Checklist Before you go to Skardu Trip

The distance between Skardu and Islamabad is approximately 640 kilometres by road and will take around 13 hours and 30 minutes with an expert driver. Keep in mind travel time may vary due to weather conditions. Before traveling by road must check the weather forecast and road blockage updates.

Skardu has become one of the popular tourist destinations in the Gilgit Baltistan region. It is famous for its breathtaking beauty and mountaineering and climbing. Skardu hosts one of the second-highest mountains in the world (K2 8611 m). The hospitality of this region is also one of the famous reasons to attract tourists from across the globe.

After the improvement in the road structure and construction of the new road leading to Skardu, there is no issue with travelling to Skardu by road; it is safe, but before travelling, check weather conditions and road blockage of the destination.

The best time to visit Skardu is June to November. During these months, the weather is mild and ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The region comes alive with vibrant greenery, and many of the roads and trails are accessible. If you’re looking to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountains and experience the local culture, planning your trip during this period will offer the most enjoyable experience.

It depends upon the number of persons and the service you are looking for, but usually, a seven-day group trip to Skardu starts from 28,000 PKR per head and 75,000 PKR per head for a private package. The tour will include transport, accommodation, food, and a Jeep safari.

• This is a prevalent question from travellers, and the answer is yes. You can travel in a sedan car but with an expert driver who used to drive on this route. Better to hire from a rental service.

Skardu has gained more attention from Karachtis after starting a direct flight from Skardu to Karachi that takes only 2 hours to reach the destination. 

Skardu tour packages from Karachi are renowned for several reasons:

• Stunning landscapes of the region 
• Towering mountains around the Valley
• Hospitality of local people 
• Totaly changed Environment
• Availability of adventure activities 
• Rich culture and Civilization of the area 
• A unique blend of natural beauty 
• Deosai Plains (2nd highest plateau in the world)
• Best hotel options (Economy to Luxury)

To book a hassle-free Skardu tour by air, keep the following steps in mind.

• Research well about your airline.
• Flight booking
• Research the best hotels in Skardu 
• Travel Insurence 
• Avoid unnecessary luggage 
•  Plan itinerary wisely 
• Be flexible with your travel dates

The best time to visit Skardu depends on your preferences and what you wish to experience during your trip. However, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and breathtaking landscapes in these areas. There are no more tourists, and hotels and transport rates also drop. 

Skardu offers a variety of hotel options, including Standard, Deluxe, and Executive levels. With their stunning views and inviting ambiance, hotels in Skardu are ideal for a relaxing family getaway.

Executive Hotels:

•  Hotel Elite Skardu
• Himmel Skardu By Luxus
• Saspolo chain of G house
• Arish Luxury Suites

Deluxe Hotels:

• Oasis Resort Katpana Skardu
• Tibet Hotel Kachura Skardu
• Elli’s Luxus Hotel
• Hispar Hotel Skardu

Standard Hotels:

• Indus View Hotel Skardu
• Skardu View Point Hotel and Huts
• Baltistan Continental Hote

Solo tourists highly rate the accommodations around Skardu, including Skardu River Resort, Sehrish Guest House Skardu, and Indus View Hotel Skardu.

The cost of a trip to Skardu can vary widely depending on several factors, including your travel style, duration of stay, and activities planned.

Based on the discussion and my experience as a frequent traveler in the region, it is clear that Skardu offers a vast array of captivating destinations compared to the renowned Hunza Valley. Thus, Skardu emerges as the superior choice for a tour.

July and August are typically the best months to visit Skardu to enjoy mild weather and access major attractions and activities. If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, May and September are also excellent choices.

Skardu is famous for its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions.

In Skardu, mobile network coverage can be somewhat limited due to the remote and mountainous nature of the region. In Hunza and Skardu, two mobile service providers with a strong reputation are Telenor and Zong.

From Bara Pani to Lake Sheosar (Blind Lake), it’s an additional scenic drive of about one hour. You can hire a 5-door Land Cruiser from Skardu for the Deosai trip for approximately PKR 9,000. Alternatively, the fare for an open jeep is around PKR 8,000.

Undoubtedly, Skardu is a remarkable destination for individuals seeking to witness the beauty of northern Pakistan and immerse themselves in its beautiful weather and culture. This region holds significant historical and cultural importance in Pakistan. Every year, countless tourists visit the numerous stunning and picturesque attractions in Skardu. It is a secure and welcoming place for families and all individuals, including locals and foreigners, without any concerns.

Gilgit-Baltistan is renowned for its unique and flavorful cuisine, influenced by its diverse cultures and mountainous geography. Here are some local dishes and food items you should try when visiting the region:

1. Kabuli Pulao

2. Chapshuro

3. Thukpa

4. Dumplings (Momo)

5. Balti Gosht

6. Pulao

7. Apricot-Based Dishes

8. Skardu Trout

9. Shoshp

The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert, is situated at a high altitude near Skardu in the Shigar District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

The Shandur Polo Festival is a special celebration in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. This annual event occurs at Shandur Top from July 7th to 9th. Referred to as “the top of the world,” this elevated location on Shandur Pass is a crucial link between Gilgit and Baltistan.

Balti is primarily spoken throughout various regions of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, Kargil & Nubra Ladakh in India. The Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts indicate that the language is commonly used in areas such as Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Roundu, and Kharmang within Gilgit-Baltistan.

Khaplu and Shigar Fort are the historical buildings in Skardu.

Skardu Valley is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This valley spans approximately 10 kilometers in width and 40 kilometers in length, positioned at the meeting point of the Shigar River and the Indus River.

Each place has its unique charm and should not be compared. If you prefer hilly areas, Naran is a good choice. It’s nearby and accessible by road, offering beautiful views, greenery, waterfalls, and lakes. However, if you want to experience the vastness, emptiness, and altitude of northern areas, then Skardu is the best place to go.

Skardu is a mountainous town in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is the capital of Baltistan and lies in the Karakoram mountain range, with an elevation of around 2,438 meters (7,999 feet) above sea level.

In the Skardu District, K2 is the highest peak at 8,611 meters, ranking as the second-highest peak in the world. The district also features Hispar Pass and Gondoghoro Pass.

There is a distance of 318 km between Islamabad and Skardu.

Yes, you can fly to Skardu! Skardu has an airport with flights connecting it to major cities in Pakistan, primarily Islamabad.

From this point, the only international destination available is Dubai (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates. The route is exclusively serviced by Pakistan International Airlines and Airblue, with Pakistan International Airlines leading the charge for 74% of all departures. 

You can visit Skardu Baltistan any time of the year. Travel is possible by air or by road, and the land route is open all year round.

The coldest month start from November to February.  

Autumn in Skardu begins in mid-September and lasts until the end of October.

Skardu is 57 km from Deosai National Park. The distance by road is 57.3 km.

The Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, is a high-altitude desert situated near Skardu in the Shigar District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

The Katpana Desert stands out due to its unusual combination of cold climate, high altitude, and dramatic landscape. 

Phander Valley is renowned for its gorgeous views, with attractive valleys, lush green fields, sparkling blue lakes, and a river that winds through it. It is often nicknamed “Little Kashmir.” You can get to Phander Valley easily from both Gilgit and Chitral.

Kharpocho Fort is a significant site in the town, built in the 16th century. It is located on a hill and offers beautiful views of the landscape around it.

The capital of Skardu District is Skardu itself. Skardu is both a district and a city, and it serves as the administrative and economic center of the Skardu District, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

1. Almond (Badam)

2. Apricot (Khubani)

3. Shilajit (Salajeet)

4. Walnut (Akhrot)

Skardu Valley offers several family-friendly destinations with stunning landscapes and a range of activities.

i. Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)

ii. Upper Kachura Lake

iii. Deosai National Park

iv. Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort)

v. Sheosar Lake

vi. Manthokha Waterfall

From the airplane, you will get a view of K2, Nanga Parbat, and other well-known peaks in the Karakoram range.

Nanga Parbat is not in Skardu.It is located in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is a different region from Skardu

In the Shigar valley of Skardu, a wide range of gemstones are extracted. These gemstones include beryl (both Goshenite and aquamarine), tourmaline, garnet (almandine and spessartine), as well as apatite, topaz, fluorite, zoisite, clinozoisite, and axinite. They are found in complex pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.