Skardu Valley

One of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, beauty and offerings of nature in Skardu is beyond imagination. Rich in diversity, the majestic landscape of Skardu is surrounded by mighty Karakoram, Himalya and Hindu Kush Mountain ranges while eye-catching waterfalls, stunning lakes, alpine forests, historical forts, astonishing plains, exotic cold deserts, alluring scenery and world’s second highest plateaus make it one of the most captivating tourist destinations.

Skardu is the capital city of Baltistan division, Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 2500 meters, it is located at the confluence of Indus & Shigar rivers.

Famous for having magnificently gigantic mountains, Skardu provides access to four highest peaks of the world among the mighty Eight-thousanders namely the one and only K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I (K3) and Gasherbrum II (K4) making Skardu Valley a heaven for Mountaineering Expeditions among trekkers, hikers and mountaineers.

Although people in Skardu know Urdu language and some speak English as well. However, most famous local languages spoken in Skardu are:

Here are some amazing delicious local cuisines to give a try on a visit to Skardu:

Min 0°C, Max 30°C

June to September

Min -5°C, Max 14°C

October to Mid-November

Min -20°C, Max 5°C

Mid-November to February

Min -9°C, Max 20°C

March to May

The Skardu Valley remains accessible throughout the year however, the ideal time for tourists to travel to the valley is between March and November.

Top Things To Do In Skardu

Enchanting Skardu Valley offers countless exciting activities. Let’s have a look at them.

Encircling the beautiful heart-shaped lake known as Lower Kachura Lake, Shangrila resort in Skardu is a dream place to stay. With the luxury of premium accommodation facility surrounded by striking gardens, beautiful orchards and breathtaking views, this resort is a popular tourist destination.

With its enchantingly cool views, ever peaceful Satpara Lake is a natural lake acting as source of water to Skardu city. Its stunning view and serenity of mountains surrounding it please tourists a lot.

Deserts are generally known for their hot temperatures. However, you will be amazed to find that there are cold deserts too and that too within Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 meters above sea level, Katpana Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world known to be a captivating tourist spot.

Demonstrating the tranquility and beauty of nature, Katpana lake features fresh and clear water, lush green pastures and the Karakoram Mountains in the background.

Representing ancient times, Kharpocho fort is one among the various archeological sites found in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. From the top, the fort provides splendid views of Skardu.

Surrounded by a peaceful green valley, the awe-inspiring Manthoka Waterfall is a majestic place to enjoy a relaxing day-out in Skardu.

Famous as the second-highest alpine plateau in the world, Deosai is among one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Known for its rich and amusing flora and fauna, Deosai National Park has an amazing sight of grassy plains, endless flowers & butterflies, tempting crossings of Bara Pani and Kala Pani while Sheosar lake adds the Jewel in the crown of Deosai. If you’re a nature lover, then Deosai plains has an awe-inspiring yet dazzling beauty and peace to offer.

Exceptionally appealing beauty, Scenic views & Peaceful sights make Deosai plains one of the best and traveler’s favorite tourist destination in Pakistan.

Offering humongous diversity of breathtaking destinations and archeological sites, Skardu can be termed as the best destination to enthrall every kind of nature lover. Here are some list of ancient sites you could explore in Skardu:

Along the Shigar river, Shigar valley lies at northeast of Skardu. With its spectacular scenery of valley, historical yet architectural Shigar fort and ancient Amburiq mosque offer much enjoyment to tourist in a day-out.

Skardu Airport

Safranga Cold Desert

Blind Lake, Shigar

Shigar Fort

Amburiq Mosque

Ghawari, Khaplu

Khaplu Fort

Sogha Lake, Khaplu

Chaqchan Masjid

Thoksi Khar Palace

Masherbrum View Point

Haldi Cones

Shyok River

Shangri-la Resort

Upper Kachura Lake

Manthoka Waterfall

Khamosh Waterfall

Satpara Lake

Deosai Meadows

Himalayan Brown Bear

Sheosar Lake

Basho Valley

Katpana Lake & Desert

Organic Village

Manthal Buddha Rock

Kharpocho Fort

Maltoro Bridge Chunda

Chocolate Rocks

Masroor Rock