For a few weeks each spring, the apricot and cherry orchards of Baltistan flower against snow-covered peaks. This is our Essential Skardu route timed for the blossom: two nights in the Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace, orchard walks in the villages, and two nights in Skardu at the end. The pace is gentle and well suited to photographers.
You're met at Islamabad International Airport and taken to your hotel. Later, visit the Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh at sunset, or take a gentle spring walk in the Margalla Hills.
Weather permitting, fly to Skardu (2,230 m) and drive straight on to Shigar across the Sarfaranga cold desert. Spend the afternoon in the Shigar Fort garden and the Hashopi orchards, with a visit to the Amburiq Mosque.
Drive east along the Shyok to Khaplu, the valley of gardens, where the orchards often flower a little later than Skardu. Explore Khaplu Palace and its orchards and the Chaqchan Mosque.
Walk in the blossom villages of Machulo and Haldi, then drive back towards Skardu with a village lunch in Yugo and a stop at the Manthokha Waterfall. The evening is yours in Skardu.
See the orchards around the Kachura lakes and the Manthal Buddha Rock, then walk through Nangsoq, the organic village behind Kharpocho Fort. The day ends with a farewell dinner.
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.
Every journey is tailored to you through consultation, and your final price is confirmed once we've planned it together.
EnquireReturn Islamabad–Skardu
Boutique hotels throughout: one night at Serena Shigar Fort, one at Serena Khaplu Palace, two in a boutique hotel in Skardu and two in Islamabad
All meals
Private 4x4 with driver
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry tickets, permits and park fees
2 to 12 guests
Easy. Short walks and village visits.
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.
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.
Dense pine forests, wildflower-strewn pastures and snow-fed streams beneath Nanga Parbat. Brilliant starlight and unparalleled views of the peak bathed in golden dawn.
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.
