Skardu Travel Guide: How to Reach, Best Time, Tour Cost and Places to Visit
If Hunza is the crown jewel of Pakistan’s mountains, Skardu is the majestic heart of the high-altitude wilderness. Situated in the lap of the Karakoram range in Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu serves as the ultimate gateway to some of the highest peaks on Earth, including K2, Gasherbrum, and Broad Peak. With its surreal cold deserts, turquoise alpine lakes, and ancient forts, Skardu offers an unmatched, otherworldly travel experience.
How to Reach Skardu
Reaching Skardu has become significantly easier and more flexible over recent years:
By Air (PIA Flight): The Islamabad to Skardu flight is one of the most scenic mountain flights in the world, flying right past Nanga Parbat. (Note: Flights are weather-dependent and require advance booking).
By Road (Karakoram Highway & Jaglot-Skardu Road): A breathtaking 20 to 22-hour road journey from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway, turning off at Jaglot along the mighty Indus River. The newly constructed Jaglot-Skardu road is fully carpeted and safe for all types of vehicles.
Best Time to Visit Skardu
Spring (April to May): Perfect for witnessing blossoms, orchards blooming, and pleasant daytime temperatures.
Summer (June to August): Peak tourist season with clear skies, accessible high-altitude tracks (like Deosai), and ideal trekking weather. Daytime temps range from 20°C to 28°C.
Autumn (September to October): A photographers' paradise as the valley transforms into vivid shades of gold, orange, and red.
Top Places to Visit in Skardu
Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake: Famous for its heart-shaped lake and iconic red huts surrounded by towering peaks.
Upper Kachura Lake: A pristine, deep-blue natural lake surrounded by wilderness, offering boating and serene cliffside views.
Deosai National Park: The second-highest plateau in the world (over 4,000 meters), known as the "Land of Giants." Famous for its rolling alpine meadows, wild flowers, and Himalayan brown bears.
Shigar Valley & Cold Desert (Katpana): Experience the rare phenomenon of sand dunes framed by snow-coated mountains, along with the historic 17th-century Shigar Fort.
Khaplu Valley & Fort: Located further east, offering breathtaking terraced farming, royal heritage at Khaplu Palace, and gateway views to Masherbrum.
Satpara Lake & Manthal Buddha Rock: Beautiful cultural and natural landmarks close to Skardu city.
Estimated Tour Cost (Per Person)
Budget / Backpacker Style: PKR 20,000 to 35,000 (Using public transport/shared jeeps, staying in standard budget hotels in Skardu city).
Comfort / Family Style: PKR 55,000 to 95,000 (Private transport/SUV, 3-star resort stays, and guided day trips to Deosai and Shigar).
Luxury Style: PKR 120,000+ (Staying at premium resorts like Shangrila or Serena Shigar Fort, customized private 4x4 jeeps).
Pro-Tip for Travelers: Visiting Deosai National Park requires a dedicated 4x4 jeep, and the park remains snow-bound and closed from November to May. Always keep an extra day or two in your itinerary for weather contingencies when traveling by road or air.
For booking or information contact Tourism Bazar Whatsapp: +923426111292
