How to reach Skardu

There are effectively two ways into Skardu: flying from Islamabad, covered in detail on flights to Skardu, or driving the Karakoram Highway network from the Punjab plains. Within Gilgit-Baltistan itself, Skardu also connects onward by road to Gilgit, and further afield to Shigar, Khaplu and Deosai National Park.

This route runs through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kaghan valley, Naran and over the Babusar Pass at approximately 4,170 metres before descending to join the Karakoram Highway near Chilas. It is widely considered the more scenic option, passing lakes, meadows and the Kaghan valley's pine forests.

The catch is that Babusar Pass is snowbound for much of the year and typically only opens from around late June to September or early October, weather permitting. Attempting this route outside that window risks a closed pass and a long, wasted detour back.

The all-season option runs from Islamabad through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Dasu and Chilas, joining the same final stretch along the Indus into Skardu. It is a longer drive than the Naran route but remains passable in winter, barring occasional short closures for landslides or snow clearance around Kohistan.

• Most drivers split this journey with an overnight stop in Chilas or Besham rather than attempting it in one push.
• Road surface quality varies, generally good tarmac with some rougher, narrower sections through Kohistan.
• This is the route travellers should default to outside the June to September window.

Travellers combining Skardu with Hunza or Gilgit typically drive the Gilgit to Skardu road, which follows the Indus river and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours depending on the vehicle and stops. This road is generally in good condition and does not require a 4x4.

From Skardu city itself, Shigar is an easy one-hour drive on sealed road, while Khaplu takes three to three and a half hours along a mostly paved but occasionally narrow route hugging the Shyok and Indus rivers. Deosai National Park is reached by a rougher unpaved track that climbs steeply out of the valley and genuinely needs a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle, and only opens once snow clears, usually from late June.

These figures assume normal road conditions and a competent driver; add extra time during monsoon-season landslide risk in August or after any recent heavy rain.

The Karakoram Highway corridor is subject to landslides, particularly around Kohistan and sections near Chilas, with risk rising during and shortly after monsoon rain in July and August. Local authorities close affected sections for clearance rather than allowing traffic through, which can add hours or, occasionally, a full extra day to a journey.

• Check current road status with your driver, hotel or a local tour operator the morning of travel rather than relying on outdated online reports.
• Avoid night driving on unfamiliar mountain sections; most experienced drivers stop for the night rather than push through after dark.
• Winter brings a different risk profile, with snow and ice on higher sections rather than landslides.
• Build a spare day into any itinerary that depends on a fixed road route during monsoon season.

Fuel stations thin out considerably once you leave the main towns, so it is standard practice to top up fully in Chilas or Gilgit before continuing towards Skardu, and again in Skardu before heading out to Shigar, Khaplu or Deosai.

• ATMs are reliable in Skardu city but scarce or unreliable in Chilas, Shigar and Khaplu, so carry sufficient cash from Islamabad or Gilgit.
• Mobile signal drops in and out through mountain sections; Skardu city itself has reasonable coverage, but Deosai has none.
• Basic roadside dhabas (small eateries) along the KKH offer simple meals and tea, useful for breaking up a long drive.
• Carry a physical map or downloaded offline map, since signal cannot be relied on for navigation throughout.

For travellers without their own vehicle, NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation) runs scheduled coach services between Rawalpindi and Skardu, generally the most economical option, though journey times are long and departures limited. A wider range of private coach and van operators also cover the same route with varying levels of comfort, typically departing in the evening to arrive the following day.

1. Book NATCO or private coach tickets a few days ahead in peak season, since seats sell out on popular departure days.
2. Overnight coaches trade comfort for time efficiency; check seat type (reclining or standard) before booking.
3. Private hired vans or jeeps, arranged through a tour operator, offer more flexibility for stops and photography but cost more than a scheduled coach seat.
4. Shared jeep services connect Skardu with Shigar, Khaplu and other valley towns for travellers without a private vehicle.

Self-driving the full Islamabad to Skardu route is possible and increasingly common among experienced drivers, but it demands comfort with mountain roads, narrow sections and occasional unpaved patches, plus a realistic plan for an overnight stop.

A hired driver, whether for the whole journey or just within Gilgit-Baltistan, removes that burden and usually comes with local knowledge of current road conditions. A standard sedan is adequate for Islamabad to Skardu and Skardu to Shigar or Khaplu on paved roads, but Deosai National Park genuinely requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle given the unpaved, rutted track and stream crossings.

Skardu city sits at roughly 2,230 metres, mild enough that most visitors feel no altitude effects, but Deosai plains rise to around 4,100 to 4,300 metres, where mild headaches or breathlessness are common in the first day. Spending a night or two in Skardu before a Deosai excursion helps most travellers adjust.

• No special trekking permit is required to visit Skardu city, Shigar, Khaplu or Deosai National Park itself, only the standard park entry fee at Deosai.
• Foreign nationals travelling further into restricted zones near the Line of Control or certain high-altitude trekking areas may require additional permits, arranged through a registered tour operator.
• Carry a basic first aid kit and any regular medication, since pharmacies are limited outside Skardu city.
• Register your travel plan with your hotel or tour operator, particularly for Deosai and remote valley routes.