Top 16 Surprising Places to Visit in Skardu, Pakistan

Skardu is in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Skardu is an isolated mountain paradise.

It provides beautiful views and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences.

You can avail the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Skardu, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green valleys, is a paradise for those seeking solitude and adventure. Discover the top places to visit in Skardu, Pakistan. Learn about the breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and suggestions for making the most of your journey and exploring places in Skardu.

Table of Contents

• How can I get to Skardu?
• What is the best time to visit Skardu?
• Rundown of the 16 Best Places to Visit in Skardu
  • 1. Tormik Meadow
  • 2. Shangrilla & Upper Kachura Lake
  • 3. Soq Valley
  • 4. Khamush waterfalls
  • 5. K2 Base Camp
  • 6. The Blind Lake
  • 7. Katpana Desert
  • 8. Mantokha Waterfall
  • 9. Sarfaranga Cold Desert
  • 10. Organic Village
  • 11. Kharphocho Fort
  • 12. Khaplu Palace
  • 13. Deosai National Park
  • 14. Basho Meadow
  • 15. Shigar Fort
  • 16. Sheosar Lake
• Final Words

How can I get to Skardu?

Skardu is accessible by both road and air. Skardu Airport operates direct flights from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and other cities during the summer.

Alternatively, you can drive by car from Rawalpindi/Islamabad, which takes approximately 16-20 hours. The picturesque road ride provides breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

What is the best time to visit Skardu?

The best time to visit Skardu is between May and September when the weather is favorable and the roads are accessible.

During the winter, roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall, so avoid travel. If you want to experience the autumn colors, mid-October to November is the best time. If you enjoy spring, March and April are the finest months to see the stunning cherry blossom.

Rundown of the 16 Best Places to Visit in Skardu

In this blog, we will look at this gorgeous region’s hidden secrets and offer advice on how to make the most of your trip to things to do in Skardu.

1. Tormik Meadow

Tormik Meadow is a stunning vacation spot in Pakistan’s north.

This breathtaking meadow is 3,700 meters above sea level, surrounded by towering mountains and rich foliage.

The area is noted for its stunning Himalayas and the Karakoram range, making it a popular destination for trekkers.

Tormik Meadow offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and photography. You can reach the meadow via a steep, winding road that offers an exhilarating journey through the highlands.

2. Shangrilla & Upper Kachura Lake

Shangrilla is one of the most well-known places to visit in Skardu.

Visitors may refer to heaven on the globe. The resort’s natural beauty is magnificent, featuring majestic mountains, lush green forests, and a crystal-clear lake.

Shangrilla certainly lives up to its name and is a must-see location for anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors.

Visitors can take a boat trip, go fishing, or rest on the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery.

The lake is also home to many bird species, making it a popular birdwatching destination. Upper Kachura Lake is a magical spot that exemplifies the region’s natural splendor and is a must-see for anybody visiting Shangrilla.

3. Soq Valley

The Soq Valley is a hidden treasure in Pakistan’s northern area.

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, the valley provides breathtaking vistas and a tranquil ambiance for those looking to escape the rush and bustle of city life.

The valley is in the Upper Kachura region, about a twenty-minute drive from town via a difficult road.

Visitors can also enjoy local food and trout fishing in the valley. Overall, the Soq Valley Kachura is a must-see location for anyone wishing to enjoy the beauty and calm of northern Pakistan and one of Skardu’s destinations.

4. Khamush waterfalls

Khamush waterfall, on the other hand, is one of the little-known places to visit in Skardu, tucked away in a secluded Kharmang valley.

The cascading waterfalls, surrounded by towering mountains, create a peaceful ambiance ideal for anyone seeking to escape the rush and bustle of city life.

You can enjoy the ride to the waterfall, with lush green valleys and shimmering streams as a magnificent backdrop. Overall, the Mantokha and Khamush waterfalls are must-see destinations for anyone wishing to enjoy Pakistan’s natural splendor.

5. K2 Base Camp

K2, the world’s second-highest peak, is a stunning location that draws explorers and environment enthusiasts.

The K2 base camp trip is a tough, but rewarding tour across some of the world’s most magnificent scenery.

For explorers, this is the ideal site to visit in Skardu. Hiking across the terrain and climbing steep passes will reward you with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and deep valleys.

6. The Blind Lake

The tranquil lake is set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making it an idyllic location for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

It is one of the must-see places to visit in Skardu. The journey to the lake is very adventurous, as the road leading up to it is narrow and winding, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Once you arrive at the lake, you may either rest and enjoy the scenery or go for a stroll through the rocky terrain to learn more about the area. Camping by the lake beneath the stars is a unique experience that will leave you with cherished life memories.

7. Katpana Desert

Katpana Desert, located in the scenic region of Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, is a must-see attraction for every traveler.

This magnificent desert features barren dunes, steep mountains, and pure blue skies.

The best months to visit Katpana are May through October when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The local culture is warm and hospitable, and visitors can sample traditional Pakistani cuisine and experience the residents’ friendliness.

8. Mantokha Waterfall

Mantokha waterfall, located in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Kharmang area, is one of the top things to do in Skardu that adventurers and environment enthusiasts must see.

The Mantokha waterfall is in a narrow ravine surrounded by tall mountains covered in lush foliage.

The sound of the waterfall reverberating off the gorge’s sides provides a pleasant rhythm that is both relaxing and awe-inspiring.

The crystal-clear water rushes down the rocks and flows into the stream. The surrounding area is also suitable for hiking and picnicking, making it an excellent choice for a day trip.

9. Sarfaranga Cold Desert

Sarfaranga Cold Desert, located in the Shigar area of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a wonderfully captivating tourist location.

The immense expanse of the chilly desert, flanked by towering mountains, provides stunning views that will leave you spellbound.

The dunes, in tones of orange and brown, stand out against the snow-capped hills, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Visitors can also participate in many sports, such as dune bashing, quad biking, and horse riding. Sarfaranga Cold Desert is a must-see location for any travel enthusiast visiting Skardu, thanks to its quiet environment, breathtaking scenery, and exhilarating activities.

10. Organic Village

Organic Village Skardu is a hidden treasure in Pakistan’s northern region.

This tranquil and attractive community provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience living in an organic village where sustainability and self-sufficiency are central to all aspects of everyday life.

The community is one of the places to visit in Skardu bordered by snow-capped mountains and lush green plains, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Visitors to Organic Village Skardu can experience local culture and organic food. The inhabitants are friendly and welcome guests with open arms.

11. Kharphocho Fort

Kharphocho Fort, one of the top sites in Skardu, is a historical landmark and a must-see attraction for anybody interested in the region’s rich cultural legacy.

The fort sits towering on a cliff overlooking Skardu and the Indus River, providing a stunning perspective of the surrounding area.

Ali Sher Khan Anchan, Skardu’s king, erected the fort in the 16th century, and it has since served as a vital location for various monarchs and troops. Visitors may now learn about the region’s history and architecture.

12. Khaplu Palace

The Khaplu Palace is a stunning historical landmark in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area.

The palace, built in the mid-nineteenth century, housed the local royal family.

The palace is one of the top places to visit in Skardu and has become a hotel with a distinct blend of historical elegance and modern facilities.

The palace’s architecture reflects the region’s rich cultural legacy, with elaborate woodwork and sculptures gracing the walls and ceilings. The magnificent Karakoram Mountain range surrounds the palace.

13. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful and quiet attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Skardu and Astore districts.

The park is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including Himalayan brown bears, snow leopards, and ibex.

Aside from fauna, Deosai is famous for its breathtaking surroundings and panoramic views. The park also contains several freshwater lakes, notably Sheosar Lake, Pakistan’s highest lake.

14. Basho Meadow

Basho Meadow in Skardu is a true heaven on the Earth.

This meadow is among the best things to do in Skardu for nature enthusiasts.

The scenery is breathtaking, and the fresh air will leave you revitalized. You can walk about the meadow, visit the adjacent woodlands, or sit and enjoy the natural splendor.

The meadow possesses many plants and animals, including wildflowers and butterflies. The meadow is carpeted with brilliant flowers, creating a beautiful scene.

15. Shigar Fort

Shigar Fort, also known as Fong-Khar, is a spectacular 17th-century fortress near Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan.

This stunning fort is a rare blend of Tibetan and Balti architecture restored to its former glory.

It is a must-see attraction in Skardu for anybody interested in history, culture, and architecture.

The fort has been transformed into a hotel, providing a unique opportunity to experience the royal lifestyle of the Balti monarchs. The rooms have traditional Balti furnishings, and the hotel provides a variety of sports, such as trekking, mountain biking, and fishing in surrounding rivers.

16. Sheosar Lake

Deosai Plains are stunning, but Sheosar Lake enhances their attractiveness even further.

This lake, located in the Deosai Plains, is heart-shaped when viewed from above. It is one of the world’s highest lakes, at 4142 meters.

Sheosar is in a league all its own. It is one of the best places to visit in Skardu and touches people’s hearts regardless of the season they visit. This lake has green Deosai grasslands in the spring, snow in winter, and rays in the summer.

Final words

Skardu is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Skardu attracts a large number of individuals from around the globe.

Skardu is a must-see destination for any traveler because of its magnificent scenery, distinct cultural heritage, and friendly population.

You may enjoy the natural scenery in some of the places to visit in Skardu. Tourists can enjoy not only rivers and lakes but also Katpana’s sandy dunes, which are known as the freezing desert. Many sites in Skardu can evoke sentiments of excitement that no image or word can capture.