6 Days
Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan on our 6-Day Skardu By Air Tour, designed for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts. This immersive itinerary begins with exploring the charming town of Skardu, visiting the bustling local bazaar, walking to the historic Kharpocho Fort, and witnessing the thrilling ancient Polo matches. After two nights in Skardu, the journey continues along the Indus and Shyok rivers to Khaplu Valley, one of Baltistan’s most stunning towns, where you will stay at the historic Khaplu Fort—now the luxurious Serena Hotel—once the residence of the royal family. Over the next two days, you’ll explore local markets, the iconic Chaqchan Mosque, and nearby villages, soaking in the rich culture and scenic vistas. The return trip passes through Shigar Valley, with a stop at Shigar Fort for lunch, before heading to Astore via the Deosai Plateau, the second-highest plateau in the world and home to Himalayan brown bears and diverse wildlife. Spending a night in Astore, you’ll then follow the Astore River to the junction with the Indus River and join the famous Karakoram Highway, completing this unforgettable journey through some of Pakistan’s most spectacular landscapes. This sightseeing-by-air tour offers seamless travel from Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi—seasonally operating with direct flights to Gilgit—lasting 6 days and 5 nights, providing a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and comfortable travel.
Begin your adventure with a direct flight from Islamabad to Skardu, taking approximately one hour. Upon arrival at Skardu Airport, you'll be greeted by our friendly driver and transferred to your private vehicle. Your journey will then take you to Upper Kachura Lake, where a short 20-minute trek offers stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty. Next, visit the famous Shangrila Lake—also known as Lower Kachura Lake—renowned for its captivating scenery and tranquil waters that allure countless visitors. Spend some time exploring and soaking in the picturesque surroundings of the Soq Valley before transferring to a comfortable hotel in Skardu for an overnight stay, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel at 8:00 AM before setting off on a fascinating day excursion to Bashoo Valley. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to the Bashoo Valley bridge, followed by a transfer to jeeps that will take you deep into the enchanting Bashoo Meadows. Here, you will explore the renowned Chocolate Rocks—unique sandstone formations that resemble giant chocolates—offering incredible photo opportunities and a sense of wonder. Afterward, take a short sightseeing stop at the tranquil Bashoo River, soaking in the natural beauty of the area. In the late afternoon, you'll drive back to Skardu, returning to your hotel for a restful overnight stay and reflecting on the day's breathtaking sights.
Start your day early with breakfast at the hotel at 7:30 AM. Afterward, transfer to jeeps for an exciting off-road adventure heading towards the Deosai Plains, often called the "Land of Giants." Explore the rich flora and fauna that make Deosai a unique high-altitude plateau, home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Make a short stop at the picturesque Sheosar Lake, where you can enjoy refreshments and take in the breathtaking scenery. Capture memorable photographs and enjoy sightseeing at Kala Pani and Bara Pani—famous spots with mesmerizing views of the plains and lake. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel in Skardu for an overnight stay, reflecting on the majestic beauty of the Deosai region.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 AM before departing for Khapulo. Upon arrival, spend the day exploring this serene village and discovering its local attractions:
Khapulo Fort: Visit the historic fort that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a great spot to learn about the history and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Local Market and Handicrafts: Explore the village market where local artisans sell traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and handmade textiles.
Scenic Walks and Nature: Take peaceful walks through the lush landscapes, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility of Khapulo.
Cultural Experience: Interact with local residents to learn about their customs and way of life.
After a fulfilling day exploring Khapulo, return to Skardu in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
n Day 5, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 AM, you will depart for Shigar Valley, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historical sites. Upon arrival, you will explore the mesmerizing Katpana Cold Desert with its vast sand dunes, offering perfect opportunities for photography and sightseeing. The adventure continues with exhilarating activities such as paramotor flights, jeep safaris, and riding four-wheelers across the dunes, providing thrilling experiences amidst the scenic landscape. Next, you'll visit the spectacular Shigar Valley crossover bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river. Then, you will explore the historic Shigar Fort, a medieval structure rich in history, and stroll through the elegant Royal Garden nestled within the valley. After an adventurous and culturally enriching day, you will return to Skardu for relaxation and an overnight stay at your hotel.
On Day 6, you will enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel at 7:00 AM before preparing for your departure. You will be dropped off at Skardu Airport approximately 80 minutes prior to your flight time. From there, you will take a flight back to Islamabad via Pakistan International Airlines, bringing your memorable journey to a close as you head back to your home city.
Mobile Network: Only the Postpaid network (Telenor, Zong, SCOM) is active in the region.
Breakfast availability in a hotel mostly starts from 7:30 am to 9:30 am.
Please ensure you bring enough warm clothing and the correct shoes for the tour. Ideally, you should carry 20 kg of luggage in case you have to carry it to a backup vehicle, as well as to the accommodation.
Rates may fluctuate with any change in services/hotels. The client will be responsible for the difference in costs if the package is amended due to an increase in guests or a change in the hotel.
The hotels are subject to their availability. The travelers will be accommodated in a property of a similar standard, in case they are unavailable.
Regardless of the number of days or any service compromises, the Snowcap Adventures reserves the right to rearrange the itinerary if any disruption occurs (such as weather or political conditions).
The weather in Hunza Valley is unpredictable and harsh, as a result, the hotels and their facilities cannot compare to those in similar locations in other parts of the country. They are more basic, but Hunza people carry the local warmth, compensating for the star categories.
Consult a physician before undertaking the tour. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
Force Majeure: If unforeseen circumstances or disasters force Snowcap Adventures to reschedule a tour or trek, Snowcap Adventures reserves the right to change the itinerary to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and staff.
Cancellation After Rescheduling: Our standard cancellation policy applies to clients who reschedule their tours or treks and then cancel them. Any rescheduling fees paid will be non-refundable.
Checklist for Tourists
Documents:
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Other Essentials