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 Cherry Blossom Tour is a 5 days guided trip in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 2,600 m. It is graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks — short day walks. 4 fixed departures are open from $420 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
The Skardu Cherry Blossom Tour brings you to the ancient valleys of Baltistan at the most magical moment of the year — when the apricot, cherry and almond orchards of Shigar Valley burst into bloom against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Karakoram peaks. The blossom season in Skardu is less crowded than Hunza but arguably even more beautiful.
Shigar Valley Orchards
The Shigar Valley is the heartland of the Skardu blossom. Ancient apricot orchards surround stone villages, traditional watermills and the restored Shigar Fort Heritage Hotel. Walking through these orchards in full bloom — with the Karakoram walls rising 5,000 metres above — is an experience of extraordinary beauty.
Kharpocho Fort
The 16th-century Kharpocho Fort above Skardu town is framed by blossom trees in spring, with the entire Skardu valley visible below. The combination of ancient architecture and spring flowers is quintessential Baltistan.
Satpara Lake in Spring
The brilliant blue Satpara Lake is at its most vibrant in spring, when snowmelt turns the surrounding streams crystal clear and early wildflowers appear on the banks.
Join one of our Skardu Cherry Blossom Tour fixed departures at an all-inclusive price of $420 per person from Islamabad to Islamabad.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 4 dates are currently open, each capped at 12 people. Every date is the same price, $420 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 $924 for Solo (1 Person) down to $420/pp for 7-10 Persons. What each band covers is set out in the table.
Group size
Price
What it includes
Solo (1 Person)
$924
A fully private blossom tour with a dedicated guide and vehicle for all 5 days.
(2-3 Persons)
$672/pp
Semi-private — ideal for couples or close friends wanting privacy at a lower cost.
(4-6 Persons)
$525/pp
The balance of value and personal attention, with a small group and local guide.
(7-10 Persons)
$420/pp
Best value. Full guide, vehicle and hotels for the whole blossom circuit.
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy — sightseeing and short walks.
short day walksDays on footthe rest is travel
2,600 mhighest pointAltitude is rarely an issue.
Good to know
The highest point is 2,600 m, low enough that altitude is rarely an issue.
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 Cherry Blossom Tour
The Skardu Cherry Blossom Tour brings you to the ancient valleys of Baltistan at the most magical moment of the year — when the apricot, cherry and almond orchards of Shigar Valley burst into bloom against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Karakoram peaks. The blossom season in Skardu is less crowded than Hunza but...
5 days
Arrive in Skardu to apricot blossom and a sunset at Kharpocho Fort.
Shigar's blossom orchards, Shigar Fort, and the old Amburiq Mosque.
Khaplu's blossom terraces, Khaplu Palace, and the historic Chaqchan Mosque.
Manthal Buddha Rock, Satpara Lake, a blossom walk in the Katpana cold desert, the Shangri-La resort on Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and the Soq Valley in bloom.
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad for departure.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $420 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 Baltistan by private vehicle
4 nights hotel in Skardu
Daily breakfast and dinner
A local Balti guide throughout
All listed sightseeing and entry fees — Kharpocho Fort
Shigar Fort
Khaplu Palace
Manthal Buddha Rock
Bottled water on travel days and daily route planning by our team
Not included
Domestic and international flights (we book these for you on request)
Lunches and personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
Pakistan visa fees and personal travel insurance
Tips for your guide and driver (appreciated
Never expected)
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 $420 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 Cherry Blossom Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of $50 per person confirms your seat. The balance is due 21 days before departure
Book through our website
WhatsApp
Or an authorized agent — every booking is confirmed in writing
Blossom dates shift a little each year with the weather
We confirm exact departures as the season nears
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit
Cancel 14-29 days before: 50% refund of the total paid
Cancel under 14 days before: no refund
As rooms and transport are already booked
Permits & Documentation
Foreign guests need a standard Pakistan tourist visa — no restricted-zone trekking permit is required. We provide a Letter of Invitation on request
Fort and site entry fees across Skardu
Shigar and Khaplu are included
Carry your passport and ID
Valid travel and medical insurance is recommended
Health & Fitness Requirements
Easy. Suitable for families and photographers — short orchard and fort walks with comfortable vehicle transfers
Skardu sits at 2,500m
The altitude is gentle
But spring mornings are cold
So bring a warm layer
Tell us of any medical needs so we can pace the days to suit you
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 Cherry Blossom Tour cost?
$420 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?
5 Days - 4 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Spring Blossom (Mar - Apr). 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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