Skardu is a city in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan in the disputed Kashmir region. It is situated at an average elevation of nearly 2,500 meters above sea level. Skardu, along with Gilgit, is a major tourism, trekking, and expedition hub in Gilgit–Baltistan. Skardu is also one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
The region’s mountainous terrain, which includes four of the world’s 14 Eight-thousander peaks, attracts tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers from around the world. The main tourist season is from April to October; at other times of the year, the area can be cut off for extended periods by the snowy, freezing winter weather.
Skardu is the most beautiful city and one of the most attractive tourist places in Pakistan. Also lakes in Skardu, snowy mountains, and green meadows attract tourists. Skardu is accessible by road and by Air.
Today in this blog, we are going to explore the best tourist attractions in Skardu. So let’s start!
Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is a high-altitude alpine plain and national park in Skardu and one of the biggest tourist attractions. Lying to the east of Nanga Parbat and in the western Himalayas, close to the central Karakoram Range surrounded by the Deosai Mountains, the national park is on the tentative list under the World Heritage Site of Pakistan.
The Deosai Plains are at an average elevation of 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level. This national park is only accessible in summer and is one of the best places to visit in Skardu. Deosai National Park is the second-highest plateau in the world. Deosai National Park is also home to Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots, and rare birds. Over 124 types of animals and birds live in Deosai National Park.
Also, this park is famous for wildflowers and a variety of butterflies. The best time to visit Deosai National Park is from July to September. From July to September, Deosai National Park becomes a lush green meadow that looks like a paradise.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is a natural lake near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The lake supplies water to Skardu Valley. It is fed by the Satpara Stream. Satpara Lake is situated at an elevation of 2,636 meters above sea level. Satpara Lake covers an area of 2.5 km². The completion of Satpara Dam downstream of the lake has enlarged the size of Satpara Lake.
Satpara Lake is one of the best places to visit in Skardu. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Skardu. In Satpara Lake visitors can enjoy fishing and boating there. Also, this lake is famous for its beauty. Many visitors love this lake due to its deep blue water and mountains around the lake.
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake is an alpine lake situated at the western end of Deosai National Park, Skardu. Located at an elevation of 4,250 meters, the lake is regarded as one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world. Sheosar Lake is one of the best tourist attractions in Skardu. This lake is famous for its crystal clear water and beautiful scenery.
A beautiful view of clean water in front of the mountains and surrounded by green meadows attracts tourists toward the Sheosar Lake. Between November and May, the area of Deosai is inaccessible due to snow. During spring, the surrounding area is covered with a wide variety of flowers and butterflies. Most visitors come to the lake in the summer, between June and early September.
The lake is accessible through two routes. One is via Astore and the other via Skardu. From the main Astore town, it takes about four hours’ jeep travel through a semi-metal road to reach Chilum, the last residential area adjacent to the plains. The second route, from Skardu, can be covered by jeep in a few hours; however, a trek along this route can take two days. On a clear sunny day, Nanga Parbat Peak can be seen from the location of the lake.
Kachura Lakes
The Kachora Lakes are three lakes in Skardu. The lakes are at an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. These are Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake. The Lower Kachura Lake is also known as Shangrila Lake and is within a tourist resort named Shangrila Resort. Another lake called Zambakha Lake is situated in the small village Zambakha adjacent to Shangrila.
These lakes are one of the best tourist attractions in Skardu. Upper Kachura is a hidden gem surrounded by pine forests. Upper Kachura offers boating, fishing, and hiking experiences. Also, less crowded than Lower Kachura. Lower Kachura is a famous lake with the iconic red-roofed Shangrila Resort. Lower Kachura Lake is one of the most picturesque locations in Skardu.
Kachura Lakes is one of the best places to visit in Skardu. You should visit these lakes whenever you visit Skardu.
Katpana Desert (Cold Desert of Skardu)
The Katpana Desert is a high-altitude desert located in Skardu Valley. Katpana Desert is also famous as Cold Desert of Skardu. The desert contains large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during the winter. It is situated at an elevation of 2,226 meters above sea level, the Katpana Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world.
Katpana Desert is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Skardu. Katpana desert offers breathtaking sunsets and star-gazing opportunities. Katpana desert is the most visited location. It is very famous among tourists. Katpana desert is one of the best places to visit in Skardu. You should visit this.
Basho Valley
Basho Valley is located in Skardu. It is one of the best places to visit in Skardu. It is situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters. The name “Basho” means “Raisin” in the local Balti language, which reflects the valley’s abundance of grapes. Known for its stunning beauty, snow-capped mountains, and lush green forests.
Basho Valley is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Skardu. It is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, Markhor, ibex, and snow leopards. The valley’s unique landscapes and eco-adventures, including the Basho Glacier, make it a must-visit spot in Skardu. Basho Valley is ideal for camping, hiking, and adventure. Also, less crowded, offering pure natural beauty.
Manthokha Waterfall
Manthokha Waterfall is a waterfall located in the Skardu. The waterfall has a surface height of approximately 180 feet and is located at a distance of around 80 kilometers from Skardu. Manthoka Waterfall is one of the best tourist attractions in Skardu. The waterfall is set in green pastures, with streams. A nearby restaurant serves local trout fish, and sightseers can also visit the fish farm.
Manthoka Waterfall is ideal for picnics, photography, and enjoying fresh trout fish. It is one of the best places to visit in Skardu.
Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort)
Skardu Fort is a 17th-century fort in Skardu offering panoramic views of Skardu city. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Skardu. Skardu Fort or Kharpocho means The King of Forts. Australian mountaineer and filmmaker Greg Child writes that the fort is “perched above the junction of the rivers” and overlooks the Rock of Skardu. The fort was built by king Ali Sher Khan Anchan at the end of the sixteenth century.
The old-fashioned infrastructure has dozens of small and large rooms covered with a large boundary wall. The wood crafting and creative skills invested in the construction of the Fort make this place worth visiting and enjoying. The massive stones, and gravels, have been artistically used in the construction of the boundary walls of the fort. This old infrastructure makes the Skardu fort one of the best places to visit in Skardu.
Manthal Buddha Rock
Manthal Buddha Rock is a large granite rock with a relief sculpture of Buddha, which probably dates back to the 8th century. This rock is located in Manthal village in Skardu. Buddha Rock is one of the most important relics of Buddhism in Skardu. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Skardu.
In 1906 the Scottish traveller Ella Christie wrote a book on her journey to Western Tibet and featured the carving in her book which gave it international attention. Before Islam in Skardu, most people were Buddhists so they sculpted Buddha images on many rocks. It is one of the best places to visit in Skardu for history lovers.
Accommodations
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Shangrila Resort Skardu – Famous for its red-roof cottages and breathtaking lake views.
- Skardu Baltistan Continental Hotel – A premium hotel with modern amenities.
- Highland Hotel Skardu – Offers mountain views and fine dining options.
- Mountain Lodge Skardu – A comfortable high-end lodge with warm hospitality.
Mid-Range Hotels & Guest Houses
- Mashabrum Hotel – Comfortable and reasonably priced with good service.
- Hotel One Skardu – A trusted mid-range hotel with quality rooms.
- Indus View Hotel Skardu – Overlooks the Indus River and mountains.
- Concordia Motel – A cozy place near Skardu city with good service.
- Baltistan Continental Hotel – A peaceful retreat with nice food options.
Budget Hotels & Camping Sites
- Hargisa Hut Skardu – A budget-friendly lodge with amazing views.
- PTDC Motel Skardu – Government-run, decent stay at affordable rates.
- Shaheen Guest House – A good option for backpackers.
- Satpara Lake Campsite – If you love nature, camping by the lake is a great experience.
- Basho Valley Camping Sites – Great for adventure seekers.
Conclusion
Skardu is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. It is a very beautiful city in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. I suggest you must visit this beautiful city at least one time in your life. Skardu is the most unknown place. Unknown means most people do not know about its beauty. Skardu is full of naturally beautiful places where you can enjoy with your loved ones.
If you want to know about more beautiful places in Pakistan read this blog [ Beautiful Places in Pakistan ]. In this blog, many beautiful places in Pakistan are briefly covered.
