Baltistan
Skardu
Mirror-still lakes, a cold desert and the Deosai Plains at approx. 4,100 m.
- Region
- Baltistan
- Altitude
- approx. 2,230 mSkardu town
- Best time
- May to Oct
- Getting there
- Approx. 20–22 h by road over 2 days, or approx. 1 h by air
Overview
About Skardu
Skardu is a town in Baltistan at approx. 2,230 m. From the Karakoram Highway at Jaglot, the road to Skardu follows the Indus gorge.
Close to the town are the two Kachura lakes, Lower Kachura (also called Shangrila) and Upper Kachura, and the cold desert at Sarfaranga and Katpana. Shigar Fort or Khaplu makes a day trip from Skardu.
The Deosai Plains, at approx. 4,100 m on average, are a 6–8 hour round trip from Skardu that includes Sheosar Lake. Deosai is usually open from mid-June to September, with flowers in July and August. Outside that window, Skardu Lakes goes to Shigar Fort or Khaplu instead.
By road, Skardu is approx. 20–22 hours from Islamabad over two days, via the KKH and the Jaglot–Skardu road. Flights from Islamabad take approx. 1 hour, but they depend on the weather and are often cancelled; our tours travel by road.
The season runs from May to October, with April and November possible and December to March not advised. Skardu Lakes (6 days) and Grand Karakoram (9 days) both stay in Skardu.
Highlights
What to see
- Lower Kachura (Shangrila) and Upper Kachura lakes
- The cold desert at Sarfaranga and Katpana
- Shigar Fort
- Deosai Plains, approx. 4,100 m on average
Shangrila Resort on Lower Kachura Lake, Skardu 
Road across the Deosai Plains
When to go
Seasons
- Jan: Closed or not advised
- Feb: Closed or not advised
- Mar: Closed or not advised
- Apr: Possible
- May: Best
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Closed or not advised
Best time: May to October; Deosai only mid-June to September.
- Deosai Plains: open roughly 15 Jun to 30 Sep.
Getting there
Travel times
By road approx. 20–22 h over 2 days via the KKH and the Jaglot–Skardu road. Flights from Islamabad take approx. 1 h but depend on the weather and are often cancelled.
| Leg | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Islamabad to ChilasNight in Chilas · Skardu Lakes, day 1 | 11–13 h drive |
| Chilas to SkarduNight in Skardu · Skardu Lakes, day 2 | 6–7 h drive |
| Kachura lakes and SarfarangaNight in Skardu · Skardu Lakes, day 3 | Half to full day |
| Deosai, or Shigar Fort or KhapluNight in Skardu · Skardu Lakes, day 4 | 6–8 h round trip |
| Skardu to ChilasNight in Chilas · Skardu Lakes, day 5 | 6–7 h drive |
| Karimabad to SkarduNight in Skardu · Grand Karakoram, day 6 | 7–8 h drive |
All drive and hike times are approximate. Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan change with weather, roadworks and landslides.
Tours
Tours that visit Skardu
Before you go
Good to know
- Long drive days are normal in the north. Times shown are approximate and depend on weather, roadworks and landslides.
- Mobile coverage is patchy; SCOM and Zong work best in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Carry cash; ATMs exist in Gilgit, Karimabad and Skardu but can run empty.
Plan a trip
Questions about Skardu?
Ask us on WhatsApp about dates, the route or a private trip.