Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
The Skardu Autumn Tour is a 6 days guided trip in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 4,114 m. It is graded Easy to Moderate — high-altitude 4×4 — short day walks. 6 fixed departures are open from $960 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
The Skardu Autumn Tour is a 6-day celebration of Baltistan at its most colourful — when the Shigar and Hushe valleys turn brilliant gold, amber and crimson, and the first snows of autumn dust the Karakoram peaks above. October and early November bring a transformation to the landscape that rivals the famous cherry blossom season in beauty.
Highlights
Shigar Valley: The ancient apricot orchards and poplar-lined water channels of Shigar Valley are at their most spectacular in autumn — gold and orange against the grey granite walls of the Karakoram.
Kharpocho Fort at sunset: The 16th-century fortress above Skardu takes on a particularly dramatic quality in the low autumn light, with the entire valley ablaze in colour below.
Khaplu Palace & Valley: The drive east to Khaplu along the Shyok Valley is one of Pakistan's great autumn drives — red-leaved willows and poplars lining a turquoise river against spectacular mountain walls.
Deosai National Park: In early autumn the plateau wildflowers are fading and the Himalayan brown bears are fattening up for winter — excellent wildlife viewing.
Join one of our Skardu Autumn Tour fixed departures at an all-inclusive price of $960 per person. Everything from Islamabad to Islamabad is covered. Select your preferred departure below.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 6 dates are currently open, each capped at 12 people. Every date is the same price, $960 per person. A $50 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date. Pick the band that matches your group and the price per person is fixed at that rate, across 4 options. The more of you who travel, the less each person pays — from $2,600 for Solo Traveler (1 Person) down to $960/pp for Large Group (7-10 Persons). What each band covers is set out in the table.
Group size
Price
What it includes
Solo Traveler (1 Person)
$2,600
A fully private tour with a dedicated personal guide and vehicle. Completely flexible schedule tailored to your preferences.
Small Group (2-3 Persons)
$1,500/pp
Semi-private experience for couples or close friends. Shared vehicle with personalized attention throughout.
Standard Group (4-6 Persons)
$1,160/pp
Great balance of value and personal attention. Travel with a small group in a comfortable vehicle with an expert guide.
Large Group (7-10 Persons)
$960/pp
Best value option. Full group travel with comfortable transport, experienced guide, and all logistics managed.
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy to Moderate — high-altitude 4×4.
short day walksDays on footthe rest is travel
4,114 mhighest pointWe build in time to acclimatise.
Good to know
The highest point is 4,114 m, so altitude counts here. The itinerary is built around acclimatising and your guide sets a pace that gets you there comfortably.
You’re ready ifyou enjoy a full day out and do not mind some hours on the road.
Give yourself a little longer ifyou would like to feel fresher. A couple of walks beforehand makes the short strolls even easier.
This might not be your trip ifyou are after long days on foot and nights in a tent. Tell us and we will point you at one.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Skardu Autumn Tour
The Skardu Autumn Tour is a 6-day celebration of Baltistan at its most colourful — when the Shigar and Hushe valleys turn brilliant gold, amber and crimson, and the first snows of autumn dust the Karakoram peaks above. October and early November bring a transformation to the landscape that rivals the famous cherry b...
6 days
Arrive in Islamabad for a welcome and tour briefing.
Fly to Skardu for an autumn walk around the city and Satpara Lake.
The golden autumn plateau of Deosai (4,114m): Sheosar Lake and brown-bear habitat.
Shigar's autumn orchards and the Shigar Fort heritage hotel, then the Shangri-La resort on Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and the golden Soq Valley.
Khaplu's autumn foliage, Khaplu Fort, the Chaqchan Mosque, and a river walk.
Sunrise views from Kharpocho Fort, then fly to Islamabad.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $960 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
All ground transport in air-conditioned vehicles
Hotel accommodation with breakfast
Professional licensed guide
All sightseeing as per the itinerary
All applicable entry fees and permits for tourist sites visited during the tour
24/7 customer support and emergency assistance throughout the tour
Not included
International or domestic flights to/from the departure city
Personal expenses
Meals not mentioned
Optional activities
Tips for guides and drivers (appreciated but optional)
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them is certified by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, holds Wilderness First Aid, and has between five and twenty years on high-altitude ground.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $960 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
Four steps from here to the mountains
1Pick your dateA fixed departure above, or private dates you choose.
2Send the requestThe form on this page, or WhatsApp. Name, party size, date.
3Pay $50 per personThat holds your place. We reply within 24 hours.
4Balance 30 days beforeThen we take over: flights, hotels, permits, crew.
No card details on this page. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
More About the Skardu Autumn Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of $50 per person is required to confirm your spot. Full payment is due 14 days before departure
Bookings can be made through our official website
Authorized agents
Or direct contact
Prices may change due to availability
Demand
Seasonal conditions
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 30+ days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit
Cancellations 15-29 days before departure: 50% refund of total amount paid
Cancellations less than 15 days before departure: No refund will be issued
Documents Required
Pakistani nationals must carry a valid CNIC. Foreign nationals must carry a valid passport and Pakistan tourist visa
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants
All documentation must be verified at least 7 days before departure
Health & Age Requirements
This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No prior trekking experience required
Children under 5 travel free. Children aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount
Participants with medical conditions should consult their doctor before booking
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Skardu Autumn Tour cost?
$960 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
6 Days - 5 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Autumn (Oct - Nov). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is this trip? Is it family-friendly?
Easy and accessible — mostly scenic 4x4 and road travel with short walks at the viewpoints. Suitable for families and all reasonable fitness levels; no trekking required.
What visa do I need?
A standard Pakistan tourist visa is all you need. We can send an invitation and booking letter to support your application.
What about insurance and safety?
We recommend standard travel insurance with medical cover for your trip. Our local team knows the routes and conditions and looks after you throughout.
Who guides the trip?
Your team is local Balti — our own guides and drivers from Gilgit-Baltistan, never subcontracted.
How do I get there?
Fly to Skardu or Gilgit from Islamabad, or travel overland on the Karakoram Highway. We arrange airport pickup and all ground transport.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
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