Palaces, Lakes & Cold Desert (Essential Skardu)
Alpine lakes, ancient Buddhist carvings, Balti villages, historic mosques and palaces. Gentle hikes and leisurely boat rides for a soulful mountain escape.

Three Nights Beneath Nanga Parbat
Fairy Meadows is a high alpine pasture facing the Raikot Face of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest mountain. You fly north and go straight on, then spend three nights at the meadows, with a day walking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp and a free day to spend as you like. The last night in the mountains is in Skardu.


You're met at Islamabad International Airport and taken to your hotel. Later, visit the Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh at sunset, or have dinner in Saidpur Village.
Weather permitting, fly to Skardu and drive on to Raikot Bridge, then take a jeep up to Tattu village. From there, a guided walk of about 2 to 3 hours through pine forest brings you to Fairy Meadows, with the Raikot Face in front of you as the light fades.
A full day on foot past Beyal and along the glacier to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, with a picnic lunch facing the mountain. Push on to the viewpoint above base camp, or turn at Beyal for a shorter day.
The day is yours, with your guide on hand. Catch sunrise at the meadow lake, walk a ridge above the Raikot Glacier, take a pony ride or simply sit with the view.
Walk back down to Tattu, take the jeep to Raikot Bridge and continue to Skardu. If time allows, walk up to Kharpocho Fort or browse the bazaar.
Weather permitting, take the morning flight back to Islamabad. In the afternoon, visit the Pakistan Monument and the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
This day is held in reserve in case weather delays the Skardu flight. If everything has run to plan, visit Taxila or walk in the Margalla Hills before your transfer to the airport.
Extend: add three days in Hunza before returning to Skardu.
Every journey is tailored to you through consultation, and your final price is confirmed once we've planned it together.
EnquireReturn Islamabad–Skardu
Three nights at Fairy Meadows (lodge or camp), a boutique hotel in Skardu and two nights in Islamabad
All meals
Private 4x4 with driver
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry tickets, permits and park fees
2 to 12 guests
Moderate. A 2 to 3 hour walk in and out, and one full day on foot to base camp.
Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance and tips.
Blossom season
Blossom season
Summer walking and trekking
Summer trekking season
Summer trekking season
Autumn colour
Autumn colour
Apricot blossom usually peaks in April; timing varies each year.
Summer trekking window begins
Summer trekking in the meadows
Summer trekking in the meadows
Late-season trekking; conditions vary
Autumn; snow may limit access
Fairy Meadows season: June to October. Snow and local conditions determine access.
April and May are for our blossom and valley journeys. Treks run from June.
Typical daytime temperatures. Nights are cooler, and mountain weather can change quickly.
Alpine lakes, ancient Buddhist carvings, Balti villages, historic mosques and palaces. Gentle hikes and leisurely boat rides for a soulful mountain escape.
Baltistan at its most colourful, with alpine lakes, tranquil valleys and historic palaces. A slower-paced escape for families, photographers and travellers.
Skardu's crystal-clear lakes and tranquil valleys meet Hunza's lush terraces and emerald orchards. Rich traditions and unforgettable encounters in the heart of the Karakoram.