October is the last reliable month in Skardu. Deosai closes with the first heavy snowfall, usually mid-October, sometimes earlier, sometimes later. Flights become more prone to cancellation as winter weather moves in. Accommodation availability in some areas drops as operators wind down. But for the right kind of traveller, October in Skardu is genuinely excellent: low crowds, dramatic light, and landscapes that look nothing like peak summer.
The weather in October
Valley temperatures drop to 12 to 22°C by day and 2 to 8°C at night. The heat of summer is gone. The days are clear and often bright, October is one of the months with the most reliably sharp mountain visibility in Skardu, as the summer haze has fully cleared. Mornings require a jacket; midday is often warm enough to walk without one. Pack for a significant temperature range between morning and afternoon.
Deosai in October: timing is everything
Deosai National Park typically closes when the first significant snowfall covers the access road, usually mid-October, but this varies by year. If October travel is planned and Deosai is on the itinerary, confirm the road status locally before departing Skardu. Some years Deosai remains open into the last week of October; others it closes in the first week. Contact your local operator for current conditions.
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If Deosai is closed, the rest of the Skardu itinerary is unaffected: Kharpocho Fort, Shigar Valley, Khaplu, and the Kachura Lakes all operate normally through October.
Autumn colour in Shigar and Khaplu
October is when Shigar Valley's poplar groves turn gold. The apricot orchards have finished their harvest but the broader autumn colour in the agricultural valleys, yellow poplar rows, bare apricot branches, the last of the green before winter, makes Shigar a strong photography destination in October. The light is low-angled and warm in quality; the valley is very quiet.
Khaplu in October has a similar quality: harvest done, the Hushe Valley still accessible (the Gondogoro La trekking season is October), and almost no visitors. The Chaqchan Mosque, the palace grounds, and the Shyok River valley on the drive out from Skardu are all worth photographing in October conditions.
Flights in October
The Islamabad to Skardu flight becomes less reliable in October as winter weather patterns establish. Fog in Islamabad in the early morning (the usual culprit) increases in frequency. Cancellations are more common than in July to August but less common than in the spring shoulder. Build two buffer days at each end of an October trip rather than the standard one. See the Skardu flights guide for managing cancellations.
Is October right for your trip?
October suits travellers who specifically want Skardu without the summer crowds, are interested in autumn colour rather than wildflowers, and can be flexible about Deosai depending on the year's snowfall. It is one of the most photogenic months in the region for anyone interested in the agricultural landscape and the transition to winter. Our Khwab Retreat (5 days) and Aangan Retreat (7 days) both run in October. Tell us your October dates and we will build the itinerary around the Deosai window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is October a good time to visit Skardu?
Yes, with the right expectations. October offers very low crowds, excellent mountain visibility as summer haze clears, autumn colour in Shigar and Khaplu, and all valley-level attractions fully open. The main variable is Deosai: the plateau closes with the first heavy snowfall, usually mid-October. Flights also become more cancellation-prone. Build extra buffer days and confirm Deosai access locally before committing to that day.
Is Deosai open in October?
Typically through mid-October, but the exact closure date varies by year and snowfall. Some years it remains open into the last week of October; others it closes in early October. Always confirm the road status with a local contact before planning the Deosai day on an October trip. If it is closed, the rest of the Skardu circuit, Kharpocho Fort, Shigar Valley, Khaplu, is unaffected.
What is the weather like in Skardu in October?
Days cool to 12 to 22°C by day and 2 to 8°C at night. Mountain views are often at their sharpest of the year as summer haze has cleared. Mornings require a proper jacket; midday can be warm. Pack layered clothing and plan to be flexible, conditions can shift quickly in October as winter weather establishes across the region.