A roundup of the practical tips we find ourselves repeating most often to first-time visitors.
Before you go
- Book Skardu flights as early as possible, especially for June–August or April blossom season
- Build at least one buffer day into your itinerary in case of weather-related flight delays
- Get your local SIM card in Islamabad before flying north — options in Skardu itself are more limited
Money
- Carry sufficient PKR cash — ATMs in Skardu have limited availability, and most local shops and restaurants are cash-only
- We (and most hotels) now accept credit/debit cards, JazzCash, EasyPaisa and bank transfer for bookings — but day-to-day spending is still largely cash
Health and comfort
- Take your first day in Skardu city easy before the Deosai day trip — mild altitude effects are common at first
- Pack layers regardless of season — daytime and nighttime temperatures swing significantly year-round
- Sunscreen matters more than you’d expect — high-altitude sun is intense even on cool days
Logistics
- A local guide is genuinely worth it, both for navigation on unmarked roads and for cultural context you’d otherwise miss
- Confirm jeep/vehicle costs are quoted per vehicle, not per person, if arranging transport independently
- Expect no mobile signal in Deosai and most side valleys — let people know in advance rather than worrying them
Respect the region
Dress modestly outside hotels, ask before photographing local people, and carry out any waste you bring in, particularly on Deosai and trekking routes. See our Responsible Tourism guide for more on this.