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Red-roofed chalets and yellow autumn trees reflected in Lower Kachura Lake at Shangrila, Skardu
Lakes, forts and the gateway to K2

Skardu & Baltistan

Skardu sits on a wide bend of the Indus at 2,230 metres: a high desert of sand dunes and cold lakes at the confluence of the Indus and the Shigar, and the staging post for every expedition to K2. Around it are the Kachura lakes and Shangrila, the Sarfaranga cold desert, the restored seventeenth-century fort at Shigar, and Khaplu Palace, restored by the Aga Khan Trust and awarded by UNESCO in 2013.

Above the town is the Deosai plateau at 4,111 metres, open roughly from late June to September. Most visitors fly in from Islamabad — about an hour, when the weather allows — and the road is kept in reserve: two days on the Karakoram Highway via Chilas when the flight does not go.

At a glance

  • AltitudeSkardu is at 2,230 m; the Deosai plateau 4,111 m.
  • When to goApril to October. Deosai is open roughly late June to September; October brings the autumn colour.
  • Getting thereAn hour's flight from Islamabad, weather permitting, or two days by road via the Karakoram Highway.
  • Don't missShangrila and Upper Kachura, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, the Sarfaranga cold desert and Deosai.
Trips we run

Skardu tours

The red-roofed resort on Lower Kachura lake near Skardu, with autumn colour along the shore

From US$ 1,990 /person

Skardu Tour

Twelve days through Baltistan — Shigar, Khaplu, the lakes, the Deosai plateau at 4,100 m, and the drive out over Babusar.

12 days, Islamabad to Islamabad Easy — family friendly Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu & Deosai Three & four star hotels April to October All inclusive
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Spring blossom across a valley in Gilgit-Baltistan below snow peaks

From US$ 2,800 /person

Hunza & Skardu Tour 2026-27

Ten days across the two great valleys of the Karakoram — Skardu's lakes and deserts, then Hunza's forts and glaciers.

10 days across two valleys Easy — light walking only Small groups, 2 to 12 Skardu, Hunza and Naltar Hotels and lakeside resorts Spring blossom or autumn colour
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Early Bird!A small group of travellers standing on the tongue of Marsur Rock, high above the Indus and the Skardu valley in Gilgit-Baltistan

From US$ 2,500 US$ 2,800 /person

Gilgit Baltistan Tour 2026-27

Fourteen days across the whole north — the Karakoram Highway, Hunza and its UNESCO forts, the Khunjerab Pass, Skardu, Khaplu and the Deosai plains.

14 days, 13 nights Easy — no trekking Family friendly Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Khaplu, Deosai Three and four star hotels Khunjerab Pass, 4,880 m Summer departures
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A decorated Pakistani truck on the Karakoram Highway beneath the Passu cathedral ridge

From US$ 3,000 /person

Northern Pakistan Grand Tour 2026-27 — Hunza, Skardu & Nanga Parbat

Fourteen days through all of Gilgit-Baltistan — Skardu's lakes, Hunza's forts, and two nights beneath Nanga Parbat.

14 days, Islamabad to Islamabad Nanga Parbat Base Camp, 3,967 m Easy to moderate Small groups, 2 to 10 The whole of Gilgit-Baltistan Hotels, a lake resort and mountain cottages
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Jeeps crossing a plank bridge over a glacial river on a jeep safari in northern Pakistan

From US$ 1,950 /person

Jeep Safari Pakistan

Four passes over 4,000 metres, the Deosai plateau at 4,114 m and the old Silk Route to the Chinese border — fourteen days by 4x4 with driver, guide and every night arranged.

14 days, July to mid-September 4x4 with driver throughout Four passes above 4,000 m Deosai plateau, 4,114 m Hunza and Baltistan in one trip Hotels, and one night under canvas Maximum three jeeps
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The view forward from a helicopter cockpit over snow-covered peaks and a glacier basin in the Karakoram

From US$ 5,000 /person

Helicopter Safari Pakistan

The Karakoram from the air — fly over the Baltoro glacier, Concordia and the 8,000 m peaks up to 4,750 m, for the views trekkers spend two weeks walking to earn.

Up to 4,750 m Karakoram Range Four 8,000 m peaks in one flight No trekking, no acclimatisation days May to early October Weather days built in
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The red-roofed resort beside Lower Kachura lake near Skardu, seen from above

On request

Skardu Incentive Trip

Reward the top performers — Shangrila, Shigar Fort and the Sarfaranga cold desert, with private transport and a dedicated event lead.

Skardu, Baltistan 6 days, 5 nights 12 to 60 delegates Best available, en suite Private transport and an event lead April to October
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The green Deosai plains rolling to snow-streaked ridges under a wide sky

On request

Deosai Team-Building Expedition

Camp on the high plains, split into crews for navigation and cooking challenges, and finish around the fire — remote by design, fully supported throughout.

Deosai Plains Team challenges 7 days, two nights under canvas 10 to 30 delegates Guide, oximeter and oxygen in camp Late June to mid September
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Further in

Treks and climbs from Skardu

Early Bird!A porter crossing green summer pastures below snow peaks on the Thalle La

From US$ 2,250 US$ 2,800 /person

Thalle La Trek

Over the gentle 4,572 m Thalle La from Shigar to Khaplu — big Karakoram views without the big crowds.

12 days, Islamabad to Islamabad Thalle La, 4,572 m Moderate, on real paths Small groups, maximum 12 Shigar to Khaplu Hotels either end, tents between Mid-June to early September
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Early Bird!Granite big walls rising above a Karakoram meadow

From US$ 2,800 US$ 4,100 /person

Nangma Valley Trek

The 'Yosemite of Pakistan' — granite big walls, meadow camps and the Amin Brakk amphitheatre above Kanday.

14 days, Islamabad to Islamabad Amin Brakk and Shingu Charpa Moderate, no glacier Small groups, maximum 12 Kanday and the Nangma valley Hotels either end, tents between Mid-June to late August
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Early Bird!Dark granite spires of the Karakoram in cloud

From US$ 2,290 US$ 3,500 /person

Laila Peak Expedition 6,096 m

The Karakoram's most beautiful spear of a mountain, above the Gondogoro Glacier in Hushe.

23 days, Islamabad to Islamabad 6,096 m by the northwest face Technical — an alpine team's peak Small teams, self-led above base camp Hushe and the Gondogoro Glacier Hotels either end, tents between Late June to mid-August
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Early Bird!Snow peak above the clouds

From US$ 4,000 US$ 5,000 /person

Masherbrum Expedition 7,821 m

K1, 7,821 m — the first Karakoram peak ever surveyed, and still one of the least often climbed.

43 days, Islamabad to Islamabad 7,821 m by the southeast face Among the hardest peaks we run Experienced teams, self-led above base camp Hushe and the Masherbrum Glacier Hotels either end, tents between Mid-June to early August
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Early Bird!A deep Karakoram valley with a snow peak at its head

From US$ 3,500 US$ 5,000 /person

Spantik Expedition 7,027 m

Golden Peak by the classic southeast ridge — the most accessible 7,000 m summit in the Karakoram.

31 days, Islamabad to Islamabad 7,027 m by the southeast ridge High but not technical Small teams, self-led above base camp Arandu and the Chogo Lungma Hotels either end, tents between Late June to early August
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The braided Shigar river below bare peaks, the valley the Khosar Gang approach follows

From US$ 2,100 /person

Khosar Gang Expedition 6,040 m

The tallest mountain in the Shigar valley and the most forgiving 6,000 metre permit peak in the Karakoram. Base camp is a day from Skardu. Seventeen days, two high camps, and a summit morning that starts at half past two.

17 days, Islamabad to Islamabad 6,040 m on a GPS A first 6,000 m peak Maximum 12 climbers Shigar valley and Sildi Hotels either end, tents between June to August
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Before you go

Skardu travel guides

The Passu cathedral ridge under a towering cloud, Hunza Valley
Guides

Hunza or Skardu: Which Should You Choose?

The question we are asked more than any other. Two very different valleys, what each one is actually good at, and how to choose if you only have one week.

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The red-roofed pagoda cottages of Shangrila Resort reflecting on the calm turquoise surface of Lower Kachura Lake in Skardu
News & Insights

Pakistan Tourism Boom 2026: Why Travelers Are Discovering Gilgit-Baltistan

The red-roofed pagoda cottages of Shangrila Resort reflecting on the calm turquoise surface of Lower Kachura Lake in Skardu, bordered by blooming spring trees and backed by snow-capped peaks emerging through low-hanging clouds.

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The Milky Way over the snow-covered summit of Nanga Parbat
Guides

Photographing the night sky from Deosai and Fairy Meadows

Moon calendars, camp positions and the settings that work at 4,000 metres.

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Landscape comparison of spring cherry blossoms in northern Pakistan and historic architecture in Lahore
Guides

Best Time to Visit Pakistan: A 2026–2027 Seasonal Guide

Planning a trip to Pakistan? Discover the best months for Karakoram trekking, Hunza cherry blossoms, and Punjab cultural tours in our complete 2026–2027 seasonal guide.

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Skardu: common questions

Is the flight to Skardu reliable?

Skardu airport was upgraded to international status in 2021 and cancellations are less common than they were, but the weather still decides. If the flight does not go we drive the Karakoram Highway instead, which is a long day and included in the price of our trips rather than charged for.

When is Deosai open?

Roughly late June to September, and the exact dates move with the snow. If Deosai is the reason you are going, travel in July or August.

How high is Skardu, and will I feel the altitude?

Skardu is at 2,230 metres, the Deosai plateau at 4,111 and the Babusar Pass at 4,173. Those high points are crossed in a vehicle in a single day, so altitude sickness is unusual. Drink more than you think you need, and expect to feel the height if you get out and walk uphill.

What is there to see in Shigar and Khaplu?

At Shigar, the restored seventeenth-century fort and the fourteenth-century Amburiq Mosque, plus the Sarfaranga cold desert on the way. At Khaplu, the Chaqchan Mosque of 1370 and Khaplu Palace, built in 1840 and restored by the Aga Khan Trust between 2005 and 2011, which won a UNESCO Asia-Pacific heritage award for distinction in 2013.

How conservative is Baltistan, and what should I wear?

More conservative than Hunza. Loose clothing covering shoulders and knees for everyone, and a scarf worth carrying for the mosques at Shigar and Khaplu — the Chaqchan Mosque is a working mosque rather than a monument.

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  • Dept. of Tourist Services, Government of Pakistan
  • Alpine Club of Pakistan
  • Pakistan Association of Tour Operators
  • Baltistan Association of Adventure Tour Operators
  • Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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