Skardu Valley Tour: 7 Days
Overview
Baltistan's greatest hits in one relaxed week: the lake resort that named itself Heaven on Earth, a genuine high-altitude cold desert, two restored royal palaces, and: June to September: the brown-bear plateau of Deosai at 4,114 m. Fly-in options cut the road days for short leaves.
Plan the journey with our Hunza Valley tour packages, Hunza hotel options, private transport in Hunza, trekking packages and tours for foreign travellers.
Trip Highlights
- Shangrila Resort & Upper Kachura Lake
- Sarfaranga Cold Desert jeep ride
- Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace
- Deosai Plains & Sheosar Lake (Jun to Sep)
- Manthoka Waterfall and Kharpocho Fort
- Fly-in/fly-out option available
Day by Day Itinerary
7-day planIslamabad to Chilas
KKH north (or fly day 2). This is a long mountain-road transfer, so meal and washroom stops are planned around daylight, traffic and the route that is actually open. For Islamabad to Chilas on day 1, allow flexibility for a weather cancellation; the road backup, luggage plan and airport timing are confirmed in the written itinerary so the day remains workable.
Max altitude 1,265 mChilas to Skardu
The paved Indus-gorge road. The Skardu section is planned around realistic road or flight conditions, with enough margin for weather-sensitive domestic aviation. For Chilas to Skardu on day 2, the route uses practical meal and comfort stops without promising every roadside viewpoint; the guide reconfirms the arrival estimate and following start time as conditions become clear.
Max altitude 2,228 mLakes day
Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Kharpocho sunset. For Lakes day on day 3, the Skardu section is planned around realistic road or flight conditions, with enough margin for weather-sensitive domestic aviation. For Lakes day on day 3, early or late light is used where practical, while weather determines the final viewpoint; equipment remains supervised during roadside stops and larger luggage stays secured in the vehicle.
Max altitude 2,500 mDeosai Plains (Jun to Sep)
4x4 plateau day, Sheosar Lake; shoulder season: Basho Valley. Deosai access is seasonal and normally depends on the park road opening; wildlife sightings and exact stops cannot be guaranteed. For Deosai Plains (Jun to Sep) on day 4, lake activities and stopping points are selected from current weather, access and crowd conditions; comfortable shoes and a light warm layer are useful even when most of the day is vehicle based.
Max altitude 4,114 mShigar & Cold Desert
Shigar Fort, Sarfaranga jeep/quad rides. The Shigar and Khaplu programme allows time for the historic settlements, fort areas and the longer road distances between valleys. For Shigar & Cold Desert on day 5, heritage stops involve stairs, stone lanes and short walks; the order can change with opening hours and traffic, while the guide keeps the main cultural visits in the programme.
Max altitude 2,600 mKhaplu & Manthoka
Palace visit and the waterfall. For Khaplu & Manthoka on day 6, the Shigar and Khaplu programme allows time for the historic settlements, fort areas and the longer road distances between valleys. For Khaplu & Manthoka on day 6, the guide explains the local history and allows unhurried time in the lanes, gardens and viewpoints; fort entry and any community visit follow the opening hours and rules in effect that day.
Max altitude 2,600 mReturn / fly to Islamabad
Drive south or morning flight (at cost). The final transfer keeps a sensible buffer for the agreed train or flight time, while any optional stop depends on the remaining daylight and traffic. For Return / fly to Islamabad on day 7, allow flexibility for a weather cancellation; the road backup, luggage plan and airport timing are confirmed in the written itinerary so the day remains workable.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- confirmed-guest on-trip WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- 4x4 for Deosai & Cold Desert
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Park fees
- Flights (optional, at cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
Skardu or Hunza for a first trip?
Hunza for culture, cafés and easier roads; Skardu for lakes, desert and rawer landscapes: or combine both with our 10-day combo.
Do flights cancel often?
Mountain weather cancels some; every fly plan carries a road backup so your trip never strands.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Skardu Airport?
Yes: fly Islamabad to Skardu (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan: this itinerary focuses elsewhere: but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May to Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 65-hotel partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes: drive legs are broken with rest stops, family rooms are booked, and daily plans flex around nap and meal times. Car seats available on request.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility: vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely: add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.
What is not included?
Mainly: lunches and dinners; entry tickets to forts and attractions; personal expenses and tips. The full included/excluded lists above are part of your fixed quote: nothing is added later.