Are you looking for famous and best places to visit in Skardu? Here are the top 15 most beautiful and famous attractions in Skardu valley.
Top 15 Famous Places to Visit in Skardu
- Deosai National Park
- Upper Kachura Lake
- Sadpara Lake
- Basho Valley
- Katpana Lake and Cold Desert
- Lower Kachura Lake Shangrila
- Manthal Budha Rock
- Shigar Fort
- Kharphocho Fort
- Nansoq Organic Village
- Soq Valley
- Thurchay Meadows Bilamik
- Chunda Valley
- Marsur Rock Hussain Abad Broq
- Tormik Meadows
Watch this Islamabad to Skardu Road Trip Video
Best Things to do in Skardu
- Sightseeing
- Boat riding
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Climbing
- Cold Desert Safari
- Shopping
Islamabad to Skardu By Air
Watch stunning views of K2, G1, G2, Broad Peak and other mighty mountains of Karakoram in this video:
About Skardu
Skardu is the largest city of Gilgit Baltistan in terms of population and area. The city is located in the Skardu Valley spanning from Thorgu to Basho. Sometimes whole Baltistan division is named Skardu.
Baltistan division has 5 districts:
- Skardu
- Ghanche
- Shigar
- Kharmang
- Rondu
Skardu is the capital city of Baltistan division. The city is also a commercial hub in the region. There are lot of beautiful destinations in Baltistan. In this post only the best spots to visit in Skardu is included. You can also read 100 Places To Visit in Gilgit Baltistan.
How to reach Skardu?
Skardu is accessible by both road and air. There is an international airport in Skardu with direct flights from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai. If you want to visit Skardu by road, you can take the following routes:
- Islamabad – Manshera – Babusar Pass – Jaglote – Skardu
- Islamabad – Manshera – Babusar Pass – Jaglote – Astore – Skardu
- Islamabad – Manshera – Besham – Jaglote – Skardu
- Islamabad – Manshera – Besham -Jaglote – Astore – Skardu
Best time to visit Skardu
Skardu is located in the Baltistan division of Gilgit Baltistan. It has four seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. You can visit Skardu in any season. In Spring you can enjoy the stunning views of Apricots and Cherry blossoms. Similarly, in autumn you can see the colorful fall season.
From Deserts to snow-capped peaks and stunning meadows to lush green valleys Skardu is really a wonderful place to visit. Here are the famous places to see in Skardu.
Here are the list of best places in Skardu:
Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Skardu. The Deosai National Park was established to secure the lives of several wild animals and bird species such as Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Red Wolf, Golden Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, and Snow Cock.
Moreover, this National Park is famous for its lush green meadows, flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains, streams, lakes, and wild thick flowers. The National Park is only visited in summer, welcomed by a breathtaking view of flowers and butterflies. Some beautiful attractions in Deosai are Sheosar Lake, Bara Pani, Ali Malik, and Burgi La. Deosai is one of the most visited and famous places in Skardu.
Read Also Deosai National Park The 2nd Highest Plateau in The World
Upper Kachura Lake
This Lake is located in Kachura which is one of the most beautiful place to visit in Skardu. There are three best spots in Kachura : Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura and Soq Valley. Kachura Lake is the most mesmerizing lake in Skardu valley, with a depth of almost 60 meters is located 20 Km from Skardu city.
In the local Balti language, it is called Foroq Tso. Upper Kachura Lake is one of the most visited places in Skardu.
Sadpara Lake
Bright Blue, bursting with rainbow, surrounded by the glacial mountains and carrying an enchanted lake in its middle, this lake is the ultimate fairy-tale in the beautiful valley of Skardu. This lake is also one of the best place to visit in Skardu. Sadpara Lake is also known for trout fishing and boating. This Lake is located in Sadpara village which is famous for mountaineers. Skardu Deosai Road passes on the left bank of Sadpara Lake.
Basho Valley
Basho is a lush green beautiful valley located at a distance of 20 Km from Skardu airport. A jeepable road connects Basho with Baltistan Highway.
The valley is famous for its pine forests. In addition to that, there are lush green meadows and waterfalls. Basho can be accessed by 4*4 vehicles only. It is one of the most beautiful places in Skardu.
Also, Read Top Sports to Visit in Skardu in winter
Katpana Lake and Cold Desert of Skardu
Katpana Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Skardu. In between Skardu Airport and Lake, there are sand dunes. These sand dunes are no less than a wonder in between the mighty mountains of Karakoram and the Himalayas. It is also on the list of famous places in Skardu. Sand Dunes in Skardu are located near the Indus River covering the two main deserts; the Katpana Desert and Shigar desert. These Sand dunes also known as cold deserts hold a magnetic attraction in themselves.
Shangrila Resort
Heavenly Shangrila Resort is built on a beautiful lake and is located 15KM from Skardu airport and is surrounded by fascinating sceneries. This resort is best known for boat riding in Skardu. The resort is built on the bank of Lower Kachura Lake. It is also a famous picnic point in Skardu.
Also, Read Shangrila Resort Mythical Place from James Hilton’s Novel to a Lake Resort in Skardu
Manthal Buddha Rock Carvings
Manthal village is located on the right bank of Hargisa river in Skardu. The Buddhist rock is located in this village. This Buddhist rock was carved by Buddhists when Buddhism was practiced in Skardu. Buddhist monks of that time craved drawings of their visions, experiences, and images of Buddha with texts written in the Tibetan Language. These Buddhist rocks were the place of their worship till the mid of 14th Century A.D before the advent of Islam in Baltistan.
Shigar Valley
Shigar valley is watered by the Shigar River and is the gateway to the mighty Karakoram Mountains. The valley is also one of the most famous places in Skardu. Shigar Valley is 23km away from Skardu. Moreover, it is a beautiful village that proliferates with crops and fruits of all sorts such as apricots, walnuts, pears, peaches, and grapes.
Furthermore, Shigar Fort in Shigar Valley once was the residence of a local Ruler and was recently modernized by Agha Khan. In addition to that, there is a Wooden Mosque built by Kashmiri Carpenters in the middle of Shigar Valley.
Kharpocho Fort
Kharphocho Fort is one of the top historical places in Skardu. This ancient and famous fort gives you a hilltop view of the whole town. Under the feet of Kharpocho fort, crawls the powerful Indus River. In addition to that, there is a historical mosque that dates back to the Mqapun rulers of Skardu.
Check this Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan
Nansoq Organic Village
Nansoq is the first organic village in Pakistan. It is located behind the well-known Kharpocho fort, this village has been visited by Prince Charles and Prince of Wales and Duchess Of Cornwall.
The village is not connected by road. There is a track from Skardu Main Bazar to Nansoq . The track starts from Hussaini Chowk and passes through Kharphocho hill on the bank or river Indus. The Indus river view is fascinating.
Chunda Valley
Chunda is also one o the best spot to visit in Skardu. This beautiful valley is located at a distance of 7 KM from Skardu Airport.
Other beautiful top attractions in Baltistan are:
- Soq Valley
- Manthoka Waterfall
- Shigar Fort
- Khaplu Fort
- Khamush Waterfall
- Hussain Abad Skardu Waterfall
- Hushe Valley
- Nangna Valley
- K2 View Point Machulu
- Kharfaq Lake Ghanche
Is it safe to travel to Skardu?
While Skardu is generally a safe destination, taking some precautions is always wise. The crime rate in Skardu is 0% which makes it one of the safest place to visit in Pakistan.
Make sure to carry a first-aid kit, stay hydrated, and avoid consuming food and drinks that might be unhygienic. Respecting local culture and customs is also crucial to fully enjoy the hospitality of the locals.
Also, Read Khaplu Valley Most Romantic Honeymoon Destination in Gilgit Baltistan
Things to buy in Skardu
Baltistan, which was once called Little Tibet, offers traditional Balti/Tibetan handicrafts, shawls and dryfruits. Additionally, you can buy precious stone rings, as Baltistan produces both precious and semi-precious stones.
Shopping :
- Cherry
- Apricots
- Dry Fruits
- Wool Shawls
- Balti Traditional Caps
- Handicrafts
- Gemstones
- and more
Hotels in Skardu
There are many hotels in Skardu, ranging from deluxe to VIP rooms. We recommend the Mountain Lodge Hotel.
Restaurants in Skardu
You can find western, local Balti, Chinese and Pakistani foods in Skardu.
Some of the best restuarnts are:
- Dewan e Khas Restaurant
- Shahi Dewan
- MFC Alamdar Chowk
Famous local food of Skardu are:
- Prapo
- Balay
- Mamtu
- Kisir
- Marzan
- Payu Cha (Slated Butter Tea)
Skardu vs Hunza
Hunza is also one of the top attraction in Gilgit Baltistan. You can visit both Hunza and Skardu in a 7 days trip. First, you have to travel to Skardu by air and then visit Kachura Lake, Deosai and all places of Skardu and then visit Hunza and finally, you can go back to your city from Skardu airport. But if you are planning a 5 days trip and not sure which place to visit, then you must read this Skardu vs Hunza Which place to visit in Gilgit Baltistan?
If you are planning a trip to Gilgit Baltistan and not sure where to visit you may also read 100 Places To Visit in Gilgit Baltistan Pictures and Videos
Also Read
Babusar Pass Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide
Most beautiful Places in Ghanche
5 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Shigar Valley
Book Your Trip with us Checkout Trip Package
Check Also Traditional Foods of Baltistan Skardu Shigar Khaplu
Skardu Tour Packages
Skardu Tour Package Family Trip Customized
Call or WhatsApp 03555370916 to book a custom Trip to Skardu
Skardu.pk is one of the leading authentic news and information platform focusing on adventure tourism, regional and world affairs.
