Baltistan Tour Packages

Our Baltistan tour packages are built around the eastern half of Gilgit-Baltistan — a high, dramatic land often called "Little Tibet". With Skardu as the base, a single trip can take in turquoise lakes, the vast Deosai plateau, restored mountain forts and the gateway valleys to the world's greatest peaks. This guide explains what to see, when to go and how to plan the journey.

Top Highlights

Baltistan is the gateway to K2 and the Karakoram giants, but you do not need to be a climber to enjoy it. The headline experiences are Skardu and its Kachura lakes, the wildflower-covered Deosai Plains, the heritage forts of Shigar and Khaplu, and the cold sand dunes of the Katpana Desert. Most travellers combine these into one loop.

History & Background

Baltistan's culture has deep Tibetan roots — the Balti language belongs to the Tibetic family, and the region was historically linked to Ladakh and Tibet before Islam arrived. Local rulers such as the Maqpon dynasty built forts and palaces across the valleys. Two of the finest, Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace, have been carefully restored and now operate as heritage hotels, giving visitors a rare chance to stay inside centuries of history. The Balti people remain known for their warmth and their mountaineering skill.

Places to Visit

Skardu & the Kachura Lakes

Skardu is the regional capital and the hub of every Baltistan trip. The famous Shangrila Resort sits on Lower Kachura Lake, while the deep, clear Upper Kachura Lake is a short walk away. Kharpocho Fort above the town offers a fine view over the Indus.

Deosai National Park

At around 4,000 metres, the Deosai Plains form one of the highest plateaus on earth. In summer they erupt with wildflowers and are home to the rare Himalayan brown bear. The mirror-like Sheosar Lake is the centrepiece and a highlight of any Deosai day trip.

Shigar Valley & Fort

About an hour from Skardu, the green Shigar Valley leads towards the Baltoro trekking trailheads. Its 17th-century fort, restored as the Serena Shigar Fort, is both a museum and a hotel.

Khaplu Valley & Palace

Khaplu, to the east, is one of the prettiest valleys in Baltistan. The 19th-century Khaplu Palace, now the Serena Khaplu Palace, anchors a relaxed village of apricot orchards and old mosques.

Katpana Desert & Manthoka Falls

Near Skardu, the Katpana Desert is a surreal stretch of cold sand dunes set against snow peaks. To the south in Kharmang, the Manthoka Waterfall is a popular roadside stop.

How to Get There

By Air: The quickest way into Baltistan is the flight from Islamabad to Skardu, which takes about one hour and lands at Skardu International Airport. As with all northern flights, services depend on the weather, so build in a spare day.

By Road: By road, you follow the Karakoram Highway north to Jaglot, then turn onto the Skardu Road that hugs the Indus gorge for roughly 167 km. From Islamabad the full journey is around two days of driving — long, but among the most spectacular drives in Pakistan.

Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

The main season for Baltistan tour packages runs from May to October. Deosai itself only opens once the snow melts, usually from around July to September. A few tips for a smooth trip:

• Carry cash; banking and card facilities are limited outside Skardu town.
• Deosai is high and cold even in summer — bring a warm layer for the day trip.
• A 4x4 jeep is needed for Deosai and some side valleys; this is included in most packages.
• Acclimatise gently and stay hydrated at altitude.

Where to Stay

Baltistan has some of the most characterful hotels in Pakistan. For heritage stays, the Serena Shigar Fort and Serena Khaplu Palace are hard to beat. In Skardu itself, the Shangrila Resort on Kachura Lake is a long-standing favourite, and the town has a wide choice of 3- and 4-star hotels and guesthouses for every budget. Our all-inclusive packages can be tailored to either luxury or standard accommodation.

Local Food & Cuisine

Balti cuisine is simple, warming and shaped by the high-altitude landscape. Look out for mamtu (steamed dumplings), chapshuro (meat-filled bread) and prapu, a traditional buckwheat dish. Apricots are a regional treasure — eaten fresh, dried or pressed into oil — and meals are often finished with salt or butter tea and fresh trout from the rivers and lakes.

New to the region? Start with our Gilgit travel guide for the western gateway, or see detailed costs in the Skardu travel cost guide.