What is the best way to travel to Skardu?

For most travellers, driving one way and flying the other offers the best balance: you enjoy the scenic road and save time on the return. If you drive both ways, allow two days in each direction.

How much does a Skardu trip cost?

Costs depend on group size, hotel category, transport and season. Sharing transport with a group or joining a group tour significantly reduces the per-person cost. Contact us for a quote based on your dates.

Is Skardu suitable for children?

Yes. Shangrila, Kachura lakes, Katpana desert and Shigar Fort are all family-friendly. Deosai is fine for children in summer, but it is cold and high, so dress them warmly.

Which is better, Hunza or Skardu?

Both are spectacular. Hunza is known for forts, orchards and Attabad Lake, while Skardu offers lakes, cold deserts and Deosai. If you have a week, combine both for the complete experience.

Skardu Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Routes & Tips

Skardu is the heart of Baltistan and one of the most spectacular destinations in Pakistan. It is surrounded by some of the world's highest mountains and offers an incredible variety of landscapes within a short distance: deep blue lakes, cold deserts with sand dunes, green valleys, historic forts and the high-altitude Deosai Plains. This Skardu travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip — how to get there, the best places to visit, how many days you need, where to stay and practical tips.

Where is Skardu?

Skardu is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers, at an altitude of roughly 2,200 metres. It is the main town of the Baltistan region and the starting point for expeditions to K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum peaks, as well as treks to Concordia and the Baltoro Glacier.

How to reach Skardu

By road

The most common route from Islamabad follows the Karakoram Highway to Chilas or Gilgit, then the Gilgit–Skardu road (also called the Skardu road or S-1), which runs through a dramatic gorge along the Indus River. The journey takes most of two days with an overnight stop. In summer, some travellers take the scenic route through Naran and Babusar Top to Chilas. Driving is a big part of the experience, with stunning views throughout.

By air

Flights between Islamabad and Skardu offer incredible views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram, cutting travel time to around an hour. However, mountain flights depend heavily on weather and are often delayed or cancelled. Many travellers drive one way and fly the other, keeping a road backup plan.

Top places to visit in Skardu

Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake): the iconic lakeside resort, about 30 minutes from the city.
Upper Kachura Lake: a clear, peaceful lake surrounded by trees; boating available.
Katpana cold desert: sand dunes beneath snowy peaks — visit at sunset.
Shigar Fort and valley: a restored 17th-century fort in a green valley of orchards.
Sarfaranga cold desert: dunes near Shigar, popular for jeep and quad-bike rides.
Kharpocho (Skardu Fort): a hilltop fort with panoramic views over the Indus.
Deosai National Park: a vast plateau at around 4,000 metres, home to wildflowers, Sheosar Lake and the Himalayan brown bear (summer only).
Satpara Lake and Dam: a large lake on the way to Deosai.
Manthokha Waterfall: a beautiful waterfall in Kharmang.
Basho valley: forests and meadows away from the crowds.
Khaplu: home to the restored Khaplu Palace and the historic Chaqchan Mosque.

How many days do you need?

By road from Islamabad, plan at least six days: two days to reach Skardu, three days of sightseeing and one day to return. If you fly both ways (and the weather cooperates), three to four days can be enough. To combine Skardu with Hunza, allow seven days; to add Khaplu, Deosai or Astore, allow eight to ten days.

Sample 6-day itinerary

Islamabad to Chilas
Chilas to Skardu via Gilgit
Shangrila, Upper Kachura and Katpana desert at sunset
Shigar Fort and Sarfaranga desert
Deosai (summer) or Manthokha Waterfall
Return to Islamabad

This is exactly the plan of our 6 Days Skardu Tour by Road.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Skardu is April to October. April and May bring blossoms and fresh greenery; June to September is ideal for Deosai (usually accessible from late June) and higher valleys; October offers clear skies and autumn colours. Winter is cold, and while Skardu city and nearby lakes remain accessible, Deosai and some high routes are closed.

Where to stay

Skardu city offers the most hotel options, from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels. Resorts near the Kachura lakes offer lakeside stays, and heritage hotels in Shigar and Khaplu let you stay inside restored historic buildings. In peak season, book accommodation in advance.

Budget tips

Travelling in a group or joining a group tour reduces transport costs significantly. Shoulder seasons (May and September) often offer better hotel rates. Jeep costs for Deosai are shared per vehicle, so travelling with friends saves money.

Practical travel tips

Altitude: take it easy on the first day, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exertion.
Clothing: pack layers; Deosai can be cold even in July.
Cash: ATMs are available in Skardu city, but carry cash for smaller towns.
ID: carry your original CNIC or passport for checkpoints.
Connectivity: mobile data works in Skardu city but is limited in remote areas.
Environment: carry your rubbish back and respect wildlife in Deosai.

Plan your Skardu trip

Whether you want a short Skardu getaway or a complete Gilgit-Baltistan tour, our team can help. Explore our Skardu destination page, the 7 Days Hunza & Skardu Grand Tour, or contact us for a custom itinerary.