Skardu and Deosai

Skardu is the gateway to Baltistan and the starting point for expeditions to K2, but it is also a destination in its own right, with turquoise lakes, ancient forts and wide valleys ringed by peaks. The multi-day tour linked here, which runs in the warmer months, leaves Islamabad and combines Skardu with Deosai and Rama Meadows. Deosai National Park is one of the highest plateaus in the world, a vast roadless expanse at more than 4,000 metres that blooms with wildflowers in summer and shelters Himalayan brown bears, marmots and rare birds. Its Sheosar Lake is a still, blue mirror, and the sky feels huge. Around Skardu, typical highlights include Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes, Shangrila resort on the shore, the old Kharpocho Fort above town and the Satpara Lake reservoir. Rama Meadows, near Astore, offers lush green pastures and views toward Nanga Parbat. The roads are rough in places, journeys are long, and conditions change, but the scenery rewards the effort. Culture is part of the experience too: Baltistan has Tibetan-influenced traditions, traditional stone houses and warm people who welcome visitors with tea and apricots. The tour suits travellers who love landscapes, photography and unhurried exploration, and who do not mind simple lodging and long days on the road.

Deosai is only open for a short summer season because snow blocks the road for much of the year, so confirm the dates with your operator. Altitude is significant, so rest, hydrate and avoid rushing. Bring warm layers, sun protection, a hat and good shoes. Camping is common in Deosai, so ask what is provided. Be ready for variable weather and changes to the plan if roads close.

Flights between Islamabad and Skardu offer a faster way in but depend on weather, so build in flexible days. The overland route along the Karakoram Highway is itself a scenic journey. Skardu pairs well with Hunza and Fairy Meadows, and for trekkers it is the logical base for K2 and other expeditions. Check your government's current travel advice and local guidance before you travel, and ask the operator about route conditions, permits and the plan if weather or roads change.

A few details bring the region to life. Baltistan has long been connected to Tibet and Ladakh, and the architecture, language and food reflect that heritage. Skardu's old bazaar sells apricot oil, dried fruit, hand-knitted woollens and carved wooden items, and the Kharpocho Fort above the town gives a view over the Indus and the sand dunes of the cold desert at Katpana. Shigar, a short drive away, has a beautifully restored fort turned into a heritage hotel, and its valley is a good place to see rural life.

On the Deosai Plains, wildflowers bloom for a few weeks, and the bears are protected, so keep your distance and follow the guide's directions. In the evening the temperature drops fast, and the sky is brilliantly clear. Plan for a bit of downtime and keep photographs for the golden hours.

Pack a good hat, sunglasses, lip balm and a down jacket, and bring a power bank because electricity is limited in camps. A local guide who knows the bear rules and the weather patterns adds safety and insight, and most operators include one in the package.