All You Need to Know About Skardu:
You haven’t experienced the magnificent natural beauty of Pakistan if you have never been to Skardu. A crown jewel of the northern areas, Skardu is the largest district of Gilgit Baltistan. The sunsets in Skardu are from another realm and will make you feel like you’ve reached euphoria. Surrounded by some of the most famous and highest mountain ranges in the world like Himalaya and Karakoram, it is also known as the “Climber’s Paradise”. Skardu also serves as the gateway to the K2 the King of Mountains and also has numerous unclimbed peaks that make it the hub for trekkers wanting to add more summits to their list.
Skardu Valley is situated on the Indus River, which divides the Karakoram range from the Himalayas, in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Skardu Valley, which is encircled by the Karakoram peaks, serves as a starting point for hikers entering the mountain range. The Gilgit Baltistan region, where the three ranges Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush Mountain converge, is prized by mountaineering enthusiasts, high-altitude trekkers, and visitors for its breathtaking views and trekking trails. The Gilgit-Baltistan region is close to the Pakistan’s border with China, in Xinjiang province, and the Indian-occupied Kashmir region. Given that it was a part of the Tibetan Empire from the seventh to the ninth century, its central valley, Skardu Valley, has a lot in common with Tibet in terms of its culture, way of life, and architectural style. In the Baltistan region, people still speak Balti, an antiquated dialect of Tibetan.
Skardu, a city in the valley, is a well-liked starting point for tourists visiting Pakistan. The airport is located in the city at an elevation of more than 2,000 kilometers. Glaciers and some of the tallest mountains in the world, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, surround it. Mountain flights to and from Skardu provide views of the magnificent Indus and the neighboring peaks, although they are quite weather-dependent you can always travel by car even if your flight is canceled. Skardu is also accessible by bus from Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, which is situated in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range. Great peaks like the 8,126-meter-tall Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s tallest mountains can be seen during this wonderful trip along the Karakoram Highway.
Skardu Valley is an area with stunning scenery. The largest protected region in Pakistan, Central Karakorum National Park, is located between Gilgit and Baltistan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its great elevation (2,226 meters above sea level), the Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, and the picturesque Lower Kachura Lake, sometimes known as Shangri-La Lake, are popular tourist destinations. Skardu Valley is an area with stunning scenery. The largest protected region in Pakistan, Central Karakorum National Park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located here between Skardu and Gilgit. Due to its great elevation (2,226 meters above sea level), the Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, and the picturesque Lower Kachura Lake, sometimes known as Shangri-La Lake, are popular tourist destinations. While Pakistan’s lowlands and deserts can burn in hot weather, Skardu’s mountain ranges provide a cooler climate. The average temperature in July, when it’s the warmest, ranges from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius. January’s the coldest month of the year and the temperature can be as low as -12 degrees Celsius which makes winters harsh.
Places to visit in Skardu:
Skardu is heaven on earth. There are so many beautiful places to visit here and have the best time of your life. Let’s look at a few below:
- Deosai National Park:
Often referred to as “The Roof of the World” for being the second-highest plateau in the world, Deosai is situated at an elevation of 4000 meters above sea level. If you love nature or just fancy places that can take your breath away, Deosai needs to be on your list. Deosai National Park is widely known for being breathtaking scenery that is sandwiched between Skardu, Kharmang, Astore, and Gultari valleys. Deosai is known as The Land of Giants because it was once thought that giants lived on this plateau in antiquity. Deosai is also called ‘Ghbiarsa’ in the Balti language, which means “summer’s place” as it is only accessible during the summers. Deosai has integral importance due to being an international conservation site for Brown bears that are an endangered species. There are numerous lakes and streams and if you want to go fishing, you will require a license. Wildflowers, lakes, streams, and meadows abound on the plateau and it really is piece of paradise.
- Upper Kachura Lake:
This is the most captivating lake in Skardu due to its scenic beauty and stunning surroundings that consist of magnificent mountains with snow-covered peaks. It is 20 kilometers away from Skardu city and has a depth of about 60 meters which makes it perfect for boating. This lake is also known as the “Foroq Tso” in the native language. It is indeed one of the best spots to visit in Skardu Valley and one you should not miss.
- Manthal Buddha Rock Carvings:
On the Hargisa’s River right bank in Skardu, you will find Manthal which is where the Buddhist Rock is located. This Buddha Rock is one of the most popular and significant relics that tell the story of Buddhism in Skardu. When Buddhism was practiced in Skardu, Buddhists sculpted these rock carvings and they are a small hint at how rich Skardu’s history is. At that time, the Tibetan language literature and drawing of monks were in high demand, and monks used to draw their experiences and dreams on these rocks to preserve. Long before the advent of Islam in Baltistan, the locals used to worship these Buddhist rocks.
- Shigar Valley:
Shigar valley is the most popular site in Skardu due to the Shigar fort which is termed the most visited place in the entire Skardu district. The Shigar River irrigates the Shiver Valley, which serves as the entrance to the majestic Karakoram Mountains from the town of Askole. Shigar Valley is 23km away from Skardu and is also home to Blind Lake which is known for its clear blue waters and charming views. Shigar is a stunning village that is abundant in various fruits and vegetables including grapes, apricot, walnuts, peaches, etc.
- Katpana Desert or Safaranga Cold Desert:
One of the highest deserts in world and the highest cold desert in the world is not something you can miss when you visit Shigar. Located 16 kilometers away from Skardu, Safaranga Cold Desert is at an altitude of 7500 ft. The desert has high sand dunes that are covered with snow during the winters and make it one of the most stunning sites you will ever lay your eyes on. The strong winds blow the snow and the view is enough to make you feel like you are on the surface of the moon.
Where to stay in Skardu:
- Shangrila Resort Skardu:
These are comfortable lodgings in a posh lakefront resort with dining, a garden, and most importantly mesmerizing view of the mountains. Shangrila Resorts are one of the few resorts with air conditioning, being a supporting factor for people.
Price Range: PKR 4000 per night
Address: Kachura, Skardu.
Contact: 0304-5659052
- Dewanekhas Hotel:
Only a 15-minute drive separates the Hotel Dewanekhas from the City airport. By offering 24-hour room service, restaurant-variety meal services, running hot and cold water, color TV with cable connection, and laundry, we have maintained our service standards to meet the expectations of our esteemed clientele. We also have plenty of space for cars, buses, Volvos, and our silent generator. Other amenities include heating systems, internet access, and travel guides.
Price Range: PKR 4050 per night
Address: Kazami Bazar, DewaneKhas Rd, Hyderabad, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Contact: 92 5815455494
- Hotel Mountain Lodge Skardu:
Hotel Mountain Lodge Skardu offers lodging with a restaurant, free onsite parking, free bikes, and a fitness center. It is situated 7.5 kilometers away from Satpara. Each room at this 5-star hotel has a beautiful view of the river and visitors have access to the bar and the garden. A seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries are some of the facilities that you get here . Each room at the Hotel Mountain Lodge also has a communal bathroom and a desk.
Price Range: PKR 7500 per night
Address: Satpara Rd, Devision, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Contact: 0300 9091494
What to eat in Skardu:
Being a cold mountainous place, Skardu has some real deal food to try on as well, like,
- Balay:
The balay, as it is called, is thick and nearly tastes like gravy when eaten. These are gummy textured noodles and little pieces of meat combined with the flavor of goat meat broth. It’s a terrific way to start Skardu’s supper of Baltistan cuisine.
- Potato Stew served with goat meat:
Although this is served as a very thick stew, this dish is the curry in which the ingredients are cooked to create a highly spiced sauce before adding water. It’s stuffed with big chunks of goat meat, potatoes, and a seasoning mix that is much spicier than their traditional cuisine.
- Butter Tea:
This drink is one of the foundations of Balti cuisine. However, this is not your typical tea, and making this involves much more than just steeping green or black tea leaves in hot water. This tea includes salt, butter, milk, and green tea leaves. In addition, a little dish of pure apricot oil is provided to you. A warming and viscous mixture of some of the richest liquid possible is created by combining one spoon of thrown flour and one spoon of golden apricot oil.
How to reach Skardu:
There are two ways to easily reach Skardu, either by Air or by road. It only take a few hours to travel to Skardu by air, but by road, it might take 2 to 3 days. Islamabad and Skardu are connected through Pakistan International Airlines and PIA offers regular flights to Skardu from Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Some other airlines have also started offering trips to Skardu which has made the ticket prices comparatively lower.
How many days to stay in Skardu:
A week’s trip to Skardu, Baltistan is the best way to explore the top tourist spots and everything else. But again, it can be done in just 4 days too. The following popular destinations can be visited during the 4-day trip:
- Shangrila Lake
- Khaplu
- Shigar
- Deosai
- Sadpara Lake
Weather in Skardu:
Skardu is in the northern hemisphere which means that summer lasts from the end of June until early September. It is mostly cold in Skardu and it even rains in the driest month. The annual rainfall is 1203 mm. The month with the lowest humidity is January and it is also the coldest. Winters in Skardu are snowy and freezing which is why it is best to visit it during the summers so you can enjoy the lush green landscapes and stunning rivers in their full glory.
Reviews on Skardu:
This is what people on social media have to say about Skardu:
- “The trip from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the most fascinating trips I have ever had in my life. I have a lot of travel experience in Europe and North America but the scenery present in this area took my breath away. Travelling from one place to another should be done in Jeeps with local drivers since the roads are very small and extremely bumpy. The best attraction near Skardu to me was the DEO SAI Plains. They are open for only 1 month July or August and are located on 15000 feet. They have a 1-month spring which is the most beautiful place I have seen in the world. To go to Deo Sai plains the hotel you are staying in can arrange for Jeeps.”
- “Skardu is one of the bases as well as the transit town in the Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan. I came to this town while my pursuit of K2 Gondogoro la trekking. This town has a lot to offer for tourists of all kinds whether it be trekkers, mountaineers, honeymooners or sightseeing or of culture lovers.” People are extremely hospitable, welcoming, and friendly.”
- “The Kachura lakes are two lakes in the Skardu district of Gligit-baltistan, northern areas Pakistan’ Named as the: Upper kachura lake and Lower kachura lake ( also known as Shangrila lake. The lakes are at an elevation of 2500m ( 8200ft ) and the distance between the two lakes is 8km. The lake has boating options of different types of charged boats
and few restaurants in surrounding. Upper kachura lake include its breathtaking scenery’ mountain trekking and trouting : ) Don’t miss out whenever you visit Skardu’. Remember KACHURA 
It’s not kachuri that we eat’ | it’s Lake 
“
Average cost of Skardu:
A standard tour to Skardu for 4 to 5 days costs PKR 40,000 per head but if you plan on reaching there by air, the prices can increase to PKR 65,000 per head. Depending on the number of seats available, the cost of a flight from Karachi to Skardu ranges from PKR 12,000 to 14,000 per person. It’s around PKR 8,000 to 10,000 rupees from Islamabad.
Final Verdict:
After reading the entire article, it must be pretty obvious to you what a treat Skardu is with so many places to visit. No doubt Skardu is a favorite amongst tourists and mountaineers and is known as a “major tourism and trekking hub”. It has a lot to offer, from incredible lakes to grassy plateaus, and even the highest cold desert as well as an entrance to the realm of the four highest mountain peaks. The most scenic views of Skardu will make everyone fall in love with it more and more. You should visit here soon if you want to experience something extraordinary and out of this world.
