Destination
Skardu Travel Guide for Trekkers and Mountaineers
Skardu is where the expedition energy is impossible to miss. Duffel bags pile up in hotel courtyards, porters gather, and everyone is watching the weather board for the road to Askole. This Skardu travel guide treats the town for what it really is to most foreign visitors: the launch pad for the greatest treks in the Karakoram, and a fascinating place in its own right.
Sitting where the Indus meets desert mountains at around 2,230 m, Skardu blends staging town practicality with genuine sights. Give it a couple of days at each end of your trek.
How do I get to Skardu?
Two routes lead to Skardu, and most trekkers use a mix of both. The flight is quick and stunning, while the road is a long but memorable journey.
- Fly Islamabad to Skardu in under an hour, weather permitting
- Drive the Karakoram Highway and Skardu road over 2 days from Islamabad
- Connect from Gilgit or Hunza on a wider northern loop
Flights are scenic but cancel readily in poor weather, so never book a tight connection around them. Smart itineraries keep a spare day in case the plane does not fly.
Why is Skardu the gateway to K2?
Almost every major Karakoram trek and expedition stages out of Skardu, including K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. The town is the last place with hotels, banks, hospitals and reliable supplies before the mountains.
From here the rough road runs to Askole, the trailhead for the Baltoro. Operators finalise permits, food, porters and gear checks in Skardu before groups head into the deep wilderness.
What can I see and do in Skardu?
Beyond logistics, Skardu rewards a day or two of exploring. The surrounding valleys hold lakes, forts and cold desert scenery you will not find elsewhere.
| Attraction | What it is | Distance from town |
|---|---|---|
| Shangrila and Lower Kachura Lake | Scenic resort lake | About 30 minutes |
| Upper Kachura Lake | Clear mountain lake | Near Shangrila |
| Shigar Fort | Restored royal fort and heritage stay | About 30 to 40 minutes |
| Katpana cold desert | High altitude sand dunes | Close to town |
| Kharpocho Fort | Hilltop fort over the Indus | Above the old town |
Where do I buy or rent gear in Skardu?
Skardu has a cluster of gear shops selling and renting basics like sleeping bags, jackets, gas canisters and trekking odds and ends. Quality and sizing vary, so treat it as a top up point, not your main supplier.
Bring your own boots, technical layers and anything you truly depend on. Fuel canisters that you cannot fly with, however, are exactly the kind of thing to buy here.
How many days should I plan in Skardu?
Plan at least one full day before your trek for briefings, gear checks and buffer against flight delays, plus a day after to clean up and rest. Two nights on each side is comfortable.
If flights cancel, that buffer becomes priceless. Travellers with time to spare often add a lake visit or a night at heritage Shigar Fort to round out the stay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Skardu from Islamabad?
You reach Skardu by flying from Islamabad in under an hour, or driving the Karakoram Highway and Skardu road over two days. Flights are scenic but cancel readily in poor weather.
Why is Skardu called the gateway to K2?
Skardu is the last town with hotels, banks, hospitals and supplies before the Karakoram. Nearly every K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum trek or expedition stages here before driving to the Askole trailhead.
What is there to see in Skardu?
Skardu offers Shangrila and Kachura lakes, the restored Shigar Fort, the Katpana cold desert dunes and Kharpocho Fort above the Indus. A day or two of sightseeing complements any trek.
Can I buy trekking gear in Skardu?
Skardu has gear shops selling and renting basics like sleeping bags, jackets and fuel canisters. Quality varies, so bring your own boots and technical layers and use Skardu only to top up.
How many days should I spend in Skardu?
Plan at least two nights before your trek for briefings and flight buffer, plus a day after to rest. The extra time protects you if scenic flights are cancelled by weather.