Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
Skardu in October, when the poplar and apricot groves along the Indus turn gold and the summer crowds have gone. A private, English guided itinerary timed for peak colour in the Shigar and <a href='/destinations/khaplu/'>Khaplu</a> valleys, with clear post monsoon air giving the sharpest mountain views of the year. Flights to Skardu, hotels, transport and airport transfers all handled.<br><br><span class='ptlinks'>Plan your trip: <a href='/destinations/skardu/'>Skardu travel guide</a></span>
Quick Facts
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Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Fly Islamabad to Skardu
Morning flight over Nanga Parbat into Skardu. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatise, with an easy walk along the Indus as the light turns.
Day 2, Shigar Valley Autumn Drive
Full day in Shigar, the valley floor is a corridor of gold in October. Visit the 17th century Shigar Fort and the surrounding apricot orchards.
Days 3 to 4, Khaplu & Machulo
Drive east to Khaplu, the most colourful of the Baltistan valleys in autumn. Explore Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and the terraced fields above the village.
Day 5, Deosai National Park
Cross the Deosai plateau at 4,114m. The grasses turn rust and amber this time of year, with Sheosar Lake mirror still in the cold morning air.
Day 6, Kachura Lakes & Katpana
Morning at Upper Kachura Lake for autumn reflections. Afternoon at Katpana Cold Desert, where dunes meet snow peaks.
Day 7, Skardu Valley & Bazaar
Kharpocho Fort for views over the Indus confluence, then time in Skardu Bazaar for Balti crafts and dried apricots.
Day 8, Fly to Islamabad
Morning flight back to Islamabad. Airport transfer and tour ends.
Tour Highlights
Golden Poplar Groves of Shigar ValleyKhaplu Palace & Autumn OrchardsUpper Kachura Lake ReflectionsKatpana Cold Desert at SunsetDeosai Plateau Autumn Crossing
What's Included
Return Islamabad Skardu flights
Private vehicle and driver throughout
Hotel accommodation with breakfast daily
English speaking guide
Airport transfers and e visa invitation letter
Not Included
International flights
Pakistan visa fee
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tour Information
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Travel Mode
By Air (1 hour from Islamabad)
Group Size
2 to 8 people
Best Time
Mid October early November
Physical Level
Easy, some high altitude driving
Visa Support
Invitation letter provided
Where You'll Stay
Skardu hotel
5 nights in a comfortable Skardu property with mountain views and reliable heating.
Khaplu stay
2 nights in Khaplu, with the Serena heritage option available as an upgrade.
Questions About This Tour
Roughly the second week of October through the first week of November, varying year to year with temperature. Mid October is the most reliable window and the one we build departures around.
Skardu flights are weather dependent. We hold a road contingency via the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road, which adds a day each way, we discuss this with you before booking so expectations are clear.