About the Author
Written by: Northern Discover
Credentials: Regional Tourism Specialist & Travel Agency in Gilgit-Baltistan
Experience: 4+ years researching and documenting travel patterns in Northern Pakistan
🤔What Most Travelers Wish They Knew Before Booking Skardu Tour Packages from Islamabad🚌
Skardu tour packages from Islamabad in 2026 explained with prices, road vs air options, travel time, safety, and family-friendly planning insights.
Planning a trip to Skardu from Islamabad can feel overwhelming. Conflicting advice, safety concerns, and uncertainty about whether to travel by road or air cause many first-time travelers to hesitate. Questions around cost, duration, and suitability are common—and valid.
This guide answers the most searched questions about Skardu tour packages from Islamabad. Whether you are traveling with family, comparing budget options, or deciding between road and air travel, the information here reflects current travel patterns, regional guidance, and observed realities from the 2024–2026 seasons.
Skardu, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, is accessible from Islamabad via two main routes: overland through the Karakoram Highway and by air through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Prices for organized packages generally range from PKR 28,000 to PKR 1,00,000 per person, depending on route, duration, group size, and service level.
Seasonal realities matter. Between October and March, weather frequently limits access. Road conditions vary by route and month, while flights remain subject to visibility constraints at Skardu Airport.
Skardu Tour Packages from Islamabad – Overview
Most Skardu tour packages span 4 to 7 days and include major attractions such as Upper & Lower Kachura Lakes, Deosai National Park, and Shigar Fort. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department, April to October is the primary travel season, with peak crowds in July and August.
Road distance: ~650 km
Road travel time: 12–16 hours (split over two days)
Air travel time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (weather-dependent)
Packages are usually offered as group tours (lower cost) or private tours (greater flexibility). In practice, group tours suit budget travelers, while families and elderly travelers often prefer private arrangements.
Standard inclusions are transportation, accommodation, and a local driver/guide. Meals and off-road activities (e.g., Deosai jeep safari, Katpana Desert visits) vary and may incur extra costs.
Skardu Tour Packages from Islamabad by Road
Road travel remains the most budget-friendly way to reach Skardu. Routes include the Karakoram Highway via Chilas and, in summer, the Naran–Babusar Pass route.
Travel Time & Routes
12–16 hours total, typically split into two days
Overnight stop in Chilas (KKH) or Naran (Babusar)
PTDC generally recommends the Chilas route for year-round access
Road travel allows gradual altitude gain, which many travelers find easier. However, long driving hours and winding roads can be tiring, especially for young children.
Road Package Prices (2025–2026 Estimates)
| Duration | Type | Price per Person | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6D / 5N | Group | PKR 28,000–32,000 | Transport, hotel, breakfast |
| 7D / 6N | Group | PKR 35,000–42,000 | Transport, hotel, meals |
| 6D / 5N | Private | PKR 65,000–75,000 | Private vehicle, flexible plan |
| 7D / 6N | Private Deluxe | PKR 80,000–95,000 | SUV, 4-star hotels, jeep safari |
Entry fees, Deosai jeep hire, and personal expenses are usually excluded.
When Road Travel Makes Sense
Road packages suit travelers who:
Want lower costs
Have flexible schedules
Value the Karakoram Highway experience
Travel between May and September
Delays from landslides are possible during monsoon months, though routes are typically cleared within hours.
Skardu Tour Packages from Islamabad by Air
Air travel significantly reduces travel time and is commonly chosen by families, elderly travelers, and those with limited leave.
Flight Duration & Reliability
~1 hour 15 minutes from Islamabad to Skardu
Flights operate under visual flight rules (VFR)
Weather-related delays or cancellations are common
Reliability is highest June–August, particularly on early morning flights.
Air Package Prices (2026 Estimates)
| Duration | Airfare | Price per Person | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4D / 3N | Excluded | PKR 45,000–55,000 | Hotel, transfers, guide |
| 4D / 3N | Included | PKR 75,000–85,000 | Flights, meals, sightseeing |
| 5D / 4N | Excluded | PKR 63,000–72,000 | Hotel, local transport |
| 5D / 4N | Included | PKR 95,000–1,10,000 | Flights, 4-star hotels, jeep safari |
Many travelers book flights separately to manage costs and flexibility.
Advantages & Limitations
Air travel maximizes sightseeing time but involves sudden altitude gain (500m → 2,500m). A light first day is recommended. Weather unpredictability remains the primary drawback.
Skardu Tour Package from Islamabad – Price Comparison
What affects cost most:
- Season: Peak (June–August) costs 15–25% more
- Group size: Larger groups reduce per-person cost
- Hotel category: Budget vs mid-range vs premium
- Transport: Road vs air
Example (Family of 4)
Road Group: PKR 1.2–1.4 lakh (6 days)
Road Private: PKR 2.8–3.2 lakh (6 days)
Air (Flights Included): PKR 3.8–4.4 lakh (5 days)
Skardu Tour Package from Islamabad for Family
Families often prefer private transport, slower pacing, and centrally located hotels. Skardu is generally considered safe for family travel when basic precautions are followed.
Family-friendly planning tips:
Limit daily driving hours
Choose hotels with heating and reliable services
Avoid Deosai for children under 5 or elderly with health conditions
Spend at least one acclimatization day in Skardu town
Family packages commonly range from PKR 1,00,000 to PKR 5,50,000, depending on travel mode and hotel category.
Skardu Tour Packages 2026 – What’s New?
Improved sections of the Karakoram Highway
Increased summer flight frequency
Slight price increases (5–10%) due to fuel and inflation
Better availability for early bookings
Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) continue to offer the best value.
Top Attractions Included in Skardu Tour Packages
Most packages include:
Upper & Lower Kachura Lakes
Satpara Lake
Katpana Cold Desert
Shigar Fort
Khaplu Fort
Optional or add-on destinations:
Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake
Chunda Valley
Basho Meadows
Road vs Air – Which Skardu Tour Package Should You Choose?
Choose road travel if:
Budget matters, time is flexible, and you value the journey itself.
Choose air travel if:
Time is limited, comfort is a priority, and budget allows.
Hybrid options (fly one way, return by road) are increasingly popular for balanced experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Skardu tour package from Islamabad?
The cheapest Skardu tour package from Islamabad is usually a road-based group tour, starting at PKR 28,000–32,000 per person for 6 days. These packages typically include transport, basic hotel accommodation, and a driver-guide but exclude jeep safaris, entry fees, and most meals.
How much does a Skardu tour package by air cost?
A Skardu tour package by air generally costs PKR 75,000–1,10,000 per person for 4–5 days when airfare is included. Packages without airfare range from PKR 45,000–70,000, allowing travelers to book flights separately.
How long is the road journey from Islamabad to Skardu?
The road journey from Islamabad to Skardu covers approximately 650 km and takes 12–16 hours under normal conditions. Most tour operators split this journey over two days, with an overnight stop in Chilas or Naran.
Is Skardu safe for family tours?
Yes, Skardu is generally considered safe for family travel during the tourism season. Families are advised to use private transport, choose reputable hotels, allow acclimatization time, and avoid high-altitude areas like Deosai with very young children or elderly members with health conditions.
Which is better: Skardu tour by road or by air?
Road travel is better for budget travelers and those who want scenic mountain experiences.
Air travel is better for families and travelers with limited time who prefer comfort and shorter travel duration.
The best option depends on budget, time availability, and seasonal conditions.
What is the best month to visit Skardu?
The best time to visit Skardu is June to September.
June: Fewer crowds, spring landscapes
July–August: Peak season, full access to attractions
September: Clear weather, fewer tourists, better prices
Do Skardu tour packages include Deosai National Park?
Not always. Deosai National Park is usually an optional add-on that requires a jeep safari and extra charges. Travelers should confirm inclusion, as Deosai is only accessible from June to September.
Can flight cancellations affect Skardu tour packages?
Yes. Flights to Skardu are frequently affected by weather conditions. Travelers should keep flexible schedules and confirm whether their tour operator offers road travel as a backup in case of cancellations.
Is altitude sickness common in Skardu?
Mild altitude symptoms can occur because Skardu is at ~2,500 meters. Most travelers acclimatize within 24 hours by resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity. Deosai poses a higher risk due to its elevation above 4,000 meters.
Are meals included in Skardu tour packages?
Meal inclusion varies by package type:
Budget packages: Breakfast only
Mid-range packages: Breakfast + dinner
Premium packages: All meals
Lunch is often excluded, so travelers should confirm details before booking.