If you dream of snow capped mountains, calm blue lakes and valleys that look like they belong in a painting then Skardu should be right at the top of your vacation list. This location is in Gilgit Baltistan and is renowned to be the entryway to some of the highest peaks on earth including K2. But you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy it. Skardu has special places such as calm lakes, old royal forts, wide green fields and sunny deserts. This travel guide to Skardu will take you to the best locations to visit in Skardu, most beautiful lakes in Skardu and anything else you need to plan a wonderful vacation.
Many people still consider Skardu as a location mainly for serious trekkers, but that’s changing fast. Families, couples, photographers and casual visitors are now learning it’s easy to enjoy this region without the need for heavy climbing gear or weeks on the trail. Skardu has developed into a full-fledged destination rather than being only a base camp for mountaineers, with pleasant resorts around the lakes, rebuilt palaces you can actually stay in, and short scenic drives to some of the most popular vistas in the country.
Why Skardu Deserves a Place on Your Travel List
Here, magnificent mountain beauty, distinctive high altitude landscapes, and a rich cultural past are combined in a way that few other destinations in the world can match. Whether you’re into adventurous trekking, lounging on serene lakes or simply experiencing some of the most spectacular mountain views anywhere on earth, Skardu does have it all. It is also becoming into one of the fastest growing tourist attractions in Skardu for both local and foreign visitors, so now is a wonderful time to schedule your visit before it gets any busier.
Best Time to Visit Skardu
Knowing the optimum time to visit Skardu helps you select your destinations. May to September are the preferred months. The weather is warm during this period, roads are open and high altitude areas like Deosai National Park are totally accessible. If you adore the golden colors of autumn and don’t want the crowds, September and October are also great possibilities. In the winter Skardu is a snowy wonderland, but many roads and valleys are less accessible. The best time to visit Skardu Valley is in the summer season. The weather is sunny and nice and the temperature is between 10 and 25 degrees. Mid-Summer is the finest season for trekking, camping, jeep safaris and mountaineering.
The Most Beautiful Lakes in Skardu
No vacation to this region is complete without a visit to the lakes of Skardu. They are quiet and clear, with tall peaks around them that send their reflections on the lake at sunrise and dusk.
Upper and Lower Kachura Lake:
The Upper and Lower Kachura Lake are among the most-photographed locations in the entire region. Lower Kachura Lake is adjacent to the famous Shangrila Resort Skardu and offers the guests a chance to enjoy boating, photography and a quiet walk along the lake shore. The Upper Kachura Lake is located at some distant and has nicknamed a ‘Unseen Bride’ according to Baltistani tradition because most visitors still do not visit it and hence the lake is still protected from congestion. Still unpolluted and preserved in its natural form.
Satpara Lake:
Another must see destination is the Satpara Lake, which is only a short drive away from Skardu city. Its beautiful turquoise colors are a treat for the eyes that charms everyone who sees it, reflecting the blue sky and jagged mountains. Be it an experienced explorer, or a nature photographer or even someone who is looking for tranquility in the lap of nature, Satpara Lake assures you an experience that is profound and unique.
Shangrila Resort Skardu
Shangrila Resort Skardu is one of the most iconic Skardu famous destinations sometimes referred as heaven on earth. This resort is attractively situated on the shores of the natural, heart-shaped Lower Kachura Lake, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and luscious fruit orchards. . Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth a visit just to admire the beauty and have a lunch with a view.
Deosai National Park
One of the real highlights of any Skardu travel guide is Deosai National Park. It is the second highest plateau in the world, at more than four thousand meters above sea level. During the summer months the plains erupt with a riot of wildflowers and if you are lucky you may spot the uncommon Himalayan brown bear.
The vast wide land, cool wind and the endless horizon make it one of the ideal sites for camping in Skardu. Many travelers opt to spend a nite here beneath a starry sky and you won’t forget that easy. Since the park is open only during warmer months, it is advisable to arrange your vacation in the same time window as the optimum time to see Skardu discussed above.
Skardu Valleys Worth Exploring
Beyond the lakes and plains, the valleys of Skardu are full of beauty, culture and greenery.
Shigar Valley and Shigar Fort:
The Shigar Valley, an hour’s journey from Skardu city, is noted for its green orchards and medieval stone settlements. What hits visitors between the eyes at Shigar Fort is not the fort walls but the jewel-like garden courtyard at the heart of the site. An ancient mulberry and poplar frame a carved wooden footbridge spanning a basin of stunningly turquoise glacier water. This garden, a work of art in the ancient Baltistani style of landscaping, is included in almost every shot taken of Shigar Fort.
Khaplu Valley and Khaplu Palace:
Kha p lu Valley is a short way off of the main city yet a serene green scenery with its own historical history. Here sits another rebuilt royal residence, Khaplu Palace, that gives visitors a glimpse of the architecture and lifestyle of old Baltistan. The views from the palace grounds and the encircling mountains are just breathtaking.
Basho Valley:
If you’re looking for something a little further off the beaten track, Basho Valley is great. This valley is famous for riverside camping, hanging bridges and unusual rock formations that are accessed by a bumpy but scenic trail. It’s less crowded than the more popular places, so it’s a favorite for individuals who love nature without the crowds.
Adventure Activities in Skardu
But Skardu is more than simply sightseeing. It’s also a terrific spot for outdoor adventure.
Jeep Safari Skardu Experience:
A jeep safari Skardu trip is one of the greatest ways to explore the tough terrain like the chilly deserts and isolated valleys. Local drivers know the terrain well and may take you across sand dunes, riverbanks and mountain slopes that would be impossible to reach otherwise.
Hiking in Skardu:
For people who love to wander in nature, there are hiking routes in Skardu for all levels of expertise. There’s something for everybody, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, from small walks around lakes to longer hikes to base camps in the Karakoram range.
Camping Under the Mountains:
Camping in Skardu, be it in Deosai, Basho Valley or along one of the lakes, offers an opportunity to fall asleep beneath some of the clearest nite skies in the world. What Skardu offers that lingers with guests long after they’re home: waking up to snow-capped mountains.
Other Tourist Attractions in Skardu
Besides the main points of interest just stated, there are little places that make any trip all the more pleasant. High above Skardu city, Kharpocho Fort has some of the best panoramic views of the town and the Indus River. A further intriguing visit is Manthal Buddha Rock, which has carvings dating back more than a thousand years and reflecting the earlier Buddhist history of the region. One of the highest cold deserts on earth, the Katpana Cold Desert is also worth a visit for its odd blend of sand dunes and snow capped mountain backdrops.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
It’s at a high altitude thus even in summer you need to take warm clothes especially if you are planning to camp in Skardu or visit Deosai National Park. For harsher routes to valleys like Basho, a native driver is highly advised.
It is also a good idea to check road and weather conditions before traveling to isolated places as mountainous weather can change rapidly. For best exploring of the destinations in Skardu without being too rushed, you want to plan for at least five to seven days. It also provides you the flexibility to deal with weather delays which can be rather typical in hilly areas.
Tourisam Spots: Destinations in Skardu
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Final Thoughts
Skardu has a little bit of everything for every kind of traveler, from tranquil lakes to high forts to broad open plains. From a relaxing time by the Upper and Lower Kachura Lake, to a jeep safari Skardu adventure through the desert, to hiking along quiet mountain trails, or simply enjoying the snow capped mountains in Skardu from a comfortable resort, this is a region that will not disappoint you. Plan your Skardu visit during the optimum time to visit Skardu, choose a few valleys and lakes from this list and get ready to witness one of the most gorgeous areas of Pakistan.
There is a reason many people claim their journey to Skardu ends up being the highlight of their entire visit to Pakistan. It’s hard to find anywhere else such a blend of natural beauty, culture and adventure, and the region has its unique charms each season. Begin with a list of places in Skardu covered in this guide, sketch an approximate itinerary between the lakes and valleys you are most interested in, and allow for some unplanned stops you will find on the way. If you want more travel guides, tips and inspiration for your next excursion, try visiting Tourisam Spots for all you need to organize the perfect trip to Skardu and beyond.
FAQS
1. What are the greatest places to visit in Skardu?
Skardu has several spectacular places to visit like Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake, Lower Kachura Lake, Deosai National Park, Mansehra Rock, Satpara Lake, Khaplu Valley, Shigar Fort and Basho Valley. These areas are notable for their natural beauty, their lakes, mountains and their cultural legacy.
2. When is the ideal time to visit Skardu?
Best time to visit Skardu is around April to October. The best season to visit the lakes, valleys and walking paths is the summer months (June-August); autumn (September-October) gives wonderful sceneries with changing colors.
3. How many days are sufficient to explore Skardu?
Usually a 5 to 7 day journey is enough to visit the main attractions of Skardu such as lakes, forts, valleys and nearby natural places. For trekking and visiting remote places longer excursions are suggested.
