Travel Guide & Destinations

Everything you need to know about exploring the magical north of Pakistan

Destinations

Explore Baltistan's Finest Places

From world-record peaks to ancient silk road forts — every destination has a story.

Skardu Kharpocho Fort Shangrila Resort Kachura Upper Kachura Lake Soq Valley Kachura Satpara Lake Skardu Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu Organic Village Skardu Hussainabad Waterfall Skardu Chumik Skardu
Region Covered: Skardu, Kachura & Satpara
Recommended Vehicle: Toyota Premio / Corolla / Prado
Tour Guidance: Experienced Driver & Local Guide

Skardu Valley & Kharpocho Fort

The capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks — Skardu is where most journeys into Baltistan begin. Sitting at 2,438 metres above sea level, it is surrounded by dramatic mountains, the mighty Indus River, and a rich culture that blends ancient Buddhist heritage with Balti traditions. From Kharpocho Fort overlooking the valley to Manthal Buddha Rock and Marsur Rock, Skardu never fails to impress.

Best Time: May–October
2,438m Altitude
Min. Stay: 2 Days
Airport Available
Kharpocho Fort
Satpara Lake
Upper Kachura Lake
Shangrila Resort
Manthal Buddha Rock
Marsur Rock

Explore Skardu with a professional guide and comfortable vehicle

Book a Car Ask Us
K2 Mountain Peak K2 Viewpoint
Region Covered: K2 Base Track & Hushe Valley
Recommended Vehicle: Toyota V8 / TZ Prado 4×4
Road Condition: Off-Road & Mountain Passes

K2 & Hushe Valley

K2 — the world's second highest mountain at 8,611 metres — is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth. The journey to its base camp starts from Skardu and passes through the dramatic Hushe Valley, following ancient paths once walked by legendary mountaineers. Even without trekking to base camp, the viewpoints accessible by vehicle offer staggering close-up views of K2 and surrounding 8,000-metre peaks.

Best Time: June–September
Up to 3,500m by road
Min. Stay: 2 Days
4×4 Required
K2 Viewpoint
Gondogoro Base
Hushe River
Broad Peak View

A V8 Land Cruiser or TZ Prado recommended for this route

Book V8 Ask Us
Deosai National Park Himalayan Brown Bear Deosai Plains Landscape
Wildlife Sanctuary: Himalayan Brown Bears & Marmots
Recommended Vehicle: Toyota Prado 4×4 Mandatory
Best Viewing Hours: Early Morning to Sunset

Deosai National Park

Deosai — meaning "Land of Giants" in Shina — is one of the highest plateaus on earth at an average altitude of 4,114 metres. In summer, this vast alpine plain transforms into a sea of wildflowers, alive with Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots and hundreds of bird species. Sheosar Lake sits at its heart like a mirror reflecting the sky. Camping on Deosai under the stars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Best Time: July–September
4,114m Altitude
Min. Stay: 1–2 Days
4×4 Required
Sheosar Lake
Brown Bears
Stargazing
Wildflower Fields

4×4 vehicle mandatory — road conditions vary by season

Book Prado Ask Us
Serena Shigar Fort Palace Shigar Valley Orchards Blind Lake Shigar Sarfaranga Cold Desert Shigar Sarfaranga Sand Dunes
Heritage Landmarks: Serena Shigar Fort & Blind Lake
Desert Attraction: Sarfaranga Cold Desert Dunes
Recommended Vehicle: Sedan / 4×4 Prado

Shigar Valley, Blind Lake & Sarfaranga Desert

Shigar is one of Baltistan's most charming valleys — a place where ancient forts, apricot gardens, carved wooden mosques, Blind Lake, and Sarfaranga Cold Desert come together in perfect harmony. The Serena Shigar Fort Palace, built on a cliff in the 17th century, is one of Pakistan's most beautifully restored historical monuments.

Best Time: April–October
2,580m Altitude
1–2 Days from Skardu
Paved Road
Serena Shigar Fort
Blind Lake Shigar
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Apricot Gardens

Easy day trip from Skardu — any sedan works fine on this route

Book Premio Ask Us
Serena Khaplu Palace Ghanche Khaplu Valley Khamosh Waterfall Kharmang Manthoka Waterfall Kharmang Marsur Rock Kharmang
Royal Heritage: Serena Khaplu Palace & Ghanche
Waterfalls & Rocks: Manthoka, Khamosh & Marsur Rock
Recommended Vehicle: Prado / Premio / Hiace

Khaplu Valley, Ghanche & Kharmang

Khaplu is Baltistan's most remote and enchanting valley — a lush green oasis at the foot of the Karakoram range, famous for its royal palace, ancient gardens, Khamosh & Manthoka Waterfalls, and the warm hospitality of its people. The Yabgo Royal Palace (Serena Khaplu Palace) is one of the finest examples of Balti and Tibetan architecture.

Best Time: June–September
2,800m Altitude
3–4 Hours from Skardu
4×4 Recommended
Khaplu Palace
Manthoka Waterfall
Khamosh Waterfall
Ghanche & Hushe

Best combined with Hushe Valley for a 2–3 day trip from Skardu

Book Prado Ask Us
Basho Valley Basho & Chunda Meadows Chunda Valley Landscape Fairy Meadows View
Meadows & Pines: Basho Meadows & Chunda Valley
Panoramas: Fairy Meadows & Pine Streams
Recommended Vehicle: 4×4 Prado / Land Cruiser

Basho Valley, Chunda & Fairy Meadows

Basho Valley and Chunda Valley are paradise for nature lovers — featuring pristine pine forests, gushing trout streams, high alpine pastures, and panoramic views of Karakoram peaks. It is also one of the premier spots for horse riding trail tours and outdoor photoshoots.

Best Time: May–October
2,900m Altitude
Day Trip from Skardu
Horse Riding Trails
Basho Meadows
Chunda Valley
Horse Riding
Trout Streams

Book a guided trip to Basho Valley with optional horse riding

Book Transport Ask Us
Attabad Lake Hunza Altit Fort Hunza Baltit Fort Hunza Rakaposhi Peak Hunza Naltar Valley Lakes Rainbow Lake Minimarg Hunza
High Lakes & Forts: Attabad, Naltar, Altit & Baltit
Iconic Peaks: Rakaposhi & Passu Cones
Recommended Vehicle: Hiace / Prado / Premio

Hunza Valley, Forts & Naltar

Famous worldwide for its breathtaking turquoise Attabad Lake, ancient Altit and Baltit forts, Naltar lakes, and towering views of Rakaposhi Peak (7,788m), Hunza is a must-visit destination in Northern Pakistan. Explore high mountain passes, enjoy local Hunza cuisine, and take boat rides across the crystal waters.

Best Time: April–November
2,438m Altitude
5–6 Hours from Skardu
Karakoram Highway
Attabad Lake
Altit & Baltit Forts
Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Naltar Lakes

Book a multi-day trip connecting Skardu to Hunza Valley

Plan Hunza Trip Ask Us
Practical Info

Essential Travel Tips

Everything you need to know before visiting Gilgit-Baltistan.

Permits & Documents

  • National ID or Passport required for all visitors
  • Foreigners need NOC from Ministry of Interior
  • Some areas near borders need special permits
  • We assist with all permit documentation
  • Keep copies of all documents with you

Best Season to Visit

  • May–June: Spring flowers, moderate crowds
  • July–August: Peak season, all passes open
  • September–October: Golden autumn, fewer tourists
  • Nov–April: Roads may close due to snow
  • Deosai only accessible July–September

What to Pack

  • Warm layers — evenings are cold even in July
  • Sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
  • Rain jacket — weather can change quickly
  • Cash — ATMs are scarce outside Skardu

Altitude & Health

  • Skardu is at 2,438m — acclimatize first day
  • Deosai reaches 4,114m — go slow, stay hydrated
  • Symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath
  • Avoid alcohol on first 1–2 days at altitude
  • Carry basic medicines and a first-aid kit

Connectivity & Cash

  • Mobile signal varies — best in Skardu city
  • SCOM network has best coverage in Baltistan
  • No signal on Deosai and remote valleys
  • Carry sufficient PKR cash — card rarely works
  • We stay in touch via satellite apps when needed

Culture & Respect

  • Conservative dress is appreciated, especially in villages
  • Always ask before photographing locals
  • Remove shoes when entering homes & mosques
  • Ramadan hours affect restaurants — plan ahead
  • Baltis are incredibly warm — reciprocate the warmth