Skardu Day Tour (One Day)
The Skardu Day Tour is a private full day around Skardu, the gateway to K2, with the Kachura lakes, the ancient Manthal Buddha Rock, Kharpocho Fort and sunset on the sand dunes of the Katpana cold desert.
- DurationFull day
- PaceEasy
- CitySkardu
- Best SeasonApril – October
- PickupFrom your hotel
Lakes, Forts and a Desert in the Mountains
Skardu, at about 2,230 m on the Indus, is the gateway to K2 and the Baltoro, but it is also a beautiful place to spend a day. The Skardu Day Tour shows you its lakes, history and landscapes with a private car and a local guide.
We visit Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake and the clear blue Upper Kachura Lake, the ancient Manthal Buddha Rock, Kharpocho Fort above the town, and end with sunset on the sand dunes of the Katpana cold desert, surrounded by snow peaks.
Trip Highlights
- Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake
- The clear blue Upper Kachura Lake
- The ancient Manthal Buddha Rock
- Kharpocho Fort above Skardu
- Sunset on the Katpana cold desert dunes
- Private car and local guide, hotel pick-up included
Itinerary
09:00Hotel pick-up
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel in Skardu.
09:30Shangrila Lake
Visit Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake and its famous resort.
10:30Upper Kachura Lake
A short walk to the clear blue Upper Kachura Lake.
12:30Lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant, with Balti dishes.
13:30Manthal Buddha Rock
See the ancient carved Buddha on a granite boulder near Satpara.
14:30Kharpocho Fort
Climb to Kharpocho Fort for views over Skardu and the Indus.
16:30Katpana cold desert
Watch the sunset over the sand dunes of the Katpana desert.
18:00Hotel drop-off
Return to your hotel.
Timings are approximate and can change with traffic, prayer times and opening hours. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Entry fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not Included
- Flights and hotel nights
- Drinks and snacks not listed
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Flights to and from Skardu
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Skardu Day Tour?
The Skardu Day Tour is perfect before or after a trek or expedition, or if you fly to Skardu for a short visit. In one day you see lakes, a fort, a Buddhist carving and a desert, all framed by snow peaks.
It is a great add-on to our K2 Base Camp Trek or any Baltoro expedition. Read our Skardu travel guide for more ideas.
Staying longer? Browse all our one day tours in Pakistan or our multi-day culture tours, and read our Pakistan visa guide before you travel.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Pick-up & Timing
We pick you up at 09:00 from your hotel in Skardu. Flights to Skardu depend on weather, so we keep the day flexible.
Dress & Etiquette
Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to Kharpocho Fort, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen for the desert.
Permits & Safety
Skardu is in an open zone. Foreigners register at checkpoints, which our team arranges.
When to Go
April to October is the best time for the Skardu Day Tour; autumn colours are beautiful in October. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your date and group size, and our team will confirm your Skardu Day Tour with a quote.
