When it comes to the best time to visit Skardu, there are three distinct seasons. April through October is considered the tourist season when the weather in Skardu is at its finest. Temperatures may vary from 26°C to 12°C, with rainfall ranging from three to four times per month.
Hunza, on the other hand, has a much lower average temperature than these others. However, the winter season in Hunza can dip below -10°C; December to February is when it happens most frequently. Therefore, flights are commonly canceled in Skardu during this period because it is not the best time to visit.
Skardu Valley, the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is the epitome of beauty, serenity, and wilderness in the extreme north of Pakistan. Mighty Tracks are connected to some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2, K3, and Gasherbrum. Therefore, it is also known as the ‘Land of Giants’. Above all, These giant mountains appeal to thousands of hikers from worldwide every year in this Valley. We offer carefully curated tour packages for Hunza Valley and Skardu travel packages, available by road or air.
During this season, make a trip to Gilgit Baltistan to view the area in golden fall hues. Winter transforms Skardu into a magnificent white fantasy realm, but getting access to the city will be more difficult. Skardu: a gem of beauty and peace.
As soon as the winter season gets started, this questing makes the round at our query center. Is Skardu open in winter? So the answer is YES. Although Skardu remains open the whole year. In the winter season, airflow becomes unpredictable due to rapid weather conditions changes.
Most of the time, the flight (Only PIA flights operational for Skardu) is either delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. However, traveling by road is still possible with no barriers. The winter season in Skardu begins at the end of September and lasts until the end of March. Between December and February, Baltistan is covered in snow. During these months, the area is surrounded by snowflakes.
In winter, the weather in Skardu and Baltistan is frequently overcast. It makes it virtually impossible for mountaineers to reach K2 during their trip. The temperature plummets below -25 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the average temperature is -10°C to -15°C.
Summer is the peak season to visit Skardu and its surrounding places. In the summer season, the beauty of Skardu is enhanced by its pristine spring water, delectable fruits, the blue Indus River water, historical sites, lakes, and pleasant weather that draws tourists from all over the world.
Skardu is best visited during the summer months of June, July, August, and September. It’s the ideal time to enjoy lush green scenery at a pleasant temperature without excessive rain and flee from the oppressive heat in Pakistan elsewhere. October is another excellent month to visit Skardu.
Skardu city is the main urban area and headquarters of the Skardu district, a strategically important northern area of Pakistan that adjoins China, Afghanistan, and India. The region is a significant travel and trekking destination, and the valley serves as a gateway to four mountains towering over 8,000 meters high.
The valley is a popular destination for mountaineers throughout the year, with an active season from April through October. The area is also snowy and chilly in the winter. Summer in Skardu is lovely, with lake Kachura, the Mantokha waterfall, the Sarfranga Cold Desert, Shigar Fort, and Buddha Rock.
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Hunza Valley, located in the northern part of Pakistan, is renowned for its stunning lakes, majestic peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and breathtaking scenery. Travelers from around the world are eager to explore this beautiful region.
Adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers particularly enjoy the changing weather of Hunza Valley, which offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year. Below is a breakdown of the seasons in Hunza Valley.
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Spring brings a burst of color and numerous activities for travelers in Hunza Valley. The best months to visit are from March to May, when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures (5°C to 10°C) are comfortable.
Spring is an ideal season for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, as it features clear trails, stunning landscapes, and lush greenery accompanied by blooming flowers. Significant treks include the Passu Glacier Trek, Ultar Sar Base Camp Trek, and Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek.
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The Hunza Valley is particularly famous for its summer activities, including trekking and boating on Attabad Lake. The summer season entices travelers from around the globe, making it the best time to visit the Hunza Valley. The mild temperature (15°C to 20°C) makes this tourist destination the most visited in the summer season.
Visitors can enjoy a memorable experience exploring the mountains and vibrant blue waters during boating on Attabad Lake, as well as trekking in the pleasant weather amidst stunning landscapes.
Autumn in Hunza begins in September and lasts until November, with benign temperatures (10°C to 15°C), just before winter sets in. This season is famous for its picturesque autumn colors and pleasantly cool weather, as the leaves on the trees transform into shades of red, orange, and yellow. These changing colors create a beautiful contrast against the towering mountains.
Autumn is an ideal season for visitors who wish to experience the crisp mornings and sunny afternoons while exploring the valley.
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Winter in Hunza follows autumn, bringing cold temperatures and snow-capped mountains from December to February, with freezing weather (-15°C to -10°C). The unique winter activities available attract many travelers to the valley during this season.
It is an excellent time to visit Hunza Valley for those who wish to explore the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape. Photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers especially travel to Hunza in winter.
| Months | High / Low (°C ) | Weather Condition | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / -15° | Heavy Snow | Open Till Attabad Lake |
| February | -8° / -10° | Snowy Areas | Open Till Attabad Lake |
| March | -5° / 0° | Partially Snowy | Open Till Passu Peaks |
| April | 10° / 5° | Spring Season | Completely Open |
| May | 15° / 10° | Greenery | Completely Open |
| June | 25° / 15° | Sunny - Green | Completely Open |
| July | 28° / 17° | Rainy | Completely Open |
| August | 30° / 18° | Partially Cloudy | Completely Open |
| September | 25° / 12° | Partially Green | Completely Open |
| October | 15° / 8° | Autumn Season | Completely Open |
| November | 7° / 0° | Too Cold to Visit | Partially Close |
| December | -5° / -8° | Partially Snow | Open Till Sost |
Weather conditions vary in season, and each offers a distinctive time for visitors to explore Hunza Valley. Travelers must be aware of the general climate and expected conditions by season before planning their visit.
The rain shadow effect influences the local weather, particularly the amount of snowfall. Therefore, travelers should be aware of these conditions before traveling to Hunza Valley.
Additionally, the high altitude can affect temperature and the prevailing visitor experience. Travelers should have realistic expectations about the weather conditions due to the elevation.
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Hunza and Skardu Valleys are rich in attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Here’s a guide to the best times to visit various locations in this stunning region:
Deosai Plain and Sheosar Lake represent the wild and untouched heart of Skardu, Pakistan. You can explore the rich flora and fauna of Deosai National Park year-round. However, it is best accessed via a 4×4 vehicle during the summer season (July to October) due to the off-road conditions. The area is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.
Chunda Valley is renowned for its beautiful autumn and spring seasons. The best time to visit is during autumn (October to November) when temperatures may drop to -5 °C. However, the valley also impresses visitors in summer (May to August) with breathtaking views and exciting activities.
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Basho Valley is off-limits during the heavy snowfall season, which runs from late December to early February. Nevertheless, the lake becomes vibrant during the summer months (June to September), offering delightful opportunities for boating and fishing against a backdrop of stunning, snow-capped mountains.
Attabad Lake is famous for its captivating views and is a popular stop for tourists exploring the upper reaches of Hunza Valley. The best time to visit this beautiful location is during the warmer months when the snow has melted, allowing for activities such as boating, jet skiing, and speed boating.
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Naltar Valley comes to life after the rainy season begins in July and August. From May to October, visitors can enjoy lush greenery and the crystal-clear Naltar Lakes (Blue Lake and Satrangi Lake). In winter, the forest transforms into a serene wonderland covered in snow, but access is limited due to frozen glaciers on the way.
Nagar Valley is a popular destination, especially among families and honeymooners, located at the foot of Rakaposhi Mountain (Mother of Mist). The valley is accessible year-round, but it shines brightest during the summer months when cozy hotels and guesthouses provide excellent service. The ideal times to visit are spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November), when the valley is bursting with vibrant colors.
Khunjerab Pass, the highest point on the Pak-China border, is only accessible during the summer months (June to October), making it an ideal time for families and children. Those fortunate enough to experience snowfall during the summer season will find it thrilling, though strong winds can make the temperature quite chilly. In winter, the oxygen level is low at the top, making it less suitable for visitors.
The best time to visit Skardu is from June to October, with moderate weather. Are you familiar with this Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan? It is famous for its wonderful topography and miraculous weather. It is unlike any other place in the world. All kinds of tourists come to this captivating valley, including nature lovers, photographers, documentarians, and mountaineers.
The temperature falls when the winter season hits the Valley. If you are also interested in travelling to Valley, this blog will be of interest to you. This post offers a comprehensive guide to Sakardu and some of its outstanding natural features and tourist attractions. Skardu to Deosai Jeep rent or fare is Rs.12000 PKR.
Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit Baltistan offer scenic beauty and adventurous experiences depending on the time of year. Each month brings its own unique weather, landscapes, and activities. A breakdown of what to expect in each season:
As temperatures begin to rise and the snow melts, March sees an influx of visitors eager to enjoy the emerging beauty.
The valley transforms into a colorful paradise with blooming cherry blossoms and apricot trees, enhancing the landscape and offering a stunning backdrop for visitors.
With warm weather, July is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and boating. The lush greenery adds to the joy of exploring the valley.
As autumn sets in, the leaves change color, creating a beautiful contrast against the mountains, making it an enchanting time to visit.
The end of autumn brings the first snowfall, which gradually covers the region, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
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Hunza Valley provides various tourist activities throughout the year:
Summer: The pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities such as trekking, especially on routes like the Rakaposhi base camp. Boating on Attabad Lake is also popular from May to July.
Spring: This season is vibrant with cultural festivals, including the Cherry Blossom Festival and Apricot Blossom celebrations, which typically happen from February to May.
Wildlife Spotting: For those interested in wildlife, the best time to see specific animals in Khunjerab National Park is from December to February, when snow bears, deer, and various birds come out to entertain visitors.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, the beauty of Hunza Valley is sure to leave a lasting impression no matter when you choose to visit.
Gilgit Baltistan sits at a height of 7,320 feet (2231 meters), making it one of the most beautiful retreats for mountaineers. Mountain ranges surround it, including the Karakorum. About ten kilometres in width and forty kilometres in length comprise the valley. The confluence of the Shigar and Indus rivers is a unique location for this ancient city.
One of the most remarkable natural features in Pakistan is this feature. This valley is a paradise of lush greenery, historic forts and panoramic mountain views, and a cold desert, freshwater rivers, and lakes. We will now review all these features in detail to discuss one of Pakistan’s most beautiful valleys.
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Lahore to Chillas via Babusar Top Road is a carpet fit for any vehicle. From Chillas to Raikot Bridge, some patches of worn-out road. Gilgit Skardu Road is very bumpy, narrow, and under construction. The main Attractions are Lower and Upper Kachura Lake, Kharpocho Fort, Manthoka Waterfall, Sarfranga Cold Desert, Khaplu Fort, Chaqchan Masjid, Shigar Fort, Deosai Plain, Sheosar Lake, Bara Pani and Kala Pani, Sadpara lake, Budha rocks.
Suggested Read: Beautiful Lakes of Gilgit Baltistan Skardu
| Tourist Attractions | Best Time | Temperature | Activities | What to Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deosai Plain | June to September | 15°C to 20°C | Brown Bear Sightseeing, Jeep Safari, Wildlife Photography, Camping | Warm Clothes, Joggers, Gloves, Woolen Cap |
| Shigar Valley | May to November | 20°C to 30°C | Jeep Safari, Paramotor, 4x4 ATV Ride, Bike Ride, Camping | Normal Clothes, Joggers, Gloves, Trouser |
| Basho Valley | April to October | 15°C to 25°C | Camping, Jeep Ride, Trekking, Bonfire, Fishing, Sightseeing | Warm Clothes, Joggers, Gloves, Shawls |
| Chunda Valley | March to December | 23°C to 32°C | Photography, Jeep Ride, Autumn & Spring Photography | Light Clothes, Snacks, Water, Camera |
| Masur Rock | June to October | 10°C to 18°C | 3-hour Hiking, Photography, Aerial View of Skardu, Trekking | Warm Suits, Joggers, Hiking Stick, Energy Drinks |
| Attabad Lake | March to November | 10°C to 25°C | Boat Riding, Star Gazing, Camping, Baskochi Trekking, Jet Skiing | Warm Clothes, Shawls, Gloves, Camera, Food |
| Khunjerab Pass | April to Mid-November | 5°C to 15°C | Sightseeing, Photography, Wildlife Photography, Birdwatching | Woolen Clothes, Joggers, Gloves, Food, Water |
| Naltar Valley | May to October | 15°C to 25°C | Jeep Riding, Camping, Visiting Lakes, Photography, Wildlife Tour | Warm Clothes, Snacks, Gloves, Woolen Cap |
| Nagar Hopar Valley | April to October | 12°C to 20°C | Admire Largest Glacier, Rush Lake Trek, Taste Local Food, Camping | Woolen Clothes, Trekking Shoes, Warm Hats |
