Weather in Skardu

About Skardu

Skardu sits in a Karakoram valley 2,228 metres high, gateway to K2 and the world's highest peaks—porters and climbers depart daily for Everest, K2, and lesser summits. The town's strategic location in Ladakh region remains disputed between India and Pakistan. Pristine valleys, turquoise lakes, and granite peaks create trekking paradise.

Country

Pakistan

Best months to visit

July, August

Currency

PKR

Language

Urdu, Balti, Ladakhi, English

Things to do in Skardu

Trekking to K2 Base Camp (6 weeks) or shorter treks to lesser peaks Visiting Deosai Plains (world's highest inhabited plateau) for rolling grassland views Boating Shangrila Lake and visiting the nearby botanical gardens Exploring the ancient Buddha rock carvings and Tibetan heritage sites Hiking to Fairy Meadows and climbing Nanga Parbat's base camp Staying in simple guesthouses and eating yak meat and local Balti cuisine

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-2C

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

Cold, with some rainy days.

April

Cold, with some rainy days.

May

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

19C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

July

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

August

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

September

20C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

October

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

November

Cold, with occasional showers.

December

-1C

Cold, with occasional showers.

Skardu is the gateway to some of the highest mountains on Earth, a high-altitude town surrounded by the Karakoram's giants including K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. Beyond serving trekkers and mountaineers, the surrounding valleys hold turquoise lakes, cold desert dunes and fruit orchards that turn brilliant gold in autumn.

Best areas to stay in Skardu

Skardu Town

The main hub with guesthouses, the cold desert dunes nearby, and views over the Indus River.

Shigar Valley

Home to the restored Shigar Fort (now a heritage hotel) and orchards along the Shigar River.

Shangrila / Lower Kachura Lake

A striking turquoise lake with a well-known resort, often called 'heaven on earth'.

Khaplu

A historic town with a restored royal palace and access to remote eastern valleys.

Getting to Skardu

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Flights

Domestic flights from Islamabad to Skardu offer some of the most scenic commercial flying in the world, weather permitting; otherwise a long road journey via the Karakoram Highway.

⏱

From London

~1 hour by air from Islamabad (frequently delayed by weather), or 24+ hours by road.

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Getting around

Jeeps and private vehicles are essential for reaching surrounding valleys and trekking trailheads.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Skardu?

May to October is the main season, with September and October offering golden autumn colours; winters are extremely cold with limited access.

How do I get to Skardu?

Domestic flights from Islamabad offer spectacular views of the Karakoram (weather permitting), or it's a long but scenic 24+ hour drive along the Karakoram Highway.

What can I see in Skardu without trekking to base camp?

Shangrila Resort's lake, the cold desert dunes of Skardu, Shigar Fort, and Upper Kachura Lake are all accessible without serious trekking.

Is Skardu only for serious mountaineers?

No — while it's the launch point for K2 expeditions, many visitors come for shorter treks, lake visits and scenic drives without attempting high-altitude trekking.

What is the food like in Skardu?

Balti cuisine features apricot, walnut and buckwheat dishes, along with hearty stews suited to the high-altitude climate.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The flight in alone, weaving between peaks with K2 visible in the distance, was worth the trip. Shigar Fort and the cold desert dunes were surreal additions to an already incredible landscape.

Marco V. · September 2024

★★★★★

Autumn colours against the snow-capped mountains around Shangrila Lake were unbelievable. Felt remote in the best possible way.

Aisha T. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Used Skardu as a base before trekking towards Concordia — even without going further, the surrounding valleys and lakes are spectacular on their own.

Dan H. · August 2023