K2
The second-highest mountain in the world, in the Karakoram. Only trekkers and climbers reach its base over many days, usually setting out from Skardu, but the peak is the region's great symbol.
Skardu
Calm mountain lakes and the high Deosai Plains lie close to this entry point for K2 and the Karakoram.
Attractive locations
Deosai National Park
A very high, wide plateau of grassland that blooms with wildflowers in summer and is home to Himalayan brown bears. The road is open only in the warmer months, when snow clears.
Satpara Lake
A clear mountain lake and reservoir close to Skardu, ringed by rocky slopes. It is a popular spot for boating, picnics and views, and the road continues on toward Deosai.
Lower Kachura Lake
A beautiful blue lake surrounded by orchards and mountains, a short drive from Skardu. Cafes and a lakeside walk make it an easy and relaxing excursion.
Skardu Fort (Kharpocho)
The ruins of an old fort on a rocky ridge above the town, overlooking the Indus River and the valley. A climb to the top is rewarded with fine views across Skardu.
Shigar Fort
A restored fort-palace in the Shigar valley, with carved wooden halls and a garden courtyard. It shows traditional Balti building craft, and part of it is now a heritage guesthouse and museum.
Khaplu Palace
A large palace in the Khaplu valley, built by the local royal family and now run as a heritage hotel. Its carved wooden balconies and mountain views can be seen by visitors.
Airports
Skardu International Airport KDU
It is about 8 km in a straight line from Skardu.
Gilgit Airport GIL
It is about 135 km in a straight line from Skardu.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Pakistan page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan-13.6 °C34 mm
- Feb-11.5 °C41 mm
- Mar-6.5 °C41 mm
- Apr-0.2 °C43 mm
- May4.1 °C29 mm
- Jun8.4 °C31 mm
- Jul12.1 °C30 mm
- Aug11.9 °C33 mm
- Sep7.2 °C21 mm
- Oct1.0 °C12 mm
- Nov-5.4 °C23 mm
- Dec-10.8 °C17 mm
Driest months: Sep, Oct, Dec. Wettest months: Feb, Mar, Apr.
Costs
Prices here are about 24% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
Reported numbers: police 15, rescue and ambulance 1122 (in many cities), fire 16 - confirm with your hotel or guide.
local government
Gilgit-Baltistan Police Tourist Police
Helps with: Tourism police unit of the Gilgit-Baltistan Police, deployed at tourist destinations in that region. Its page lists a Tourist Police Helpline, and the force's main office is in Gilgit.
Who qualifies: Visitors in Gilgit-Baltistan only. This unit does not cover the rest of Pakistan.
Phone: 1422
Email: [email protected]
Address: C.P.O (Central Police Office), Konodass, near Jinnah Bridge Road, Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan
ngo
Pakistan Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Pakistan's national Red Crescent society. Its 1030 helpline is described as offering ambulance support, blood donation, first aid and psychosocial care; it also works on disaster response and restoring family links.
Who qualifies: People in Pakistan who need its first aid, ambulance, blood or disaster relief services.
Phone: 1030
local government
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Helps with: Pakistan's national disaster management body. It runs an emergency helpline and a WhatsApp contact, and issues alerts and travel guidance for disaster-prone areas.
Who qualifies: Anyone in Pakistan affected by a disaster or reporting one.
Phone: 051-111-157-157
Email: [email protected]
Address: Main Murree Road, near ITP Office, Islamabad
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan
Helps with: The UN migration agency. Its Islamabad office handles migration matters in Pakistan; its contact page lists an email and a separate migration health department.
Who qualifies: Migrants and migration-related cases in Pakistan. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Email: [email protected]
Address: Islamabad, Pakistan
local government
Police emergency number 15
Helps with: Reaches the police. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 15
local government
Ambulance and fire emergency number 1122
Helps with: Reaches the ambulance and fire services. UK government travel advice lists this number.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.
Phone: 1122