Skardu

The main gateway to K2 (8,611 m, the second-highest mountain in the world) and the Karakoram glaciers — around 250,000 people in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan at an altitude of 2,230 m. It is one of the most unusual and beautiful regions in Asia, and a territory disputed with India. The Karakoram Highway (part of the historic Silk Road) and the Skardu valley set the scene: granite peaks of 6,000-8,000 m, turquoise lakes and medieval forts. Check the security situation and Pakistan's visa rules carefully before travelling.

Main sights

• K2 (Chogori, 8,611 m) — the second-highest mountain on earth and the most dangerous of the fourteen eight-thousanders. Base camp is the end point for non-climbers, 14-21 days from Skardu via the Baltoro glacier.
• The Baltoro Glacier — one of the largest mountain glaciers outside the poles, at 62 km. The main trek to K2 passes Concordia (4,600 m), the "throne room of the mountain gods", with the finest view of four eight-thousanders.
• Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake — the postcard of Skardu, a turquoise mountain lake.
• Upper Kachura Lake — less visited, higher in the mountains.
• Skardu Fort (Kharpocho) — 16th century, with a view over the town and the valley.
• The Sarfaranga Cold Desert — the highest cold desert in the world, at 2,226 m.
• The Shigar Valley — 30 km away, with the 17th-century Shigar Fort, now restored as a heritage hotel.
• The Hushe Valley — the gateway to Masherbrum (7,821 m) and the Gondogoro La, four hours from Skardu.
• The Deosai Plains — the "Land of Giants" at 4,100 m, the second-highest plateau in the world, three hours away. Brown bears and fields of flowers in summer.
• Satpara Lake — an ancient lake with an island fort.
• Askole — the last village before the Karakoram, and the start of the trek to K2 base camp.

Food and prices

The cooking is Balti: balay (a vegetable stew with local herbs), prapu, khurba (dry bread), apricot tea and the salted butter tea of the Tibetan tradition. Lunch in a café is 1,100-2,200 PKR ($4-8), dinner at a lodge 3,300-7,000 PKR ($12-25). A litre of petrol is 280 PKR ($1), a taxi across town 830-1,950 PKR ($3-7), and a 4×4 with driver 17,000-28,000 PKR ($60-100) a day. Prices are as of 2026.

Getting there and getting around

Skardu airport (KDU) is served by PIA from Islamabad, with limited flights that are often cancelled for weather; the flight takes an hour and costs 22,000-42,000 PKR ($80-150). The main alternative is the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad (24-30 hours by bus) or from Gilgit (eight hours by bus or jeep). Beyond Skardu a 4×4 is essential. A Pakistani visa and permits for Gilgit-Baltistan must be obtained in advance.

When to go

June to September is the only safe season, 15-30°C by day with cold nights. One warning above all: the roads into the Karakoram can close because of landslides even in summer. In winter (October to May) it is extremely cold, −15 to −30°C, and most treks are impossible.