Skardu sits at the heart of the Karakoram range and serves as the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2. This six-day, hotel-based tour explores Baltistan's majestic valleys, pristine lakes, ancient forts and palaces, and the traditions of the local Balti people β all by dedicated 4WD from a Skardu base.
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 β Arrival and Lower Kachura Lake
Meet and greet at Skardu Airport and transfer to your hotel in Skardu. After settling in, head to Lower Kachura Lake, ringed by mountains, tall trees and rest houses, where you can enjoy boating, hiking and photography with breathtaking views, and visit the Kachura trout fish farm. Overnight at the Skardu hotel.
- 2
Day 2 β Upper Kachura Lake and the Deosai Plateau
After breakfast, visit Upper Kachura Lake, 20 km from Skardu, with remarkably clear, fresh water. Then depart for the Deosai Plateau β Gilgit-Baltistan's famously stunning national park, known for its colorful butterflies and ranked as the world's second highest alpine plain. Visit Bara Pani, Sheosar Lake and Kala Pani, with a short stop en route at Sadpara Lake and dam, surrounded by glacial mountains and popular for fishing and boating. Lunch in Deosai National Park, then visit Skardu Bazaar before overnighting at the hotel.
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Day 3 β Ghanche District and Khaplu
Drive to Ghanche, the easternmost district of Gilgit-Baltistan and a famous tourist destination. Visit Sailing Village and its fish farm, then continue to Khaplu, the beautiful capital town of the district. See the Chaqchan Mosque and Khaplu Palace, an ancient palace that was once the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Return to Skardu for the night.
- 4
Day 4 β Kharmang, Manthoka Waterfall and Shigar Valley
Drive into Kharmang District to visit the Manthoka Waterfall in Kharmang Valley β a favorite spot for fishing and camping. Continue to the charming Shigar Valley, home to the Cold Desert, the world's highest desert, and the 17th-century Shigar Fort. Round off the day at Skardu's old bazaar before overnighting at the hotel.
- 5
Day 5 β Kharpocho Fort and Nansoq Organic Village
After breakfast, climb to Kharpocho Fort, also known as Skardu Fort β an old fortress built atop a small hill above the Indus River. Then visit Nansoq Organic Village, the first organic village in Pakistan, tucked behind the fort. Night at the Skardu hotel.
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Day 6 β Departure
Drop-off at Skardu Airport for the flight back to Islamabad, where the tour ends.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 4WD vehicle for the whole trip
- Fuel
- Dedicated driver
What's Not Included
- Porters for carrying personal equipment or luggage
- Extra expenses due to landslides or road blocks
- Extra expenses due to acts of nature, or religious and political reasons
- Lunch, dinner, mineral water, side orders, laundry, telephone calls or any other service not mentioned in the inclusions
Payment & Cancellation Policy
- Reservations are first come, first served and confirmed on receipt of 50% advance payment.
- Cancellations not intimated at least 72 hours before departure are charged at the quoted rates.
- The remaining 50% payment must be cleared before departure.
Things to Bring
- Rain coat
- Sunglasses
- Warm clothes
- Joggers
- Backpack