U are paying too much for car journey. U may try to work out on some other options, like:
--> By air to and from Skardu.... btw, can anybody tell whats the latest fare?
--> By road to Gilgit by Bus or Hired car. From there, go to skardu in normal AC Hiace
--> By road to Astore. From there, take a jeep to cross Deosai and reach Skardu.