RentalSawariPakistan

Intercity route

Rent a Car from Islamabad to Skardu

720 km · 16-22 hour drive · PKR 85,000–PKR 160,000 with driver

720 km
16–22 hours
Best: Toyota Land Cruiser V8
May to September (snow closes road outside these months)

Islamabad to Skardu is a 720 km drive that takes 16–22 hours one-way and costs PKR 85,000–PKR 160,000 with a driver-inclusive rental. Best months: may to september (snow closes road outside these months).

About the Islamabad to Skardu route

Islamabad to Skardu by road is 720 km via the KKH and the Skardu Road — 16-22 hours depending on weather, almost always split as a 2-day journey. Most foreign tourists fly instead (PIA operates daily 1-hour flights from Islamabad to Skardu, PKR 22,000-30,000 one-way) and rent a 4x4 locally in Skardu for the in-region travel. For renters insisting on the drive, a Land Cruiser V8 with experienced driver is the only acceptable vehicle. Package prices: PKR 85,000-110,000 for a 5-day round trip including the drive, PKR 130,000-160,000 for the premium itinerary covering Deosai Plateau, Sheosar Lake, and the K2 base camp viewpoint at Concordia (requires separate trekking arrangements).

Recommended stops along the way

  • Besham or Chilas (overnight)
  • Jaglot
  • Skardu Town
  • Shangrila Resort
  • Deosai Plateau (extension)
  • Satpara Lake

Best time of year

May to September (snow closes road outside these months). Always confirm current road conditions with the vendor before paying any deposit — Pakistani mountain weather can change abruptly.

Vendors in Islamabad who run this route

12

FAQ

FAQ — Islamabad to Skardu

  • How long is the drive from Islamabad to Skardu?

    720 km one-way, typically 16-22 hours depending on traffic and weather. The route's standard rental package handles the drive with an experienced local driver.

  • How much does a car rental cost for the Islamabad to Skardu route?

    Verified vendors in Islamabad quote PKR 85,000–PKR 160,000 for the route, typically inclusive of vehicle, driver, fuel, and motorway tolls. Hotels, meals, and side-trip entry fees are usually separate. Multi-day packages discount 15-30%.

  • Which car is best for the Islamabad to Skardu route?

    Most vendors recommend a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 or equivalent. The right vehicle depends on terrain, season, and group size — confirm in your WhatsApp inquiry.

  • When is the best time of year for the Islamabad to Skardu route?

    May to September (snow closes road outside these months). Always confirm road conditions with the vendor before paying any deposit — Pakistani mountain weather can shift quickly and closures happen.

  • Can I make stops along the way?

    Yes — most rental packages include 2-4 hours of total stop time along the route at no extra charge. Common stops: Besham or Chilas (overnight), Jaglot, Skardu Town. For longer detours, expect a per-stop or per-extra-km surcharge.

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