The Land of Giants — where the world's most forbidding peaks, the Earth's second-highest plateau, a high-altitude cold desert and ancient Balti forts all come together in one staggering valley in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Skardu, the capital of Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, sits at the confluence of the Indus River and the Shigar River at 2,300 metres above sea level. It is the gateway to some of the most extreme mountain terrain on Earth — including K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,051m), Gasherbrum I & II, and the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.
Yet Skardu is far more than an adventure basecamp. It holds within its reach a 17th-century Silk Route fort converted into a luxury Serena Hotel, a paradise lake resort known worldwide as "Heaven on Earth," the world's second-highest plateau carpeted with wildflowers and Himalayan Brown Bears, and a cold desert where sand dunes rise against a backdrop of 7,000m snow-capped peaks — a combination found nowhere else on the planet.
Deosai Plains are home to one of the last surviving populations of this rare endangered bear in Pakistan
Sarfaranga Cold Desert — sand dunes at 2,500m with snow-capped peaks on all sides. Unique in all of Asia
17th-century fort converted into a luxury Serena Hotel — one of the most unique heritage hotels in the world
Skardu Airport has direct PIA flights from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi — the most scenic 1-hr flight in Pakistan
The full Skardu experience by road — an adventure journey covering all key attractions. Deosai Plains, Shangrila, Shigar Fort, Khaplu and the Cold Desert. Best value, most scenic route.
Fly direct to Skardu in 1 hour from Islamabad and maximise your valley time. Covers Deosai, Shangrila, Shigar Fort, Satpara Lake and the Cold Desert. Perfect for working professionals.
Pakistan's most romantic package — two nights at Shangrila Resort (lakeside cottage), one night at Shigar Fort Serena, one night at Serena Khaplu Palace, candlelit dinners, sunrise at Deosai and a private couple photoshoot at Kachura Lake.
From world-class mountaineering to star-gazing on Deosai — Skardu is where adventure reaches its absolute peak.
From world-class heritage Serena hotels to scenic lakeside resorts — Skardu has some of Pakistan's finest accommodation options.
Pakistan's most iconic resort — 70 Swiss-style cottages right beside Lower Kachura Lake. Known as "Heaven on Earth." The setting, with lake reflections and Karakoram backdrop, is simply unmatched anywhere in the country.
A 400-year-old Balti fort meticulously restored by the Aga Khan Trust and operated by Serena Hotels. One of the world's most unique heritage stays — antique furnishings, orchard gardens and unbeatable historical atmosphere.
A restored 19th-century Balti palace on the Shyok River operated by Serena Hotels. Heritage rooms with modern amenities, mountain views and a world-class dining experience in one of Pakistan's most remote and beautiful valleys.
Essential information to plan a smooth, safe and unforgettable Skardu trip.
By Air (recommended): Direct PIA flights from Islamabad (~1 hr), Lahore (~1.5 hrs) and Karachi (~2 hrs). Return fares from PKR 50,000–57,000. One of the most scenic flights in the world.
By Road from Islamabad: ~650 km via Hazara Expressway → KKH → Jaglot → Skardu Road. Total 16–18 hours. Dramatic scenery along the entire route.
Jaglot to Skardu: ~115 km along the Indus River gorge — a dramatic 3-hour drive on a well-paved road.
Flight caution: Skardu flights are weather-dependent. Always book morning flights and keep a buffer day in your itinerary for possible delays.
April–May: Cherry blossom in Shigar & Khaplu valleys. Roads open, fewer tourists. Deosai still closed — opens June.
June–July: Peak season. Deosai fully open with wildflowers. All lakes accessible. Perfect weather for all activities.
August–September: Slightly cooler, clear skies. Autumn colours begin in September — outstanding photography season.
October: Deosai closes. Golden autumn across Shigar & Khaplu valleys. Last month before Skardu gets very cold.
Deosai Plains: Mandatory 4×4 Prado/jeep. PKR 15,000–17,000 return for 5–6 persons. Off-road track, no regular vehicles allowed.
Cold Desert: Accessible by any vehicle. Desert activities (quad bike, paramotor, horses) available on-site at reasonable rates.
Shigar & Khaplu: Regular roads, accessible by any vehicle. We include all transport in our packages.
Kachura Lakes: 20–30 min drive from Skardu city. Easy access by car. Upper Kachura has a short walking trail.
Deosai altitude: At 4,114m, acclimatise in Skardu for 1–2 days before visiting Deosai. Drink water constantly and ascend slowly.
Cash is king: Limited ATMs in Skardu city. Withdraw cash in Islamabad or at Skardu airport before heading to sites.
Best network: Telenor, Zong and SCO work well in Skardu city. Signal disappears on Deosai Plains — inform family before going.
Warm clothing: Even in summer, Deosai drops to near 0°C at night. Always carry a warm jacket and rain gear.
Fishing permit: Required for Satpara & Sheosar Lakes. Available from the Fisheries Department in Skardu Bazaar.
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