SKARDU GRAND TOUR

• Airport welcome: Pickup from Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
• Check-in & refresh: Settle in, rest and prepare for the northern road journey.
• Faisal Mosque: Visit Islamabad's iconic mosque at the foot of the Margalla Hills.
• Daman-e-Koh: Drive into the Margalla Hills for panoramic views over Islamabad, subject to time and
weather.
• Pakistan Monument: Stop for city views and photographs around this distinctive national landmark.
• Lok Virsa Museum area: Optional cultural visit for travelers interested in Pakistani heritage and
crafts.
• Evening: Explore a local food area or enjoy a relaxed dinner before the adventure continues.
• Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
Day character: A comfortable arrival day with light sightseeing—ideal for recovering from travel without rushing into
the mountains.

• Morning departure: After breakfast, leave Islamabad and travel north toward the Kaghan Valley.
• Follow the scenic road through changing landscapes of foothills, rivers, forests and mountain
villages.
• Balakot: Make a short stop if time permits before continuing deeper into Kaghan Valley.
• Kaghan / Naran: Enjoy the dramatic valley scenery and roadside viewpoints along the journey.
• Naran Bazaar: Evening walk through the lively mountain town and browse local shops.
• Optional activity: Short riverside walk or viewpoint stop depending on weather and arrival time.
• Overnight: Hotel in Naran.
Road note: Travel time depends on traffic, roadworks, weather and seasonal access conditions.

• Morning: Breakfast and a relaxed start in Naran.
• Saif-ul-Muluk Lake: Visit one of the valley's best-known alpine lakes, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
• Lake viewpoints: Take time for photography and enjoy the changing mountain light.
• River & valley drive: Explore nearby viewpoints and natural scenery around Naran/Kaghan.
• Local experience: Enjoy tea or lunch in Naran and take a short walk through the town.
• Evening: Return to the hotel, pack for the long transfer toward Skardu and rest.
• Overnight: Naran hotel.
Alternative: If road access and local conditions permit, the day's sightseeing can be adjusted toward other accessible Kaghan Valley viewpoints.

• Early start: Depart Naran after breakfast for the long road journey toward Skardu.
• Babusar / alternative route: When the pass is open and road conditions permit, cross the spectacular
high mountain route; otherwise, the itinerary follows the safest available corridor.
• High-altitude scenery: Expect dramatic peaks, river valleys, gorges and remote settlements as the
landscape changes from Kaghan toward the Indus region.
• Photography stops: Short breaks are planned where safe and practical.
• Arrival in Skardu: Check in at the hotel and relax after the journey.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
Important: This is a long transfer day. Mountain roads can be affected by weather, landslides, traffic and seasonal
closures, so exact routing and timing remain flexible.

• Lower Kachura Lake: Begin with the famous Shangrila area and enjoy views over the deep blue lake.
• Upper Kachura Lake: Continue to the quieter upper lake area and take a short walk/trek depending
on trail conditions.
• Soq Valley: Explore a peaceful green valley with streams, meadows and mountain scenery.
• Photography time: Capture reflections, pine forests, rocky slopes and village landscapes.
• Evening: Return to Skardu for a relaxed dinner and free time.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

• Shigar Valley: Drive through the historic valley along the Shigar River.
• Shigar Fort: Explore the beautifully restored heritage fort and learn about the region's royal history.
• Royal garden: Enjoy the traditional garden setting and surrounding mountain views.
• Cold Desert: Continue toward the spectacular Katpana/Sarfaranga desert landscapes, where sand
dunes meet snow-capped mountains.
• Sunset photography: If timing and weather allow, capture the striking contrast of desert and high
peaks.
• Return: Drive back to Skardu for the evening.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

• Early departure: Travel by local 4x4 jeep toward Deosai, subject to seasonal road access.
• Deosai Plains: Enter the vast high-altitude plateau famous for open grasslands, dramatic horizons
and wildlife.
• Sheosar Lake: Stop at the iconic alpine lake and enjoy a picnic-style break where appropriate.
• Kala Pani & Bara Pani: Visit the plateau's distinctive streams and water features.
• Wildlife watch: Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and watch for Himalayan brown bears and
other high-altitude species; sightings are never guaranteed.
• Return to Skardu: Descend from the plateau and relax after the day's high-altitude adventure.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
Deosai note: Conditions can change quickly at high altitude. The route and stops may be shortened or changed for
safety.

• Flexible final morning: Choose according to weather, energy and onward travel timing.
• Option A – Basho Valley: Visit a lush alpine valley known for meadows, forests, streams and peaceful
mountain scenery.
• Option B – Kharphocho Fort: Take a more active outing toward Skardu's historic fort for elevated
views over the Indus River and town.
• Satpara Lake: If timing allows, enjoy a relaxed final stop by the lake for photographs and a quiet
farewell to Skardu.
• Departure: Transfer to Skardu Airport for your onward flight, or begin your onward road journey.
• Trip conclusion: Depart with a collection of lake, desert, valley and high-plateau memories from the
Skardu region.