Best Hotels in Skardu for Every Budget: Where to Stay in 2025
Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up in a palace once home to kings, or sip morning chai beside a mirror-like lake that reflects snow-capped giants? In Skardu, these aren’t travel brochure fantasies — they’re daily experiences. And it all starts with choosing the right place to stay.
This isn’t just a list of hotels. It’s a curated experience — from royal forts turned into heritage retreats to hidden homestays where the hosts feel like long-lost family. Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a mid-budget explorer, or a backpacker on a tight schedule, this guide brings you honest reviews, practical advice, and real traveler insight.
I’ve personally stayed in several of these, and spoken with dozens of fellow travelers — some raving about their breakfast with a view, others sharing quiet evenings with local families over walnut cake and stories. I’ve also gone the extra mile to include hotel prices, booking tips, and even social media handles where available, so you can plan your trip more efficiently.
Skardu isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling. And where you sleep each night can shape how you remember this journey. Let’s find the place that fits your style, your pace, and your story.
Table of Contents
Top Hotels in Skardu (Luxury to Budget Picks)
Serena Shigar Fort – Luxury in a 17th-Century Palace
Price: PKR 28,000–35,000 per night
Instagram: @serenahotels
Website: serenahotels.com
Set against the dramatic Karakoram peaks and nestled within the ancient village of Shigar, Serena Shigar Fort is unlike any other hotel in Pakistan. Originally constructed in the 1600s by the Raja of Shigar, this royal fort has been transformed by the Aga Khan Cultural Service into a luxury heritage hotel — without losing an ounce of its original grandeur.
Step inside and you’re walking through centuries of history. From intricately carved wooden ceilings to narrow stone staircases that open into sun-soaked courtyards, every detail feels deliberate, every moment steeped in time. Yet despite the age-old ambiance, the hotel is equipped with all modern comforts: central heating, warm water, fine dining, and personalized service.
The on-site museum gives you a deeper look into Balti culture, showcasing artifacts, weapons, and documents from Shigar’s past. Meanwhile, the fine-dining restaurant offers both local and continental cuisine, with apricot-laced mutton curry being a standout.
Whether you’re curled up in a room with antique Balti decor or sipping green tea under autumn-hued apricot trees, it’s the kind of place that turns travelers into storytellers.
Ideal for: Couples, history lovers, solo luxury travelers, honeymooners Booking Tip: Reserve 2–3 months ahead in peak season. Autumn offers magical views with fewer crowds.
Personal Note: I stayed here in October, and the golden leaves mixed with the old stone architecture made it feel like something out of a historical novel. The silence at night was haunting — in the best way.
Shangrila Resort Skardu (Mid to Luxury)
Nestled beside the serene Lower Kachura Lake, Shangrila Resort is one of Skardu’s most iconic stays. Often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” this red-roofed resort was originally a rest house for government officers before being converted into a full-fledged resort. Its vintage airplane café and landscaped gardens make it a popular choice for families and photographers alike.
Each cottage at Shangrila faces the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and mirrored waters. Rooms are well-maintained, featuring modern comforts like heaters, TVs, and mini fridges. While not ultra-luxurious in terms of design, the setting more than makes up for it.
The highlight of this resort is its accessibility to paddle boating, lakefront dining, and walkable trails around the property. It’s a great place to base yourself if you prefer staying somewhere beautiful and active, rather than just using it as a crash pad.
Price Range: PKR 20,000–30,000 per night during high season. Best For: Families, couples, Instagram enthusiasts.
Social: @shangrilaresorts
Travel Tip: Book well in advance for summer (June–August), as it tends to sell out fast.
Hotel One Skardu (Mid-Range Reliability)
Hotel One, a project by Pearl Continental (PC), is a reliable choice for travelers looking for cleanliness, comfort, and professionalism. Located conveniently close to the Skardu airport and bazaar, it’s ideal for first-timers or business travelers who want everything within reach.
Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned (rare in Skardu), and equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs, heating systems, and 24/7 power — which is a big plus in a region with frequent outages. The decor is modern and simple, perfect for those who want comfort over rustic charm.
They also provide airport pick and drop services, car rentals, and can help organize local tours. Their in-house restaurant serves a good range of dishes, though local food lovers might want to explore eateries in the bazaar.
Price Range: PKR 12,000–18,000 per night. Best For: First-time visitors, business travelers, families.
Social: @hotelonepk
Pro Tip: Ask for mountain-facing rooms on the top floor — the view of the Indus River snaking through the valley is spectacular.
Reego Hotel Skardu (Mid-Range Boutique Feel)
If you’re looking for something modern yet intimate, Reego Hotel in Skardu town strikes the right balance. It’s located in a quieter area away from the bustle but still offers easy access to the main bazaar. The hotel’s design blends Balti woodwork with clean, minimalistic aesthetics.
Rooms are tastefully done, with comfortable beds, spotless bathrooms, and balconies that open up to mountain views. The best part is their personalized service — the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Breakfasts here are hearty, and the kitchen often whips up home-style Balti meals on request. The hotel also arranges small bonfires and storytelling sessions in the evenings — which is how I once ended up hearing haunted tales of the Karakoram!
Price Range: PKR 8,000–12,000 per night. Best For: Couples, solo travelers, cultural tourists.
Social: @reegohotels
Anecdote: The owner once shared local ghost stories with us over a bonfire. Still gives me goosebumps!
Baltistan Continental Hotel (Budget with Comfort)
One of Skardu’s oldest operating hotels, Baltistan Continental might not look fancy, but it delivers on practicality and accessibility. Located right near the Skardu Bazaar, this hotel is a hub for trekkers, student groups, and budget travelers looking for a basic place to sleep.
Rooms are functional, with clean beds, attached bathrooms, and warm blankets. There’s a restaurant on-site that serves surprisingly decent desi meals, and the staff are used to helping tourists arrange local transport and permits.
While you won’t find high-end amenities here, you will get a clean bed, hot water (on most days), and plenty of local advice.
Price Range: PKR 3,000–5,000 per night. Best For: Backpackers, students, transit travelers. Social: Not available.
Guest Houses & Homestays (Authentic & Affordable)
For travelers looking to connect more deeply with Balti culture, homestays and guest houses are the way to go. Places like Hussain’s Homestay in Hussainabad and Norzain Guest House near Satpara Road are known for their warm hosts, homemade meals, and immersive experiences.
Rooms are usually basic — expect wooden floors, thick blankets, and a shared washroom. But the real value comes in conversations over chai, stories about mountain spirits, and even participating in daily chores like harvesting apricots or preparing traditional meals.
Price Range: PKR 1,500–4,000 per night. Best For: Cultural explorers, budget travelers, solo nomads. Social: Not all have social media; local Facebook travel groups are helpful.
Note: Always message or call ahead to confirm availability and location.
How to Choose the Best Hotel in Skardu (Step-by-Step)
Choosing the right hotel in Skardu can make or break your trip. The region offers a variety of accommodations — from luxury resorts to budget homestays — and your experience will
depend heavily on where you stay. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice for your journey.
Step 1: Know Your Travel Style
Before you even open a booking site, ask yourself: what kind of traveler are you? If you crave plush beds, room service, and scenic balconies, a high-end option like Serena Shigar Fort or Shangrila Resort will speak your love language. These hotels are ideal for honeymooners or families looking for comfort and heritage vibes.
On the flip side, if you’re a budget traveler, student, or backpacker — Skardu offers some fantastic local guesthouses and homestays. Places like Baltistan Continental or smaller family-run lodgings offer warm hospitality, local food, and authentic conversations — often for under Rs. 5,000 a night.
Step 2: Consider the Season
Prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal if you’re looking for moderate weather, fewer tourists, and lower rates. In summer (June–August), demand skyrockets due to domestic tourism — so book your hotel well in advance, especially if you’re aiming for popular spots like Shangrila or Khaplu Serena.
Winter, while scenic, comes with limited hotel operations and transportation hurdles — only go if you’re prepared for freezing conditions and some closures.
Step 3: Check the Location
Skardu’s geography offers diverse experiences, and your choice of location matters. Want a peaceful retreat near water? Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes have scenic lodges and lakefront resorts. If you prefer being close to the bazaar and transport options, stay near the Skardu city center — hotels like Reego or Hotel One offer that convenience.
If you’re after something quieter or culturally rich, explore boutique hotels in Shigar or Khaplu, where ancient forts, riverside views, and lush orchards offer a more immersive experience.
Step 4: Read Real Reviews
Don’t rely solely on booking websites. Check Google Reviews, Facebook travel groups, and Pakistani travel forums like The Karakoram Club or Backpack Pakistan. These
platforms give you raw, unfiltered insights — including tips on food quality, staff behavior, Wi-Fi strength, and the actual condition of rooms.
Step 5: Confirm Essentials
Skardu is beautiful — but remote. Essentials like hot water, room heating, Wi-Fi, and electricity backups are not guaranteed everywhere. Even in summer, nights can get chilly. Always call the hotel to confirm these basics, especially if you’re traveling with children, elders, or during the off-season.
The Takeaway
Traveling in Pakistan is both exciting and accessible because to its varied transportation system. Every type of traveler has an alternative, from the convenience of ride-hailing services to the affordability of buses and trains.
Metro busses, Careem, and Uber are the most convenient means of transportation for brief city excursions. Pakistan’s picturesque train routes and opulent bus services offer comfortable and reasonably priced long-distance travel. The quickest option to travel long distances is still by domestic flight, particularly when traveling to far-flung northern locations.
Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan? Plan your vacation now to take advantage of the amazing nation’s transportation infrastructure!
Explore carefully planned tours to see the best of this fascinating nation. Please get in touch if you would need more travel advice; we are happy to assist you in organizing your upcoming journey! Additionally, by completing this form, you can personalize your journey.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
1.What’s the best hotel in Skardu for families
Shangrila Resort is great for families due to its gardens, lake, and child-friendly environment.
2. Are there any luxury resorts in Skardu?
Yes, Serena Shigar Fort and Shangrila are top luxury choices.
3.What’s the cheapest accommodation in Skardu?
Guesthouses and homestays offer beds for as low as PKR 1,500/night.
4. Do Skardu hotels have Wi-Fi?
Most do, but the connection is slow. Reego and Hotel One have more reliable service.
5. Is it safe to stay in local homestays? Absolutely. Balti hospitality is warm, and guests are treated with deep respect.
6. How early should I book hotels for summer?
Ideally 2–3 months in advance, especially for June–August.
7. Do hotels in Skardu accept credit cards?
Some do, like Serena and Hotel One. Most budget places accept cash only.
8. Can I cook my own food in guesthouses?
Some homestays allow it. Always ask beforehand.
9. Are there female-only accommodations?
Not specifically, but most places are safe and can arrange private rooms for solo female travelers.
10. What’s the average hotel price in Skardu? Mid-range hotels average around PKR 10,000–15,000 per night.
11. Which hotel offers the best view in Skardu? Shangrila and Serena Fort offer the most scenic surroundings.
Daniel loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations and making new friends. Writing blog posts since 2015, Daniel says it helps him to document his travels and cherish them. He loves the fact that what he writes might actually help someone have a better experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his spare time, he loves listening to Tchaikovsky and spend time with his dog Coconut.
