7-Day Skardu and Baltistan Tour with Deosai, Shigar, Khaplu and Basho Valley

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Highlights

Visit Kharpocho Fort and enjoy panoramic views of the Indus River and Skardu Valley

Discover the beauty of Lower Kachura Lake at Shangrila Resort with its iconic red-roofed villas

Hike to Upper Kachura Lake and enjoy boating or trout fishing in crystal clear waters

Walk across the high altitude dunes of the Katpana Cold Desert, surrounded by snow-covered mountains

Admire the turquoise waters of Sheosar Lake and observe wildlife such as the Himalayan Brown Bear

Explore the historic Shigar Valley and visit the 17th-century Shigar Fort and Amburiq Mosque

Experience the Sarfaranga Cold Desert with a sunset jeep safari across the dunes

Visit the impressive Manthoka Waterfall and the historic Khaplu Palace in the Ghanche District

Skardu

nature, trekking, photography

Private Tour

7 Days

Medium

English, Urdu

Description

Experience the raw beauty of Baltistan with Blue Sky Treks and Tours. This 7-day journey immerses you in the "Land of Giants," from the emerald Kachura Lakes to the world’s highest cold deserts. Traverse the majestic Deosai Plains, explore the ancient Shigar Fort, and witness the lush meadows of Basho Valley. Designed for those seeking a blend of cultural heritage and high-altitude wonder, this tour offers expert-led 4x4 exploration through the heart of the Karakoram, ensuring an authentic encounter with Pakistan’s most iconic mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 01: The Flight of a Lifetime
- Morning: Board the flight from Islamabad to Skardu. This is one of the world's most scenic flight paths, offering bird’s-eye views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and the Broad Peak (weather permitting).
- Afternoon: Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit to the Skardu Bazaar and the historic Kharpocho Fort for a panoramic view of the Indus River.
Overnight: Skardu.
Day 02: The Enchanted Lakes & Katpana Desert
- Morning: Drive to Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Resort) to see the iconic red-roofed villas.
- Mid-day: A short 20-minute hike to the emerald Upper Kachura Lake. Enjoy boating or trout fishing in the pristine water.
- Afternoon: Visit the Katpana Cold Desert, known for its unique high-altitude sand dunes framed by snow-capped mountains.
Overnight: Skardu.
Day 03: Deosai National Park (The Land of Giants)
- Full Day: A 4x4 Jeep excursion to the Deosai Plains (4,114m), the world's second-highest plateau.
- Highlights: Stop at the massive Satpara Dam/Lake, traverse the rolling plains to reach the turquoise Sheosar Lake, and look for the rare Himalayan Brown Bear.
Overnight: Skardu.
Day 04: Shigar Valley & The Gateway to K2
- Morning: Drive to Shigar Valley, the historical starting point for K2 expeditions.
- Culture: Explore the 17th-century Shigar Fort (Fong-Khar) and the UNESCO-awarded Amburiq Mosque.
- Afternoon: Visit the Sarfaranga Cold Desert for a sunset Jeep safari or a walk on the dunes.
Overnight: return to Skardu.
Day 05: Khaplu Valley & Manthoka Waterfall
- Morning: Travel toward the Ghanche District. Stop at the majestic 180-foot Manthoka Waterfall.
- Afternoon: Explore Khaplu Palace and the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, one of the oldest in the region.
Overnight: Khaplu or return to Skardu.
Day 06: Basho Valley’s Alpine Meadows
- Morning: A rugged Jeep track leads you to Basho Valley, a hidden paradise of pine forests and lush green pastures.
- Activity: Relax by the Basho Waterfall, cross the suspension bridge, and enjoy a traditional Balti lunch in the meadows.
- Evening: Return to Skardu for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Skardu.
Day 07: Return to Islamabad
- Morning: Transfer to Skardu Airport for your return flight to Islamabad.
- End of Tour: Afternoon arrival in Islamabad, marking the completion of your Blue Sky journey.

What's Included

Airfare: Round-trip domestic flight tickets (Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad)

Transport: Private 4x4 Jeep (Prado or similar) for all local sightseeing, including Deosai and Basho Valley

Accommodation: 6 nights of hotel stay (twin-sharing basis) in Skardu and Shigar/Khaplu

Meals: Daily breakfast at the hotels

Expert Guide: Professional licensed mountain guide with deep knowledge of Balti culture and history

Driver: Experienced high-altitude driver, including all fuel and road tolls

Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Skardu Airport

What's Excluded

Lunches & Dinners: Travelers are encouraged to explore local Balti cuisine at various stopovers.

Entry Fees: Tickets for Shangrila Resort, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, and national park fees.

Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, and soft drinks.

Insurance: Personal travel and health insurance.

Tips: Gratuity for the guide, driver, and hotel staff.

Contingency Costs: Any costs arising from flight cancellations or road blockages (e.g., extra hotel nights).

Know Before You Go

Flight Contingency: Flights to Skardu are highly weather-dependent. If the flight is canceled, Blue Sky provides backup road transport via the Karakoram Highway.

Luggage: Most domestic flights allow 20 kg of checked baggage.

Photography: Ensure your camera is ready for the flight—request a seat on the right side when flying to Skardu and the left side when flying from Skardu for the best mountain views.

What To Bring

Layering is key: Light clothes for daytime and a warm jacket/fleece for cool evenings

Rain Protection: A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho

Modest Attire: Respectful clothing for visiting mosques and local villages

Footwear: * Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for sightseeing

Sturdy hiking boots if you plan on doing the Upper Kachura or Basho treks

Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat

Personal Tech: Power bank (electricity can be intermittent in remote valleys) and extra camera batteries

Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications

Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste

Meeting Point

Islamabad, Pakistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 24	/person
25 to 30	/person
Child
1 to 30	/person
This is a private tour

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7-Day Skardu and Baltistan Tour with Deosai, Shigar, Khaplu and Basho Valley

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 01: The Flight of a Lifetime

Day 02: The Enchanted Lakes & Katpana Desert

Day 03: Deosai National Park (The Land of Giants)

Day 04: Shigar Valley & The Gateway to K2

Day 05: Khaplu Valley & Manthoka Waterfall

Day 06: Basho Valley’s Alpine Meadows

Day 07: Return to Islamabad

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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7-Day Skardu and Baltistan Tour with Deosai, Shigar, Khaplu and Basho Valley

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 01: The Flight of a Lifetime

Day 02: The Enchanted Lakes & Katpana Desert

Day 03: Deosai National Park (The Land of Giants)

Day 04: Shigar Valley & The Gateway to K2

Day 05: Khaplu Valley & Manthoka Waterfall

Day 06: Basho Valley’s Alpine Meadows

Day 07: Return to Islamabad

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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