Why Skardu Should Be Your Next Trip
If Hunza is Pakistan’s crown jewel, Skardu is the hidden treasure most travelers miss. Sitting at 2,500m in the Baltistan region, it’s the launchpad for K2 expeditions, home to the Deosai Plains (the world’s second-highest plateau), and surrounded by lakes so blue they don’t look real. In 2026, with better flight connections and improved roads, there’s no reason to skip it.
How to Get to Skardu
Two options:
- By Air — PIA flies Islamabad to Skardu daily (1 hour). Fares from PKR 15,000-25,000 one-way. Weather-dependent — flights get cancelled often in winter and monsoon. Always keep a buffer day.
- By Road — Islamabad to Skardu is a 20-24 hour drive via the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road. Long but the scenery is spectacular. Break the trip in Chilas or Naran.
Best Time to Visit Skardu
May to October is the sweet spot. Deosai is only accessible June-September (snow closes it the rest of the year). July-August is peak season and expect crowded lakes. September offers golden autumn colors with fewer tourists.
Top Places to Visit in Skardu
1. Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake
The famous “Heaven on Earth” resort with the plane-turned-restaurant. Entry PKR 500 for non-guests. Boat rides on the lake are a must.
2. Upper Kachura Lake
Quieter than Lower Kachura, deep blue water surrounded by cliffs. 20-minute walk from Shangrila. Best photo spot in Skardu.
3. Deosai National Park
The “Land of Giants” — a 3,000 sq km plateau at 4,100m. Home to the Himalayan brown bear. Best visited from Skardu as a full-day trip. 4×4 required.
4. Sheosar Lake
Located inside Deosai. Crystal-clear alpine lake at 4,142m surrounded by wildflowers in July. Camp overnight if you can.
5. Cold Desert (Katpana)
One of the world’s highest cold deserts. Sand dunes with snow-capped peaks in the background. Sunset here is unforgettable.
6. Manthoka Waterfall
1.5 hours from Skardu city. 180ft waterfall, great picnic spot.
7. Satpara Lake
Just 20 minutes from Skardu. Turquoise water, fishing available, boat rides in summer.
8. Kharpocho Fort
16th-century fort overlooking Skardu city. Short but steep hike. Panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Suggested 5-Day Skardu Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Skardu, rest, visit Kharpocho Fort at sunset.
- Day 2: Shangrila, Upper & Lower Kachura Lake.
- Day 3: Deosai Plains and Sheosar Lake (full day).
- Day 4: Manthoka Waterfall, Katpana Cold Desert.
- Day 5: Satpara Lake, departure.
Where to Stay in Skardu
Luxury: Shangrila Resort, Serena Shigar Fort (heritage stay in nearby Shigar)
Mid-range: PTDC Motel, Mashabrum Hotel, Concordia Motel
Budget: Skardu Inn, Baltistan Continental Hotel
Costs for a 5-Day Skardu Trip
- Flights (return): PKR 30,000-50,000
- Hotel (mid-range, 4 nights): PKR 24,000-36,000
- Food (5 days): PKR 10,000-15,000
- 4×4 rental for Deosai: PKR 15,000-20,000
- Entry fees and boats: PKR 3,000-5,000
- Total: PKR 85,000-125,000 (~$300-450 USD)
Practical Tips
- Layers are essential — daytime warm, night freezing.
- Carry cash, ATMs are unreliable.
- SCOM has best signal, Zong second.
- NOC required for foreigners visiting certain restricted areas.
- Altitude at Deosai (4,100m) is no joke — go slow, drink water.
- Book flights round trip with a 1-day weather buffer.
Skardu vs Hunza: Which to Pick?
If you have one week: pick Hunza. More developed tourism infrastructure, easier logistics. If you have 10+ days: do both. If you’re a serious trekker or want raw, less-touristy beauty: Skardu wins every time.
Final Word
Skardu is what Hunza was 15 years ago — quieter, wilder, more authentic. See it before mass tourism arrives.
