Welcome to Pakistan. Most international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the morning. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you to the group hotel. The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Skardu Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, a purpose-built city in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan. Overnight: Hill View Hotel or Similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Skardu, offering breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountain range. During the flight, you will witness stunning panoramas of K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), and other renowned peaks. Upon arrival at Skardu Airport, our representative will escort you to your group hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the town. Important Note: Flights to and from Skardu are weather-dependent. Skardu Airport is located in a narrow valley, requiring clear weather for safe landings. However, the weather in the region is typically clear, and cancellations are rare. Overnight: Blue sky Hotel or Similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Have a luxury breakfast, leave Skardu, and travel to Shigar Valley. Shigar Valley is the getaway to K2, Broad Peak, Gasherburm and other Karakoram giants. In Shigar, we will visit the famous Shigar Fort. This beautifully restored 17th-century fort, now a luxurious heritage hotel, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is an excellent place to explore Baltistan’s history and architecture. On the way to Shigar or during the return to Skardu, we will visit the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. This high-altitude desert is known for its unique and striking landscape. The area is characterised by rugged terrain, barren hills, and vast plains, all framed by snow-capped mountains. With extremely cold temperatures, especially in winter, it is aptly named the “Cold Desert.” Overnight: Blue Sky Hotel or Similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today you will explore Skardu City and other tourist places. Continue your Skardu tour by travelling for half an hour to Sadpara Lake to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this crystal clear blue water lake. After seeing Sadpara Lake, return towards Skardu city, and visit the 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock. Manthal Budha Rock is a reminder of the ancient Buddhist religion’s existence in the region. Lunch in Skardu city and travel to Kachura village to visit Kachura Lakes. In Kachura Village, there are two stunning lakes, Upper Kachura and Lower Kachura Lake. Upper Kachura Lake is a still-water lake surrounded by the giant pillars of the Karakoram mountains. The lower Kachura lake is also known as Shangrila lake, You will have lunch at one of the chosen lakes, then drive back to Skardu Town. In the town, you will have some free time to explore the local markets before dinner at your hotel. Overnight:Blue Sky Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, you will continue your Tour towards Khaplu along the Indus, then the Shyok River. You will pass through some lush green Balti Villages to arrive in Khaplu. Khaplu was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. Khaplu is the administrative capital of the Ghanche District. Historically, it was the second-largest kingdom in Baltistan under the Yabgo dynasty. Today, Khaplu is a popular base for trekkers heading to the Hushe Valley, which offers access to high peaks such as Masherbrum, K6, K7, and Chogolisa. The city is also home to the historic 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, founded by Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), along with other notable sites like Ehlie Broq, Hanjor, Thoqsi Khar, Kaldaq, and the Shyok River. overnight : 3 star hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After spending the night in Khaplu, you will head out to visit the local bazaar, explore the town and see the Chaqchan Mosque. Dating from 1,370, Chaqchan Mosque is one of the oldest in the region. It dates from the time when the area’s populace converted en masse from Buddhism to Islam. Chaqchan Mosque remains open (except Friday prayer time) 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Khaplu Palace, also known as Yabgo Khar, is an iconic historic fort and palace in Khaplu. Built-in 1840 by the Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan, the palace replaced an older fort nearby and became the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Overlooking the Karakoram Range and situated near the Shyok River, it served as the administrative centre of the region. Overnight: 3 Star hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After spending two nights in Khaplu, we will travel back to Skardu. The drive from Khaplu to Skardu offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic landscapes. Starting from the serene town of Khaplu, the road winds through picturesque valleys, with the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Range as a constant backdrop. As you travel along the Shyok River, you’ll pass through lush green fields, traditional villages, and terraced farmlands, all framed by towering mountains that create a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky. As you approach Skardu, the landscape gradually changes. Skardu valley is wider than Khaplu, with the terrain becoming more rugged and arid. This drive is not just a transfer between two towns but a captivating experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of Baltistan. Overnight: Blue sky hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After breakfast, we’ll begin our scenic journey from Skardu to Astore, taking the route through the breathtaking Deosai Plateau. Located just about an hour’s drive from Skardu, Deosai is the second-highest plateau in the world, standing at an impressive 4,111 meters above sea level. As we travel, the road to Astore will be uneven and bumpy, so be prepared for a bit of a jolty ride. But the views along the way more than make up for the rough road. We’ll make stops in Deosai to stretch our legs, enjoy a lunch break, and take in the stunning surroundings. After our time in Deosai, we will continue our drive towards Astore, where the journey offers an ever-changing landscape, from alpine meadows to rugged, mountainous terrain. This drive is not only a chance to experience some of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Pakistan and most pristine environments on earth. Overnight: PTDC hotel or Similar (Meals: B.F,Lunch)

Today’s journey will be a scenic drive from Astore to Naran, offering some of the most stunning views of the mountains and valleys of northern Pakistan. We begin by following the Astore River, a tranquil and picturesque route that takes us to the junction point with the Karakoram Highway. After reaching the junction, we will briefly join the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s highest paved roads, known for its awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks, such as the famous Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world, standing tall and majestic in the distance. Continue our journey, heading toward Babusar Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Pakistan, sitting at an altitude of 4,173 meters. The drive to Babusar is filled with thrilling views of jagged peaks and lush valleys. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. From Babusar Pass, the descent takes us toward Naran. Overnight: Hotel one

Continue our Skardu tour from Naran to Islamabad, travelling through the heart of northern Pakistan’s historical and cultural landmarks. We begin by heading toward Mansehra City, where we will rejoin the Karakoram Highway. As we continue on the Karakoram Highway, we pass through several culturally rich and historically significant towns. Our first notable stop will be Abbottabad, a charming hill station known for its pleasant climate and colonial-era architecture. The town is a popular gateway to the surrounding mountainous areas and offers a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by pine forests and picturesque landscapes. Next, we’ll pass through Hasan Abdal, a town with deep historical roots and cultural importance. Our tour continues toward Taxila, one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia. Situated about 32 kilometres northwest of Islamabad. Overnight: 3 star Hotel or Similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).