Travel to Skardu, Pakistan – Episode 978

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March 7, 2026

On March 7, 2026

Hear about travel to the remote region of Skardu, Pakistan, as the Amateur Traveler talks to James Schomburgk about his recent visit to this beautiful mountain region.

Why should you go to Skardu?

James says, “It is really a step back into time. You’re getting exposed to Stan culture, which is quite unique, very different from Southern Pakistan. There’s a lot of crossover to the Ladakhi people in India. It’s very much Muslim, but very different Muslim.”

The people there are believed to originated more from European and Iranian looks. So a lot of them are blondes. Many of them have blue or green eyes. A lot of them would look more like Scandinavians. It was quite a shock to see people who looked Scandinavian speaking with a Pakistani Indian accent.”

“Also, it was just a very interesting culture. Very proud of their culture. And have some real beliefs that, as we were up there, we got quite a few lectures by them about how they believe they should be a separate country. They believe they’re very different from the rest of the culture.”

James’s Recommended 7-Day Itinerary for Skardu, Pakistan:

Arrival & Access

James recommends flying into Pakistan via Karachi or Islamabad, then taking a domestic flight to Skardu, describing it as one of the most beautiful flights in the world.

Day 1 – Skardu & Kachura Lakes

Arrive in Skardu
Walk through local villages to Kachura Lake (upper lake)
Optional boating on the lake
Sunset views near Shangrila Resort (from the public side)
Dinner in Skardu town

Day 2 – Soq Valley & Lower Kachura Lake

Visit Soq Valley
Relax at riverside cafés with tables set directly in the water
Continue to the lower lake area beside the Shangrila Resort Hotel, Skardu
Evening at leisure in Skardu

Day 3 – Shigar Valley & Katpana Desert

Drive to Katpana Desert (cold desert)
Continue into Shigar Valley
Explore Shigar
Visit:
- Shigar Palace
- Amburiq Mosque
- Khilingrong Mosque
Sunset at Zharba Lake (Blind Lake)

Day 4 – Manthokha Waterfall & Indus River

Drive through mountain canyons and suspension bridges
Visit Manthokha Waterfall
Stop along the Indus River to watch the rapids
Sit in riverside cafés with feet in the water
Sunset back at Katpana Desert

Day 5 – Basho Valley

Transfer to local jeeps
Full-day excursion into Basho Valley
Alpine meadows, rivers, and high mountain scenery
Short hikes and riverside lunch (often trout)
Return to Skardu

Day 6 – Deosai National Park

Drive up to Deosai National Park
Visit ancient Buddhist rock carvings
Explore high plains, wildflower fields, lakes, and rivers
Lunch at a seasonal tent camp
Continue toward Astore

Day 7 – Nanga Parbat (Rupal Valley)

Travel via Gorikot (Astore)
Enter Rupal, Gilgit–Baltistan
Hike to Nanga Parbat base camp
Continue higher to viewpoints of the Rupal Face
Return to Gorikot for an overnight stay

Departure Options

Continue onward to Gilgit, or
Return toward Islamabad (weather permitting)

Key Notes from James

Ideal season: July–September
Hire a local guide and driver
Carry multiple paper copies of visas
Expect basic accommodations but excellent food
Build in flexibility for weather and road conditions

Show Notes

Skardu
Gilgit-Baltistan
Frere Hall
Empress Market
Mazar-e-Quaid
Mohatta Palace
Clifton Beach, Karachi
5 Best Skardu Tours and Trips
Kachura Lake
Soq Valley
Shangrila Resort
Shigar Valley
Shangrila Resort Hotel Skardu
Shigar
Shigar Palace
Amburiq Mosque
Khilingrong Mosque – Naqoosh-e-Javidan
Zharba Lake
Manthokha Waterfall
Katpana Desert
Basho Valley
Deosai National Park
Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department | District Tours
Gorikot Astore is Hill Station in Astore Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan
Nanga Parbat
Rupal, Gilgit–Baltistan

Community

Hi Chris-

I heard at the end of your most recent episode that you’re collecting a list of places people went because of the AT podcast for your updated media kit.

My wife and I went to Paraguay in April after listening to Travel to Paraguay – Amateur Traveler Episode 709. We also extended a recent Egypt trip to spend an extra day in Cairo and a day in Sakkara/Memphis after listening to Travel to Cairo, Egypt – Amateur Traveler Episode 965. (I’ve been to 72 countries, and visiting Seqqara was one of my very favorite travel experiences ever.)

We also went to Istanbul after hearing Gary’s Everything Everywhere about the Hagia Sophia, but I don’t think he’d have his podcast without you, so take the credit for that one, too. 😉

Thanks for inspiring some great adventures and unforgettable memories!

-Drew

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