SKARDU BALTISTAN tour
Skardu is the capital town of Baltistan, the land of highest mountains of Karakorams with Shigar & Khaplu as its major towns. Kachura & Satpara lakes are the scenic attractions around the town of Skardu while a jeep excursion to Deo Sai plateau (in summers) is one of the most wonderful experiences. In Skardu town, a hike to Khorpocho Fort & Organic village are also highlights of the tour.
Day 01:
Islamabad – Besham – Chilas (470kms/11-12hrs) keeping in view the road conditions we can also travel via the Kaghan valley –Babusar pass to chilas
We depart early and drive to Besham via Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra. After a short break at Besham, we resume our drive on Karakoram Highway, along River Indus. We will make photo stops at Shatial Rocks with ancient graffiti’s on it. We reach Chilas and transfer to hotel for night stay.
Day 02:
Chilas – Kachura Lake – Skardu (270kms/8hrs)
From Chilas we travel on towards Skardu and on the way make a stop at Nanga Parbat View Point and confluence of the world’s 3 highest mountain ranges (Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush) including the confluence of Gilgit River into the Indus. Shortly after this point we turn right to follow the Indus River towards Skardu. This is the most breath taking part of the journey where you see villages on both sides of the mighty Indus and there are rope bridges connecting the two sides. We reach the Kachura Lakes for a brief stay before continuing on to Skardu where we will stay for night.
Day 03:
Skardu – Excursion to Deo-Sai Plains (160kms/7-8hrs)
From Skardu, we move towards Deo-Sai stopping briefly at Satpara Lake. Then it is a constant climb to more than 4000 metres to reach the plateau. We shall stop at Bara Pani Bridge for tea break and try to reach Shausar Lake (depending upon weather conditions) before returning to Skardu.
Day 04:
Skardu – Excursion to Shigar Valley (100kms/5-6hrs)
After breakfast we leave for Shigar valley, a contrast of greenery as well as desert known as the Cold Desert Shigar. Crossing the River Indus and driving through a sandy land, we reach in green and fertile Shigar Valley. At Shigar, we will visit the old mosque and Shigar Fort residence. We return back to Skardu in evening and stay there for night.
Day 05:
Skardu – Chilas –
After breakfast we check out and start our return journey following the Indus River. We reach the KKH and drive to Chilas for overnight stay
Day 06:
Chilas –Naran- Islamabad
From Chilas we resume our journey towards Islamabad passing through Babusar sar Pass into the Kaghan valley ,Mansehra, Abbottabad and Havelian we will reach Islamabad at our designated drop off place.