Skardu Valley & the Karakoram

Your journey begins in Lahore. Depending on your preference, we travel by road along the legendary Karakoram Highway — one of the world's most spectacular drives — or by a short domestic flight directly into Skardu. On arrival, you are met by your guide, transferred to the hotel and given the afternoon to settle in and take in the mountain air. A short evening walk along the Indus River sets the tone for what lies ahead.

• Welcome meeting with your guide and trip briefing
• Hotel check-in and rest
• Optional evening stroll by the Indus River
• Overnight in Skardu

An early breakfast before heading up to Karphocho Fort, where panoramic views of the valley stretch out in every direction. We then visit the ancient Buddha Rock carvings before making our way to Satpara Lake, whose turquoise waters are fed directly by the glaciers above. The afternoon is free for the local bazaar or rest.

• Karphocho Fort with panoramic valley views
• Buddha Rock — 7th-century carvings
• Satpara Lake and dam viewpoint
• Local bazaar exploration

Today we head to Shangrila, known locally as 'Heaven on Earth'. The resort sits beside Lower Kachura Lake, its gardens trailing into the water and snow peaks filling the horizon. We then climb to Upper Kachura Lake, a quieter gem tucked above the valley. Lunch is enjoyed by the lakeside before returning to Skardu for the evening.

• Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake
• Upper Kachura Lake hike
• Lakeside lunch
• Sunset views over the Karakoram

An early start for the highlight of the trip: Deosai Plains, one of the world's highest plateaus at over 4,000 metres. The drive through rolling grasslands dotted with wildflowers is extraordinary. We stop at Sheosar Lake, whose perfectly still surface mirrors the sky and mountains above. Wildlife sightings — including the Himalayan brown bear — are possible in the warmer months.

• Drive through Deosai Plains — the 'Land of Giants'
• Sheosar Lake photography stop
• Wildlife spotting — Himalayan brown bear, golden marmots
• Optional camping overnight in Deosai (tents and meals included)

We visit the Katpana Cold Desert, one of the highest deserts in the world, with sand dunes set against a backdrop of snow peaks — a surreal combination. From there we drive to the lush Shigar Valley where the Shigar Fort, now a heritage hotel, stands as a reminder of the region's royal past. Optional jeep excursion to Basha Valley for those seeking a rougher adventure.

• Katpana Cold Desert — sand dunes at altitude
• Shigar Fort and heritage village
• Optional Basha Valley jeep excursion
• Return to Skardu for final evening

After a final breakfast, your guide transfers you to Skardu airport for your flight back to Lahore, or begins the scenic road journey back along the Karakoram Highway. Depending on your schedule, an overnight stop in Chilas or Gilgit can be arranged on the return leg to break the journey.

• Check-out and farewell breakfast
• Transfer to airport or road departure
• Optional overnight stop en route
• Arrival Lahore — tour complete