Traveling to Skardu, Pakistan? If you’re planning to go to Skardu, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
When to go to Skardu, Pakistan
Based on the climate and weather in Skardu, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Skardu, Pakistan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Skardu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
Skardu is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- Touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- Ibuprofen
- Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and D. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Skardu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- If you plan to visit a mosque, pack clothing that covers the knees and shoulders
- Appropriate museum wear
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Kargil travelers will do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Skardu, Pakistan by month
January
If you are traveling to Skardu in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow once in a while.
Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost almost every day of the month.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Gloves
- Heavy sweaters:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Scarf our favorite
- Pajamas
- Thermal undergarments. We like:
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Skardu, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
- Skardu has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear
February
February in Skardu is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Scarf our favorite
- Pajamas
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Heavy sweaters:
- Thermal undergarments. We like:
- Gloves
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- In addition to regular shoes, it’s important to bring snow boots. For visiting Skardu, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential here. This one is a great choice.
- Skardu has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear
March
March in Skardu is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Sweaters
- Insulated water bottle
- Gloves or mittens
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Heavy jacket
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, it’s important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Skardu, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
- Skardu has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear
April
April in Skardu can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Jacket or coat
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Skardu, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
- Skardu has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear
May
May in this region can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. There is frost sometimes. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We recommend: this one
June
June in Skardu is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- Standard footwear
- Long skirts
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don’t get wet. We like: this one
July
July in Skardu is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Pants or jeans
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Socks
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- Light jacket or fleece
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We recommend: this one
August
August in Skardu is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Pants or jeans
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Socks
- Dresses
- A rain coat to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases stay dry. We like: this one
September
If you visit Skardu during September, you will probably notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We like: this one
October
If you are traveling to Skardu in October, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Socks
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Skardu, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is something you need here. This one is a great option.
- Skardu has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear
November
November in Skardu can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
December
December in Skardu is frigid. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Fleeces
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Pajamas
- Lip balm
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Gloves
- Scarf our favorite
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Heavy sweaters:
- Thermal undergarments. We chose:
- In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Skardu, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
- Skardu has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- …and of course your ski gear