September

September

September is one of the finest months for the north, and the best places to visit in Pakistan in September are Hunza, Skardu, the Deosai Plains and Fairy Meadows, with the monsoon fading and the first autumn colour arriving late in the month. Adventure Planners runs September trips along the Karakoram Highway and into Baltistan.

Pakistan in September at a glance

The monsoon winds down during September. Lahore and Islamabad are still warm, but the heavy rain of July and August eases. In the north, days are mild and bright, and nights turn cold at altitude, especially on Deosai and at trekking camps.

The high roads are all still open. Deosai stays accessible until the first heavy snow, usually around mid-October, and the jeep road to Fairy Meadows runs until late October in most years.

Best places to visit in Pakistan in September

  • Deosai Plains: quieter than in summer, with the grass turning from green to golden brown.
  • Fairy Meadows: clearer skies after the monsoon and good views of Nanga Parbat from the meadows and the base camp trail.
  • Hunza and Nagar: the 12D 11N The Karakoram Crown Rakaposhi Hunza Skardu tour runs in September, with autumn colour starting in the last days of the month.
  • Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu: forts, lakes and the cold desert near town. Our 11 Days Lahore Islamabad Hunza Skardu tour covers both valleys.
  • Naran and Lake Saif-ul-Malook: the Kaghan Valley is quieter once the summer school holidays end, and the Babusar road is still open.
  • The Karakoram Highway by motorbike: dry roads and mild temperatures suit the 13 Days Riding Experience on Karakoram Highway.

Is Skardu cold in September

Not in the daytime, but mornings and evenings are cool, and nights up on Deosai are cold. On the Baltoro Glacier, September is the driest month with very clear light, yet base camp nights fall well below zero and many support teams pack up by mid-September. Trekkers heading for K2 should aim for the start of the month.

What to pack for September

  • Layers: a T-shirt for midday, a fleece and a down jacket for evenings.
  • Walking gear: broken-in boots for Fairy Meadows and village walks.
  • Sun cover: sunglasses and sunscreen for clear high-altitude days.
  • Documents: copies of your passport and visa, since police checkpoints on the Karakoram Highway may ask to see them.

Plan your September trip

Tell us your dates and we will plan a private or small-group route. Compare August and October, or read our guide to Fairy Meadows.