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Rent a Car from Karachi to Skardu

Rent a Car from Karachi to Skardu – High-Altitude Road Trip

Skardu is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, deep within the Karakoram mountain range. It is one of Pakistan’s most adventurous travel destinations, famous for alpine lakes, mountain views, and treks to K2. Traveling from Karachi to Skardu by road requires planning, vehicle selection, and a solid understanding of terrain. ZJ Rent a Car offers reliable vehicles, trained drivers, and custom plans for long-distance travel.

Where is Skardu and How Far is It?

Skardu is roughly 2,200 to 2,400 kilometers from Karachi, depending on your exact route. The journey takes 3–4 days by car with breaks and overnight stays in cities like Multan, Islamabad, and Chilas.

Travel Route and Distance Breakdown

Segment Distance Estimated Time
Karachi to Lahore 1,200 km 15–17 hours
Lahore to Islamabad 375 km 4–5 hours
Islamabad to Skardu (via Jaglot) 620 km 16–20 hours

Total Distance: ~2,200 km | Total Time: ~35–42 hours (with breaks)

Altitude Zones

  • Islamabad: ~540 meters
  • Gilgit: ~1,500 meters
  • Skardu: ~2,230 meters

Altitude adjustment is important. Avoid rapid ascents and take rest days for acclimatization, especially for children or older travelers.

What Vehicle Should You Rent?

Route Type Recommended Vehicle Reason
Karachi to Lahore Sedan / Economy Motorways – flat and smooth roads
Islamabad to Jaglot SUV / 4×4 Curved mountain roads
Jaglot to Skardu Only SUV (Prado/Fortuner/Revo) Unpaved, high-risk, weather-sensitive terrain

Explore vehicle options for every segment.

Estimated Rental Costs (One-Way)

Vehicle Type With Driver Self-Drive
SUV PKR 160,000 – 230,000 PKR 145,000 – 200,000
Van PKR 180,000 – 250,000 Driver only
Economy (Karachi to Islamabad only) PKR 50,000 – 65,000 PKR 45,000 – 60,000

Key Fuel and Supply Stops

  • Lahore – refuel and rest
  • Islamabad – food and full tank for mountains
  • Jaglot – last major fuel stop before Skardu

Risk Assessment by Segment

  • Karachi to Islamabad – Low (motorway)
  • Islamabad to Jaglot – Medium (mountain curves)
  • Jaglot to Skardu – High (gravel tracks, landslides, narrow roads)

Choose an experienced mountain driver. ZJ Rent a Car offers this on request.

Required Documents

  • CNIC (original and copy)
  • Valid driving license (for self-drive)
  • Hotel reservations for stopovers
  • Travel insurance (optional)

Packing Checklist for Skardu

  • Thermal wear and waterproof jackets
  • Sunglasses and sunblock
  • Water bottles, dry food, first aid kit
  • Offline maps or physical route guide
  • Power bank, flashlight, emergency numbers

Top Places to Visit in Skardu

  • Shangrila Resort and Lake
  • Satpara Lake
  • Shigar Fort
  • Deosai National Park
  • K2 base camp gateway

How to Book with ZJ Rent a Car

  1. Call: 0333 7000909 or 0321 3771448
  2. Select vehicle and travel dates
  3. Choose route and add stopovers
  4. Confirm driver or self-drive option

Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Karachi to Multan (overnight)
  2. Day 2: Multan to Islamabad (overnight)
  3. Day 3: Islamabad to Jaglot
  4. Day 4: Jaglot to Skardu

Side Trips and Add-ons

Start Your Trip Smoothly

Book your car today to begin your Skardu journey directly from Karachi.

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    0333 7000909

    Block #13, Shop #20, Islam Plaza, Naseer Abad, Federal B Area, Karachi-75950

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