8-Day Road Trip Plan: Exploring Skardu, Minimarg, and Rupal Valley

Day 1: Travel to Skardu

Islamabad to Skardu, Pakistan on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Start Road Trip from Islamabad

Begin your scenic 10-12 hour drive from Islamabad to Skardu via the Karakoram Highway, enjoying the breathtaking mountainous landscapes along the way.
CURRENCY0, 10h0m

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Skardu Hotel

Rest at a comfortable hotel in Skardu. Dinner at New Shangrila Restaurant, known for local Balti cuisine and warm ambiance.
PKR1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Skardu

Skardu, Pakistan on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Serena Hotel Skardu

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local and continental options, open from 7:00am to 10:30am.
PKR1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)

Explore the scenic Shangrila Resort famous for its unique restaurant built on an old plane and serene lake views, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
PKR300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café De Hunza

Savor local Balti specialties and refreshing drinks at this popular café open noon to 4:00pm.
PKR800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kharpocho Fort

Visit this historic fort overlooking Skardu valley to enjoy panoramic mountain views. Accessible throughout the day.
PKR100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Skardu Bazaar

Stroll through the bustling bazaar to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Polo Lounge

Dine at Polo Lounge with views of the Skardu valley offering traditional and continental dishes.
PKR1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Skardu Lakes Tour

Skardu, Pakistan on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a filling breakfast to prepare for a day of lake explorations.
PKR1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Upper Kachura Lake

Take a 1-hour scenic drive to Upper Kachura Lake for hiking, boating, and nature appreciation.
PKR200, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic by the lake

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst scenic surroundings at Upper Kachura Lake.
PKR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Sheosar Lake in Deosai National Park

After returning to Skardu, prepare for afternoon trip to Sheosar Lake (20 km from Skardu), open from 8:00am to 6:00pm, famed for its majestic natural beauty.
PKR300, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up after a day full of beautiful landscapes.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Khaplu Restaurant

Taste delicious local dishes featuring fresh mountain produce.
PKR1300, 1h
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Day 4: Local Culture and Trek

Skardu, Pakistan on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at your accommodation.
PKR1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Half-day trek to Satpara Lake

Visit the beautiful Satpara Lake (open daily), featuring turquoise water and majestic mountains — ideal for light trekking and photography.
PKR200, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café De Hunza

Refuel with light meals and refreshing tea before afternoon sightseeing.
PKR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Skardu Fort and Shigar Fort

Explore local history and architecture with visits to these two iconic forts in the region.
PKR300, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at New Subway Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring a mix of local and international dishes.
PKR1200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Minimarg

Skardu to Minimarg, Pakistan on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Start the day early with breakfast and prepare for the scenic drive to Minimarg, which takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.
PKR1000, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Minimarg

Embark on the beautiful drive from Skardu to Minimarg passing through stunning mountainous vistas.
CURRENCY0, 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at local guesthouse

Relax after arrival and check-in at a guesthouse in Minimarg.
PKR2000, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Minimarg village

Walk around the picturesque village, meet locals, and enjoy serene valley views.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with local flavors in the guesthouse.
PKR1000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Minimarg Exploration

Minimarg, Pakistan on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Begin your day with a simple yet delicious breakfast to fuel your adventures.
PKR500, 0h30m

8:00am

Trek to local meadows and valleys

Spend the day hiking around the lush green meadows of Minimarg, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
CURRENCY0, 7h0m

3:00pm

Return to guesthouse for rest and tea

Rest and enjoy a warm cup of tea after trekking.
PKR200, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and local storytelling

Enjoy local cuisine accompanied by storytelling sessions to learn more about the culture of the valley.
PKR1000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Rupal Valley Adventure

Minimarg to Rupal Valley, Pakistan on April 27, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast and check-out

Prepare and leave early to reach Rupal Valley for a day of natural exploration and trekking.
PKR500, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Rupal Valley

Travel approximately 4-5 hours by road to Rupal Valley, renowned for its rugged terrain and views of Nanga Parbat’s south face.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch picnic in Rupal Valley

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst stunning mountain and glacier views.
PKR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Trek in Rupal Valley

Explore scenic trails along the valley, perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return drive to Minimarg

Drive back to Minimarg to relax for the evening.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

10:00pm

Late dinner at guesthouse

Have a simple dinner and rest after a long day.
PKR800, 1h0m
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Day 8: Return Journey

Minimarg to Islamabad, Pakistan on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse and begin your return trip to Islamabad early to make the most of daylight hours.
PKR500, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Islamabad

A long day on road through the Karakoram Highway and nearby routes back to Islamabad, approximately 14-15 hours drive.
CURRENCY0, 14h0m

10:00pm

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrive in Islamabad safely, concluding your scenic and adventurous 8-day road journey.
CURRENCY0, 0h0m
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