Shigar Valley: North of Skardu on the Road to Askole
Shigar is a valley north of Skardu along the Shigar River, on the road that continues to Askole, the last village before the Baltoro Glacier.
About Shigar Valley
The valley is green and cultivated compared with the surrounding mountains, and every jeep journey from Skardu to Askole passes through it. Shigar is a district of Gilgit-Baltistan in its own right.
Our autumn and cherry blossom tours include a jeep excursion to Shigar from Skardu, and the jeep safari also visits.
Trips that include Shigar Valley
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Plains Jeep Safari | 10 | Mid July to Mid September. | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek | 18 | Late June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 18 | Late June to Early September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Khusar Gang Expedition | 18 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Snow Lake Trek | 21 | June to September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Shigar Valley
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
04: Skardu to Askole
Drive along a rugged jeep track through Shigar Valley to Askole (3,000m), the last village before the wilderness. Overnight in tents.
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
04: Jeep to Askole
Jeep ride through the Shigar Valley and up the Braldu Valley to Askole (3,000 m), the last village on the route. Overnight in tents.
04: Skardu to Askole
Jeep drive along the Shigar/Braldu Valley to Askole (3,000m). Overnight in tents.
14: Trek back to Kashmal Village then drive to Skardu
After breakfast, we will trek back to Kashmal Village and drive to Skardu ( during driving to Skardu, you can visit Shigar Fort and Amboriq Mosque 1200 years old) Upon arrival transfer to hotel and check-in. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
08: Explore Shigar Valley
After breakfast, we will take a jeep excursion to Shigar Valley, and in the afternoon, we will visit the local bazaars of Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
04: Skardu to Shigar Valley & Khaplu Excursion
Board 4x4 jeeps for an acclimatization day tour to the historic Shigar Valley and Khaplu. Explore the centuries-old Shigar Fort, Amburiq Mosque, and the Royal Khaplu Palace. Return to Skardu in the evening to finalize the safari expedition gear. Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
Planning notes
- Shigar is a day trip from Skardu in the tour itineraries.
- Treks to K2 base camp, Snow Lake and the expeditions drive through Shigar on the way to Askole.
- Compare seasons in the table above: spring blossom and autumn colour tours run at different times.