Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Skardu
Glacial Lakes & Adventure
Overview
Skardu sits at the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan — a high-altitude plateau ringed by some of the world's tallest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum. Over seven days you'll move between glacial lakes with mirror-calm surfaces, Silk Road-era forts, and the vast, wind-swept silence of Deosai — one of the highest plateaus on earth at over 4,000m, alive with wildflowers in summer and Himalayan brown bears if you're lucky. This tour suits travellers who want more than just scenery; it's a deep immersion into landscape, culture, and the unhurried rhythm of mountain life.
Highlights
- 1Shangrila Resort & Upper Kachura Lake
- 2Deosai Plains at 4,114m — full day excursion
- 3Cold Desert sunset safari
- 4Khaplu Fort cultural immersion
- 5Private guide + curated photography stops
- 6Indus River evening views from your hotel
Gallery
4 photos
Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival in Skardu
Private pickup at Skardu Airport, transfer to your hotel with time to rest and acclimatise. Skardu sits at 2,200m and arriving without rushing helps. A relaxed evening walk by the Indus River, dinner, and a briefing from your guide on what lies ahead — a mix of high altitude, ancient forts, and some of the most remote landscapes in Pakistan.
Day 2
Shangrila Resort + Kachura Lakes
Morning at Shangrila Resort — known as "Heaven on Earth" and built around the tranquil Lower Kachura Lake, with weeping willows and a surreal setting that's unique in Pakistan. A short boat ride, then a 25-minute walk uphill to Upper Kachura Lake — smaller, quieter, and with a more intense blue-green colour that catches the light differently through the day.
Day 3
Deosai Plains
An early departure for Deosai National Park, one of the world's highest plateaus at 4,114m. The drive itself is a journey — cresting grassy ridgelines under enormous skies with no visible human structure in any direction. Wildflower meadows in June and July, Himalayan brown bears roaming if you're fortunate, and a packed picnic lunch eaten in the kind of silence that's genuinely rare. One of the most memorable days of any Pakistan itinerary.
Day 4
Khaplu Fort + Cultural Day
A full cultural day exploring the valley of Khaplu — the largest village in Ghanche District, threaded with fruit orchards and old stone buildings. The centrepiece is Khaplu Fort (Khapalu Palace), a four-storey Tibetan-style structure now beautifully restored as a heritage hotel, with exhibitions on the region's history and stunning views. Local artisan shops and a walk through the old bazaar round off the day.
Day 5
Cold Desert
Skardu's Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world — sand dunes rising against a backdrop of the Karakoram. An afternoon here, exploring on foot or by jeep safari, with the light turning golden and the temperature dropping as the sun dips behind the peaks. A bonfire setup in the early evening as the stars begin to appear, usually within an hour of sunset.
Day 6
Leisure Day
A free day to revisit a favourite spot, do some souvenir shopping in the Skardu bazaar, take a private boat out on the reservoir, or simply read on your balcony and let the Karakoram sit in front of you. Your guide is available for anything spontaneous, and we can arrange a short photography walk if you'd like to capture the last of the golden light.
Day 7
Departure
Private transfer to Skardu Airport with plenty of time to spare. Assistance with luggage, a farewell from your guide, and the kind of send-off that makes you start planning a return before you've even boarded.
Physical requirements
- Moderate fitness recommended
- Some walks of 1–2 hours at altitude (4,100m on Deosai)
- Altitude awareness is important — no technical climbing required
- Not recommended for those with severe altitude sensitivity
- Long driving days (4–5 hrs) on some days — comfortable, scenic, but tiring
Good to know
Deosai is at 4,114m — bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, and stay hydrated.
Some drives are long but consistently scenic; we schedule stops for photos and comfort.
Weather can change quickly at altitude; a light rain jacket is recommended.
Skardu base sits at 2,200m — allow a slow Day 1 to acclimatise before activity days.
FAQs
How difficult is the Skardu tour physically?
It's moderate mostly due to altitude and driving time, not hiking intensity. The walks are gentle and all activities can be adjusted based on your comfort level.
Is the Deosai day trip definitely included?
Yes — it's a signature day in season (typically June–September). If weather is unfavorable on the planned day, we offer an alternative itinerary and reschedule where possible.
Can we add Khaplu or Shigar Fort?
Yes — Khaplu is already in the itinerary. Shigar Fort is a stunning add-on; we can tailor a cultural day to include it along with artisan workshops and the old bazaar.
Are there any permit requirements for Deosai?
Yes, Deosai National Park requires an entry permit. We arrange all permits and entry tickets as part of your package — no paperwork for you.