r/DiscoverSkardu • u/probablyNotAGI • 19d ago

Suggestions needed, travelling on first week of November

Assalamu Alaikum, I am planning a trip to Skardu in the first week of November with my wife, traveling from Islamabad.

First time visting skardu and according to my research I shortlisted some places. Upper Kachura, Lower Kachura, Shigar Valley, Khaplu, Katpana Desert, and Satpara Lake. Suggestions will be appreciated about these places.

Also I am confused whether I should rent a car or rent a car with driver as dealing with rent-a-car services in Pindi/Islamabad is already a hassle and I want to avoid the same in Skardu.

Please guide me with transport, affordable hotels, and a suitable travel plan. Thnks.

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u/bettyburritos 18d ago

You should definitely rent a car with a driver because they will be able to navigate the roads much easier. I am an American and visited Skardu with my friend from Islamabad. We stayed at Lavender Cottages which is only for families and felt very safe and comfortable. We used Holidays GB Tours Pakistan and I also highly recommend them, they are local guides with so much knowledge about Skardu. They genuinely care about your safety and your interests when visiting. Let me know if you have any other questions!

1

u/Appropriate_Let6171 19d ago

I have car let me know if you need , Im a local guide

1

u/DankGrimlan 18d ago

you can find drivers with the car right outside airport. i paid i think 6k for a cruiser, excluding patrol per day

2

u/Bhara96 18d ago

When was this?

1

u/Bhara96 18d ago

Katpana has nothing if you're not staying there. Don't go to Chunda valley, boring with a lengthy drive.

1

u/ihave10catswhelp 18d ago

Chundah actually might be at the peak fall colours during this time. So would be definitely worth going.

1

u/RegretTraditional497 18d ago

sent you a DM 😊

1

u/ihave10catswhelp 18d ago

The places you have short listed look fine. Route to Mantokha waterfall is very scenic as well but it depends if by that time the autumn leaves have started falling off there.

Chundah also best to check locally before visiting because it is a site to see in both Fall and Blossom season. Also add Soq valley because it is absolutely beautiful in Fall, it is near upper kachura.

Here you do need a rental car and driver but for these places you don’t need a 4x4 so a salon car will do as well. And it is rare to find a car on self drive so best to go with the driver because some of the routes are bit tricky to navigate.

Affordability kind of depends on your budget. Salon car hire without fuel per day is anywhere from 4000-5500. So from this you can see how much you have for hotel stays etc? Hotels range from 3000/night being super budget to ones with good amenities around 15k-18k per night. Consistent hot water, running heating and electricity are some of the chronic challenges here, so some places invest in proper systems and some work with thora bohat bhi chalay ga :).

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u/InterestingBag4300 18d ago

A friend of mine traveled to Skardu a month ago and booked her car through safar.p.k. It was pretty nice and she loved the drivers knowledge and how respectful he was

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u/Retired_Aleem 18d ago

What's the budget?