Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
A focused combination tour pairing Skardu's unique Katpana Cold Desert with Khaplu Valley's heritage and mountain scenery, two of the region's most contrasting landscapes in a single efficient itinerary.
Quick Facts
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Summary:
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Arrive Skardu
Drive or fly in. Check in. Evening at Shangrila Resort.
Day 2, Katpana Cold Desert
Full morning at Katpana Cold Desert, dune jeep ride and photography. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3, Drive to Khaplu
Scenic Shyok River drive to Khaplu. Visit the fort and Chaqchan Mosque.
Day 4, Manthoka Waterfall
Visit Manthoka Waterfall. Return to Skardu.
Day 5, Departure
Final morning. Depart for home.
Tour Highlights
Katpana Cold DesertShangrila ResortKhaplu Fort & MosqueShyok River DriveManthoka Waterfall
What's Included
4x4 transport
Hotel with breakfast
Local guide
Not Included
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses
Tour Information
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel Mode
By Road (air option available)
Focus
Katpana Desert + Khaplu Valley
Best Time
Year round
Where You'll Stay
Skardu city hotel
Comfortable base for the desert and valley excursions.
Questions About This Tour
Yes, fly into Skardu to save 2 days of road travel, keeping the same 5 day itinerary focused entirely on the desert and Khaplu.
Yes, they are on the same general route and complement each other well as a desert meets mountains combination.