Welcome to Pakistan. Most international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the morning. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you to the group hotel. The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Skardu Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a purpose-built city in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

Overnight: Hill View Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Skardu, offering breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountain range. During the flight, you will witness stunning panoramas of K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), and other renowned peaks. Upon arrival at Skardu Airport, our representative will escort you to your group hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the town.

Skardu is the capital of the historical Baltistan region, once one of the largest kingdoms in the Himalayas. The inhabitants of Baltistan, known as the Balti people, are descendants of Tibetans and Mongols. They speak the Balti language, derived from Sanskrit, which closely resembles Tibetan. Baltistan is often referred to as “Little Tibet” due to its similar culture, traditions, and architecture.

Important Note: Flights to and from Skardu are weather-dependent. Skardu Airport is located in a narrow valley, requiring clear weather for safe landings. However, the weather in the region is typically clear, and cancellations are rare.

Skardu Airport was upgraded to international status with a re-inauguration on December 2, 2021, following extensive improvements to enhance its capacity as a tourism hub. The airport now accommodates direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Dubai, significantly reducing flight cancellations. Last summer, only one cancellation occurred, and affected clients were redirected via the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Please note that while travelling on the KKH, we avoid certain areas not recommended by the UK and US foreign offices.

In the event of a flight cancellation (which is highly uncommon), you will travel by road via the Karakoram Highway to Naran for an overnight stay. The distance from Islamabad to Naran is approximately 281 km, with a 9-hour drive, and from Naran to Skardu, the journey spans 10 hours along the majestic Gilgit and Indus rivers. Travelling by road along the Karakoram Highway is a scenic experience, rivalling the flight itself.

Overnight: Summit Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Have a luxury breakfast, leave Skardu, and travel to Shigar Valley. Shigar Valley is the getaway to K2, Broad Peak, Gasherburm and other Karakoram giants. Shigar, a picturesque town, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage.

In Shigar, we will visit the famous Shigar Fort. This beautifully restored 17th-century fort, now a luxurious heritage hotel, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is an excellent place to explore Baltistan’s history and architecture.

The Amburiq Masjid, a UNESCO-listed site, is located near the Shigar fort and is one of the oldest mosques in Baltistan. Built by Sayed Ali Hamdani in the 14th century, it stands as one of the region’s most significant landmarks. Local tradition holds that Sayed Ali Hamdani from Iran visited the Baltit region to spread the teachings of Islam and established the Amburiq Masjid, which became the first mosque in the Shigar Valley.

On the way to Shigar or during the return to Skardu, we will visit the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. This high-altitude desert is known for its unique and striking landscape. The area is characterised by rugged terrain, barren hills, and vast plains, all framed by snow-capped mountains. With extremely cold temperatures, especially in winter, it is aptly named the “Cold Desert.”

Overnight: Summit Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Skardu lies along the Indus river, separating the Himalayas and the Karakoram. Skardu is the capital of the Baltistan region with a rich culture and history. Baltistan was one of the oldest Himalayan kingdoms before being incorporated into Pakistan.

Today you will explore Skardu City and other tourist places. Continue your Skardu tour by travelling for half an hour to Sadpara Lake to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this crystal clear blue water lake. The water in this lake comes from the glaciers above Sadpara Valley. Sadpara Lake is the only drinking water source of Skardu City. After seeing Sadpara Lake, return towards Skardu city, and visit the 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock. It is a large granite rock on which a picture of Buddha is engraved. Manthal Budha Rock is a reminder of the ancient Buddhist religion’s existence in the region.

Lunch in Skardu city and travel to Kachura village to visit Kachura Lakes. In Kachura Village, there are two stunning lakes, Upper Kachura and Lower Kachura Lake. Upper Kachura Lake is a still-water lake surrounded by the giant pillars of the Karakoram mountains. The lower Kachura lake is also known as Shangrila lake, within a tourist resort and hotel named Shangrila Resort. You will have lunch at one of the chosen lakes, then drive back to Skardu Town. In the town, you will have some free time to explore the local markets before dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Summit Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today, you will continue your Tour towards Khaplu along the Indus, then the Shyok River. You will pass through some lush green Balti Villages to arrive in Khapulu. Khapulu was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River.

Khaplu is the administrative capital of the Ghanche District. Historically, it was the second-largest kingdom in Baltistan under the Yabgo dynasty. Khaplu played a crucial role in safeguarding the trade route to Ladakh, situated along the Shyok River near its confluence with the Indus River.

Today, Khaplu is a popular base for trekkers heading to the Hushe Valley, which offers access to high peaks such as Masherbrum, K6, K7, and Chogolisa. The city is also home to the historic 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, founded by Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), along with other notable sites like Ehlie Broq, Hanjor, Thoqsi Khar, Kaldaq, and the Shyok River.

Khaplu’s history dates back to the 14th century when Syed Ali Hamadani introduced Islam to the region. The first mention of Khaplu as a small kingdom appears in the 16th-century work *Tarikh-i-Rashidi*. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Khaplu gained prominence through its political and familial ties with the royal family of Ladakh.

European explorers such as Captain Claude Martin Wade (1835) and William Moorcroft (1841) were among the first to document the region. Khaplu’s geography, located at the base of the Karakoram Range, is unique compared to nearby areas like Skardu and Shigar, as it spans three valleys: Shayok, Thalle, and Hushe/Saltoro.

Today, Khaplu serves as an important historical and cultural site, reflecting both its rich past and its role as a gateway to some of the region’s most stunning trekking destinations.

Overnight: Karakoram Lodge or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After spending the night in Khapulu, you will head out to visit the local bazaar, explore the town and see the Chaqchan Mosque. Chaqchan Mosque, dating from 1,370, is one of the oldest in the region. It dates from the time when the area’s populace converted en masse from Buddhism to Islam. Chaqchan Mosque remains open (except Friday prayer time) 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Khaplu Palace, also known as Yabgo Khar, is an iconic historic fort and palace in Khaplu. Built-in 1840 by the Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan, the palace replaced an older fort nearby and became the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Overlooking the Karakoram Range and situated near the Shyok River, it served as the administrative centre of the region.

The palace is an architectural marvel, combining Tibetan, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Balti, and Central Asian influences. It features four stories made of timber, mud bricks, and clay mortar, with intricately carved wooden doors and a beautiful hall that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Following a restoration project by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture between 2005 and 2011, the palace now functions as both a hotel, operated by Serena Hotels, and a museum showcasing the rich history and culture of Baltistan.

Khaplu Palace’s restoration has played a significant role in community development, with local families benefiting from employment during the renovation. It has earned recognition for its contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of the region, including the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Distinction in 2013. The palace remains a major attraction for travellers seeking a glimpse into the region’s royal past and stunning landscapes.

Overnight: Karakoram Lodge or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

 

After spending two nights in Khapulu, we will travel back to Skardu. The drive from Khaplu to Skardu offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic landscapes. Starting from the serene town of Khaplu, the road winds through picturesque valleys, with the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Range as a constant backdrop. As you travel along the Shyok River, you’ll pass through lush green fields, traditional villages, and terraced farmlands, all framed by towering mountains that create a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky.

The road, though sometimes narrow and winding, provides breathtaking views at every turn. Along the way, you can witness the unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with glimpses of local life in the villages that dot the landscape.

As you approach Skardu, the landscape gradually changes. Skardu valley is wider than Khaplu, with the terrain becoming more rugged and arid. This drive is not just a transfer between two towns but a captivating experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of Baltistan.

Overnight: Sumit Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After breakfast, we’ll begin our scenic journey from Skardu to Astore, taking the route through the breathtaking Deosai Plateau. Located just about an hour’s drive from Skardu, Deosai is the second-highest plateau in the world, standing at an impressive 4,111 meters above sea level. Known for its wide, open grasslands and dramatic landscapes, Deosai is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and a host of other species. The area’s rugged terrain and towering mountains make it a natural wonder.

As we travel, the road to Astore will be uneven and bumpy, so be prepared for a bit of a jolty ride. But the views along the way more than make up for the rough road. We’ll make stops in Deosai to stretch our legs, enjoy a lunch break, and take in the stunning surroundings. The plateau’s vast expanses, dotted with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter, create a tranquil and unforgettable experience.

After our time in Deosai, we will continue our drive towards Astore, where the journey offers an ever-changing landscape, from alpine meadows to rugged, mountainous terrain. This drive is not only a chance to experience some of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Pakistan but also a rare opportunity to connect with nature in one of the highest and most pristine environments on earth.

Overnight: PTDC hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today’s journey will be a scenic drive from Astore to Naran, offering some of the most stunning views of the mountains and valleys of northern Pakistan. We begin by following the Astore River, a tranquil and picturesque route that takes us to the junction point with the Karakoram Highway. After reaching the junction, we will briefly join the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s highest paved roads, known for its awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks, such as the famous Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world, standing tall and majestic in the distance. The sight of Nanga Parbat, often referred to as the “Killer Mountain,” is awe-inspiring, with its sheer vertical face dominating the skyline.

Continue our journey, heading toward Babusar Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Pakistan, sitting at an altitude of 4,173 meters (13,691 feet). The drive to Babusar is filled with thrilling views of jagged peaks and lush valleys. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

From Babusar Pass, the descent takes us toward Naran.

Overnight: Hotel One or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Continue our Skardu tour from Naran to Islamabad, travelling through the heart of northern Pakistan’s historical and cultural landmarks. We begin by heading toward Mansehra City, where we will rejoin the Karakoram Highway.

As we continue on the Karakoram Highway, we pass through several culturally rich and historically significant towns. Our first notable stop will be Abbottabad, a charming hill station known for its pleasant climate and colonial-era architecture. The town is a popular gateway to the surrounding mountainous areas and offers a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by pine forests and picturesque landscapes.

Next, we’ll pass through Hasan Abdal, a town with deep historical roots and cultural importance. Located at the base of the famous Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal has been a site of pilgrimage for Sikhs and is rich in history dating back centuries.

Our tour continues toward Taxila, one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia. Situated about 32 kilometres northwest of Islamabad, Taxila was a significant centre of learning in ancient India. Its origins date back to around 1,000 BCE, and some ruins at the site date back to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. Taxila is known for its Buddhist monasteries, ancient temples, and historical ruins that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilisations and the cultural heritage of the region.

As we move closer to Islamabad, the landscape becomes more urban, and the drive provides a smooth transition from the mountainous beauty of the north to the bustling capital city. This journey is a perfect blend of natural splendour and historical exploration, offering insight into the region’s rich cultural and historical past while taking in stunning views of Pakistan’s diverse landscapes.

Overnight: Grand Islamabad Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today is a free day in Islamabad, providing flexibility in case of any unexpected delays during our Skardu Tour. If we arrive on time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the capital city at your leisure. Islamabad is a beautiful and modern city, known for its well-planned streets, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. You can visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as:

Faisal Mosque: The largest mosque in South Asia, nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, offering stunning views of the city.
Daman-e-Koh: A viewpoint located in the Margalla Hills National Park, providing panoramic views of Islamabad and the surrounding area.
Pakistan Monument: An iconic symbol of Pakistan’s heritage, featuring four petals representing the four provinces of the country.
Lok Virsa Museum: A great place to discover the rich cultural history of Pakistan, with exhibits showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and regional costumes.

Rawal Lake: Ideal for a peaceful afternoon, offering boating and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

This day can be used to relax, shop, or enjoy the city’s cafes and restaurants. Whether you want to take in the sights or simply unwind in the serene surroundings, Islamabad offers a variety of activities to suit your preferences.

Grand Islamabad Hotel or Similar  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today we will transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home – End of “Skardu Tour”.