way and driving the other, with a road backup plan.
When is Deosai open?
Deosai National Park is usually accessible from late June to September, after the snow melts. The best time for wildflowers is July and August. Access is by 4x4 jeep from Skardu via Satpara or from Astore via Chillam. Outside this window, snow makes the plateau inaccessible.
Can Skardu be combined with Hunza?
Yes. Hunza and Skardu are connected via Gilgit, and a seven-day tour comfortably covers both valleys without returning to Islamabad in between. With extra days you can add Khaplu, Deosai or Fairy Meadows to create a complete Gilgit-Baltistan holiday.
What is the altitude of Skardu?
Skardu town sits at roughly 2,200 to 2,500 metres above sea level, and Deosai is around 4,000 metres. Most visitors adapt well, but take it easy on the first day, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exertion. Anyone with heart or breathing conditions should consult a doctor before travelling.
Is there mobile internet in Skardu?
Mobile data and 4G are generally available in Skardu city and nearby areas such as Shangrila, Kachura and Shigar. Coverage becomes weaker or unavailable in remote valleys and on Deosai, so download maps and inform your family before heading out.
