How do I get to Skardu?

Fly PIA from Islamabad (1 hour, spectacular views of K2 and Nanga Parbat but flights cancel frequently). Drive from Islamabad via KKH (22-24 hours, usually split over 2 days via Chilas). Drive from Gilgit (5-6 hours via scenic mountain road). The road from Gilgit to Skardu is being upgraded under CPEC.

What is the best time to visit Skardu?

May to October. June-September is peak season with warm days and access to Deosai National Park. The PIA flight operates year-round but is most reliable in summer. Winter brings heavy snow and many roads close, though Skardu town remains accessible.

How many days do I need in Skardu?

Minimum 3 days: Day 1 for Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake, Day 2 for Deosai National Park, Day 3 for Katpana Desert, Skardu Fort and bazaar. Add days for K2 base camp trek (14-21 days), Satpara Lake, or exploring side valleys.

Can I see K2 from Skardu?

K2 is not visible from Skardu town itself. To see K2 you need to trek to Concordia (6-8 days from Skardu via Askole). On the PIA flight from Islamabad, K2 is sometimes visible from the aircraft window. For a shorter glimpse of the Karakoram giants, Deosai offers distant views.

Skardu is affordable. Budget accommodation starts at $10-15/night. Mid-range hotels cost $30-60. Meals at local restaurants cost $2-5. The main expense is transport - jeep hire for day trips (Deosai, Upper Kachura) costs PKR 8,000-15,000 per day. PIA flights from Islamabad cost $30-55.

Skardu Travel Guide 2026

Skardu is the gateway to the mightiest mountains on earth. Sitting at 2,228 metres in a wide valley surrounded by jagged peaks and the ancient Indus River, this capital of the Baltistan region serves as the launching point for expeditions to K2 (8,611m), Broad Peak (8,051m), and the other Karakoram giants. But you don't need to be a mountaineer to be captivated by Skardu. The turquoise waters of Upper Kachura Lake, the surreal Katpana Cold Desert with sand dunes beneath snow-capped peaks, and the vast wildflower plateau of Deosai National Park are accessible to any traveller. Skardu combines raw natural beauty with Balti culture, a warm and hospitable mountain community with strong Tibetan influences.

Top Attractions

Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake

The famous Shangrila Resort sits on the shores of heart-shaped Lower Kachura Lake. An old aircraft fuselage serves as a cafe overlooking the water. The lake reflects the mountains in perfect mirror images. Entry: PKR 300. The resort was founded by the former head of the Pakistan Air Force in 1983 and its name references James Hilton's fictional paradise.

Upper Kachura Lake

Far more stunning than its lower sibling, Upper Kachura Lake is a crystal-clear turquoise gem surrounded by rock cliffs. The water is so clear you can see the bottom at 20+ metres. Access by jeep (30 minutes from Skardu, PKR 4,000-6,000 return). The lake is less visited and far more pristine. Bring a picnic and spend the morning here.

Deosai National Park

The world's second highest plateau at an average elevation of 4,114m. In summer, Deosai transforms into a sea of wildflowers with grazing Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots and Tibetan foxes. Read our full Deosai guide. Day trips from Skardu (2 hours each way by jeep, PKR 8,000-12,000).

Katpana Cold Desert

One of the highest cold deserts in the world at 2,226m. Sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped mountains create a surreal, almost alien landscape. Best visited at sunset when the dunes glow golden against the mountain backdrop. Free access, 20 minutes from Skardu by car.

Skardu Fort (Kharpocho)

A 16th-century fort perched on a rocky outcrop 250m above the Indus River. The 20-minute climb is rewarded with panoramic views over the Skardu Valley, the Indus and the surrounding mountains. Built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the ruler of Baltistan. Free entry.

Satpara Lake

A deep blue lake fed by the Satpara Stream, 9 km from Skardu. The lake supplies drinking water to the town and its shoreline offers good picnic spots with mountain views. Boat rides available. The road to Satpara continues to Deosai.

How to Get to Skardu

From	Transport	Duration	Cost	Notes
Islamabad	PIA Flight	1 hour	PKR 10,000-15,000	Spectacular views. Cancels frequently (weather).
Islamabad	Bus/Drive (via KKH)	22-24 hours	PKR 3,000-5,000 (bus)	Split over 2 days. Long but scenic.
Gilgit	Drive/Bus	5-6 hours	PKR 1,000-2,000 (bus)	Mountain road along Indus. Being upgraded.
Hunza	Drive via Gilgit	7-8 hours	PKR 12,000-18,000 (jeep)	Scenic route. Popular combination trip.

Tip: Book the PIA flight but always have the road option as backup. Skardu flights cancel 40-50% of the time due to cloud cover in the mountain approaches.

Where to Stay

Hotel	Type	Price/Night	Highlight
K2 Motel	Budget	$10-18	Clean, central, helpful owner
Mashabrum Hotel	Mid-range	$35-55	River views, good restaurant
Shangrila Resort	Mid-Luxury	$70-120	Lakeside, iconic location
Serena Skardu	Luxury	$100-170	Best in town, mountain views

Food & Culture

Skardu has a distinct Balti culture with strong Tibetan influences:

Mamtu: Balti dumplings filled with minced meat and onions, steamed and served with a spicy dipping sauce. The local equivalent of Tibetan momos.
Balti cuisine: Named after the region, the famous “Balti” cooking style originated here (yes, the British curry house “Balti” traces its roots to Baltistan).
Apricot dishes: Like Hunza, Skardu is famous for apricots in every form — fresh, dried, as oil, in soups and desserts.
Fresh trout: Caught from glacial streams. Grilled with local spices, served at restaurants along the river.
Butter tea: Tibetan-style salt butter tea (gur gur cha) is the traditional drink, though Pakistani milk chai is equally popular.

Quick Facts

Altitude: 2,228m
Region: Gilgit-Baltistan
Best time: May–Oct
Language: Balti, Urdu
Culture: Tibetan-influenced
Famous for: K2 gateway, lakes, Deosai