Skardu & Baltistan Tour
Baltistan, “Little Tibet” — the forts and palaces of Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu, high lakes, a cold desert and the Deosai plateau.
Little Tibet
Baltistan’s Balti people speak a language close to Tibetan, and their old mosques and palaces show Tibetan, Kashmiri and Persian influences side by side. Two of the great royal residences — Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace — have been restored as heritage hotels, and we can arrange to stay in them.
Between the villages lie Satpara and Kachura lakes, the white sand dunes of the cold desert near Skardu, and the high, flower-filled Deosai plateau, home to the Himalayan brown bear. The flight into Skardu, past Nanga Parbat, is one of the most spectacular in the world.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Islamabad
Arrival and an afternoon in the city.
- Day 2
Skardu
Fly to Skardu, weather permitting. Kharpocho fort and the old bazaar.
- Day 3
Lakes & the Buddha rock
Satpara Lake, the Manthal Buddha rock carving and the Kachura lakes.
- Day 4
Shigar
Shigar Fort, the Amburik mosque and the cold desert.
- Days 5 – 6
Khaplu
Along the Shyok river to Khaplu: the palace, the 14th-century Chaqchan mosque and the villages of the valley.
- Day 7
Back to Skardu
A leisurely drive back to Skardu.
- Day 8
Deosai plateau
By jeep across Deosai to Sheosar Lake and down to Astore.
- Day 9
To Islamabad
Over the Babusar Pass and down the Kaghan valley.
- Day 10
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.