Guide
Islamabad to Skardu by Car With Driver: Route, Days, Season and Stops
Skardu is the gateway to Shigar, Khaplu, Deosai and the Karakoram. Flights from Islamabad are often cancelled by mountain weather, so many visitors drive. This guide explains the route, how many days to allow, when to go and what to ask before you book a car with a driver.
Last updated: · SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES
The short answer
Two ways to drive to Skardu
Most visitors take one of two roads. Both end on the Skardu road that follows the Indus river from Jaglot, and both are mountain driving that rewards a rested, experienced driver.
- Karakoram Highway route: Islamabad, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Chilas, Jaglot and then the Skardu road. It is the main all-season road, but landslide closures happen, especially in the rains.
- Babusar route in summer: through Naran and Kaghan over Babusar Top to Chilas. It is shorter but seasonal and only open in the warm months. Ask your driver for the latest news before choosing it.
How many days to plan
The map distance hides the real effort. Plan it like this and keep one spare day for weather.
- Day 1: Islamabad to Chilas or Gilgit, a very long driving day with meal stops.
- Day 2: on to Skardu along the Indus. The last section is typically a four to six hour mountain drive.
- Days 3 to 5: Shangrila and the Kachura lakes, Shigar valley and fort, Khaplu, Manthokha waterfall and the cold desert near Skardu.
- Day 6 or 7: Deosai National Park if the season allows, then return or continue to Hunza.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn, roughly May to September, is the main window for roads, lakes and Deosai. October brings autumn colour and quieter roads but colder nights. Winter travel depends heavily on snow and landslides, so ask us before planning it. These are typical seasons, not promises: check conditions a few days before you leave.
Which vehicle to choose
For Skardu and the roads beyond, a 4x4 SUV is the most comfortable and capable choice: a Prado, Land Cruiser or Fortuner for families and small groups, a Revo for gear, or a Coaster when you travel as a larger group. Tell us your passengers and luggage and we confirm the right vehicle for your dates.
Prado with driver → · Land Cruiser V8 → · Coaster for groups →
For visitors from abroad and overseas Pakistanis
SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES is based in G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, and provides every vehicle with an experienced professional driver, for visitors from abroad, overseas Pakistanis, families and groups. If you are visiting from another country, check the current visa, permit and travel advisory rules for your nationality and the areas you want to enter before you book, and send us your dates and flight details so we can plan the pickup at Islamabad Airport. Overseas Pakistanis travelling with family can ask for one driver for the full trip.
How to book
Send your dates, pickup point, number of passengers and the places you want to see by WhatsApp or the Book Now form. We reply with the vehicle and a quote for the whole trip before you travel. Every booking includes a professional driver.
Choose your car for Skardu and book directly
Every car comes with a professional driver. Press Book to open the booking form with the car and the trip already filled in.
PradoA comfortable, capable SUV that suits families, business trips and city-to-city journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Prado with driver
Land Cruiser V8 2018 ModelA premium full-size SUV for comfort on long drives, weddings and executive travelNorthern areas · Family travel · VIP / executiveBook Land Cruiser V8 2018 Model with driver
Toyota FortunerA practical seven-seat SUV for families, airport pickups, hill roads and intercity journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Toyota Fortuner with driver- Real photos on request
Ask us on WhatsAppCoasterA group vehicle for families, tours, events and wedding guests (available on request)Group travel · Family groups · Corporate groupsBook Coaster with driver
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to fly or drive from Islamabad to Skardu?
Flying is much faster but flights are often cancelled because of mountain weather. Driving is long but gives you the Karakoram Highway and the Indus valley, and a driver can also take you to Hunza and Deosai on the same trip.
Can I hire a car with driver from Islamabad to Skardu?
Yes. We provide a car with a professional driver from Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Skardu, one-way, round trip or as part of a multi-day tour.
Which route is better, Karakoram Highway or Babusar?
The Karakoram Highway is the all-season road. The Babusar route is shorter in summer but only open in the warm months. Your driver chooses with you based on the weather and news on the day.
How many days do I need for Skardu?
Plan at least five to six days including travel, more if you want Deosai, Khaplu and Hunza.
Is a 4x4 necessary for Skardu?
Not for the main road, but a 4x4 SUV is more comfortable on long mountain days and is the usual choice. Deosai and some valley roads are better with a 4x4.
Does the driver stay with us during the trip?
Yes. The same professional driver stays with you from pickup to drop-off.
Related pages
Islamabad to Skardu Car With DriverBook a car with professional driver from Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Skardu→
Car Rental in Skardu With DriverCar with professional driver for travel to and from Skardu, based in Islamabad: upper and Lower Kachura lakes.→
Islamabad to Deosai National Park Car With DriverCar with professional driver from Islamabad to Deosai National Park (Skardu / Astore): high-altitude plateau scenery.→
Northern Pakistan by Car: Itineraries for Hunza, Skardu, Naran and SwatDay-by-day road trip plans from Islamabad to Naran, Swat, Hunza and Skardu, with typical driving times, the best vehicle and when to go.→
Prado on Rent in Islamabad With Professional DriverPrado with professional driver in Islamabad: family travel, northern areas, long-distance trips→
Tell us your plan, get a quote
Call, WhatsApp or send the booking form with your pickup, destination and dates.