Gilgit Baltistan

What are the Top Places
to Visit in Skardu?

Top Places To Visit In Skardu

ave you ever dreamt of visiting a place that will offer you magnificent landscapes, beautiful mountains to be specific,

and stunning lakes? In that case, Skardu places to visit should be on your list of places to visit in your lifetime. Skardu is a beautiful place located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, where tourists can see many attractive natural and historical places with great opportunities for adventure.

It is a perfect place for adventurers, historians, and anyone in search of quiet retreats since there are so many top places to visit in Skardu that they are so amazing. Starting from Shigar Fort, which has the most outstanding view, to the stunning Shangrila Lake itself, every place is different. Let’s explore the best places to visit in Skardu and why they are special.

Deosai National Park – The Land of Giants and Endless Wonders

Deosai National Park is Pakistan’s magnificent tourist destination and to get there is like being transported to another world. This beautiful landmark therefore is among the most attractive tourist sites in Skardu places to visit.

It has an area of free land that has numerous animals and grassy regions of flowers and plants, which make it one of the top 10 places to visit in Skardu. It has a cool atmosphere and clear blue sky and hence would be appropriate for visitors interested in nature and adventure.

Why Visit Deosai National Park?

It is the second-highest plateau in the world and has an altitude of 4,114 meters above sea level.
One of the world’s important habitats hosts the endangered Himalayan Brown Bear and other creatures such as snow leopards and ibex among others.
Deosai is partly opened most times of the year due to accumulation of snow thereby making the region a paradise of natural lovers.

It is the second-highest plateau in the world and has an altitude of 4,114 meters above sea level.
One of the world’s important habitats hosts the endangered Himalayan Brown Bear and other creatures such as snow leopards and ibex among others.
Deosai is partly opened most times of the year due to accumulation of snow thereby making the region a paradise of natural lovers.

Shangrila Resort – Heaven on Earth

Shangrila Resort is one of the best places to visit in Skardu as it offers a fairyland beauty experience. The place is ideal for any traveler who seeks calmness and relaxation, though the facilities provided are all new ages.

This place has beautiful nature and greenery, crystal clear water, and majestic mountains, making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Skardu. Regardless of whether the guest is nature-motivated or is a passionate traveler with a camera in his backpack, such a resort is fascinating.

What Makes Shangrila Resort Special?

Another popular destination is Lower Kachura Lake, also known as Swan Lake, due to its picturesque views.
The main building includes a restaurant shaped like a boat that floats on the water of the lake, which makes guests’ experience rather exotic.
It is ideal for families and honeymooners in search of a relaxed holiday.

Satpara Lake – A Natural Wonder

Satpara Lake is one of the top places to visit in Skardu Valley because of its beautiful water scenario and surrounding hills. This lake is situated at a height of 2636 meters above sea level and is famous for its blue water that mirrors the mountains. It is a photographer’s delight. As one of the best places to visit in Skardu, Satpara Lake gives tourists and the public an opportunity to boat and fish. If you are exploring Skardu places to visit, then the visit to this lake is a must-visit.

Highlights of Satpara Lake

It provides fresh water to Skardu city and is one of the largest lakes in fresh water in this region of the world.
Suitable for those who want to go boating and fishing, and there is room for camping.
It is located in an environment with snowy mountains around it, thus providing beautiful scenery for tourists.

Shigar Fort – A Glimpse into History

Being one of the popular tourist attractions within the Skardu region, Shigar Fort offers amazing views of the structure’s exterior and has a long history. This place is also known as Fong Khar which is an Indian name meaning the Fort on the Rock and with such a name it naturally has a great history.

Elaborating upon the points of interest of the Skardu, there are various kinds of comforts as well as modem amenities available there. In this case, when visiting the structure, those people that want to explore other attractions in Skardu are easily attended to, and the tourists are given an opportunity to marvel at the mountains.

Why Visit Shigar Fort?

Shigar Fort was developed as a luxury heritage hotel by the Serena Hotels group though but was constructed in the 17th century.
Offers insight into Balti culture and architecture.
It has one of the most spectacular locations that it offers and a wide view of the surrounding mountains and the valley.

Sheosar Lake – A Mirror in the Mountains

Sheosar Lake is one of the most visited places, providing quiet enjoyment and a chance to look at the natural beauty. This lake is one of the best places to visit in Skardu, specifically for photographers who are interested in capturing natural scenery. It is one of the top 10 places to visit in Skardu, whether you are hiking in the Deosai National Park or otherwise. The reflection of snow-covered mountains offers spectacular scenery that every tourist would never want to miss when visiting the lake.

Key Features of Sheosar Lake

It is situated in Deosai National Park and has an altitude of 4,142 meters (13,589 feet).
It is the second deepest lake in the world and one of the most beautiful places with unusually clean waters and mountains around.

Kachura Lakes – Upper and Lower Kachura

Kachura Lakes are one of the top places to visit in Skardu, and tourists must visit them because of the great views of the area and the serenity of the lakes. The Upper Kachura Lake has not had any commercial tourism activities; hence, it is appropriate for individuals who seek to be alone with nature.

Similarly, Lower Kachura Lake, also called Shangrila Lake, has a very famous Shangrila Resort for accommodation with beautiful views of the lake. These lakes are among the major attractions to visit in Skardu for touring, fishing, and camping. It would be unfair to venture into most Skardu tourist attractions without a look at Kachura lakes.

Why Explore Kachura Lakes?

Upper Kachura Lake has not been precisely developed as a tourist destination; therefore, it is pristine.
Lower Kachura Lake is further developed and more accessible to tourists as it is converting it into the Shangrila Resort.
Both of them are more suitable for water sporting activities, such as barbeques or nature trail activities.

Manthokha Waterfall – A Hidden Gem

Manthokha waterfall is one of the top places to visit in Skardu and is famous for its merging waterfalls amidst barren terrains. This impressive waterfall is perfect for having lunch and for those who are in love with nature, which can be appreciated in local forests.

Among the best places to visit in Skardu, which is included in the list of tourist attractions, it ranks as one of the best tourist attractions due to its ability to offer travelers a natural getaway from the busy city life.

Reasons to Visit Manthokha Waterfall

One of the tallest waterfalls in Pakistan, dropping from a height of 180 feet (55 meters).
It is located in the Kharmang Valley, a short drive from Skardu City.
A peaceful spot for relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery.

Khaplu Palace – The Palace of Dreams

Khaplu Palace is also among the top places to visit in Skardu, which talks about the history and Raja Sahab’s legacy of the Baltistan region. This magnificent building is one of the best places to visit in Skardu because of its architecture, typical Tibetan features, and beautiful nature. Based on historical information, it was created in the middle of the 1840s, so it will be an integral part of the preservation of the historical center. It would be totally unwise to miss the places visited in Skardu without paying a visit to the exotic Khaplu palace.

Highlights of Khaplu Palace

A stunning example of Tibetan and Balti architecture dating back to the 19th century.
Converted into a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to experience royal hospitality.
Offers panoramic views of the Khaplu Valley and surrounding mountains.

Baltoro Glacier – A Trekker’s Paradise

Among all Skardu places to visit, Baltoro Glacier deserves to be mentioned as it is the main attraction for those enthusiasts who love thrill seeking activities. It ranks among the top places to visit in Skardu for those who like hiking through some of the most beautiful and adventurous terrains on the Earth. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world that extend 63 km (39 miles) in length.

Why Trek to Baltoro Glacier?

Serves as the gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Gasherbrum I & II, and Broad Peak.
Offers challenging yet rewarding trekking routes for adventure enthusiasts, with treks lasting 10 to 14 days on average.
The trek to Concordia provides breathtaking views of K2, making it a bucket-list destination for mountaineers.

Katpana Desert – The Cold Desert

The Katpana Desert, an amazing place, is among one of the most natural beauties that attract tourists in Skardu. This beautiful cold desert expanded large, exhibiting itself as an ideal desert with sand and dunes in the fortnight and snowy mountains in the background. Many people have rated it as one of the best areas, and often tourists consider it to be a real paradise while visiting Skardu for adventurous and photo tourism. Indeed, it is one of the most vital sites that should be on your list if you are seeking places of interest in Skardu.

What Makes Katpana Desert Unique?

It is one of the tallest and the coldest deserts of the world, having sand dunes of gold and mountain ranges touching the sky.
The desert experiences extreme temperature variations between day and night.
An unreal experience for those who want to witness an unusual landscape in a mountainous region.

Conclusion

Skardu is probably one of the most beautiful places on earth and the hub for adventure enthusiasts and historical treasures as well. If you are dreaming about attracting the best places to visit in Skardu, enchanting the top places to visit in Skardu, or looking for a break, there are many options to choose from in this stunning location. From Deosai National Park to calm Satpara Lake, every site is unique and will leave you mesmerized.