STP-SSK-SKA
Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu
Baltistan's fort palaces and high-altitude lakes, 8 days
Region
Gilgit-Baltistan · Baltistan
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Style
Family Or Friends
Group
Private · 2 to 8 guests
Overview
Often called 'Little Tibet', Baltistan is the cultural heart of Pakistan's high north. This itinerary uses the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's exquisitely restored Serena Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace as bases, both run as boutique heritage hotels, and adds the wild Deosai Plateau in summer or the cold desert and frozen lakes in winter. Quiet, cultured, and built for travellers who want depth over distance.
Highlights
- Three nights at Serena Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace (AKTC-restored)
- Upper Kachura Lake and the Shangrila resort
- Cold desert of Katpana and the dunes at Sarfaranga
- Day on the Deosai Plateau, second-highest plateau on earth (3,500 km² at 4,100 m)
- Khaplu's hidden Chaqchan Mosque (700 years old)
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival · Islamabad
Met at ISB. Overnight at Serena Islamabad with a relaxed welcome dinner.
Day 2
Fly to Skardu · transfer to Shigar
Early flight along Nanga Parbat. 45-minute drive into the Shigar valley. Check in at Serena Shigar Fort.
Day 3
Shigar valley
Heritage walk through the 400-year-old Shigar Fort, visit Amburiq Mosque (the oldest in Baltistan, c.1400), afternoon in Shigar bazaar and Khilingrong Mosque.
Day 4
Drive to Khaplu (3 hrs)
Through the Shyok valley to Khaplu Palace. Afternoon walks through the palace gardens and Chaqchan Mosque.
Day 5
Khaplu day
Free morning at the palace. Afternoon excursion to Saling village and the Hushe road viewpoint with Masherbrum on the horizon.
Day 6
Khaplu to Skardu · Upper Kachura
Return drive to Skardu. Afternoon at Upper Kachura Lake and Shangrila. Sunset at Kharpocho Fort above the Indus.
Day 7
Deosai Plateau day
Full-day excursion to the Deosai National Park, Sheosar Lake (4,142 m), wildflower meadows in season, brown bear country. Picnic lunch on the plateau. (Winter alternative: Katpana cold desert + Sadpara Lake.)
Day 8
Fly to Islamabad · departure
Morning flight back to Islamabad. Connect to onward flight.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- +7 nights accommodation: 1 Islamabad, 2 Shigar Fort, 2 Khaplu Palace, 2 Skardu
- +Islamabad-Skardu return flights (PIA)
- +Private 4x4 Land Cruiser and English-speaking Balti guide
- +All breakfasts and dinners, 5 lunches
- +Deosai National Park permits and entries
- +All monument entries and airport transfers
Not included
- −International flights
- −Visa and travel insurance
- −Lunches in Islamabad
- −Tips and personal expenses
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