Skardu is the largest city in Gilgit-Baltistan and one of the most strategically placed towns for high-altitude exploration in Pakistan. It sits at 2,228 metres on the banks of the Indus River and gives access to K2, the Baltoro Glacier, Deosai National Park, and a string of glacial lakes that most travelers haven’t heard of yet. This guide covers how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and how to plan each day.
Getting to Skardu
By Air
Skardu Airport (SKZ) is served by PIA and Air Sial from Islamabad. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flights are weather-dependent — Skardu sits in a valley surrounded by peaks and poor visibility regularly causes cancellations. Always book a flexible return ticket or have a road-trip contingency plan.
Ticket prices (2026 estimate): PKR 20,000 – 38,000 one way, depending on season and how far in advance you book.
By Road
The road route from Islamabad follows the KKH (N-35) to Chilas and then the N-15 Indus Valley Highway to Skardu — a total of roughly 680 km. In good conditions, the drive takes 14–16 hours. Most travelers split it into two days with an overnight stop at Chilas or Raikot Bridge (a useful stop if you plan to visit Fairy Meadows en route).
Road alternatives: NATCO (National Transport Company) runs a scheduled bus service from Rawalpindi to Skardu. Private 4×4 hire from Gilgit to Skardu takes around 2.5 hours (approx. PKR 4,000–6,000 for the vehicle).
Where to Stay in Skardu
Skardu has a broader range of accommodation than Hunza — from budget guesthouses (PKR 1,500–3,000/night) to mid-range hotels and the well-known Shangrila Resort at Kachura Lake.
| Accommodation Options (2026 Price Range) |
| Budget guesthouses in Skardu city centre: PKR 1,500 – 3,000 per night |
| Mid-range hotels (Concordia, Continental): PKR 5,000 – 10,000 per night |
| Shangrila Resort, Kachura Lake: PKR 15,000 – 30,000 per night |
| Camping (Deosai, Satpara Lake): PKR 500 – 1,500 per tent/night |
Top Places to Visit in Skardu
- Kachura Lakes (Upper and Lower)
Lower Kachura Lake — also called Shangrila Lake — sits 30 km from Skardu city and is one of the most photographed spots in Gilgit-Baltistan. Boat rides are available from the jetty next to Shangrila Resort. Upper Kachura Lake is a 20-minute hike above Shangrila and is quieter and less visited — a better choice for travelers who want the view without the crowds.
- Deosai National Park
Deosai is the world’s second-highest plateau at 3,500–4,800 metres above sea level. It covers 3,352 square kilometres of rolling alpine grassland, wildflower meadows, and glacial streams. The park is home to the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, golden eagles, and thousands of migratory birds. The main access road from Skardu takes approximately 2 hours by 4×4.
Best time to visit: June to August, when the wildflowers are in bloom and snow has cleared from the main track. Entry requires a paid permit (currently PKR 500 per person). Camping is permitted in designated areas.
- Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort)
Kharpocho Fort sits on a steep rocky cliff directly above Skardu city. Dating back to the 16th century, it was built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the ruler who expanded the Balti kingdom across the Karakoram. The climb to the fort takes about 20 minutes from the base. Entry fee is nominal. The view over the Indus River from the battlements is one of the best in northern Pakistan.
- Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is a natural reservoir 10 km from Skardu city at 2,636 metres. Surrounded by conifer forests and bare mountain ridges, it’s a cleaner and more peaceful alternative to Kachura for a half-day visit. Fishing permits are available for trout fishing. A small restaurant near the dam serves freshly grilled fish.
- Katpana Cold Desert
Katpana is one of the world’s highest cold deserts at approximately 2,226 metres. Located 15 km from Skardu, the landscape — sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped peaks — is unlike anything else in Pakistan. The desert is best visited in the early morning when the light is flat and the temperature is cooler. Jeep rental from Skardu takes about 30 minutes.
- K2 Base Camp Trek
The K2 Base Camp trek from Askole (2 hours from Skardu by 4×4) is one of the world’s most demanding and most rewarding multi-day treks. The full trek covers 160+ km over 16–21 days, passing the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia junction before reaching K2 Base Camp at 5,100 metres. Permits, registered guides, and high-altitude equipment are mandatory. Northistan can arrange the full logistics for this expedition.
Skardu 5-Day Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive Skardu (fly or drive). Check in. Visit Skardu Bazaar and Kharpocho Fort at sunset.
- Day 2 — Kachura Lakes. Upper and Lower Kachura. Shangrila Resort gardens. Boat ride on Lower Kachura.
- Day 3 — Deosai National Park full-day trip. Depart early (6am). Sheosar Lake and Bara Pani. Return by evening.
- Day 4 — Satpara Lake, Katpana Desert, and local village visit. Afternoon free.
- Day 5 — Morning free. Fly back to Islamabad or begin road return to Islamabad via KKH.
Best Time to Visit Skardu
| Skardu Seasonal Summary |
| May – June → Good road access. Deosai opens. Moderate crowds. |
| July – August → Warmest months. Peak season. Book ahead. |
| September → Clear skies. Best trekking weather. Fewer crowds than August. |
| October → Autumn colours. Deosai closes mid-Oct. Last good road month. |
| Nov – April → Cold. Some sites close. Road access can be limited. |
Important Practical Information
ATMs and Cash
Skardu city has HBL and Allied Bank ATMs, but they frequently run out of cash during the peak season. Carry enough PKR from Islamabad to cover the full trip. Most guesthouses and smaller restaurants do not accept cards.
Mobile Signal
Jazz and Telenor have coverage in Skardu city and along the main roads. Signal drops to zero in Deosai, Katpana Desert, and high-altitude trekking areas. Download offline maps and share your itinerary with someone before heading out.
Permits
Foreign nationals require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for some restricted zones near the Line of Control. Trekking to K2 Base Camp or Gondogoro La also requires a trekking permit from the Pakistan Alpine Club. Pakistani citizens do not require NOCs for standard tourist areas. Northistan handles all permit arrangements for booked tours.
| Book a Skardu Tour with Northistan |
| Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (646) 287-3231 |
| Email: info@northistan.com |
| 5-day group tours from Islamabad (May–September) |
| K2 Base Camp expedition planning available on request |
