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Highlights
Embark on a thrilling 10-day overland journey in Pakistan with a guide
Discover why the Karakorum Highway is called the 8th Wonder of the World as you drive through one of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges and over the Babusar Pass.
Watch the sunset over the dunes in the Katpana Cold Desert, then enjoy a bonfire with local songs and dances.
Take a 4x4 Jeep safari across the Deosai Plateau, the second highest plateau in the world, also known as “Summer’s Palace.”
See the Milky Way from your fully-serviced wilderness campsite on the shores of Sheosar Lake.
Explore the splendors of the Skardu Valley in Pakistan on this 10-day guided overland tour. Each day brings new experiences and unforgettable views of some of the most majestic mountains in the world. You’ll marvel at the wonders of the Karakorum Highway, including the Babusar Pass and clear views of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi Peaks.
Experience the diversity of the landscape as you follow rivers through lush valleys, fish and camp beside sparkling lakes, then enjoy a barbeque and bonfire after the sun sets in the Katpana Cold Desert. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of this unique region. You can get a taste of it all in just 10 days.
Experienced guides will help you get the most out of every moment and you’ll relax knowing all the details are well taken care of. You are free to simply enjoy the experience to the fullest!
Explore the splendors of the Skardu Valley in Pakistan on this 10-day guided overland tour. Each day brings new experiences and unforgettable views of some of the most majestic mountains in the world. You’ll marvel at the wonders of the Karakorum Highway, including the Babusar Pass and clear views of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi Peaks.
Experience the diversity of the landscape as you follow rivers through lush valleys, fish and camp beside sparkling lakes, then enjoy a barbeque and bonfire after the sun sets in the Katpana Cold Desert. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of this unique region. You can get a taste of it all in just 10 days.
Experienced guides will help you get the most out of every moment and you’ll relax knowing all the details are well taken care of. You are free to simply enjoy the experience to the fullest!
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Skardu Valley Overland Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
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!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Islamabad – Chilas
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chilas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Chilas – Skardu
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Skardu – Khaplu Valley
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Khaplu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Khaplu Valley – Shigar
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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Skardu – Deosai
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.
Overnight Location: Camping at Sheosar Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Deosai – Skardu
Today offers another chance to enjoy Summer’s Palace on the Deosai Plateau as you return to Skardu by Jeep 4×4. 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Skardu – Chilas
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chilas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Chilas – Islamabad
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Departure from Islamabad
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.
Overnight Location: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Skardu Valley Overland Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Pakistan is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the number of people in your group.Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2: USD2160 per person
- Guided Groups of 3: USD1735 per person
- Guided Groups of 4: USD1550 per person
- Guided Groups of 5-6: USD1425 per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: USD1295 per person
Accommodation on the Skardu Valley Overland Tour
Enjoy eight nights in hotels as listed below. On night 6, enjoy a comfortable night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of USD325 to have a private room in hotels as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and if desired we can try to match you with participants of the same sex.
What’s included in the Skardu Valley Overland Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Accommodations
Accommodations in hotels and campsites as described in itinerary (based on double occupancy).
Transportation during the Tour
- Airport transfers on first and last day of trip
- Domestic transport by air-conditioned coaches (as described in itinerary)
- All tolls on the highways
- 4×4 Jeep ride on the way to and from the Deosai Plains
Also Included
- Skilled and knowledgeable guides
- Safety equipment and first aid kits
- Emergency medical kit
- Visa support letter
Not included
- Clothing and other personal equipment
- Phone calls, laundry, and other personal expenses
- Tips
- Visa to enter Pakistan
- Flights to and from Islamabad, airport and departure taxes, excess baggage fees
- Travel Insurance
Optional Extras
- Extra hotel nights in Islamabad before or after the trip
- Flight from Islamabad to Skardu or Skardu to Islamabad
- Combine tour with Hunza Valley tour
- Combine tour with Chitral Valley tour
- Combine tour with Hunza Valley and Chitral Valley tour
- Is Pakistan safe for travellers?
- How hard is this Skardu Valley overland tour?
- Is this tour at high altitude?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included on the Skardu Valley tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Islamabad to start this tour?
- Are the tours in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- Can this tour be customized?
- Do I need vaccines?
Pakistan is becoming a more popular destination for foreign tourism, however you should always check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview on the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provides advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may chagne depending on your nationality.
Travel advice from the US Department of State and other Governments can change at any point. All clients must assume and accept the risks associated with travel in Pakistan, and knowing that access to evacuation and/or consular support may not always be available. In such a case, our public liability cover does not extend to include cover for claims arising out of war and terrorism risks. 10Adventures.com Inc cannot be held liable for any incident, claim, loss or damage, caused in this regard. Your travel insurance must ensure that you have adequate cover for travel through the region.
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. It is not very physically demanding but takes you to high altitude.
Yes, this tour goes to high altitudes, which impacts almost all people to some extent. In some cases the altitude simply makes the trekking more difficult, in some cases high altitudes can cause serious medical issues. It is required to have health and medical insurance that is valid for high altitude travel and it is recommended you talk to a travel medical clinic to learn more about medical options for high altitude trekking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
Your guide and/or tour leader will meet you at Islamabad International Airport (ISB). You are responsible for your own flights to and from this airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Your guide and/or tour leader will arrange for your return to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in time for your return flight.
Yes! You can choose to extend your stay in Islamabad before or after your tour. You can also choose to add a trek or fly between Islamabad and Skardu to see the Karakorum Range from the air. You can also choose to combine the Skardu Valley tour with a tour of the Hunza Valley or both the Hunza and Chitral Valleys.
Check with your family doctor.
Customer Ratings
Hunza Guides is a leading destination management company in Pakistan.
