Skardu & Nangma Valley Summer Adventure Tour
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Overview
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Schedules
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Equipments
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Included/Excluded
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Location
Overview:
This summer tour of Skardu and Nangma Valleys offers an unforgettable journey through the lush green mountains and vibrant landscapes of northern Pakistan. Traveling via the scenic Naran-Babusar route the itinerary combines pristine lakes, snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers and charming villages. Skardu showcases the beauty of Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes, Shigar Valley and Khaplu Valley with historic forts and mosques while Nangma Valley provides tranquil orchards, meadows and riverside walks. Summer ensures safe and open roads, clear skies and pleasant temperatures making the tour ideal for nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers. The journey blends scenic drives, cultural experiences and outdoor exploration for a complete summer mountain experience.
Highlights:
- Explore Skardu and Nangma Valleys during the warm summer season with clear skies.
- Visit Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila) and Upper Kachura Lake surrounded by green meadows.
- Discover Skardu city’s scenic viewpoints and bustling bazaars.
- Explore Shigar Valley with historic Shigar Fort and Sarfaranga Cold Desert.
- Visit Khaplu Valley, Khaplu Palace and Chaqchan Mosque amid summer orchards.
- Drive through Naran to Babusar Pass – Gilgit → Skardu with breathtaking summer landscapes.
- Experience lush green Nangma Valley with apple and apricot orchards.
- Enjoy riverside walks, forest trails, and mountain photography opportunities.
- Capture spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the valleys.
- Explore traditional villages, witness local culture and experience hospitality.
- Optional hikes and short treks in Nangma and Skardu valleys.
- Perfect for nature lovers, photographers and summer adventure enthusiasts.
- Ideal season for safe road travel with open passes and vibrant landscapes.
- Combine mountains, rivers, lakes and meadows for a complete summer experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
- Arrive in Islamabad
- Hotel check-in and rest
- Optional short sightseeing: Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, Lake View
- Night stay in Islamabad
Day 2: Islamabad to Naran
- Drive via Hazara Motorway - Balakot - Kaghan
- Scenic stops at Kiwai, Khanian and Kaghan River
- Explore Naran bazaar and riverside
- Night stay in Naran
Day 3: Naran to Babusar Pass - Skardu
- Early morning departure
- Stop at Lulusar Lake (snow-melt and clear waters)
- Drive over Babusar Top (stunning summer landscapes)
- Continue via Gilgit city
- Reach Skardu in late afternoon
- Evening visit to Skardu Bazaar
- Night stay in Skardu
Day 4: Skardu City & Kachura Lakes
- Visit Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Resort)
- Visit Upper Kachura Lake
- Optional short trek to Soq Valley
- Enjoy riverside walks, green fields and summer blooms
- Night stay in Skardu
Day 5: Skardu to Shigar Valley
- Drive to Shigar Valley
- Visit Shigar Fort
- Explore Sarfaranga Cold Desert
- Optional village walk in Shigar
- Night stay in Skardu
Day 6: Skardu to Khaplu Valley
- Drive to Khaplu
- Visit Khaplu Palace
- Explore Chaqchan Mosque
- Enjoy summer meadows, orchards and riverside photography
- Return to Skardu
- Night stay in Skardu
Day 7: Skardu to Nangma Valley
- Early morning drive to Nangma Valley
- Explore lush green valleys, apple and apricot orchards
- Riverside walks and small treks
- Photography of rivers, mountains and villages
- Night stay in Nangma Valley (Camp)
Day 8: Full-Day Nangma Valley Exploration
- Visit remote villages
- Walk forest trails and riverbanks
- Capture sunrise and sunset over the valley
- Optional short hike to Nangma viewpoint
- Night stay in Nangma Valley
Day 9: Nangma Valley to Skardu
- Return drive to Skardu
- Free day for rest / shopping
- Optional: Manthoka Waterfall (if weather clear)
- Overnight Skardu.
Day 10: Skardu to Naran
- Drive back via Babusar Pass
- Photography stops
- Overnight Naran
Day 11: Naran to Islamabad
- Drive back to Islamabad
- Free evening
- Overnight Islamabad
Day 12: Departure
- Drop at airport / home
- End of tour
Tour Activities
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Comfortable and well-appointed hotels throughout the tour.
- Transportation: Transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Professional and experienced driver/guide.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable local guides for city tours and historical sites.
- Day Sightseeing Trips
- Meals: Three times meals, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Some lunches and dinners featuring local cuisine.
- Cultural Experiences: Engaging cultural activities and experiences.
- Interactions with local communities.
- Professional Tour Leader & BBQ Bone fire Night.
- Support: 24/7 on-ground support.
Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage is recommended.
- Any Sort of Entry Tickets
- Horses, ponies or Porter Charges for Personal luggage.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature.
- Optional Activities: Costs related to optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers.
Essential Equipment Checklist for Tours:
- Thermal base layers to keep your body warm during cold mornings and nights.
- A good fleece jacket for mid-layer insulation in mountain weather.
- A warm insulated or down jacket for high-altitude cold winds.
- A waterproof and windproof outer jacket to protect from sudden rain and strong winds.
- Warm woolen cap insulated gloves and thick wool socks for cold protection.
- UV-protected sunglasses and a sun cap to handle strong high-altitude sunlight.
- Sunscreen and lip balm to protect skin and lips from dryness and sunburn.
- Strong waterproof trekking boots for rocky and uneven mountain terrain.
- A 20–40L daypack for daily essentials during hikes and travel.
- A warm sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C rating) for cold nights in Astore, and Deosai.
- A comfortable sleeping mat for insulation and better sleeping comfort.
- A bright headlamp or torch with spare batteries for night use and camping.
- Two 1-liter water bottles plus water purification tablets or filter for safe drinking water.
- A high-capacity power bank to charge mobile devices in remote areas.
- A complete first-aid kit including personal medicines and altitude-related items.
- High-energy snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates and ORS packs.
- Adjustable trekking poles for stability and support on steep or rocky trails.
- Toiletries with a small towel for personal hygiene during the tour.
- Wet wipes and tissues for easy cleaning when water is not available.
- Offline maps or GPS because signals are weak in remote regions.
- Sufficient cash and CNIC as ATMs and card services are limited.
Mountain Travel Essentials
Prepare for your mountain adventure with these essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Essential Gear
- Layered clothing for temperature changes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Health & Safety
- Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness
- Use high SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Stay hydrated with 3-4 liters of water daily
- Carry a basic first-aid kit
- Inform others of your route plan
Mountain Activities You'll Enjoy
Mountain environments offer unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. During your journey, you may have the opportunity to enjoy:
Alpine Photography
Capture breathtaking vistas, unique flora, and dramatic light conditions that make mountains a photographer's paradise.
Wilderness Camping
Experience nights under crystal-clear skies with unparalleled stargazing opportunities in pristine mountain environments.
Wildlife Encounters
Observe native species in their natural habitats, from majestic birds of prey to elusive mountain mammals.
Cultural Immersion
Connect with local mountain communities and learn about their unique traditions, cuisine, and way of life.
Skardu & Nangma Valley Tour
About This Location
Skardu is located in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan and serves as the gateway to some of Pakistan’s most famous mountains, lakes, and valleys. Surrounded by towering peaks and traditional Balti villages, it offers a perfect mix of nature and local culture. Just a few hours’ drive from Skardu lies Nangma Valley, a hidden gem known for its sharp granite towers, lush green meadows, and peaceful camping spots. Together, these destinations create an ideal summer getaway for travelers looking for adventure, sightseeing, and the calm beauty of northern Pakistan.
Weather Conditions
During the summer months from May to September, Skardu and Nangma Valley offer warm and comfortable weather that’s perfect for travel. Days remain pleasant with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 28°C, while nights are cooler, especially in higher valley areas. The season stays mostly dry with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking, camping, and daily sightseeing without weather interruptions.
Best Time to Visit
May to September — the perfect months for warm weather, clear skies, and comfortable outdoor activities across Skardu and Nangma Valley.