Skardu & Deosai
A week in Baltistan: Shangrila, the Kachura lakes, the cold desert, Shigar Fort and the high plateau of Deosai.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,114 m
- Season
- June to September
- Level
- Easy, long drives
Rs 29,000 per person from Islamabad · Rs 29,500 from Lahore
Reserve seats
About this trip
Skardu is the gateway to K2 and the Karakoram. The town sits in a wide valley of sand dunes, blue lakes and old Balti forts.
This trip gives you three full days around Skardu, including a long day on the Deosai Plains, one of the highest plateaus in the world.
Day by day
- Night before
Lahore departure
Lahore travellers are picked up at 11:30 pm.
- Day 1
Islamabad to Chilas
Breakfast at Balakot, a stop on Babusar Top, night in Chilas.
- Day 2
Chilas to Skardu
Along the Indus gorge with a stop at Shengus. Night in Skardu.
- Day 3
Lakes and desert
Upper Kachura Lake, Shangrila and Lower Kachura, then the Katpana cold desert at sunset.
- Day 4
Shigar
Sarfaranga cold desert, Shigar Fort, Blind Lake and Kharpocho Fort.
- Day 5
Deosai Plains
Sadpara Lake, Bara Pani, Kala Pani and Sheosar Lake on the Deosai plateau.
- Day 6
Skardu to Naran
Long drive with stops at Jaglot and Lulusar Lake. Night in Naran.
- Day 7
Naran to home
Kunhar River in the morning, Islamabad by 7 pm, Lahore near midnight.
What the price covers
Included
- Air-conditioned Coaster or Grand Cabin for the whole trip
- Hotel rooms in Chilas, Skardu (four nights) and Naran.
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Trip leader and local guides
- First-aid kit
- Toll taxes and parking
Not included
- Lunch on the road
- Activity tickets such as rafting, chairlifts, zip-lines and cable cars
- Personal shopping, snacks and tips
- Shared local jeeps where the plan mentions them
What to bring
- Walking shoes with good grip
- A litre of water
- A warm layer, even in summer
- Cap and sunscreen
- A small backpack
- Your original CNIC, or passport
- A warm jacket for the nights
- Your personal medicines
- A power bank
- A light rain jacket
- Gloves, a beanie and sunglasses
Safety on this trip
High passes, long drives and thin air. We drive in daylight on mountain roads, carry a full first-aid kit and change the plan when the weather or the road says so. Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition when you book.
On this trip
Questions about this trip
Is Deosai cold in summer?
It can be near freezing in the morning even in July. Bring a warm jacket, a cap and gloves.
How do I pay and how much is the deposit?
A deposit holds your seats and the balance is paid before departure. Pay by bank transfer, JazzCash, easypaisa or cash at our office, then send us the screenshot.
Do children pay?
Children under two travel free. Ask us about prices for older children.
What if I need to cancel?
Tell us as early as you can. The cancellation and refund terms are written on your booking before you pay the deposit.