Skardu

Skardu is the most beautiful valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, located at an altitude of 8,202 feet at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. It is a 10 km wide and 40 km long valley spread along the Indus River. Skardu is considered a gateway to the eight-thousanders of the Karakoram Mountain range.

The Indus River flows throughout the valley and separates the Karakoram Range from Himalayas Range. The color of the Indus is in muddy form cutting the rocks from the foot of mountain rocks touching the water. Its water also has much sand due to those melting rocks.

Skardu the Capital city of Baltistan

Skardu district it the capital city of Baltistan region. It has boundaries with Shigar, Rondu, Astore, Kharmang, and Ghanche districts. Skardu can be accessed from the Karakorum Highway by turning right from Jaglot Gilgit district, along the breathtaking Skardu Road along the Indus River. The road is beautifully carved by cutting the sheer rock along the narrow gorges of Indus River where its greyish water rushing through narrow passages. Skardu can also be accessed via Astore Valley Road by crossing Deosai Plains, but it must require a 4x4 wheel vehicle. Skardu can also be accessed via air using Skardu Airport.

Skardu is easily accessible by road along the Indus River, the journey from Thakot to Skardu is one of the best traveling, moving in the dry and brown color mountains with the Indus River. After a few kilometers, you can see greenery full of trees and flowers. You can also observe the population over there.

Skardu - Main Hub for Trekking Expeditions

Skardu is the main hub for tourism, trekking, and expedition in Gilgit-Baltistan. The mountainous terrain of the region with four of the world's 14 Eight-thousander peaks, attracts people around the world having an interest in trekking, mountaineering, etc.

From Skardu, visiter can access the highest peaks in this region including K2, Gasherbrums, Broad Peak, and the Trango Towers, and to the huge glaciers of Baltoro, Biafo, and Trango. Skardu is also known as the gateway to start trails of K2 and Baltoro Glacier. A one-week trek from Ashkole to the K2 base camp gives splendid views of all these peaks.

Skardu Old Bazaar

On arriving in Skardu, visit to old Skardu Bazaar gives you some relaxation from a long journey. Here you can explore different type of local artisan handicrafts and traditional cafe to take a refreshing tea. You can purchase require items for your next expedition from the bazaar. Jeeps, porters, and local Balti guides can also be hired as per your need.

The Cold Desert

Katpana & Sarfranga, also known as the Cold Desert, are the massive sand dunes in the Shigar Valley at an high-altitude having snow-capped mountain peaks around this vast sandy area. It is located nearly 20 to 30 minutes drive from Skardu main city. One can enjoy the walk on the sand dunes and jeep safaris. The best time to visit the cold desert is late afternoon its becomes golden due to tilting sunrays.

Historical Forts in Baltistan

Kharpocho Fort, also known as Skardu Fort, is the 16th-century fortress build on a massive rock spur, steeply above the Skardu city. It was built by King Ali Sher Khan Anchan. From fort, one can also enjoy the panoramic view of the city as well as unmatched view of the Indus River. It is forty-five minutes rugged and narrow trek from the Skardu Bazaar. It is a steep trek so you must equip with water bottles as well as some eatables to recover your energies.

Due to its ancient settlements of the Baltistan, there are several other historical forts in the Baltistan region. Skardu Fort and Shigar Fort are the most famous for tourists to visit.

Deosai Plain - The Second Highest Plateau of the World

Deosai National Park, also known as the Land of Giants, is the world's second-highest plateau at an average elevation of 4,114 meters. It is easily accessible from Skardu through Satpara Lake. It has an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers with several kinds of plants and herbs. In summer season, multi-colors flowers over the vast lush green grass over the mounds make it most attractive place in the Gilgit-Baltistan. You also opportunity to observe different wild species such as the Himalayan Brown Bear and Yaks. It is also a habitat for snow leopards, ibex, Tibetan blue bears, and wild horses. It can be accessed by using 4x4 jeep from Skardu and takes nearly two hours. It is normally accessible from end of July to September. Another route to access Deosai Plains is via Astore district, but it is takes more time as compare to coming from Skardu. Seosar Lake is the gem of the Deosai Plains and gives uniqueness in the vastness of Deosai plains around it.

The Shigar River, a tributary to the Indus River, and its other tributaries Basha and Braldu, are joining at Skardu. Shigar Valley contains the Main Karakoram Thrust that separates the metasediments on the Asian plate from the southern volcanoclastic rocks of the Kohistan-Ladakh terrane.

Skardu - city of beautiful lakes

There are several beautiful lakes in Skardu, those are Satpara lake, Kachura Lake, Shangrila Lake, and Sheosar Lake. The real beauty of the Skardu is the Shangrila Lake, also known as Lower Kachura Lake, that is famous for its iconic red-colored roof cottages around the crystal clear water of the lake. The greenish color water of lake when shadowed with the red cottages and greyish mountains gives one of the most beautiful lakes view. It takes almost 40 minutes from the Skardu city to access the Shangrila Lake and easily accessible by any type of vehicle. The visit of Skardu will never be completed with visiting the real beauty of the Skardu city. From the Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake is located just at the 15 minutes walk on a scenic trek. It is small lake with natural views surrounded by the high mountains with openness of wind flowing over there. You can also enjoy trout there by purchase from some hunters or try your own luck.

Satpara Lake is another large size lake in the Skardu valley. From Skardu city, you can hire 4x4 jeep to access the lake. It takes hardly 30 minutes to reach there. One can also perform two hours trekking there to enjoy the splendid high mountains along the passage. The aqua-colored light green lake on the foot of might mountains gives the superb landscape. There is a small island in the center of lake and can be accessible using boat. You can explore the island for 20 to 30 minute and then boat will take you back.

Skardu International Airport

There is also an Airport at an elevation of 2,230 meters above sea level. It provides air services for national as well as international flights. Skardu flights are directly available from the Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Visiting Skardu using a flight, gives breathtaking and unforgettable aerial views of the might mountain ranges especially the Nanga Parbat in clear weather conditions.

The climate of Skardu is cold in the winter season, whereas it is moderate in the summer season. The high mountains in this area, block the monsoon, so in the summer season, rainfall is quite low.

Search the untouched beauty with lush organic orchards and historical stone palaces, then read our complete Shigar Valley Travel Guide.