Skardu & Deosai Expedition

Skardu8 Days / 7 NightsMax 18 travellers

Eight days in Baltistan — Shangrila and Kachura lakes, the Katpana cold desert and the Deosai Plateau.

Overview

Baltistan is the harder, higher, emptier half of Gilgit-Baltistan, and this itinerary is built around its two signature landscapes: the lakes and forts of the Skardu valley, and the vast Deosai Plateau above 4,000 metres.

We include Shigar and Khaplu, where two restored forts now operate as heritage hotels, and cross Deosai on the way south towards Astore. The plateau is only open once the snow clears, which is why this tour runs from late June.

Trip highlights

Deosai National Park crossing at over 4,000 m
Upper Kachura and Shangrila lakes
Katpana cold desert dunes
Shigar Fort and the Khaplu valley
The Indus at Sadpara and Manthokha waterfall

Day-by-day itinerary

Karakoram Highway north along the Indus, overnight at Chilas.

Meals:: Dinner
Overnight:: Hotel in Chilas

What is and is not included

What is included

Seven nights’ accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Daily breakfast and dinner
Transport throughout, including 4x4 jeeps for Deosai
Deosai National Park entry permit
Tour leader and local guides
Boat ride at Upper Kachura

Not included

Flights to and from Skardu if chosen instead of road travel
Lunches and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Heritage-hotel supplement at Shigar or Khaplu (available on request)
Tips and porterage

Accommodation, transport and meals

Where you stay

Comfortable hotels in Skardu town and simple but clean guest houses in the side valleys. Upgrades to the Serena Shigar Fort or Khaplu Palace can be arranged for a supplement — worth it if the budget allows.

How you travel

Coaster or Hiace on paved sections, with dedicated 4x4 jeeps for Deosai and the rougher valley roads. Deosai cannot be crossed in a saloon vehicle.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner included. On the Deosai crossing day we carry a packed lunch, because there is nowhere to buy food on the plateau.

Important information

Deosai sits above 4,000 metres and the weather changes quickly; snow is possible in any month. Warm and waterproof layers are essential regardless of the forecast in Skardu.

Flights between Islamabad and Skardu are weather-dependent and cancellations are common. If you book flights independently, allow a spare day at each end. We are happy to arrange the road alternative instead.

Mobile coverage is limited outside Skardu town and absent on Deosai.

Cancellation policy

Deposits secure your place and cover costs we commit to on your behalf. Our standard terms are:

More than 30 days before departure — the deposit is retained, the balance is refunded in full.
15 to 30 days before departure — 50% of the package price is retained.
Fewer than 15 days before departure — the package price is non-refundable.

Airline tickets, visa fees and non-refundable hotel bookings follow the supplier's own rules, which we will set out in writing at the time of booking. Where a trip cannot proceed because of road closure, weather or a decision by the authorities, we will offer a rescheduled departure or refund whatever we can recover.