June sits at a useful point in the Skardu calendar. The worst of winter is long gone, the passes are clearing, and Deosai National Park is opening up for the first time since autumn. It is not the most popular month, July and August take that title, but for many travellers June is actually the better choice. This guide explains why, and what to watch out for.
Why June is worth considering
Peak season in Skardu runs from late June through August. Arriving at the start of the window means shorter queues, less competition for accommodation, and landscapes that are still green from snowmelt rather than the sun-bleached brown that sets in by late summer.
The days are long: sunrise before 5am, light until nearly 8pm. That matters for photography and for packing in full days without feeling rushed. The rivers are running high and fast from melting snow, which makes certain jeep crossings harder (more on that below) but also means the waterfalls are at their most impressive.
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Critically, Deosai National Park typically opens in late May or early June. If seeing Deosai while the plateau is green and the wildflowers are just beginning is your main reason for coming, June is the right time to come.
Weather in Skardu in June
Skardu city sits at around 2,400 metres. In June, daytime temperatures typically reach 22 to 28°C, and overnight temperatures drop to 10 to 15°C. It feels warm in the sun and noticeably cool in shade or after dark. Pack accordingly.
Afternoon cloud build-up is common from mid-June onwards. Rain is possible, usually in short bursts rather than sustained downpours. Mornings tend to be clearer, which is one reason to plan photography and drives for the first half of the day.
At altitude things change quickly. Deosai sits at 4,100 metres and can be 5 to 15°C even on a warm June day, with wind that makes it feel colder. A light waterproof and a warm mid-layer are not optional up there. For a full kit list, see our guide on what to pack for the region.
Deosai in June: the headline attraction
If you ask most people who have been to Skardu what the highlight was, they will say Deosai. And June is one of the best months to go.
The plateau emerges from under snow over a period of weeks, and the sequence matters. In late May and early June, the grass is intensely green, fed by melt water, not yet bleached by summer sun. The wildflowers are beginning. The brown bears are out and active after a winter underground. Sheosar Lake, the glacier-fed lake near the centre of the plateau, becomes accessible and reflects a sky and peaks that look very different at this time of year from the drier late-summer version.
By July and August, Deosai is drier, the flowers peak and then fade, and the plateau sees more visitors. June has fewer people and greener ground. For landscape photography in particular, early June on Deosai is exceptional.
Road conditions in early June
There is a genuine caveat. The Deosai road can be soft and muddy in early June, particularly after rain. In some years, sections of the track are passable only in a well-prepared 4WD, and in a heavy snow year the road may not open until mid-June. Always check current conditions with a local operator before finalising your dates. We would not book a Deosai day without confirming the road is open and dry enough for the vehicle being used.
Flights to Skardu in June
The Skardu airport is served by PIA and Air Sial from Islamabad. The flight takes around 45 minutes and, on a clear day, passes directly over some of the highest peaks in the Karakoram. It is a remarkable approach.
June is significantly better than winter for flight reliability, but weather cancellations are a year-round reality at Skardu. The airport sits in a valley, and cloud or wind can close it without much warning. Build at least one buffer day into each end of the trip, arrival and departure. For more detail on managing the flight situation, see our Skardu flights guide. Our best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan guide covers seasonal flight reliability across the region.
What else is open in June
Most of the main sites around Skardu are fully accessible in June:
- Kharpocho Fort: open year-round. The walk up takes 20 minutes. Views over the valley in June are excellent, with the river running high below.
- Satpara Lake: the reservoir south of Skardu city is accessible and at high water in June. A short drive from the city.
- Shigar Fort Palace: one of the finest heritage properties in northern Pakistan, set in its own valley 30 minutes east of Skardu. Open and bookable. The Shigar valley itself is green in June and worth a full day.
- Manthokha Waterfall: on the road to Khaplu, snowmelt in June pushes it to its most dramatic. Worth building into a day trip east.
- Kachura Lakes: both Upper and Lower Kachura are accessible. The turquoise water contrasts well with the surrounding hills.
What is not great in June
- Some jeep crossings are harder. High snowmelt rivers make certain river crossings that are straightforward in September more difficult or impassable. If your itinerary involves remote jeep tracks, check conditions in advance.
- Some high-altitude treks are not yet fully accessible. Passes above 4,500 metres may still carry significant snow in early June. The K2 Base Camp approach and Gondogoro La are typically doable from late June but conditions vary by year.
- Early June Deosai can be muddy. As above, road conditions are the main variable. Later in June this mostly resolves.
- Accommodation books out faster than you expect. Shigar Fort Palace in particular fills up. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
Suggested itinerary: 7 to 9 days in June
Days 1 to 2: Arrive, acclimatise, Skardu base
Fly Islamabad to Skardu (build in a buffer day for cancellations). Settle in, walk the bazaar, visit Kharpocho Fort in the afternoon. Keep day 2 light, a short drive to Lower Kachura Lake, early dinner, early night. The altitude is 2,400 metres; there is no need to push on day one.
Day 3: Kharpocho, Satpara, and the valley
A full day around the Skardu valley: the cold desert in the morning (the Sarfaranga sand dunes with snowfields behind them are best in morning light), Satpara Lake in the afternoon, return via the Indus for the last light. This day does not require a high-altitude drive and is a good first full day.
Day 4: Shigar valley day trip
Drive east to Shigar. Visit Shigar Fort Palace and the surrounding village. The valley in June is green and worth spending several hours in rather than treating as a quick stop. Return to Skardu in the evening.
Days 5 to 6: Deosai overnight
Leave Skardu at 7am, drive up to Deosai (2 to 3 hours), spend the day on the plateau: Sheosar Lake, bear-spotting with a ranger, wildflower photography. Overnight on Deosai. Day 6, a second morning on the plateau before descending back to Skardu by midday. Subject to road conditions, confirm the morning before departing.
Days 7 to 8: East toward Khaplu or rest in Skardu
If energy allows, a day trip toward Khaplu passes Manthokha Waterfall and offers views of the Karakoram wall from a different angle. Alternatively, use this day as a rest day or revisit favourite spots. Day 8 is a buffer before departure.
Day 9: Fly out
With a buffer day built in, even a cancellation on day 9 leaves you a fallback flight on day 10 without missing your onward connection.
June vs July vs October
- June: green plateau, Deosai opening, fewer crowds than peak season, some high-altitude routes still snow-covered, occasional muddy roads in early June. Best month for Deosai photography.
- July / August: peak season, warmest weather, all routes fully open, more visitors, Deosai flowers peak and then dry out, accommodation books fastest.
- October: autumn colour on the hillsides, very clear skies, cold nights, some accommodation closing from mid-October, Deosai closing by mid-October. Excellent for photography, quieter than summer.
For a full breakdown of the year, see our best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan guide. For everything else about planning a trip to the region, the complete Skardu travel guide covers accommodation, getting around, and the full site list.
Raahi runs Skardu departures from June through October. Get in touch to plan a June trip and we will check Deosai road conditions as part of the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is June a good time to visit Skardu?
Yes. June is one of the best months for a Skardu trip if you want to see Deosai National Park at its greenest, with fewer crowds than the July to August peak season. The weather in Skardu city is warm and manageable (22 to 28°C), the long days give you plenty of time, and the landscape is lush from snowmelt. The main caveats are that early June roads to Deosai can be muddy, some high-altitude trekking routes are still snow-covered, and river levels are high enough to make certain jeep crossings harder than later in the season.
Is Deosai open in June?
Usually yes. In most years the Deosai road opens in late May or early June, once the snow has cleared sufficiently. However, the exact opening date depends on that year's snowfall, and in a heavy snow year the road may not be reliably passable until mid-June. Early June can also see muddy stretches after rain. Always confirm current road conditions with a local operator before building Deosai into a June itinerary. From late June onwards the road is generally reliable for a well-equipped 4WD.
What is the weather like in Skardu in June?
In Skardu city (2,400m), June daytime temperatures are typically 22 to 28°C with overnight lows around 10 to 15°C. Mornings tend to be clear; afternoon cloud build-up is common from mid-June, with occasional brief rain. At altitude it is considerably colder: Deosai plateau (4,100m) ranges from 5 to 15°C during the day with significant wind chill. Pack a warm mid-layer and a light waterproof even if Skardu city feels warm.