Skardu & Deosai Landscape Photography Tour
Skardu and Deosai Photography Tour: Nine days photographing Baltistan: the cold desert of Katpana, Shigar and Khaplu palaces, Upper Kachura Lake and the wildflower plains and night skies of Deosai.
- Duration9 Days
- PaceEasy to moderate
- RegionsSkardu, Shigar, Khaplu, Deosai
- Best SeasonJuly – September
- GroupSmall group or private
Lakes, Deserts and High Plains of Baltistan
Baltistan is a landscape photographer’s dream. This Skardu and Deosai photography tour moves from the sand dunes of the Katpana cold desert to the clear blue lakes of Kachura, the royal palaces of Shigar and Khaplu, and the high plains of Deosai, one of the highest plateaus in the world. This Deosai photography tour includes a night under the stars.
In Deosai we camp or stay close by to shoot sunrise, wildflowers, Sheosar Lake and a sky full of stars far from any city light. You may also spot marmots and, with luck, the Himalayan brown bear. See our wildlife tours for more.
Trip Highlights
- Katpana cold desert at sunrise
- Upper Kachura Lake
- Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace
- Deosai Plains and Sheosar Lake
- Milky Way over Deosai
- Manthokha waterfall
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Airport pickup and briefing. The Deosai photography tour starts with a flight to Skardu.
Overnight: IslamabadDay 2Fly to Skardu
Flight to Skardu (weather permitting); sunset at Katpana desert.
Overnight: SkarduDay 3Kachura Lakes
Upper and Lower Kachura lakes, Shangrila and sunset over the Indus.
Overnight: SkarduDay 4Shigar
Shigar Fort, villages and the Sarfaranga cold desert.
Overnight: ShigarDay 5Khaplu
Drive to Khaplu, photograph the palace and Chaqchan Mosque.
Overnight: KhapluDay 6Manthokha and back to Skardu
Manthokha waterfall, then return to Skardu.
Overnight: SkarduDay 7Deosai Plains
Jeep to Deosai, Sheosar Lake at golden hour, night sky shoot.
Overnight: Deosai campDay 8Deosai sunrise, back to Skardu
Sunrise on the plains, then return to Skardu.
Overnight: SkarduDay 9Fly to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad and drop-off.
Overnight: End of tourItineraries can change with weather, light, flights and road conditions. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 7 nights in hotels and 1 night camping
- Flights Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad
- 4x4 jeep for Deosai
- Private vehicle with experienced driver
- Photography guide who knows the best viewpoints and timing
- Sunrise and sunset shoots as listed
- Local fees and registration at checkpoints
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and phone calls
- Camera gear and drone permits
- Deosai National Park entry fees if not listed
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Skardu Photo Tour?
Deserts, lakes, palaces and high plains in one trip.
A true dark-sky night on Deosai.
Jeep access and camping handled by our team.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Camera gear
Bring spare batteries (cold drains them fast), a power bank and plenty of memory cards. Charging can be limited in remote areas.
Drones
Flying a drone in Pakistan needs permission, and some areas are sensitive. Ask us before you bring one.
Photographing people
Always ask first, especially women and in villages. Many people are happy to pose if asked politely.
Light and weather
We plan sunrise and sunset shoots, but mountain weather changes quickly, so buffer time is built in.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Tell us your dates and we will confirm flights and camping.
