Ultimate Guide to Visit Skardu
Skardu is the most beautiful city in Northern Pakistan, located in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan. This city rises at an altitude of 2,230 meters, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Himalayas. This is one of Pakistan's top tourist destinations because of its unique landscape features and natural attractions, making it the perfect destination for tourism and vacations.
Skardu is the best place to spend holidays and refresh the mind in nature. Whether you’re from Karachi, Lahore, Multan, or any other city in Pakistan, or even an international Traveller, reaching Skardu is straightforward and accessible.
If you visit any northern area of Pakistan, the route usually goes through Islamabad.
Domestic Travellers: If you are a resident of Pakistan and are planning to visit Skardu, no matter which city you're from, you can easily reach Skardu either by air or by road.
International Travellers: And if you belong to Dubai or any other country, you can also travel to Skardu via connecting flights through major cities in Pakistan like Islamabad or Lahore.
Direct flights from Dubai to Skardu are also available from April to October.
How to Reach Skardu?
Skardu is located in the north of Pakistan, and the route to Skardu passes through Islamabad. You can reach Skardu either by air or by road.
By Air: You can take a direct flight from Islamabad/Lahore/Karachi Airport to Skardu International Airport. If you’re from abroad, you will need to land in Islamabad first and then take the connecting flight to Skardu.
By Road: If you love to travel by road, take one of two routes from Islamabad: Babusar Top or Besham City. Each route has its own unique landscape.
How to Reach Skardu From Islamabad via Naran Route?
The best time to visit Skardu from Islamabad via Naran Route is between May and September. This is the ideal time for a trip because, during this interval, you'll experience lush green landscapes and pleasant weather.
During the rest of the year, Babusar Top is covered with snow, and reaching Skardu becomes a challenging task.
Skardu is approximately 663 km from Islamabad via Babusar Top, and the journey typically takes 18–20 hours to complete.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the road trip from Islamabad to Skardu, along with information about sightseeing and road conditions on this incredible journey.
1. Islamabad to Mansehra
Mansehra is a beautiful city in the Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is approximately 160 km from Islamabad and takes about 2 hours to drive.
The Hazara Motorway leads to Mansehra from Islamabad, and this motorway is in excellent condition, making the journey safe and comfortable.
Here is the route from Islamabad to Mansehra
- M1 Motorway
- Hazara Motorway
- Abbottabad
- Mansehra
On the way, you can visit the Abbottabad tunnels. These tunnels were constructed to cut through the mountains, saving time and making your journey as short as possible.
2. Mansehra to Naran
From Mansehra, the road to Skardu splits into two different routes. If you want to reach Skardu via Babusar Top, you have to turn towards Balakot.
Naran is 122 km from Mansehra and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach. From Islamabad, Naran is about 280 km and takes around 8 hours.
Here, you need to know that after Mansehra service stations, the next service station is at Paras. it is a little ahead of Kawai and then you can find the last service station at Naran.
Don’t worry! Your journey from Mansehra to Naran is not boring, you wil come across many beautiful sights along the way. Such as:
- Balakot
- Kiwai
- Paras
- Mahandri ( From Mahandri to Naran, there are some patches on the road)
- Khaniyan
- Kaghan Bazar
- Suki Kinari Tunnel & Dam
- Naran
Activities from Mansehra to Naran include:
- Makra Peak View Point
- Enjoy the Kiwai Waterfall / Refreshment
- Noori Zipline at Boonja Valley
Economy and luxury accommodations are available in Naran. While traveling from Islamabad, it’s better to stay the night in Naran or Batakundi.
3. Naran to Babusar Top - Most Senic Road of Pakistan
Babusar Top is 71 km from Naran, but it takes almost 3 hours to reach. It is approximately 350 km from Islamabad.
The journey from Naran to Babusar Top is full of natural beauty. Along the way, you can enjoy eye-catching views and several spots where you can stop, relax, and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
Here is the list of beautiful spots along the way to Babusar Top.
- River rafting and zipline are available about 5 km from Naran.
- Waterfalls and glaciers can be seen along the way.
- Sohni Waterfall is located approximately 10 km from Naran.
- Batakundi – one of the most beautiful towns in the Kaghan Valley (hotels and restaurants are available) – is about 12 km from Naran.
Only the Telenor network is available in Batakundi. After Jalkhad, the SCO (Scom) network is available.
- Barwai
- Jalkhad
There is a famous 'Moon Restaurant' in Jalkhad—don’t forget to have breakfast there.
- Lulusar Lake
- Babusar Top
Although Babusar Top is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Pakistan, it is located at 13,700 feet above sea level.
Therefore, if you're a heart patient or suffer from respiratory issues, it is advisable to consult your doctor before planning your journey. It is recommended to stay hydrated and take dry apricots along with you.
You can enjoy zipline and cycling at Babusar Top.
4. Babusar Top to Chilas
Chilas is approximately 50 km from Babusar Top and takes about 2 hours to reach. It's all downhill from Babusar to Chilas, as you have to descend 4,000 feet from Babusar Top.
Since the road from Babusar to Chilas is entirely downhill, vehicles often overheat, which can be risky. So, it's better to take a 20-minute break along the way to allow the vehicle to cool down.
Although the road on this route is in good condition, the entire route passes through mountains, which can become very dangerous during the rainy season. Therefore, it's better to avoid traveling during the rainy season, as there is a high risk of landslides.
At Chilas, you can find a petrol pump named Gunar Farm Chilas. After this, the next petrol pump will be at Jaglot.
5. Chilas to Jaglot
Jaglot is located approximately 87 km from Chilas, and the drive takes about 2 hours. The road from Chilas to Tatta Pani is in good condition. However, the stretch between Tatta Pani and Raikot is quite rough, so extra caution is needed, and it may take longer than expected. After Raikot, the journey becomes much smoother as the famous Silk Route begins, one of the finest roads in Pakistan.
After passing Raikot, make a stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, where you can witness the Killer Mountain and capture some stunning photos of this majestic peak.
There is also an option to stay overnight in Jaglot. If you're feeling too exhausted to continue your journey, Jaglot is a good place to take a break and spend the night.
6. Jaglot to Skardu
The distance between Jaglot and Skardu is approximately 175 km, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Skardu.
After departing from Jaglot, you’ll reach Dambudas, a spot where you can refuel your vehicle if needed.
On this road, you’ll pass the 3M junction. It is a unique point where the three mighty mountain ranges: Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalaya, meet.
Approximately 3 km after Jaglot, you’ll reach the JSR turn that leads toward Skardu. From this point, Skardu is 170km far and the road is in excellent condition. However, the area is susceptible to landslides, so it’s best to avoid traveling at night or during the rainy season for your safety.
If you want to stay at skardu, leaving Naran in the early morning is recommended.
If you're planning a trip to Skardu, consider to book Skardu tour package to experience the beauty of the region and explore the best places to visit in Skardu.
Islamabad to Skardu via Besham City
Apart from the Naran route, you can also travel to Skardu via the Karakoram Highway, which passes through Besham City and connects to Chilas.
From October to April, when Babusar Top is closed due to heavy snowfall, travellers take the route through Besham City to reach Skardu. Skardu is approximately 700km from Islamabad via Besham.
1. Islamabad to Besham City
When traveling from Islamabad, you’ll first take the M1 Motorway and then continue on the M15 ( Hazara Express) to reach Mansehra. The Hazara Express ends in Mansehra, where the Karakoram Highway begins. Following this route, you’ll pass through Thakot on your way to Besham.
There’s a service station in Mansehra, so it’s wise to refuel there, as the next one won’t be until Thakot, around 70 km away. From the last toll plaza in Mansehra, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Besham.
From Islamabad, it takes about a 4-5 hour drive to reach Besham. In Besham, you’ll find a range of accommodations from budget-friendly to deluxe hotels. So, if you feel exhausted, you can take a night stay at Besham. Otherwise, continue your journey toward Dasu.
2. Besham City to Dasu
From Besham, your next destination is Daso, which is approximately 80 km away from Besham and takes 2-2.5 hours to reach.
The road up to Dasu is in excellent condition, making the journey smooth and comfortable. There is a checkpoint along the way where you’ll need to present your original CNIC, so be sure to carry it with you.
3. Dasu to Skardu
Skardu is approximately 379 km from Dasu, and the journey usually takes around 8 to 9 hours.
The road from Dasu is generally in good condition. However, due to ongoing construction at the Dasu Hydropower Project, you may encounter some rough patches. It’s important to drive cautiously through this area.
From Dasu, you'll head towards Chilas, which is about 133 km away. This is where the Babusar Top route also merges at a point known as Zero Point. After Besham, Chilas is the next suitable place for a night stay. There are several good hotels available in Chilas, so you can comfortably rest here before continuing your journey.
From Chilas, you’ll proceed to Skardu via the JSR junction.
Essential Tips for Skardu Travellers
If you want to visit Skardu, here are some tips that are essential for you smooth journey.
- Best time to visit Skardu is from May to september. If you’re a snow lover, you can visit in winter months from Oct- April.
- Northern areas of Pakistan are cold areas. So, while travelling to Skardu, keep warm clothes with you.
- Before travelling, make sure your vehicles are ready to run on challenging roads.
- If you have any health concerns, consult your doctor before traveling to make sure you can travel safely.
FAQ’s
How do I travel to Skardu from Lahore?
From Lahore, you can visit Skardu by air or by road both. By air, book your flight directly to Skardu. By road, you have to first visit Islamabad and then towards Skardu via Babusar Top or Besham city.
How many days are enough for Skardu?
If you’re traveling via air, 5 to 8 days are enough to explore Skardu. If you’re traveling by road, it usually takes two days to reach Skardu from Islamabad. So, plan your itinerary accordingly.
What to take on a Skardu trip ?
- Warm Clothes
- Comfortable Shoes
- Documents , Passport and Visa ( if required)
- Dry fruits, nuts and Snacks
What are the best months to visit Skardu?
It’s best to visit Skardu in summer ( May to September) to enjoy the green landscape of Skardu.
In which months does snow fall in Skardu?
Snowfall occurs in Skardu between December and March.
Is it safe to travel to Skardu during the moonsoon?
Traveling to Skardu during the monsoon season can be risky due to landslides.
Can I stay between Skardu and Besham?
Yes, you can spend a night at Chilas, where the best accommodations are available in affordable prices.
Is Skardu road safe for car driving?
Yes, you can travel to Skardu in almost any type of vehicle, as long as it's well-maintained and suitable for long drives.
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