Golden poplars, clear skies and quieter roads: the most beautiful season in Baltistan.
Autumn is Skardu’s most beautiful and calmest season. September brings clear skies and pleasant days; mid to late October is peak colour, with golden poplars in Shigar and Khaplu. Nights get cold (near freezing by late October), so choose heated hotels. Deosai usually closes by early October.
Reviewed by ToursInPakistan Travel Team Last updated September 2026 ← Back to the Skardu Travel Guide
| September | October ★ | |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime / night | ~26° / 10° | ~18° / 3° |
| Colour | First yellows late in month | Peak gold mid to late month |
| Deosai | Usually open | Closing, early snow risk |
| Crowds | Calmer than summer | Quiet |
| Best for | Balanced weather and access | Photography, couples |
Colour timing shifts each year. We’ll time your dates around local reports.
By late October, nights drop near freezing.
Instead: Book heated hotels and pack a warm jacket.
Early snow can close the plateau suddenly.
Instead: Plan Deosai for September, not October.
Shigar and Khaplu palaces among golden trees, with fewer visitors.
Terraced valleys and Attabad Lake, peaking late October.
Skardu first, then drive to Hunza via Gilgit.
Private tours with transport, hotels and a flight backup plan.
Duration: 7 Days · Best: Sep – Oct
Calm, romantic shoulder-season stays.
Mid to late October in Shigar and Khaplu, with first yellows from late September.
Yes, for scenery and calm travel. Pack warm layers and choose heated hotels.
Rarely. It usually closes by early October with the first snow.
Both are stunning. Skardu is quieter with heritage stays; Hunza has the classic valley views.
Generally yes, especially in September. Keep one buffer day.
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, departure city, hotel preference and whether you prefer flight or road. We’ll suggest the best Skardu plan for your group and explain what to include or avoid.
