Skardu city is located in northern Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.The mountainous landscape of this region has Karakoram, Himalyas and Hindu-Kush mountain ranges. These ranges are home to 5 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, K2 and Nanga Parbat the highest ones with 2nd and 9th tallest respectively.
Visiting the base camps of these mountains is a different expedition all together but in this post I’ll be discussing some of the best places one can visit during 3-4 nights stay at Skardu. One can reach Skardu by road from Gilgit which will take 6-8 hours depending on the road condition as construction work is in progress.The other way is by air from Islamabad. This 45 minutes flight from Islamabad to Skardu is considered as one of the most thrilling flights of the world. Passengers can see mountains like Rakaposhi,Nanga Parbat and many other high peaks from approximately 24000 feet.
The view one gets soon after stepping out of the aircraft is simply beyond words. See the video below.
Here is the list of must visit places while your stay in Skardu:
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Shangrilla Resort/ Lower Kachura Lake
The scenery is heavenly with mountains in background, a beautiful lake surrounded by red hut like resorts.
1 hour drive will from Skardu will take to Kachura where you can witness the famous Shangrilla Resort around a beautiful lake known as lower Kachura lake.
See the amazing and stunning views of Shangrilla resort and Lower Kachura Lake in this video
https://youtu.be/sPzPrpuwTMI -
Upper Kachura Lake
A 20 minutes hike or 5 minutes car ride from Shangrilla Resort will take you to another beautiful lake known as Upper Kachura Lake.
You can do boating here while taking the mesmerizing view of the mountains in background.
See the view of Upper Kachura Lake from Boat in the video below:
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Sadpara Lake
A 30 minutes drive from Skardu city towards Deosai will take you to Sadpara Lake an important water reservoir for Skardu city.
This lake receives it’s water from Deosai plains through the Sadpara Stream.
See the video of Sadpara Lake below. The water level in Lake rises much higher as soon as the glaciers start to melt in early June.
https://youtu.be/5cFPmCnVIys -
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Ever heard of a cold desert? If not this place is like no other. A desert amid dry and snowy mountains with Indus river flowing across it.
An 1 hour drive towards Shigar from Skardu will take you to Shigar Pass. A straight road bisecting the cold desert in half is a sight to see.
A windy view of Sarfaranga Cold Desert can be seen in the video below:
https://youtu.be/_ElCbw1fwQQ -
Serena Shigar Fort
A 1.5 hours drive from Skardu or mere 30 minutes from Shigar pass takes you to this beautiful fort/residence.
A 17th century old fort which has been restored to a cultural museum and luxury hotel is one of the most important site of Shigar Valley.
One should stay here if you want to experience some 400 years old styled luxury. The room are perfectly designed for comfort and luxury. Few of them open to lush green lawn with water flowing across it.https://youtu.be/-0dyVPBjlOI -
Serena Khaplu Palace
A 19th century residence owned by Raja of Khaplu for the royal guests, restored by Agha Khan Cultural Service Pakistan.
Just like Shigar Fort it has both a museum and a luxury hotel managed by Serena.
The hotel has a restaurant named Serfa Khar which serves both traditional Balti and continental cuisines.
Serena Khaplu Palace also has beautiful rooms providing all amenities and comfort to their guests.
These are some of the most beautiful places one can visit from Skardu. Some other notable places are: Mantokha Waterfall, Deosai plains, Machulo-La view point etc.
I hope you find this helpful whenever you visit Skardu and get mesmerized by the beauty of amazing Pakistan.