Skardu Valley Overland

Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan! Meet your guide and/or group leader at the airport and head to your hotel for an introduction and tour briefing. Spend the evening sightseeing in the capital city of Islamabad and enjoy a fantastic dinner with an even better view at the Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills. Spend a comfortable night in the hotel resting up for the start of your tour!

Get an early start today for the long ride to Chilas. Ride comfortably in an air-conditioned van or coach along the amazing Karakorum Highway. Take in the spectacular scenery as you follow the Indus River through steep gorges all the way to Chilas. Don’t miss the views as you cross the Babusar Pass (4,173 m / 13,691 ft), which is quite an experience. If the Babusar Pass is not safe to cross, you will get to Chilas via the Naran Valley which follows the Kunhar River through lush green valleys and offers majestic mountain scenery. When you arrive in Chilas, you’ll notice that though it is on the banks of the Indus River, it is a dry, barren place. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel and enjoy the amazing panoramic vistas from Chilas.

Another early morning gets you back on the Karakorum Highway bound for Skardu. This highway is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World – and with a good reason. You’ll be awe-struck by some of the most incredible mountain scenery on Earth. In particular, you’ll see the majestic Nanga Parbat (8,126 m / 26,660 ft) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m / 25,551 ft) peaks, and the confluence point where three of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges – Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Himalaya – meet. Leave the Karakorum Highway at Jaglot and take the Skardu Road along the Indus River to Skardu. The breathtaking scenery continues throughout the journey to the impressive Skardu Valley. Arrive in Skardu and spend the night in a comfortable hotel with more wonderful views.

Hit the road early and follow the Indus River to the place where it meets the Shyok River. Just beyond this point lies Khaplu, which was the second largest kingdom in Baltistan, strategically located along the trade route to Ladakh that follows the Shyok River.

Explore Khaplu landmarks such as the Manthoka waterfalls, the Khaplu Palace, and the Chaqchun Mosque. The latter two buildings are unique examples of architecture and reveal a lot about the culture of the region. You will also have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the local people as they invite you to sample the fresh cherries and apricots that this area is famous for. Spend the night in a Khaplu hotel after an experience-rich day.

Return to Skardu today by way of the incredible Shigar Valley. Visit the Shigar Fort, which dates back to the 17th Century. This historic landmark offers you a glimpse back in history as well as stunning views of the area. From there, your tour takes you to the Katpana Cold Desert where you can watch the sun go down against a backdrop of sand dunes and rugged, snow-capped mountains. It is absolutely unforgettable!

Overnight Location: Hotel in Shigar

Take a Jeep safari today out to the Deosai Plans, also known as the Land of Giants. The locals call this area “Summer’s Palace” because of its colorful wildflowers, rare butterflies, and lush, green grass. The average elevation of the plateau is 4,114 m (13,497 ft), making it the second highest plateau in the world. Visit Sadpara Lake along the way and witness its shimmering waters surrounded by rugged peaks. Enjoy an opportunity for fishing here if time permits. Spend the night camped in a fully serviced campsite at the incredible Sheosar Lake. This unforgettable experience offers you unparalleled views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m / 26,660 ft) by day and the Milky Way by night.

Today offers another chance to enjoy Summer’s Palace on the Deosai Plateau as you return to Skardu by Jeep 4x4. The trip back offers so many breathtaking viewpoints that your eyes may begin to ache from trying to take it all in. Which stop will be your favorite? Will it be Kharpocho Fort, with its views of the Indus River and Skardu City against the backdrop of the imposing Karakorum mountains? Perhaps you will prefer the Shangri La Resort and Lower Kachura lake, where the grass is lush and green and surrounded by picturesque apple trees. You may decide the best was saved for last when you see the view at Upper Kachura Lake. The way the blossoming fruit trees are reflected in the lake has been described as miraculous and mesmerizing. Your head and heart will be full of these rich images as you rest peacefully tonight in your hotel in Skardu.

The long journey back to Chilas begins early this morning. Return once again via the Karakorum Highway, with a new chance to see the great sights from a different direction and perspective. Don’t miss the meeting point of the Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Himalaya mountain ranges, and the spectacular peaks of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m / 26,660 ft) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m / 25,551 ft). Spend the night in Chilas.

The route for your return trip to Islamabad depends once again on the conditions at the Babusar Pass (4,173 m / 13,691 ft). If it is safe to cross the pass, you’ll continue along the Karakorum Highway for another chance to experience this incredible crossing. If the Babusar Pass is deemed unsafe to cross, then you’ll enjoy following the Kunhar River along the Naran Valley route. Either way, the views are incredible. Spend the night in Islamabad in preparation for your departure tomorrow.

Sadly, your time on the Skardu Valley overland tour has come to an end. After breakfast, your group leader and/or guide will assist you in your transfer to the Islamabad airport for your return flight.