Rent a Car in Skardu
Skardu is the gateway to some of Pakistan’s most spectacular mountain scenery — Shangrila Lake, Deosai Plains, Hunza, and Shigar Valley. Whether you’re coming for adventure, a family holiday, or airport pick-up, choosing the right vehicle makes a big difference. This guide covers every type of car available for rent in Skardu, realistic price ranges, service options, booking tips, and answers to common questions so you can pick the perfect ride for your trip.
Which vehicles are available in Skardu?
Local rental agencies in Skardu and nearby Gilgit generally offer the following vehicle categories:
1. 4×4 SUVs (Prado, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Surf, Revo)
Ideal for rough, high-altitude roads, bad-weather travel, and group trips. These are the most popular choice for tours to Deosai, Astore, and remote valleys. Many agencies list Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser Prado as flagship vehicles.
2. Vans & Mini-Coaches (Toyota Hiace, Hi-Roof, Grand Cabin, Coaster)
Best for groups of 10–14 passengers with luggage. Hiace/Grand Cabin is frequently used for larger family tours or group transfers from Skardu Airport to hotels.
3. Sedans (Toyota Corolla GLi/XLi, Honda Civic, Honda City, Premio)
Good for couples or small families traveling primarily on paved roads. Sedans are cheaper per day and more fuel-efficient if you don’t need 4×4 capability.
4. Compact/City Cars (Suzuki Alto, Vitz)
Budget option for local city use and short transfers inside Skardu town. Not recommended for rough mountain tracks.
5. Luxury/Specialty (V8 / ZX, high-end Land Cruisers)
Available from a few companies for travelers seeking extra comfort. These command higher daily rates.
6. Pickup & Utility Jeeps
Used when hauling gear or travelling on rough trails where a smaller, rugged vehicle is preferred. Local operators may offer older-model jeeps for off-road work.
Typical price ranges (what to expect)
Prices vary by season (peak season May–September is higher), model year, driver included, and fuel policy. Below are ballpark daily rates seen on local listings:
Corolla / Sedan: PKR 5,000–8,000 / day.
Prado / 4×4 SUVs: PKR 8,000–15,000 / day (higher for newer models / luxury Land Cruisers).
Hiace / Grand Cabin / Coaster: PKR 10000–15,000+ / day depending on capacity.
Compacts (Alto, Vitz): PKR 3,000–5,000 / day. Facebook
Note: Many rentals include a driver and sometimes fuel — always confirm whether the rate is with driver & fuel, with driver but fuel excluded, or self-drive (self-drive is rare in the region).
Types of rental services you’ll find
Airport pickup & drop-off — most companies offer this.
Daily rentals — city use or short trips.
Multi-day tour packages — vehicle + driver + route planning for Skardu → Hunza → Deosai, etc.
Long-distance transfers — Islamabad ↔ Skardu or intra-provincial tours (priceable by km/day).
Driver-only hire — hire the driver and vehicle for custom itineraries.
Self-drive — very limited; check company policy, insurance, and road conditions.
Sources show agencies widely advertise “with driver” options and tailored multi-day tour vehicle bookings.
How to choose the right vehicle
Road & route: For Deosai, Astore, or off-road tracks pick a 4×4 (Prado / Land Cruiser). For city and paved road trips choose a sedan.
Group size: Hiace / Grand Cabin for 10+ people; Prado or Corolla for 2–6.
Comfort vs Budget: Newer Prados/Land Cruisers are pricier but more comfortable.
Luggage volume: For lots of gear choose a van or grand cabin.
Weather & season: Snow/monsoon seasons make 4×4 mandatory on some passes.
Booking tips & safety
Book early for peak season (May–Sept). Vehicles and drivers get reserved quickly.
Ask about fuel policy and mileage limits. Some rates exclude fuel or charge per km beyond a daily limit.
Confirm driver experience — local, experienced drivers are essential for mountain driving.
Check vehicle condition (tires, spare wheel, lights) before departure.
Get a written agreement with vehicle model, rate, driver name, fuel policy, and emergency contact.
Carry cash—card payments may not always be accepted in remote areas.
Documents usually required
Valid government ID (CNIC / passport for foreigners).
Booking confirmation / contract.
For self-drive: driving license and extra security deposit (if allowed).
FAQs
Q: Are self-drive rentals available in Skardu?
A: Rare — most rentals include a driver due to road conditions and insurance reasons. Confirm with your provider.
Q: Can I rent a Prado for an Islamabad — Skardu trip?
A: Yes, many companies offer inter-city rentals and long-distance trips but check pricing and driver arrangements.
Q: What’s the best vehicle for Deosai?
A: A sturdy 4×4 (Prado or Land Cruiser) — some tracks require higher clearance and 4WD capability.
Why book with Northern Discover?
At Northern Discover we offer:
A carefully maintained fleet (Prado, Corolla, Hiace, Grand Cabin).
Experienced local drivers familiar with Skardu routes.
Transparent pricing and customizable tour plans.
24/7 WhatsApp support for quick assistance.
Book now: WhatsApp us: https://wa.me/923419674740 or call 0341-9674740 for an instant quote and tailored vehicle suggestions.
Final checklist before you book
Confirm vehicle model & year.
Confirm driver included and driver’s local experience.
Confirm fuel and mileage policy.
Ask about spare tire, basic tools, and first-aid kit.
Get emergency contact and agreement in writing.
Sources & further reading
I referenced local Skardu rental sites and travel operators to compile realistic vehicle types and price ranges: Skardu Rent Car listings and local rental pages.