Skardu isn't just a stopping point on the way to K2; it's the gateway to some of the world's most accessible high-altitude scenery and one of the best starting points for anyone new to trekking. Surrounded by the Karakoram and framed by turquoise lakes, Skardu features a rare mix: trails that feel dramatic enough for a real adventure, yet still manageable for a first-timer.
If you're planning your first North Pakistan adventure, here's what you need to know before you tie up your boots.
Why Skardu Is the Best Place to Start Trekking
Most of Pakistan's popular treks, including K2 Base Camp, Baltoro Glacier, and Snow Lake, start from or near Skardu, but you do not need extreme fitness to experience the region. Skardu also lies close to Deosai National Park, Shigar Valley, and the Kachura Lakes, offering beginners a range of shorter, lower-altitude routes with the same jaw-dropping backdrop, without the multi-week commitment. This makes it an ideal base for a North Pakistan adventure that combines trekking with easier outdoor experiences.
Beginner-Friendly Treks Around Skardu
- Deosai Plains Walks: At over 13,000 feet, Deosai's rolling grasslands make for gentle, high-altitude walking with minimal technical difficulty.
- Upper and Lower Kachura Lake Trails: Short, scenic walking routes around two of the region's most photographed lakes, ideal for easing into altitude and terrain.
- Shigar Valley Trails: Gentle paths through apricot orchards and along the Shigar River, with Shigar Fort as a cultural landmark en route, a good half-day trek for those wanting scenery without a strenuous climb.
- Katpana Cold Desert Walk: A short, unusual trek across one of the world's highest cold deserts, right on Skardu's doorstep.
- K2 Base Camp Trek: The big one. Not for absolute beginners, but worth knowing about as the natural next step once you've built some altitude experience in the region.
Best Time to Trek in Skardu
The trekking season usually runs from May to September, when most trails are clear of snow and mountain roads are open. June and July bring the most stable weather for beginners, while late September offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing; days are warm, nights drop quickly at altitude
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking shoes
- A refillable water bottle and basic water purification
- Sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses (high-altitude sun is intense)
- A light daypack and a local guide for anything beyond the short valley walks
Permits and Local Guides
Most short treks around Skardu, Shigar, and Deosai do not require special permits for Pakistani nationals, though international travelers should check current requirements before arriving, since rules for restricted zones near the Line of Control or high-altitude glaciers can change. For any trek longer than a half-day walk, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended, as trail conditions, weather, and river crossings can change quickly in the region.
Where to Base Your Skardu Trek
Having a comfortable, well-located base makes a real difference on a multi-day trip. Fortunorth's properties across Skardu and Shigar Valley are located close to the region's main trekking routes, from lakeside access points to the trailheads near Shigar Fort, so you can start early, return to a proper bed and hot meal, and plan the next day's route without long transfers. For travelers combining trekking with a bit of relaxation, some routes also pair well with paragliding in Skardu over the valley for a different perspective on the same mountains you've been walking through.
