Seeking Expert Advice for My First Organized Group Tour to Skardu–Deosai–Astore–Hunza (25 Persons – Coaster Saloon)**
Assalamualaikum Respected PakWheels Family,
I hope you all are doing great!
I’m organizing my first-ever group tour as an operator, and I humbly need your expert advice to make it perfect.
I’m managing a group of 25 members, traveling on a 4C/5C Coaster Saloon.
Tour Plan Overview (Flexible for Improvements)
Day 1:
- Departure: McLeod Ganj (before 9 PM)
- Night stay in Chilas (via Naran-Babusar or Besham depending on road conditions)
Day 2:
- Chilas ➝ Skardu (via Jaglot)
- Night stay in Skardu
Day 3:
- Full Skardu Sightseeing: Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Shigar Fort, Sarfaranga
- Night stay again in Skardu
Day 4 (Important Part – Need Advice Here):
- Travel Plan Option 1 (Currently Planned):
- Hire Jeeps from Skardu
- Skardu ➝ Deosai ➝ Sheosar Lake ➝ Chillum ➝ Astore ➝ Rama Meadows ➝ Down to Thalichi (KKH)
- Our Coaster driver will drive empty from Skardu, meet us at Thalichi after we finish Deosai, Astore & Rama on jeeps.
- Then continue our journey by Coaster.
-
Alternative Option (Seeking Expert Opinion):
-
Visit Deosai till Sheosar Lake only on jeep from Skardu and return back to Skardu the same day.
- Next day, Skardu to Astore via Coaster directly.
- Then hire jeep from Astore only for Rama Meadows trip.
Which option is better?
- In terms of cost
- In terms of feasibility and comfort
Day 5:
- Astore ➝ Gilgit ➝ Naltar Jeep Ride ➝ Night stay Hunza
Day 6:
- Hunza ➝ Khunjerab ➝ Back to Gilgit
Day 7:
- Gilgit ➝ Babusar ➝ Naran ➝ Balakot
Day 8:
- Balakot ➝ Return to McLeod Ganj
Guidance & Help Needed from Experts:
-
Jeep Logistics and Fares
- Current approx. jeep fare for:
- Skardu ➝ Deosai ➝ Sheosar ➝ Chillum ➝ Astore ➝ Rama ➝ Thalichi (one go, same jeep)
- OR separate jeeps:
- Skardu ➝ Deosai till Sheosar and back to Skardu
- Astore ➝ Rama Meadows return
- Nomal➝ Naltar return jeep cost
-
Booking advice: Book in advance or manage on-spot in Skardu and Astore?
-
Coaster Travel Feasibility
- Is it manageable for a coaster to reach Thalichi (KKH) from Skardu via Jaglot alone by driver? Any issues?
-
Hotels and Accommodation Advice
- I need economical, clean and secure hotel recommendations in:
- Chilas
- Skardu
- Rama Meadows/Astore
- Hunza
- Gilgit
- Balakot
- Target is budget hotels, NOT luxury.
-
Food and Restaurants
- Best economical yet delicious restaurants or dhabas in the above mentioned cities.
-
Tour Cost Estimate per Person
- No profit margin required — just need a cost recovery plan.
- Rough estimate needed including:
- Coaster hire + driver accommodation
- Jeep rentals
- Hotel costs
- Meals (2 per day: Breakfast + Dinner)
- Entry fees, if any
-
Other Important Things I May Not Have Considered
- Any known issues on this route in June-July?
- Any alternate better suggestions for itinerary optimization?
- Group management tips, hidden costs, jeep reliability issues, fuel availability?
🫶 Your expert advice will be the backbone of my planning.
As a first-timer in tourism operation, I want to deliver a safe, happy, economical, and memorable tour for all my members without mistakes.
Looking forward to your valuable suggestions, tips, and updated information.
JazakAllah Khair & Thanks in advance!
