Shangrila Lake and snowy peaks in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Destination guide

Skardu, Pakistan: The Complete Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan a trip to Skardu and Baltistan: top things to do, Deosai, Shigar and Khaplu, the best time to visit, how to get there.

Updated October 2026By The Golden Adventure, Gilgit

Skardu at a Glance

Skardu is the capital of Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, and the gateway to the Karakoram's greatest peaks, including K2. Set in a wide valley on the Indus River, it is surrounded by turquoise lakes, high-altitude cold deserts, historic forts and the vast Deosai Plains.

LocationBaltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan

AltitudeApprox. 2,230 m

Best time to visitApril – October

Getting there1-hour flight or 2 days by road

Top sightsShangrila, Deosai, Shigar Fort

Gateway toK2 & the Baltoro Glacier

Where Is Skardu?

Skardu lies in the heart of Baltistan, in the east of Gilgit-Baltistan, where the Indus River opens into a broad valley ringed by mountains. To the north, the Shigar Valley leads towards the Braldu River and the Baltoro Glacier; to the east, the Ghanche district runs to Khaplu and the Hushe Valley; and to the south rise the Deosai Plains.

Skardu is the main hub for supplies, flights and transport in Baltistan, which makes it the ideal base for exploring the region and the starting point for many of Pakistan's most famous treks and expeditions.

History & Culture of Baltistan

Baltistan, sometimes called "Little Tibet", has a long and rich history. Ancient rock carvings such as the Manthal Buddha Rock recall its Buddhist past, while forts and palaces at Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu were the seats of local royal families for centuries.

The people of Baltistan speak Balti, a language related to Tibetan, and Balti culture shows in the region's architecture, music, polo and food. The careful restoration of Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace has helped preserve this heritage while creating jobs for local communities.

MUST-SEE EXPERIENCES

Top 15 Things to Do in Skardu

From turquoise lakes and cold deserts to royal forts and the Deosai Plains, these are the experiences you should not miss in Skardu and Baltistan.

01
Nature
Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake
Just outside Skardu, Lower Kachura Lake is famous for the Shangrila Resort on its shore, with its red-roofed buildings and gardens. It is one of the most photographed spots in Baltistan and a lovely place for a lakeside walk.
02
Nature
Upper Kachura Lake
A short drive and walk above Lower Kachura, this deep, clear lake is surrounded by orchards and mountains. Take a boat ride, enjoy fresh trout at a local café, or simply relax by the water.
03
Nature
Deosai National Park
Often called the "Land of Giants", Deosai is one of the highest plateaus in the world, a vast sea of grassland and wildflowers above 4,000 m. It was declared a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear, and in summer you may also see marmots and many birds. Don't miss the blue Sheosar Lake. Deosai is open only in summer, by 4x4 jeep.
04
Heritage
Shigar Fort (Fong Khar)
About a 45-minute drive from Skardu, the 17th-century Shigar Fort, the "Palace on the Rock", was restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan between 1999 and 2004 and won the top UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2006. Today it is a heritage hotel and museum. Nearby, the wooden Amburiq Mosque is another beautifully restored landmark.
05
Heritage
Khaplu Palace
In the Ghanche district, about 3 hours from Skardu, Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) was built in 1840 and restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture between 2005 and 2011, winning a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2013. It is one of the finest examples of Balti architecture and now a heritage hotel.
06
Adventure
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
One of the highest deserts in the world, with sand dunes set against snowy peaks. It is a favourite for jeep and quad-bike rides, camping and dramatic photography.
07
Nature
Katpana Cold Desert
Close to Skardu airport, the Katpana dunes are easy to reach and especially beautiful at sunset, when the sand glows against the mountains and the Indus River.
08
Heritage
Kharpocho Fort
Overlooking Skardu town and the Indus River, this historic fort offers wide views over the valley. The climb is steep but short, and the panorama at the top is worth it.
09
Nature
Satpara Lake
A turquoise lake a short drive south of Skardu on the road towards Deosai, surrounded by mountains. It supplies water to the town and is a peaceful spot for photos.
10
Heritage
Manthal Buddha Rock
A large granite rock carved with images of the Buddha, a reminder of Baltistan's ancient Buddhist past, in the village of Manthal near Skardu.
11
Nature
Manthokha Waterfall
In the Kharmang valley, this tall waterfall surrounded by greenery is a popular day trip from Skardu, especially in summer.
12
Nature
Basho Valley
A green side valley with forests, streams and meadows, ideal for camping and short hikes away from the crowds.
13
Culture
Skardu Bazaar
Explore the bustling main bazaar for dried apricots, nuts, gemstones and local handicrafts, and try Balti dishes in the town's restaurants.
14
Adventure
Hushe Valley
East of Skardu, beyond Khaplu, the Hushe Valley is the gateway to Masherbrum and to treks such as the Gondogoro La route, with stunning mountain scenery.
15
Adventure
Start of the K2 Base Camp Trek
Skardu is the starting point for the great Karakoram treks. From here, jeeps drive through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole for the K2 Base Camp Trek along the Baltoro Glacier.

Best Time to Visit Skardu

Skardu can be visited most of the year, but the experience changes with the seasons:

Season	Months	What to expect
Spring	April – May	Apricot and cherry blossom, fresh green valleys; Deosai still under snow.
Summer (peak)	June – September	Warm days, Deosai open, best for treks, lakes and jeep safaris.
Autumn	October – November	Golden poplars and orchards from late October, clear skies, cooler nights.
Winter	December – March	Cold and snowy, quiet; frozen lakes and winter landscapes, Deosai closed.

Our tip: for a complete trip including Deosai, come between July and early September. For photography, late October's autumn colours are hard to beat. See our autumn tours.

How to Get to Skardu

Most visitors reach Skardu from Islamabad:

Route	How	Approx. time
By air	Fly Islamabad to Skardu, one of the most scenic flights in the world, past Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram.	About 1 hour
By road (KKH)	Karakoram Highway to near Gilgit, then the Skardu road along the Indus gorge.	About 2 days from Islamabad
From Gilgit	Drive the Skardu road along the Indus River.	About 4–6 hours
Via Deosai (summer)	4x4 jeep from Astore across the Deosai Plains into Skardu.	A full day; summer only

Flights depend on the weather and can be cancelled at short notice, so build a spare day into your plans. Foreign visitors pass police checkpoints on the roads; keep copies of your passport and visa handy and read our Pakistan Visa Guide before you travel.

Where to Stay in and Around Skardu

Skardu town: the widest choice of hotels and restaurants, close to the airport and bazaar.
Shangrila and Kachura: lakeside stays in a peaceful setting just outside town.
Shigar: stay in the heritage Shigar Fort or in local guesthouses among orchards.
Khaplu: the restored Khaplu Palace and guesthouses, ideal for exploring Ghanche and Hushe.
Deosai: camping only, in summer, with a guide and proper equipment.

Suggested Skardu Itineraries

4 days in Skardu

Day 1: Fly to Skardu, visit Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake.
Day 2: Shigar Fort and Amburiq Mosque, sunset at the Sarfaranga Cold Desert.
Day 3: Full-day jeep safari to Deosai National Park and Sheosar Lake (summer).
Day 4: Kharpocho Fort, Satpara Lake and Skardu Bazaar, then fly back.

7 days in Baltistan

Days 1–4 as above, plus:
Day 5: Drive to Khaplu and visit Khaplu Palace.
Day 6: Day trip into the Hushe Valley for mountain views.
Day 7: Return to Skardu via Manthokha Waterfall.

Trekking from Skardu

For the adventure of a lifetime, join our 22-day K2 Base Camp Trek, or combine Skardu with Hunza and Fairy Meadows on a tailor-made trip. Browse our jeep safaris too.

Food in Skardu

Balti food is hearty and perfect for the mountains. Try mamtu (dumplings), prapu and other traditional noodle and bread dishes, fresh trout from the lakes, and dried apricots, mulberries and nuts from the valley's orchards. Many restaurants in Skardu also serve Pakistani favourites like karahi and biryani.

What to Pack for Skardu

Layers: warm days, cool evenings, and cold weather on Deosai even in summer.
Sun protection: strong sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for the deserts and plateau.
Comfortable walking shoes for forts, lakes and dunes.
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Cash, power bank and basic medicines.
Copies of your passport and visa for checkpoints.

Practical Tips for Skardu

Flights: keep a spare day for weather delays, and consider the road as a backup.
Deosai: go only in summer with a 4x4 jeep and driver; weather can change quickly on the plateau.
Altitude: Skardu is moderate, but Deosai is over 4,000 m; take it slowly and drink water.
Respect local culture: dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
Insurance: we recommend travel insurance, especially for treks; see our Travel Insurance Policy.

BEYOND THE TOWN

Plan a Trip to Skardu and Baltistan

Baltistan is big, and the best trips give each valley the time it deserves. Use the town as your base for the lakes and deserts nearby, then move on to stay a night or two in Shigar and Khaplu, where restored palaces and forts now welcome guests. In summer, a full day on the Deosai Plains is unforgettable, with wildflowers, marmots and wide views towards Nanga Parbat.

The region is also the gateway to the great peaks of the Karakoram. The road to Askole leads to the Baltoro Glacier and the K2 Base Camp Trek, while the Hushe Valley offers quieter walks beneath Masherbrum. If you are short of time, a scenic flight from Islamabad saves two long days on the road, though flights depend on clear weather.

Many travellers combine Baltistan with the Hunza Valley and Fairy Meadows on a ten to fourteen day loop. Check the best time to visit Pakistan for your dates, read our Pakistan visa guide, and see the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation for more ideas. Our team can plan a private Skardu itinerary with hotels, jeeps and local guides arranged for you.

Plan the rest of your trip

Skardu Tours with The Golden Adventure

From jeep safaris across Deosai to cultural trips to Shigar and Khaplu and the great K2 Base Camp Trek, our Gilgit-based team plans and runs every detail of your Baltistan journey, including flights, hotels, jeeps, permits, guides and your Letter of Invitation and visa support.

Plan your Skardu trip

Tell us your dates and interests and we will send you a tailor-made Skardu itinerary and a clear quote. When you book a tour with us, your Letter of Invitation and visa application service are free.

Plan on WhatsApp Plan My Trip

Skardu FAQs

Where is Skardu?

Skardu is the main town of Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, on the Indus River. It is the gateway to the Karakoram's highest peaks, including K2, and to the Deosai Plains.

How high is Skardu?

Skardu lies at roughly 2,230 metres above sea level. The Deosai Plains above it are mostly over 4,000 metres.

How do I get to Skardu from Islamabad?

You can fly from Islamabad to Skardu in about an hour, weather permitting, or travel by road via the Karakoram Highway and the road along the Indus, which usually takes two days.

What is the best time to visit Skardu?

April to October is the best time. Visit in spring for blossom, in summer (June to September) for Deosai, treks and lakes, and in late October for autumn colours.

When is Deosai National Park open?

Deosai is usually accessible only in summer, roughly from June to September, when the snow has melted and the jeep tracks are open.

How many days do I need in Skardu?

Plan at least 4–5 days to see the lakes, the cold desert, Shigar and Deosai, and 7 days or more to add Khaplu and the Hushe Valley.

Do I need a permit to visit Skardu?

No special permit is needed for Skardu town and its main sights. Treks into restricted zones such as the Baltoro Glacier and K2 Base Camp require trekking permits and a licensed guide, which we arrange for our clients.

Are flights to Skardu reliable?

Flights to Skardu offer spectacular views but depend on the weather and can be cancelled or delayed. Always keep a spare day in your plans, especially before your international flight home.

What is Skardu famous for?

Skardu is famous for Shangrila and the Kachura lakes, the Sarfaranga and Katpana cold deserts, the Deosai Plains, the historic forts of Shigar and Khaplu, and as the gateway to K2.

Can I see K2 from Skardu?

No, K2 cannot be seen from Skardu town. To see K2 you need to trek to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, a journey of around three weeks. See our K2 Base Camp Trek.

Is Skardu good for families?

Yes. The lakes, cold deserts, boat rides and Deosai jeep safari are all family-friendly, and Skardu has a good range of hotels.

Are there ATMs in Skardu?

Yes, there are ATMs in Skardu town, but they may not always accept foreign cards or may run out of cash. Carry enough Pakistani rupees, especially for trips to Shigar, Khaplu and Deosai.

Can I combine Skardu with Hunza and Fairy Meadows?

Yes. Many travellers combine Skardu with Hunza and Fairy Meadows on one trip through Gilgit-Baltistan. We can plan a tailor-made itinerary that links them.

Last updated: October 2026. Road, weather and trail conditions in the mountains can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.

Skardu, Pakistan: The Complete Travel Guide

Skardu at a Glance

Where Is Skardu?

History & Culture of Baltistan

Top 15 Things to Do in Skardu

Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake

Upper Kachura Lake

Deosai National Park

Shigar Fort (Fong Khar)

Khaplu Palace

Sarfaranga Cold Desert

Katpana Cold Desert

Kharpocho Fort

Satpara Lake

Manthal Buddha Rock

Manthokha Waterfall

Basho Valley

Skardu Bazaar

Hushe Valley

Start of the K2 Base Camp Trek