Overview: The Karakoram Highway to Skardu
Some travellers want the journey as much as the destination. This trip goes from Islamabad to Skardu by road: north on the Karakoram Highway along the Indus, through the gorges of Gilgit-Baltistan, then east on the Jaglot–Skardu road into Baltistan. It’s a long drive, so we split it over two days each way with an overnight stop, instead of one exhausting push.
It also suits groups that can’t gamble on a flight. Larger families, travellers on fixed dates and anyone who’d rather not risk a weather cancellation get a fixed plan that doesn’t depend on the sky. Once in Skardu, you have four days for the Kachura lakes, Shigar’s fort and village, Deosai in summer and, if you’d like, Khaplu.
You have your own vehicle and driver from the moment you’re picked up in Islamabad until you’re dropped back. Stops along the way are yours to choose, whether that’s photographs, tea or simply a stretch of the legs.
Tour Highlights
- The Karakoram Highway and the Indus gorge by road, split over two days each way
- No dependence on weather-affected Skardu flights
- The same private vehicle and driver from Islamabad and back
- Upper Kachura and Shangrila lakes, Shigar Fort and village
- Deosai plains in summer, or a gentler alternative in other months
- Well suited to larger families and fixed travel dates
