From summer adventures to autumn landscapes, discover when to visit Skardu and how to plan your trip around the region's changing seasons.
Skardu's character changes dramatically with the seasons, and picking the right window depends on what kind of trip you're after. Broadly, the year splits into four very different travel experiences.
Summer (June to September) is peak trekking season. High-altitude routes like Deosai, Thalay La, and the passes around Basho and Tormik Valley are only accessible once the snow clears, and this is when most of Shepherd Travels' multi-day treks run. Expect warm days, cool nights, and long daylight hours for trekking.
Spring (April to May) brings blossoming apricot and cherry orchards to the Skardu and Shigar valleys, along with milder temperatures — a good window for lower-altitude sightseeing before the high passes open.
Autumn (late September to October) is when the poplar and willow trees along the valley floors turn gold, and the crowds thin out considerably. It's a favorite among photographers, though the higher treks start closing as the weather turns.
Winter (November to March) brings heavy snowfall and closes off most high-altitude routes entirely, but Skardu town itself remains reachable and offers a quieter, snow-covered side of Baltistan for travelers less focused on trekking.
