Skardu, Khaplu & Naran — 8 Days

A midnight departure from Lahore through the Hazara Expressway. Breakfast at Balakot, then up the Kunhar River valley into the mountains of upper Kaghan. Arrive in Naran for lunch, check in to Mount Feast or Lokal, and spend the afternoon river rafting on the Kunhar.

Drive north from Naran to Lulusar Lake and over Babusar Top (4,173m). Descend through the Junction of Three Mountain Ranges — where the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas meet — and push on to Skardu via Jaglot, arriving by late evening.

Start at Shangrila Resort on the shores of Lower Kachura Lake, then visit Upper Kachura Lake. After lunch, a Willy Jeep takes you into the hidden Basho Valley — poplar forests and mountain streams that few tourists reach — before returning to Skardu.

The world's second-highest plateau. Climb past Sadpara Lake to Deosai Top at 4,114m, check in and lunch at Glamp Bara Pani, then an afternoon at Sheosar Lake before settling in for the night at the Glamp.

Leave the plateau and descend towards Skardu, then head south to the dramatic Khamosh Waterfall before continuing to Manthoka Waterfall. The evening drive along the Shyok valley brings you into Khaplu for a late arrival at Serena Khaplu.

Explore Khaplu's medieval heritage: Chaqchan Mosque (c. 1400s) and Khaplu Fort in the morning. Drive west and spend the evening at the Shigar Desert for the golden-hour sunset and optional activities before heading to Skardu.

Early breakfast and the long drive back south over Babusar Top. Stop for lunch at Jaglot and visit Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top by afternoon. Arrive in Naran by early evening for the final overnight.

After a relaxed final breakfast in Naran, drive south through the Kaghan valley. Lunch at Balakot, then the motorway home. Islamabad passengers are dropped off en route; Lahore arrival by midnight.