If you’re looking at a map of northern Pakistan and trying to figure out whether to visit Skardu and Gilgit, or both, the short answer is: most travelers end up doing both, and for good reason. Gilgit and Skardu sit about three to four hours apart by road, and together they cover a huge range of what Gilgit-Baltistan is known for. Gilgit is the transport hub where the Karakoram Highway meets the road to Hunza and the road to Skardu. It’s flatter, lower in elevation, and dotted with history that goes back to the Silk Road era. Skardu, sitting higher up the Indus Valley, is the gateway to the high-altitude side of the region: Deosai’s alpine plateau, the Kachura and Satpara lakes, and the base camp routes toward K2 and the Karakoram peaks.
This guide covers a Skardu and Gilgit tour the way it actually plays out on the ground: the attractions worth building a day around, the road and flight realities between the two cities, what the trip costs to plan for, and what changes depending on the season you travel in. It’s built around a 5 to 7 day itinerary, which is roughly the amount of time needed to see both cities properly without rushing between them. Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours runs this route regularly and can put together the vehicle, driver, and day-by-day plan once you know what you want to prioritize.
Skardu and Gilgit Tour Guide Overview
A Skardu and Gilgit tour typically follows the Indus River corridor, connecting two very different landscapes that happen to sit close together on the map. Gilgit, at around 1,500 meters elevation, is the administrative and commercial center of Gilgit-Baltistan. It’s where the Karakoram Highway coming up from Islamabad splits toward Hunza and China to the north, and toward Skardu to the east. The city itself is compact, with a river frontage, active bazaars, and a scattering of historical sites, the most notable being the Kargah Buddha rock carving a short drive outside town.
Skardu sits about 700 meters higher, at roughly 2,226 meters, in a wide valley where the Indus and Shigar rivers meet. The landscape shifts here: instead of the narrow gorge scenery typical of the Karakoram Highway, Skardu opens into a broad valley ringed by bare, sand-colored mountains, with the Indus running through cold desert terrain that looks almost lunar in places, right next to lakes and orchards. Skardu is also the practical base for reaching Deosai National Park, the Kachura Lakes, Satpara Lake, and the trekking routes toward Concordia and K2 base camp, though those treks go well beyond the scope of an easy to moderate sightseeing tour.
The route between the two cities, the Skardu Road (also called Strategic Highway S-1), runs alongside the Indus for its full length and is itself part of the experience. It was built by Pakistan Army engineers with Chinese assistance, with the truck-able link completed in 1982. In recent years the Jaglot to Skardu section has been widened, cutting the historic 8 to 10 hour journey down to a more manageable 4 to 6 hours in good conditions, though delays from landslides, roadwork, or heavy traffic during peak season are still common enough that a same-day connection should always have a buffer built in.
This tour suits travelers who want to combine a bit of history and city life (Gilgit) with dramatic high-altitude scenery and lakes (Skardu), without committing to a full trekking expedition. Families, couples, and small groups can all manage the pace, since most days involve vehicle travel and short walks rather than sustained hiking.
Quick Tour Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Tour name | Skardu and Gilgit Tour |
| Destination | Skardu and Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan |
| Duration | 5 to 7 days |
| Tour type | Destination comparison and multi-day sightseeing tour |
| Departure point | Gilgit or Skardu |
| Return point | Gilgit or Skardu |
| Road distance (Gilgit to Skardu) | Approximately 200 km via the Skardu Road (S-1) |
| Typical road travel time | 4 to 6 hours by private car or SUV, weather and road conditions permitting |
| Transport options | Private car, SUV, coaster, tour vehicle, or domestic flight to Skardu |
| Accommodation | Hotels and guesthouses in Gilgit and Skardu |
| Difficulty level | Easy to moderate |
| Best time to visit | April to October |
| Minimum travelers | 1 |
| Price | Contact Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours for current pricing |
Detailed Itinerary
The exact order below can flex depending on flight availability, road conditions, and personal pace, but this is a realistic 6-day version of the trip. Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours can compress this into 5 days by combining some of the shorter sightseeing stops, or extend it to 7 days to add a rest day or a Shigar Valley side trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Gilgit
Arrival by road via the Karakoram Highway or by domestic flight into Gilgit Airport. The rest of the day is kept light to allow for altitude and travel fatigue, with a walk around Gilgit’s main bazaar and riverfront in the evening.
Day 2: Gilgit City and Kargah Buddha
A half-day covering Gilgit’s city sights, followed by a short drive to the Kargah Buddha, a standing Buddha figure carved into a cliff face in the Kargah Nala, about 9.7 km west of the city. The carving dates to roughly the 7th century, from the period when Gilgit was a significant Buddhist center along early trade routes. The site sits at the junction of the Kargah and Shukogah streams and makes for an easy, low-effort outing of two to three hours including travel.
Day 3: Naltar Valley Day Trip
An optional but worthwhile detour before heading toward Skardu. Naltar Valley lies about 34 to 40 km northwest of Gilgit, reached via a jeep track that branches off near Nomal village. The last stretch of road is unpaved and can be rough in places, so a 4×4 or experienced local driver is recommended rather than a standard sedan. The valley is known for its pine forests and three alpine lakes, sometimes called the Bashkiri or Naltar Lakes, which sit at around 3,050 to 3,150 meters and take on distinct green, blue, and turquoise tones depending on light and season. Naltar is also home to Pakistan’s main ski resort, run with the Pakistan Air Force, though the ski season itself runs from November to March, well outside this tour’s April to October window. In summer, the valley is a scenic forest and lake outing rather than a ski destination.
Day 4: Drive from Gilgit to Skardu
The core transfer day. The Skardu Road follows the Indus River for its roughly 200 km length, and the scenery changes noticeably along the way, from narrow gorges near Gilgit to the wider, drier valley approaching Skardu. Expect 4 to 6 hours of driving time in a private vehicle under normal conditions, with stops for photos, tea, and the villages along the route. Because this road has a history of landslides and localized closures, especially after heavy rain, it’s worth checking current road status before departure and keeping the day flexible rather than scheduling anything time-sensitive immediately after arrival.
Day 5: Skardu City, Kharpocho Fort and the Kachura Lakes
Morning visit to Kharpocho Fort, built at the end of the 16th century (some local sources place initial construction between 1490 and 1505) by Ali Sher Khan Anchan of the Maqpon dynasty, who made it the capital of his rule over Baltistan. The fort sits on a rocky hill above the city, overlooking the point where the Indus and Shigar rivers meet, and reaching the top involves roughly a 45 to 60 minute climb on foot from the base. There is no entry fee, and the payoff is a wide view over the Skardu valley.
In the afternoon, drive out to the Kachura Lakes, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the city for Lower Kachura Lake (also called Shangrila Lake), home to the Shangrila Resort built in 1983 around the lake shore. Upper Kachura Lake sits a further short drive plus a 20 to 30 minute uphill walk beyond the lower lake, and is quieter and less developed, with cold, clear glacial water that isn’t suited to swimming.
Day 6: Satpara Lake and Deosai National Park (seasonal)
Satpara Lake sits about 9 km south of Skardu, at roughly 2,600 meters elevation, and is a short 15 to 20 minute drive from the city. Fed by glacial melt from the Deosai plains, it’s also the source of Skardu’s drinking water and hydroelectric power via the Satpara Dam, completed in 2011. Boating and trout fishing are both possible here.
From Satpara Lake, the road continues up toward Deosai National Park, a high alpine plateau with an average elevation of around 4,114 meters, making it one of the highest plateaus in the world. Deosai is only accessible from roughly June to September, when the plateau road is clear of snow; outside that window, plan on Satpara Lake as the day’s main stop instead. The drive from Skardu up to the plateau takes about 2 to 3 hours by 4×4 jeep, and the park is home to the Himalayan brown bear, for which it was established as a protected area in 1993. An entry fee applies at the park checkpost, and this should be confirmed locally as rates are set annually by the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department.
Day 7 (if extended): Departure or Shigar Valley Side Trip
Either a straightforward departure day from Skardu, by road back toward Gilgit or by domestic flight to Islamabad, or an optional half-day extension to Shigar Valley for travelers who want to see Shigar Fort and the start of the K2 approach road before heading home.
Best Time to Visit / Seasonal Notes For Skardu And Gilgit
Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourist season runs from April to October, but conditions differ meaningfully within that window, and Skardu and Gilgit don’t always move in sync with each other because of the elevation gap.
| Period | Conditions |
| April to May | Orchards in Gilgit and Skardu are in blossom and daytime temperatures are mild, but Deosai National Park is still snowbound and closed, and Naltar’s higher lakes may still hold snow. Good for city sightseeing, Kachura and Satpara lakes; not yet for Deosai. |
| June to July | The core season. Deosai opens (typically from mid-May to mid-June depending on snowmelt) and stays open through the summer, with late July generally considered peak wildflower season on the plateau. Naltar’s lakes and forests are fully accessible. This is also the busiest period for hotel and vehicle bookings. |
| August to early September | Similar conditions to June and July, warm days, accessible high-altitude sites, though this period can bring more rainfall and occasional road disruption on the Skardu Road and the Karakoram Highway. |
| Mid-September to October | Deosai closes for the season around mid-September as the plateau becomes snowbound again. Gilgit and Skardu remain accessible and the valleys take on autumn color, with cooler nights, especially at Skardu’s higher elevation. |
| November to March | Outside this tour’s recommended window. Gilgit and Skardu themselves remain reachable by road and (weather permitting) by air, but Deosai and the Naltar high lakes are snowbound and inaccessible. Naltar Valley itself becomes a winter destination in its own right for skiing, run with the Pakistan Air Force, but that is a different kind of trip from this sightseeing itinerary. |
Because so much of this tour depends on road and plateau access that changes with snowmelt each year, always confirm current conditions for Deosai and Naltar before finalizing a summer travel date, particularly for trips planned in the shoulder months of May or late September.
Cost, Inclusions, and Exclusions
Pricing for a Skardu and Gilgit tour depends on group size, choice of vehicle, number of days, and whether travel between the two cities is by road or by domestic flight to Skardu. Contact Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours for current pricing based on your group size and preferred itinerary length.
Pricing can also shift with fuel costs and seasonal vehicle demand, so it’s worth confirming a firm quote close to your travel dates rather than relying on rates quoted months in advance.
Getting There / Transportation
There are two practical ways to link Gilgit and Skardu, and most travelers use a combination of both depending on their schedule.
By road: The Skardu Road (Strategic Highway S-1) runs from Juglot, just south of Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway, to Skardu, a stretch of roughly 167 km, with the total Gilgit-to-Skardu driving distance closer to 200 km once the drive through Gilgit itself is included. This is a winding mountain road that follows the Indus River gorge, narrow in places and, on some stretches, without guardrails along steep drops, so it should be driven by an experienced local driver rather than self-driven by visitors unfamiliar with the route. Travel time is typically 4 to 6 hours since the road’s widening project, down from the 8 to 10 hours it used to take on the older, narrower surface. The road can close temporarily due to landslides or maintenance work, more commonly for a few days at a time, though longer closures are possible after major weather events, so it’s worth checking current road status before departure.
By private vehicle type: Depending on group size, transport can be arranged as a private car, SUV, or coaster. SUVs are generally more comfortable for the Skardu Road given the terrain.
By air: Skardu has its own airport (Skardu International Airport, elevation around 2,230 meters), connected to Islamabad primarily via Pakistan International Airlines. Flight time is short, under an hour, but Skardu flights operate under visual flight rules, meaning they depend on clear weather and visibility. Delays and cancellations, particularly during monsoon periods or poor winter weather, are common enough that it’s worth building at least one buffer day into your schedule if your onward travel plans depend on a specific flight date. Gilgit also has its own domestic airport connected to Islamabad, subject to similar weather-related scheduling.
Whichever combination you choose, road transport within Gilgit and Skardu themselves (for day trips to Naltar, Kachura, Satpara, and Deosai) is generally arranged locally through your tour operator, since several of these routes involve unpaved or jeep-track sections.
Recommended Tourist Places in Skardu for Every Traveler
Explore our recommended Skardu tour packages, carefully designed for solo travelers, families, couples, and groups. Choose from flexible Budget, Standard, and Luxury options to match your travel style and budget.
| Tour(s) | Mode of Transport | Budget | Standard | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort): History, Location and Visitor Guide | By Road | PKR 90,500 | PKR 115,000 | PKR 194,000 |
| Autumn Tour Packages Pakistan | By Air | PKR 100,500 | PKR 140,500 | PKR 220,000 |
| Shangrila Lake Skardu: Location, Distance, and How to Visit | By Road | PKR 9,500 | PKR 12,500 | PKR 15,000 |
| Baltit Fort Hunza: Karimabad’s Historic Landmark | By Road | PKR 20,000 | PKR 30,000 | PKR 40,000 |
| Organic Village Skardu Tour: Walk to Nangsoq | By Air | PKR 115,000 | PKR 136,000 | PKR 25,000 |
| Attabad Lake Hunza: Complete Travel Guide | By Air | PKR 130,000 | PKR 150,000 | PKR 235,000 |
| Skardu Autumn Tour Package 2026: Golden Valleys, Lakes and Forts | By Road | PKR 168,000 | PKR 250,000 | PKR 390,000 |
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
This tour is rated easy to moderate. The large majority of the itinerary is vehicle-based sightseeing, and most attractions require only short walks from the parking or drop-off point. A few sections deserve specific mention:
- The climb to Kharpocho Fort takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes on a footpath with some uneven, rocky sections. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and the path has metal railings installed along parts of the ascent.
- The walk from Lower to Upper Kachura Lake is a 20 to 30 minute uphill hike on an easy to moderate trail, manageable for most visitors with basic fitness.
- Deosai National Park sits at high altitude, averaging around 4,100 meters. Some visitors notice mild effects of altitude such as breathlessness or headache, especially if traveling up quickly from Skardu’s lower elevation. This is general travel guidance rather than medical advice; anyone with a heart or lung condition, or anyone who has had trouble with altitude before, should talk to a doctor before planning a Deosai visit.
- Naltar’s jeep track has rough, occasionally water-crossed sections that make for a bumpy ride rather than a physically demanding one.
No technical trekking, climbing, or specialized equipment is required for anything on this itinerary. Families with children and older travelers can generally manage the pace, provided they’re comfortable with several hours of mountain road driving on transfer days.
What to Bring
Packing for a Skardu and Gilgit tour needs to account for a wide temperature swing between the valley floor and higher stops like Deosai, plus dust from unpaved roads and strong high-altitude sun.
- Layered clothing: light clothing for warm valley days, plus a fleece or jacket for evenings and for Deosai, where temperatures drop noticeably even in summer
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for the Kharpocho Fort climb and Kachura Lake trail
- Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, since UV exposure is stronger at altitude and reflected off Deosai’s open plains and Skardu’s cold-desert terrain
- A wide-brim hat or cap
- A dust mask or scarf for the unpaved sections of the Naltar and Deosai roads
- A basic first-aid kit and any personal medication, since pharmacies are limited outside the main towns
- A power bank, since charging opportunities can be limited during long driving days
- Cash in Pakistani rupees, as card acceptance is inconsistent outside larger hotels
- A camera or phone with extra storage, given how much of this trip is built around scenery and lakes
- A refillable water bottle
Important Travel Information
Permits and documentation: As of current regulations, foreign tourists do not need a separate No Objection Certificate (NOC) to visit Gilgit-Baltistan for general tourism, a requirement that was lifted in 2019 to encourage travel to the region, though this has changed in the past and travelers should confirm current entry requirements with the Pakistani mission in their home country before departure. A valid Pakistani visa is required as normal. Trekking beyond standard sightseeing, such as routes into the Central Karakoram National Park toward K2 base camp, does require a separate trekking permit, which is outside the scope of this easy to moderate itinerary but worth knowing if you plan to extend your trip.
Deosai entry: A per-person entry fee applies at the Deosai National Park checkpost; rates are set annually by the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department and should be confirmed locally or with your tour operator before the visit.
Road conditions: The Skardu Road and the jeep tracks to Naltar and Deosai are all subject to seasonal and weather-related closures, most often from landslides, snowmelt flooding, or routine maintenance. Always confirm current road conditions before departure, particularly early and late in the travel season.
Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is generally reliable in Gilgit and Skardu cities but becomes patchy or absent in Naltar Valley, along stretches of the Skardu and Gilgit Road, and on the Deosai plateau. Plan accordingly if you need to stay reachable during the trip.
Safety: Gilgit-Baltistan is a well-established tourism region, but as with any mountain travel, road travel carries inherent risk given the terrain, and conditions should be assessed day by day with your driver or tour operator rather than assumed fixed.
Photography: Photography is generally unrestricted at the tourist sites covered in this itinerary, though it’s good practice to ask before photographing local people directly, and to be mindful near any military or security checkpoints along the route.
Insurance: Given the altitude, the driving distances, and the remoteness of some stops, travel insurance that covers high-altitude activity and emergency evacuation is worth considering, particularly if your itinerary includes Deosai.
Booking Information
To book a Skardu and Gilgit tour with Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours, contact the team directly with your preferred travel dates, group size, and whether you’d like the standard 5 to 7 day itinerary or a customized version. Useful details to have ready when you inquire:
- Approximate travel dates and flexibility around them
- Number of travelers, including children
- Preferred starting point (Gilgit or Skardu)
- Whether you plan to fly into Skardu or travel entirely by road
- Any specific attractions you want prioritized, such as Deosai or Naltar
- Accommodation preferences, if you’d like this arranged as part of the package
Pricing depends on group size, vehicle type, and season, so it’s best confirmed directly rather than assumed from general estimates. Customized itineraries, including extensions to Shigar Valley, Hunza, or the K2 base camp trekking region, can be arranged on request.
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- Gilgit Tours
- Skardu Tours
- Tour Packages
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- Hotel Booking
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FAQs
How far is it from Gilgit to Skardu, and how long does the drive take? The road distance is approximately 200 km, following the Skardu Road (S-1) along the Indus River. Driving time is typically 4 to 6 hours by private car, down from the 8 to 10 hours it used to take before the road was widened, though landslides or maintenance work can extend this on any given day.
Can I fly between Gilgit and Skardu, or between Islamabad and Skardu directly? There’s no direct flight between Gilgit and Skardu; that leg is done by road. You can fly directly between Islamabad and Skardu (and separately between Islamabad and Gilgit) with Pakistan International Airlines. Flights are short, under an hour, but operate under visual flight rules, so weather-related delays and cancellations are common. Build in a buffer day if your plans depend on a specific flight.
Is Deosai National Park included in every Skardu and Gilgit tour? It’s included when the season allows it. Deosai is only accessible from roughly June to September, since the plateau road is snowbound the rest of the year. If you’re traveling in April, May, or October, Satpara Lake and the Kachura Lakes remain accessible, but Deosai itself may not be reachable, so it’s worth confirming this against your specific travel dates.
Is this trip suitable for families with young children? Yes, for the most part. Most of the itinerary is vehicle-based sightseeing with short walks, and the main physical exertion is the climb to Kharpocho Fort and the short uphill walk to Upper Kachura Lake, both manageable for most children with adult supervision. The main consideration for families is the length of the road transfer days and, if visiting Deosai, mild altitude effects at higher elevation.
Do foreign tourists need a special permit to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Under current rules, a separate No Objection Certificate is not required for general tourism to Gilgit-Baltistan, a change made in 2019. A standard Pakistani visa is required as normal, and this should be confirmed with the relevant Pakistani mission before travel since regulations can change. A separate trekking permit is required only for trekking routes into protected mountain zones, which fall outside this sightseeing-focused itinerary.
What’s included in the tour price, and what isn’t? Standard inclusions are transportation, a driver, and pickup/drop-off, along with the sightseeing outlined in the itinerary. Meals, accommodation (unless specifically booked), and personal expenses are not included. Contact Ilyas Skardu Travels and Tours for current pricing based on your group and itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customized? Yes. The 5 to 7 day structure in this guide is a starting point. It can be shortened by combining shorter sightseeing stops, or extended with side trips such as Shigar Valley, Hunza, or the approach to K2 base camp for travelers with more time and a higher fitness level.
