Skardu Road ” The Road to Paradise “
If there is one journey in Pakistan that perfectly captures the “the journey is as beautiful as the destination” sentiment, it is the Jaglot-Skardu Road (JSR). Known officially as Strategic Highway 1 (S-1), this road is the lifeline of Baltistan and has recently undergone a massive transformation, turning a once-terrifying 10-hour crawl into one of the most scenic 3-hour drives in the world.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveler, here is everything you need to know about the Skardu road in 2025.
1. The Route: Two Way Reach Skardu
To reach the starting point of the Skardu road (Jaglot), you typically start from Islamabad. You have two main options:
- The Seasonal Route (Via Babusar Top): Best from June to October. This takes you through the lush green valleys of Naran and Kaghan. Crossing Babusar Top at 13,691 feet is a highlight in itself.
- The Year-Round Route (Via KKH):Â This route follows the Karakoram Highway through Besham and Chilas. It is longer and hotter in the summer but is the only way to reach Skardu when snow closes the high passes.
Total Distance:Â ~635 km from Islamabad.
Total Time: 18–22 hours (often broken into a two-day trip with a stay in Naran or Chilas).
2. The Experience: Jaglot to Skardu (JSR)
The real magic begins at Jaglot, where you turn off the Karakoram Highway onto the JSR.
Thanks to recent upgrades by the FWO, the road has been widened from a measly 3.6 meters to over 7 meters. This means two-way traffic can now pass comfortably, and the travel time from Gilgit/Jaglot to Skardu has been slashed from 10 hours to about 3.5–4 hours.
What to Expect:
- The Gushing Indus:Â The road hugs the mighty Indus River for almost the entire duration. The turquoise (or muddy, depending on the season) water contrasts sharply with the rugged, vertical cliffs.
- The “Hanging” Mountains:Â You will drive under massive rock overhangs that look like they were carved with a giant chisel.
- Engineering Marvels: You’ll cross several high-altitude bridges, including the famous Alam Bridge and the newly restored Astak Bridge (which saw major repairs after the 2025 monsoon floods).
3. Top Stops Along the Way
Don’t just drive through; make sure to stop at these iconic locations:
- The Junction of Three Mountain Ranges: At Jaglot, you can stand at the unique point where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush meet. It’s also where the Gilgit River joins the Indus.
- Nanga Parbat Viewpoint:Â On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the “Killer Mountain,” the 9th highest peak in the world.
- Astak Nala: A popular midpoint stop for lunch.[5] There are several riverside restaurants where you can enjoy local trout or a hot cup of chai while listening to the roaring stream.
- Partab Pul:Â A historic bridge over a century old that tells the story of the ancient routes into Baltistan.
4. Essential Travel Tips for 2025
Safety First
While the road is now paved and wide, it is still a high-mountain highway.
- Landslides: Even in 2025, the road is prone to landslides during the monsoon (July-August) and heavy snow. Always check the live road status on local Facebook groups or the NDMA website before starting.
- Avoid Night Travel: Stick to daylight hours (5 AM – 5 PM). Visibility is poor at night, and rockfall is harder to spot.
Connectivity
Standard SIM cards (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) have very poor reception once you leave Jaglot. SCOM is the most reliable network in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pick up an SCOM SIM in Gilgit or Skardu for consistent data and calling.
Vehicle Choice
A 4×4 is no longer “mandatory” for the main road to Skardu city—most modern sedans can handle the new JSR easily. However, if you plan to visit Deosai Plains or Basho Valley once you reach Skardu, a high-clearance jeep is essential.
Fuel & Supplies
There are fuel stations at Jaglot and a few smaller ones near Astak, but it’s always wise to top up your tank before leaving the Gilgit/Jaglot area.
Ready to pack your bags? Just Contact Us – Skardu is waiting!
