Lakes, cold deserts, heritage valleys and high plateaus, with how far each is from town and when to go.
The must-see places in Skardu are Deosai National Park, Upper Kachura and Shangrila, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace and the Katpana Cold Desert. Most are within an hour of town; Deosai (summer only) and Khaplu need a full day or an overnight. Five to seven days covers them comfortably.
Reviewed by ToursInPakistan Travel Team Last updated September 2026 ← Back to the Skardu Travel Guide
The highlights we include on most Skardu trips.
One of the highest plateaus on earth, with wildflowers, Sheosar Lake and brown bears.
From town
~2 hrs by jeep
Season
Late Jun – Sep
A deep, clear lake among poplars and the famous heart-shaped lake resort nearby.
From town
~30 min
Season
Apr – Oct
The restored Shigar Fort, Amburiq Mosque and apricot orchards at the gateway to Baltoro.
From town
~1 hr
Season
Year-round
Khaplu Palace and the Chaqchan Mosque above the Shyok River.
From town
~2.5–3 hrs
Season
Apr – Oct
Sand dunes beneath snow peaks, best at sunset and dusted with snow in winter.
From town
~15 min
Season
Year-round
A wide turquoise reservoir on the road up to Deosai, with boating in summer.
From town
~20 min
Season
Apr – Oct
Add these when you have an extra day or a specific interest.
High-altitude dunes used for jeep rallies, on the way to Shigar.
A tall waterfall in a green valley, best combined with Khaplu.
Pine forests and meadows reached by jeep, quieter than Deosai.
A hilltop fort with the best view over the Indus and the town.
| Place | From Town | Best Months | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deosai | ~2 hrs (jeep) | Late Jun – Sep | Full day |
| Upper Kachura & Shangrila | ~30 min | Apr – Oct | Half day |
| Shigar | ~1 hr | Year-round | Half to full day |
| Khaplu | ~2.5–3 hrs | Apr – Oct | Overnight |
| Katpana | ~15 min | Year-round | 2 hrs (sunset) |
| Satpara | ~20 min | Apr – Oct | 1–2 hrs |
| Sarfaranga | ~40 min | Apr – Oct | 1–2 hrs |
| Manthokha | ~3 hrs | May – Oct | Full day |
| Basho | ~2 hrs (jeep) | Jun – Sep | Full day |
Drive times are typical; roads and weather change them.
Tell us how long you have. We’ll build a route that avoids back-to-back long drives.
Kachura, Shangrila, Katpana and Shigar.
Deosai at dawn, Katpana at sunset, Khaplu in autumn.
Upper Kachura, Shigar and Khaplu heritage stays.
Deosai, Basho and the Sarfaranga dunes.
Shangrila, Satpara and Shigar gardens.
Private tours with transport, hotels and a flight backup plan.
Duration: 5 Days · Best: Jun – Sep
The top six places with transport and hotels.
Duration: 7 Days · Best: May – Oct
Every highlight including a Khaplu overnight.
Duration: 7 Days
Timed for sunrise and sunset at the best spots.
Deosai National Park, Upper Kachura and Shangrila, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, the Katpana Cold Desert and Satpara Lake.
Katpana, Shigar, Skardu town and Kharpocho Fort. Deosai and Basho are snowed in, and many lakeside hotels close.
Five days covers the main sights; seven lets you add Khaplu and Manthokha without rushing.
Yes, from late June to September, by jeep from Skardu. It’s a full day at over 4,000 metres.
Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Katpana and Shigar are all a short drive from town with easy walking.
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.
