Pakistan · Castles & Palaces

7-Day Baltistan Forts Tour through Skardu, Khaplu and Shigar

7 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Travel through Babusar Pass and stop at Lulusar Lake on the way to Skardu
  • 02 Explore Skardu's mountain landscapes, bazaar, and optional hike to Kharpocho Fort
  • 03 Visit Deosai National Park and enjoy a picnic lunch amid high-altitude scenery
  • 04 Discover the cultural heritage of Khaplu Fort, Chaqchan Mosque, and Shigar Fort

Discover the Baltistan region on a 7-day journey from Islamabad through Naran, Skardu, Khaplu, and Shigar. Travel along the scenic route via Babusar Pass and Lulusar Lake, explore Skardu Bazaar, and enjoy the landscapes of Deosai National Park and Upper Kachura Lake. The tour combines mountain scenery with cultural heritage through visits to Kharpocho Fort, Chaqchan Mosque, Khaplu Fort, and Shigar Fort. With road transfers, accommodation, and hotel meals included, this itinerary offers a well-rounded introduction to northern Pakistan.

Stop at Lulusar Lake, take photographs, and enjoy the surreal beauty of Babusar Pass, one of the highest passes in the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Islamabad, Skardu, Naran, Mansehra, Besham
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and Drive to Naran or Besham

  • Pickup and departure from Islamabad.

  • Stop at Balakot/Mansehra.

  • Check in at the hotel in Naran/Besham.

  • Enjoy shopping or free time in Naran.

  • Take an evening walk around Naran (optional).

  • Night stay in Naran/Kaghan (standard hotel).

2
Day 02

Drive to Skardu via Babusar Pass and Lulusar Lake

  • Depart early in the morning for Skardu, driving towards Babusar Pass (4,170 m / 13,690 ft). Stop at Lulusar Lake, take photographs, and enjoy the surreal beauty of Babusar Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. Pass through Diamer district and enter the Skardu road along the Indus River.

  • Night stay in Skardu (Shangrila Resort Hotel).

3
Day 03

Deosai Plateau, Skardu Bazaar, and Upper Kachura Area

  • At 7:30 am, depart for the Deosai Plateau. Stop at Sadara Lake/Dam and enjoy a picnic lunch at Deosai National Park.

  • Explore the Skardu Bazaar.

  • Proceed for a hike to Kharpocho Fort (40-minute hike - optional).

  • Night stay in Skardu (Shangrila Resort Hotel).

4
Day 04

Ghanche District, Khaplu, and Shigar Fort Excursion

  • Drive to the Ghanche district and visit Sailing village. Then visit a fish farm, followed by a drive to Khaplu.

  • Visit Chaqchan and Khaplu Fort, then continue with a drive to Shigar Fort if time permits and participants are not tired.

  • Night stay in Skardu (Shangrila Resort Hotel).

5
Day 05

Return Drive from Skardu to Naran or Besham

  • Begin with a morning drive to Naran/Besham.

  • Night stay in Naran/Kaghan/Besham.

6
Day 06

Drive from Naran or Besham to Islamabad

  • Depart for Islamabad from Naran/Besham today.

  • On arrival, get dropped off at the hotel in Islamabad.

7
Day 07

Departure from Islamabad

  • In the morning, after breakfast, get dropped off at the airport for your return flight back home.

Babusar Pass, Lulusar Lake, Deosai National Park, Shigar Fort

Where this trip takes you

Babusar Pass, Lulusar Lake, Deosai National Park, Shigar Fort

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
5 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Licensed professional guide (government requirement).

  • Airport transfer on the first and last day in Islamabad.

  • All domestic road transfers.

  • All hotel accommodation (twin-sharing rooms).

  • All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

  • Support staff (assistant(s), etc.).

Domestic tourists (Pakistani nationals).

  • Licensed professional Pakistani tour guide.

  • Road transport (Islamabad to Islamabad).

  • Hotel accommodation according to the itinerary.

  • Hotel meals according to the itinerary.

  • RVT support staff (assistant(s), etc. - according to need).

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance (recommendations only).

  • Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be offered).

  • International airfare and domestic airfare.

  • Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc.).

  • Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc.

  • Miscellaneous expenses (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).

What to bring

  • Personal clothing

  • Personal medicine

Know before you go

(7 Days) - Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu (Shangrila Resort, PAKISTAN)

  • Trip Code: Duration: 07 Days

  • Mode of transport: by road travel

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup from Islamabad.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began.

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