9 Days in Skardu – A Scenic Escape to Lakes, Valleys & Deosai
09 Days 08 Nights guided journey from $990 per person.
About this journey
Day by day
1Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After a relaxing afternoon, we will gather in the evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
2Day 2: Islamabad to Chilas via Babusar Top (Drive Time: 10–11 hours)
Today we set out toward Chilas, journeying through the lush valleys of Kaghan and stopping at Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top. We follow the winding mountain roads to arrive in Chilas by evening. Overnight stay in Chilas.
3Day 3: Chilas to Skardu (Drive Time: 8–9 hours)
After breakfast, we depart for Skardu, tracing the route alongside the mighty Indus River. Along the way, we cross the hanging Alam Bridge before reaching Skardu and checking in. Overnight stay in Skardu.
4Day 4: Shangrila, Kachura Lakes, Cold Desert & Shigar Fort
We begin with a visit to Shangrila Resort, nestled by a heart-shaped lake, and explore Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes. From there, we cross the Cold Desert—the world’s highest—and head to Shigar Fort, a restored 17th-century palace. Guests may optionally hike to Kharpocho Fort for sweeping views of the Skardu valley. Overnight stay in Skardu.
5Day 5: Khaplu Valley, Fort & Chaqchan Mosque
We journey into the Ghanche district and explore the traditional villages and poplar-lined roads of Khaplu Valley. Stops include the beautifully restored Khaplu Fort and Chaqchan Mosque—one of the oldest mosques in the region. We end the day with a visit to the serene Manthoka Waterfall before returning to Skardu. Overnight stay in Skardu.
6Day 6: Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake (Drive Time: 5–6 hours round trip)
After breakfast, we head to the Deosai Plateau, elevated at 4,000m. Known as the “Land of Giants,” the region is rich in rare wildlife and alpine views. We visit Sheosar Lake, Bara Pani, and Kala Pani before returning to Skardu. Overnight stay in Skardu.
7Day 7: Skardu to Besham/Naran (Drive Time: 9–10 hours)
We leave Skardu and travel via Besham or Naran, depending on road conditions. Along the way, enjoy dramatic scenery and pass through Abbottabad, Mansehra, or the green alpine forests of the Kaghan Valley. Overnight stay in Besham/Naran.
8Day 8: Besham/Naran to Islamabad – City Tour (Drive Time: 7–8 hours)
On our return to the capital, we check in and explore Islamabad’s landmarks including the grand Faisal Mosque. Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner at the scenic Monal Restaurant in the Margalla Hills. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
9Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad Airport for your return flight. End of tour.
What you will experience
- Explore the panoramic Kachura Lakes and scenic Shangrila Resort
- Traverse the Cold Desert and discover the historic Shigar and Khaplu Forts
- Visit Chaqchan Mosque and meet the warm locals of Ghanche district
- Roam the alpine plains of Deosai National Park and marvel at Sheosar Lake
- Enjoy cultural sights in Islamabad including Faisal Mosque and Monal Viewpoint
What to bring
A practical starting point for this trip. Your guide will send a final, weather-checked list two weeks before departure.
Documents & essentials
- Passport valid 6+ months, plus photocopies stored separately
- Pakistan visa or e-visa confirmation printout
- Travel insurance certificate (mandatory — must cover altitude if trekking)
- Flight tickets and this itinerary, printed and on your phone
- Cash in USD or EUR for exchange; cards are not widely accepted outside major cities
- Passport-sized photographs for permits and hotel registration
Clothing
- Layered clothing — northern valleys are cool at night even in summer
- Fleece or insulated jacket for high passes such as Khunjerab and Babusar
- Light waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals or trainers
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosques, forts and villages
- A scarf or shawl (women should carry one for religious sites)
- Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is intense at altitude
Health & personal care
- Personal medication with a copy of the prescription
- Basic first-aid kit: blister plasters, painkillers, antihistamine, rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal and a broad-spectrum antibiotic if your doctor advises it
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Toilet paper — not reliably supplied outside hotels
Electronics
- Universal adapter — Pakistan uses type C and D sockets, 230 V
- Power bank; mains power is intermittent in mountain areas
- Camera with spare batteries — cold drains them quickly
- Phone with offline maps downloaded before departure
Good to have
- Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
- Small padlock for luggage
- Snacks you like — choice is limited outside cities
- Earplugs and eye mask for long drives and shared lodges
- A small gift or postcards from home if you plan to visit local families
Good to know before you go
What’s included
- All accommodation (Standard or Luxury options available for private groups)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All land transport with private driver
- Jeep rides, tolls, and entry tickets
- Local English-speaking guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International & domestic flights (unless specified)
- Visa and travel insurance (mandatory)
- Lunches and personal expenses
- Optional recreational activities (horse riding, parasailing, etc.)
- Tips (optional)
When to travel
Trekking season. Highlighted months are when we run this itinerary. Private departures can be arranged on any date — just ask.
Dates shown are guide departures. Exact start dates are confirmed at the time of booking and can be adjusted to suit your flights.
Plan your 9 Days in Skardu – A Scenic Escape to Lakes, Valleys & Deosai
Tell us your dates and we will build this itinerary around them — private guide, your pace, your interests. We reply within one working day.
Or call +92 342 5017535
Questions travellers ask
1. What is the best time to visit Skardu and Deosai National Park?
The ideal time to visit Skardu and Deosai is between June and September, when the weather is pleasant, roads are accessible, and alpine destinations like Sheosar Lake and Bara Pani are in full bloom. These months are perfect for a Skardu Valley tour and exploring the Deosai Plains.
2. Is the Skardu tour suitable for families and beginner travelers?
Yes, this Skardu family tour is designed for all experience levels. With private transport, guided visits, and optional hikes, it’s an ideal choice for first-time travelers to Gilgit-Baltistan looking for comfort, nature, and cultural exploration.
3. What are the top attractions covered in this 9-day Skardu itinerary?
This itinerary includes Shangrila Resort, Kachura Lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Valley, Chaqchan Mosque, Deosai National Park, and Manthoka Waterfall. These are among the most visited places in Skardu and perfect for scenic photography and cultural insights.
4. What should I pack for the Skardu tour?
Pack warm layers, hiking shoes, sunblock, a reusable water bottle, and travel essentials. Since temperatures in Skardu and Deosai can drop significantly, especially at night, it’s important to dress in layers for this northern Pakistan adventure tour.
5. Is there mobile network and internet access in Skardu and Deosai?
In Skardu city, mobile coverage is available (Jazz and SCOM work best). However, during trips to remote areas like Deosai and Upper Kachura, expect limited or no signal. It’s advisable to inform loved ones and download offline maps before heading out.
