Pakistan's Premier Inbound Adventure Tourism Company
The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth
From
RsΒ 108,000
7 Days
Duration
4,142m
Max Elevation
2β16 pax
Group Size
Skardu
Region
Skardu, the gateway to the world's greatest mountain wilderness, is a destination of profound beauty and rich history. The ancient kingdom of Baltistan β sometimes called "Little Tibet" β preserves a unique blend of Tibetan, Balti, and Mughal cultural heritage in its forts, palaces, and mosques. This tour explores Skardu's extraordinary landscape of desert valleys, turquoise lakes, and apricot orchards set against a backdrop of the world's highest peaks. Key highlights include Kharpocho Fort, the legendary Shangrila Resort, the impeccably restored Shigar Fort, and the ornate Khaplu Palace β now two of Asia's most extraordinary heritage hotels.
Shangrila Resort (Shangri-La) β legendary lake resort with floating restaurant
Shigar Fort (Serena Heritage Hotel) β 400-year-old restored Balti palace
Khaplu Palace β 19th-century royal palace with exquisite wood lattice carvings
Deosai National Park β world's 2nd highest plateau with Brown Bear spotting
Kharpocho Fort β Skardu's iconic 16th-century hilltop fortress
Satpara Lake and Satpara Buddha petroglyph (5thβ6th century CE)
Islamabad β Skardu β Kharpocho Fort
Morning flight to Skardu (1hr). Check in. Afternoon visit Kharpocho Fort β the "King of Forts" sits on a massive rock above the Indus confluence. Stunning panoramic views over the Skardu Valley. Sunset from the ramparts.
Shangrila & Upper/Lower Kachura Lakes
Morning drive to the legendary Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake). Boat ride on the crystal lake inside the resort. The floating restaurant inside a converted aircraft fuselage is truly unique. Drive to Upper Kachura Lake β even more pristine and surrounded by poplars and willows.
Deosai National Park β Brown Bear Spotting
Full-day excursion to Deosai (world's 2nd highest plateau, 4,114m avg). Spot Himalayan Brown Bears at Bara Pani. Drive to Sheosar Lake (4,142m) β mirrorlike reflections of surrounding peaks. July wildflowers are extraordinary.
Satpara Lake & Buddha Petroglyph
Morning at Satpara Lake (3,000m) β deep emerald-green lake for trout fishing. Visit the Satpara Buddha rock carving (5thβ6th c. CE) β a 9m carved Buddha figure. Manthal Rock inscriptions.
Shigar Valley β Shigar Fort & Apricot Orchards
Drive 30km to Shigar Valley β a time capsule of Balti culture. Visit Shigar Fort (now Serena Heritage Hotel) β a meticulously restored 17th-century Balti-Tibetan wooden palace. Walk through the famous apricot orchards (April: blossom; JulyβAugust: harvest).
Khaplu Valley β Khaplu Palace
Drive 100km to Khaplu (3 hours) β visit the magnificent Khaplu Palace (now Serena Heritage Hotel). The 19th-century Balti royal palace features some of the finest wood-carving in the entire Karakoram. Walk the Khaplu market and visit the historic Hussainabad Mosque.
Skardu β Islamabad
Morning free. Flight or drive back to Islamabad. Farewell dinner at a traditional Pakistani restaurant.
Can we stay inside Shigar Fort or Khaplu Palace?
Yes! Both are now operating as Serena Heritage Hotels β some of the most extraordinary heritage accommodations in Asia. Shigar Fort from PKR 45,000/night and Khaplu Palace from PKR 40,000/night. We can arrange this as an upgrade.
5 people booked this trip this month
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$386 USD Β· 4β5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote β info@wonderland-tours.com
π³ Flexible Payment Plan
Full refund if cancelled 60+ days before departure.
Travel Insurance β Mandatory for Expeditions
Comprehensive cover including helicopter evacuation to 6,000m required for K2, Gondogoro La, and all expedition routes.
Get Quote β World Nomads βPayment Methods
JUL
7
7 Jul 2026
18 total spots
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