Skardu
Our Skardu Tour is a true authentic holiday in Pakistan which gives you the opportunity to explore Skardu and the neighboring valleys, it is an epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness.
Located on the banks of the Indus river in the northern areas, it is widely regarded as the first stop on route to conquering some of the world’s highest peaks exceeding 8000 meters. It is a favourite haunt for thousands of tourists annually and is highly enriched with natural beauty that captivates tourists from all over the world. It has forests, lakes, waterfalls, peaks and plateaus and some of the largest glaciers in the world. The climate of Skardu is moderate in Summers whereas the Winters of Skardu are extremely cold where temperature can drop to -10 °C.
Plateaus & Parks
The Deosai National Park is the second highest plains in the world at an elevation of over 4,000 meters above sea level and are habitat for snow leopards, Tibetan blue bears, wild horses, and ibex.
Forts
Skardu has two main ancient forts that were built by the rulers of Baltistan. These are the Skardu and Shigar Forts.
* Skardu Fort, also known as Kharphocho Fort, provides unrivalled panoramic view of Skardu Town, the Valley and Indus River.
* Shigar Fort is located on the way to the 2nd largest mountain in the world, K2. It is also known as Fong-Khar which means “Palace on the Rock”.Both Forts are a ‘must’ while visiting Skardu.
Lakes
The enchanting and captivating Kachura Lakes and Satpara Lake are also located within Skardu.
* Kachura Lakes comprise of two lakes i.e. Upper Kachura Lake and the Lower Kachura Lake (better known as Shangri-La Lake). Both lakes are absolutely stunning and beautiful in their own distinct way.
* Satpara Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Pakistan. Activities include trout fishing and boating. Again, the natural beauty is enchanting.
Good To Know
Country
Pakistan
Visa Requirements
Visa in needed
Languages spoken
Urdu, English
Currency used
Pak Rupee, Pounds, Dollars
Area (km2)
9.8 million km2
- Skardu serves as the gateway to the majestic Karakoram Range, one of the Greater Ranges of Asia.
- It is home to the highest cold desert in the world, the Katpana Desert.
- It is a popular starting point for treks to the K2 Base Camp.
- It has a fusion of cultures, with influences from Tibetan, Central Asian, and South Asian traditions.
- Skardu is a hub for traditional crafts;
- Intricate wood carvings
- Patti embroidery
- Handmade rugs.
- Skardu offers a taste of Balti cuisine, known for its savory dishes like Skardu-style curry and momos (dumplings).
- The best time to visit is during the late spring to early autumn months, spanning from May to October.
Travel Tips
- The best time to experience the lush green scenery of Skardu Valley in pleasant weather is from June to September.
- Skardu’s clear skies make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Bring a telescope or a stargazing app on your smartphone to fully appreciate the celestial beauty of the night sky.
- Enjoy local cultural events to experience the traditional celebrations and fun.
- Enhance your Skardu experience by camping near one of the serene lakes or in the surrounding valleys.
- If visiting during the warmer months, explore water sports options on the lakes, such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
- Bring warm clothes with you to keep yourself safe from temperature changes.
- Skardu is a haven for bird watchers. Bring a bird guidebook and binoculars to identify and appreciate the diverse bird species.
Tours
Adventure – Kashmir
From £899