If you’ve ever imagined waking up to towering peaks, crystal clear lakes, and centuries-old forts, then Skardu Valley is your dream come true. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu is one of Pakistan’s most stunning destinations. Whether you’re coming from Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, Pacific Trips offers Skardu tour packages that combine nature, culture, comfort, and adventure in one unforgettable journey.
Why Skardu Should Be on Every Traveler’s List
Skardu is more than just beautiful scenery, it’s a complete experience. It’s often described as the gateway to some of the world’s tallest mountains. Here are some things that make Skardu shine:
- Scenic lakes like Lower Kachura / Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and Satpara Lake. These lakes are not just postcard-perfect but provide boating, trout fishing, and serene landscapes.
- Deosai Plains (often called the Land of Giants) with Sheosar Lake at high altitude, with sweeping meadows and wildflowers in summer.
- Manthokha Waterfall in Kharmang Valley, an impressive drop of ~180 feet, surrounded by green pasture and local villages.
- Katpana Cold Desert (also called Katpana Desert), with its snow-dusted dunes, especially in winter, photogenic skies, and contrasts between desert and mountains.
- Historical sites & culture: Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock (an ancient Buddhist rock carving near Satpara Road).
Best time to visit Skardu: June to September is generally considered ideal. In these months the weather is mild, roads are more reliably open, and the vistas are at their vibrant best.
Skardu Tour Packages by Pacific Trips
We know every traveler is different. That’s why Pacific Trips offers multiple styles of Skardu tour packages, so you pick what fits your pace and budget.
1. By Air Skardu Tour Packages
- For those who want fast-travel and minimal road fatigue.
- Skip long road journeys; catch a flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
- Perfect if you want to maximize time among lakes, waterfalls, forts, and panoramas.
2. By Road Skardu Tour Packages
- For adventure lovers who enjoy scenic drives along the Karakoram Highway, stopovers at Babusar Top or Gilgit.
- Packages from Islamabad, Lahore, etc., often include stays in Chilas, Gilgit, and local villages.
- More time in transit but richer in landscapes, culture, and spontaneous stops.
3. Honeymoon or Couples Packages
- Romantic stays in Shangrila Resort or boutique hotels in Skardu.
- Private time at lakes, sunsets at Upper Kachura, dinner under stars, calm moments in less-crowded valleys.
4. Family & Group Tours
- Family-friendly itineraries with easy hikes, relaxed sightseeing, comfortable stays.
- Activities suited for children & elders.
5. Extended Adventure / Combo Tours
- Skardu + Deosai + Shigar + Khaplu combos for 7-10+ days.
- Explore Deosai Plains (Sheosar Lake), then shift to cultural and historic valleys.
- Ideal for travelers who want both nature & heritage.
Cost, Duration & What to Expect
To help you plan, here are some real-figures and estimates based on recent Skardu tour packages:
- A 5-day Skardu by Air package from Islamabad might cost around PKR 143,000-150,000, depending on hotel class and inclusions.
- A similar by road package for 7-8 days with more time in transit tends to cost less per person but includes more travel time.
- Family/group discounts often apply. Shared rooms or twin/triple sharing reduce per-person rates. Pacific Trips offers flexible cost adjustments depending on group size.
What to expect to be included:
- Transport (flight or road)
- Hotel stays (3-star, 4-star, or boutique level depending on package)
- Meals (usually breakfast + some dinners)
- Entry/tickets to tourist spots (forts, lakes)
- Professional local driver & guide
Extras you may need to budget:
- Air tickets (if “by road” option doesn’t include flights)
- Lunch/dinner outside package plan
- Optional activities (jeep rides, photography, boat rides)
- Park fees, permits, or taxes where applicable
Itinerary for Skardu (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Here’s a friendly sample itinerary that many travelers love; Pacific Trips can adjust it as per your pace:
Day 1: Travel from Islamabad by air OR road. Arrive in Skardu, relax, short local sightseeing (Satpara Lake).
Day 2: Explore Shangrila (Lower Kachura), Upper Kachura, Katpana Cold Desert.
Day 3: Visit Manthokha Waterfall, Shigar Valley, experience Sarfaranga Desert (Cold Desert).
Day 4: Day trip to Deosai Plains – Sheosar Lake, camping or picnic (weather permitting).
Day 5: Khaplu Valley – explore Khaplu Palace, local villages, enjoy local culture.
Day 6: Book relaxing day – rest, local markets, lakesides, optional photography.
Day 7: Return journey (flight or road) + drop off.
Things to Check Before You Book
To make sure your Skardu trip is smooth and memorable, look for:
- Weather & road condition updates, especially for road travel and the Deosai area. Flights can get delayed in bad weather.
- Altitude awareness: Skardu is at high altitude; allow a day or two to acclimatize and stay hydrated.
- Hotel quality & service: Some remote valley stays may offer basic facilities; know what level you are booking.
- Guide & driver experience: Local guides enhance your experience — cultural insights, safety, navigation.
- Inclusions clarity: Which meals, tickets, flights, transport, and activities are included vs optional.
What Makes Pacific Trips Special
As your travel provider, Pacific Trips offers:
- Curated Skardu tour packages with both “by air” and “by road” options
- Flexible itineraries to match your time, budget, and travel style
- Verified lodging in both city Skardu and valley/fort locations
- Local guides who know hidden gems like Organic Villages, Manthal Buddha Rock, Kharpocho Fort, etc.
- 24/7 support and reliable transport
Final Thoughts
Skardu is not just about seeing mountains, it’s about breathing fresh air, tasting authentic mountain fruit, walking by glacial lakes, and feeling solitude in vast open plains.
If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring Skardu tour package, Pacific Trips offers just the mix of adventure + comfort + culture. Explore by air, or take the road less traveled. It’s your journey.
Image Credit: Shutter Stocks
