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Skardu — Cold deserts, sky-high peaks and turquoise lakes.

Skardu

Cold deserts, sky-high peaks and turquoise lakes.

Why visit Skardu

Skardu is base camp to giants — gateway to K2, home to Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes, the surreal Katpana cold desert, and Shigar's old fort. Big-sky landscapes that feel like another planet.

Best time to go

May–October for road access; autumn is spectacular.

Ideal trip length

6–8 days by road, or fly Islamabad–Skardu to save time.

Route highlights

  • ◆Shangrila Resort
  • ◆Upper Kachura Lake
  • ◆Katpana Desert
  • ◆Shigar Fort
  • ◆Deosai Plains
Skardu scenery
Skardu scenery

Skardu FAQs

Yes — PIA operates Islamabad–Skardu flights. They're weather-dependent, so we always plan a road backup.

Yes, the Deosai Plains are a popular day trip from Skardu between roughly July and September.

Travel guides

Recommended packages