Top Places to Visit in Skardu
There are a lot many top places to visit in Skardu. Skardu Valley stands as a gateway to some of the highest peaks in the world, like Godwin Austin K2, Masherbrum, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I and II. The mighty Indus River passes right through Skardu Valley. It has the 2nd highest plateaus in the world, the Deosai Plains. It has the highest cold deserts in the world. Skardu has a rich history, vibrant culture and Pakistani hospitality like nowhere else in the world. Skardu is surreal. With its diverse adventure opportunities and huge tourism potential, Skardu has become a must-visit destination in Pakistan.
Top Places to Visit in Skardu
There are considerable places to visit in Skardu Valley that can quench your thirst for adventure. These places to visit in Skardu attract tonnes of tourists from around the world and now it’s time for you, too, to design your next Skardu Valley Tour Packages 2025 with team NatureHikePakistan.pk. Skardu is a traveler’s heaven, and no list justifies the best places to visit in Skardu Valley and things to do in Skardu. But if you are planning your trip, here is our take on it:
1. Skardu International Airport
Yes, first on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is undoubtedly the Skardu International Airport. It is located a few kilometers from Skardu City, right next to the Katpana Desert. It is indeed the most beautiful airport in the world. You will fall in love with it as soon as you come out of the airplane. The aura feels magnetic.
Two airlines operate domestic and international flights on a daily or weekly basis to and from Skardu, Pakistan International Airlines and AirBlue. Skardu Airport operates daily flights from Islamabad to Skardu. Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated to the Lahore to Skardu flights, and Wednesdays and Saturdays are dedicated to the flights from Karachi to Skardu. These Karachi to Skardu flights are both direct and connecting.
You can experience Skardu Airport only if you are flying to or from Skardu, so it is highly recommended to get on that plane and enjoy one of the most amazing aerial views in the world of the mighty mountains and vast lands of Pakistan.
2. DEOSAI PLAINS SKARDU
Second on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Deosai. Spread over 3000 sq km, Deosai Plains stands as the second highest plateaus in the world. It falls second on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu. The word Deosai means “The Land of Giants” because of the monstrosity it has. This land is famous for its wild Himalayan Brown Bears, which are hard to find, but you may find them when least expected. Luckily, you can also spot Siberian Ibex, Snow Leopards, Kashmir Musk Deer, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan Marmot, Trout Fish, and over 124 types of habitant and migratory birds.
3. SATPARA LAKE
Third on the list of top places in Skardu is Satpara (or Sadpara) Lake. It is a natural glacial lake located right beside the Skardu-Deosai road. Satpara Lake is surrounded by rocky brown mountains that are in contrast with its turquoise-colored waters.
This lake was turned into a dam in 2013 to provide fresh water and hydroelectric power to Skardu City. The beauty of this lake is still mesmerizing.
4. SHEOSAR LAKE
Fourth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Sheosar Lake, it is located in the heart of Deosai Plains. Sheosar in an Alpine Lake, fed by the water from the glaciers. This lake is accessible both from the Skardu and the Astore. Due to extreme winters, the lake is accessible only for 5 to 6 months, from May to October or November. Vast bunches of colorful wildflowers surround the lake during the summer and spring. These flowers add to the beauty of the lake. One can also witness the mighty Nanga Parbat on clear days from the lake, like a crown over it.
5. SHANGRILA RESORT AND LOWER KACHURA LAKE
Fifth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Shangrila Resort Skardu, famously known as “Heaven on Earth” for the serene beauty it offers. Shangrila Resort is the first of its kind resort in the northern areas of Pakistan. It was built in 1983 to promote luxury tourism in Pakistan by Brig. Mohammad Aslam Khan. The property was gifted to the brigadier by the locals for his profound services in the region, and later, it was turned into one of the finest resorts in the country.
There are a variety of luxury accommodation options in the resort that surround the heavenly, beautiful, heart-shaped Lower Kachura Lake. Fish swimming in the lake, surrounded by flowery and grassy lawns, shadowed by the huge rocky mountains of Skardu Valley, is a match made in heaven. Lower Kachura Lake is also known as the Shangrila Lake Skardu.
6. UPPER KACHURA LAKE
Sixth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Upper Kachura Lake. It is an alpine glacial lake in Skardu Valley. You can drive towards the Kachura Village, minding it is a narrow, unpaved road and trek for nearly 15 to 20 minutes to reach the lake. The track passes through the old village of Kachura, which is a bonus in itself as getting to witness the local Skardu life. It is an extremely beautiful lake, crowned by the mighty mountains of Skardu Valley and surrounded by thick and tall Deodar Trees. It is a family picnic point for tourists and also the locals. There are a few restaurants around the lake for food. You can try Boating, Zip Lining, or Jet Skiing at the lake.
7. MANTHOKHA WATERFALL
Seventh on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Manthokha Waterfall. It possesses insane beauty. Although it is an artificially made waterfall, but stands out among many natural waterfalls in the region. Manthokha is almost a 1.5-2 hour drive from Skardu City, which entirely depends on your speed. Manthokha has become a famous tourist destination in the recent years. The water flow during summer is too much pretty and it freezes when winter arrives.Â
8. KHAMOSH WATERFALL
Eighth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Khamosh Waterfall. It is almost 3 hours from Skardu City by car, situated on the Skardu-Kargil Road in the Kharmang District of Gilgit Baltistan. It is named Khamosh because it is in the Khamosh Valley of Skardu. It is a natural waterfall. When the water falls on the gigantic rocks on the ground, it sprays water all around the place because of the height of the waterfall. You can only camp here for night stays, being fully equipped.
9. MASROOR ROCK HUSSAINABAD
Ninth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Masroor Rock. It recently gained popularity due to its unique formation resembling the Trolltunga Rock in Norway and the panoramic view of the Skardu Valley that it offers from the rock. It was discovered by the local photographers when they were exploring the Hussainabad Village for some good shots. It takes almost 3 to 4 hours from Hussainabad to the rock. It is a steep, challenging track, but the view up there is one to die for. You will also encounter Hussainabad Waterfall on the way to the rock, like an oasis in the desert.
10. MANTHAL BUDDHA ROCK CARVING
Tenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Manthal Buddha Rock. Several Buddhist rock carvings around Gilgit Baltistan indicate Buddhism’s presence in the region. One such rock carving is the Manthal Buddha Rock. It earned this name due to its location in the Manthal Village. It is almost 3 km from the Skardu City. In old times, the worshipers or devotees carved a huge Buddha on a granite rock. It is a holy place for the Buddhists and a popular tourist destination. It is perfectly preserved and taken care of.
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Skardu Valley is located at the confluence of the Indus River and the Shyok River, and it is the land that is home to the 2nd highest mountain in the world, K2, with rich history, vibrant culture, and pure natural beauty. Skardu has extreme adventure opportunities that you don’t want to miss.Â
Skardu welcomes tourists from around the world who are attracted by its natural wonders. We have designed some well-researched and planned Skardu Tour Packages 2025 for you to enjoy a stress-free, luxurious, and adventurous experience and to cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for a Skardu by air tour package for a quick scenic flight to the Skardu International Airport or a Skardu Tour package by road to explore at your own pace, our perfectly curated Skardu Tour Packages 2025 have you covered.
These Skardu Tour Packages can be custom-built for you to have the experience you expect from us as professional Tour Operators in Pakistan. You can choose from this list or customize your Skardu Tours according to your requirements.
11. KATPANA DESERT AND SARFARANGA DESERT SKARDU
Eleventh on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu are the Katpana Desert and Sarfaranga Desert. You must have heard of many deserts in the world that are hot, but Skardu has its unique ‘cold deserts,’ and the only ones in the world are the Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu and Katpana Desert Skardu.
The Katpana Desert is in the Skardu District, beside the Skardu Airport. Several hotels, glamps, and camping sites are available in the Katpana Desert. A small lake in the desert is known as the Katpana Lake.
The Sarfaranga Cold Desert is in the Shigar Valley, which is the highest desert in Pakistan, with an altitude of approximately 7300 ft above sea level. It also stands among the highest deserts in the world. There are no night-stay options available here. The Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally is organized annually in the Sarfaranga desert by the people of Skardu. Many participants from around the world take part in this rally. Apart from this, some activities like Desert Safari, Paramotor Gliding, Quad Biking, Horse Riding, and Dirt Biking are also available during the summer.
12. SHIGAR VALLEY AND SHIGAR FORT
Twelfth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Shigar Valley. It is located in the Shigar District of Gilgit Baltistan. The Shigar River, flowing from the Shigar Valley, falls into the Indus River. It is a gateway to the skyscraping Himalayan Mountains like K2, Broad Peak, and Golden Peak through Askole, which is the last village before all the wilderness of the Himalayas strikes in. A metalled road from Skardu leads us to the Shigar Valley. This valley also holds much historical importance in the region.
Shigar Fort is an almost 450-year-old fort from the 17th century located in the Shigar Valley of Gilgit Baltistan. The Rajas of Shigar Valley built this fort as a residence for themselves. They built the fort with rocks, gravel, and wood on a giant rock. The fort has a small museum that preserves the belongings of the royal families at that time.
A part of the Shigar Fort was transformed into a traditional yet luxurious hotel by the Serena Hotels, now known as the Serena Shigar Fort. They restored the rooms in such a way that it glorified the charm of royalty. This Fort contains a small garden with Cherry, Apple, and Apricot trees called the Anchan Garden. This Garden has a little 12-door structure called “Baradari” in Urdu. The Fort also includes a small restaurant.
13. BLIND LAKE SHIGAR
Thirteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Blind Lake Skardu, or Jarba Zhou Lake, is at a distance of almost 1 hour from Skardu City. A jeepable to track from Shigar Road leads us to the lake. There is a small canteen/tuck shop here. A small camping site is also available at the lake. Coming to the name “Blind Lake,” it is not clear what the water source is in this lake, and there is no place where the water flows out; this is why the locals give it this name.
14. KHAPLU VALLEY AND KHAPLU FORT
Fourteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Khaplu Valley Skardu. It is the district capital of Ghanche. Khaplu is almost 115 km from Skardu City, which takes nearly 3 hours to travel. Khaplu Valley is located at the confluence of the Shyok River and Indus River. Shyok enters Pakistan from Ladakh Valley in India and merges with the Indus River, passing through the Khaplu Valley. Khaplu also holds historical significance in GB. The old trade route between Ladakh and Gilgit Baltistan moved through Khaplu before the Sub-Continent partition. The famous Ghwari Road is also in the Khaplu Valley.
Khaplu Fort is in the Khaplu Valley. Old Khaplu Fort, built in the mid-19th century, was used by Yabgo Raja of Khaplu as a residence. For construction purposes, the people threw a huge stone from a nearby mountain and built the Fort where the stone stopped. Later, they constructed a new fort near the old one, Khaplu Fort. This Fort is also known as “Yabgo Khar” by the local people of Khaplu.
A part of this Fort was transformed into a traditional luxury hotel by the Serena Hotels, now known as the Serena Khaplu Fort. Serena Hotels also transformed a part of the Fort into a museum that preserves the belongings of the royal families that lived here.
15. SALING VALLEY AND HALDI CONES
Saling Valley is nearly 12 km from Khaplu Village and falls fifteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu Valley. The road to Saling is asphalt till the Saling Bridge and becomes rough onwards. Saling Valley has an amazing landscape with crystal clear water streams and lush green grassy land, crowned by the rocky peaks of Haldi Cones. In Urdu, Haldi translates to Turmeric. It is said that the Haldi Cones got this name because of the ‘golden orange’ color of the peaks when the sun shines on them. There is a small artificial lake in the valley called the Sogha Lake.
Saling also has a Fish Farm known as the Saling Fish Farm. If we go further into the valley, there comes a point towards Hushe Valley where we can see the Masherbrum Peak. This place is known as the Masherbrum View Point.
16. CHAQCHAN MOSQUE
Sixteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Chaqchan Mosque, it is a nearly 700 years old mosque in Khaplu Valley. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani constructed this mosque with the arrival of Islam in the Khaplu Valley. He played a vital part in spreading Islam in the region.The building structure of Chaqchan combines the Kashmiri, Mughal, and Tibetan construction techniques. The mosque’s interior is bright and multicolored because of the printed walls and the beautiful prayer mats.
17. SOQ VALLEY
Seventeenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Soq Valley, which is located in Skardu on the back side of Shangrila Resort. It is a less visited tranquil place. The river flowing in the valley is known as the Soq River. A jeep track from Shangrila Resort leads us to the Soq Valley. It takes almost half an hour to get to the place. There are several hotels and restaurants in the valley. One can also camp here beside the river.
18. KHARPOCHO FORT (SKARDU FORT)
Eighteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Kharpocho Fort. Kharpocho Fort is also known as the Skardu Fort. It is at the back side of the market in Skardu City, where a small road from the Hussaini Chowk takes us to the starting point of a narrow, steep track which leads us towards the Kharpocho Fort. It takes almost 20 to 30 minutes to reach the gate fort. The fort’s entrance has an old wooden gate with a small window opening to let the visitors inside. Ali Sher Khan Anchan, a Baltistani King, built this fort in 1840 and named it Kharpocho, which means “The King of Forts.” This fort gives an aerial view of the Skardu City, and the ruins of the old fort remain to date.
19. ORGANIC VILLAGE
Nineteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Nansoq Village. It is located in Skardu and known as the Organic Village, as the inhabitants have adopted organic ways of living. They still use the old lifestyle of the Balti people. Agriculture, cooking styles, house structures, transport, roads, and all else give us a glimpse of how the ancient people must have lived here in the region. Nansoq Village, or Organic Village, is located beside the Kharpocho Fort. A narrow, steep track side by side to the Indus River, of almost 40-45 minutes, leads us to the village from the Hussaini Chowk of Skardu City.
20. BASHO VALLEY
Basho Valley is in the Rondu District of Skardu and falls twentieth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu. It is almost 2:30 to 3 hours from Skardu. We travel on the JSR for almost 1-1:30 hours, and after that, we cross the iconic Basho Hanging Bridge to the left, and the off-road track starts for nearly 2 hours. There is a beautiful waterfall just below the bridge, known as the Basho Waterfall. After a long, bumpy ride passing through various villages, we enter the heaven of Basho Valley. Basho is an adventure lovers’ heaven with its lush green meadows, crystal clear river flowing through the valley, dense Basho Forest, and rocky mountains covered in white snow. Many camping sites are available here for the tourists. You can hire jeeps from Skardu City to get you to the valley. For more information, you can read our Basho Valley Travel Guide.
21. CHUNDA VALLEY
Twenty First on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Chunda Valley. It is located on the back side of the Skardu Airport. It takes almost 45 minutes to 1 hour to Reach Chunda Valley using a jeepable track. This track starts from the Skardu City. There are several villages on the way. Chunda is another heaven of Skardu crowned by rocky mountains, river crossings, and grassy lands. Chunda Valley gives an aerial view of the Skardu City and Shangrila Resort. There are several camping sites and hotels available in the valley.
22. ASTORE VALLEY
Twenty second on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Astore (or Astor) Valley. It is in the Astore District of GB. Astore was closed to tourists for a long time because of its geographical position, as it borders India through Kargil, but in recent years, the Army of Pakistan has opened its gates to everyone. Astore is accessed by taking the turn to Astore Road from Jaglot Town on KKH, and another route to Astore is from Deosai Plains through Skardu City.
Minimarg, Rupal Valley, Rama Meadows, Kamri Pass, Chich Pass, Shounter Pass, Chakor Pass, Banak La, Sagar Pass, Mezano Pass, Burzil Pass, Rattu Valley, a part of Deosai Plains and Bilamik Valley are a part of Astore Valley. Dirlay Lake, Daroo Lake, Rainbow Lake, Crystal Lake, Allah Wali Lake, Ghulam Sar Lake, Rama Lake, and Beryl Lake are in Astore Valley. In short, Astore Valley has so much to share with its visitors.
23. MINIMARG AND RAINBOW LAKE
Twenty Third on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Minimarg. It is a small village in the Astore Valley, which borders India and Azad Kashmir through Minimarg. It is accessed from Astore through the Burzil Pass using all sorts of vehicles. This village is the site of an ancient trading route between Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir. The famous Kamri Pass is a mountain pass between the two valleys, where we enter Taobat Village on the other side. This route is a par of Gurez Valley.
There are two lakes in Minimarg: Rainbow Lake and Crystal Lake. Rainbow Lake is an artificial lake used as a water source for trout breeding, and it adds to the valley’s aesthetics. On the other hand, Crystal Lake is a smaller but natural lake. Both the lakes have captivating beauty.
As the Pakistan Army manages this area, they establish a camping site to entertain the tourists.
24. RAMA MEADOWS AND RAMA LAKE
Twenty Fourth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Rama Meadows. A jeep track from Astore takes us to the Rama Meadows. There are several camping sites along the way for adventure enthusiasts. A 1 to 1.5-hour trek takes us to Rama Lake, which the Nanga Parbat shadows. You can also access Rama Lake on bikes.
25. RUPAL VALLEY
Twenty Fifth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Rupal. It is a small village located in the Rupal Valley, which is in Astore. A jeep track from Tarshing Village (in Astore) passing through the Chhungphar Glacier leads us to the Rupal Valley. The same jeep track will take us to the camping site just before the Nanga Parbat Basecamp. After that, a one-hour trek will take us to the base camp. This is the southern part of Nanga Parbat, also known as the Rupal Face. It is one of the most easily accessible basecamps of an 8000-meter peak in the world.
26. HARAMOSH VALLEY
Twenty Sixth on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Haramoash Valley. It is located in the Gilgit District. A one-hour narrow jeep track starts from the Sassi Village on the JSR and leads towards Dasso Village. A 6 to 8-hours long rugged trek begins at Dasso, passing through Iskere Village and various dangerous river and glacier crossings. After a long, tedious hike, the first glimpse of the valley will make you forget about your sore legs. It is a fragment of paradise crowned by the Haramosh I, Haramosh II, and Laila Peaks. A hotel with a camping site is available here, with only essential services provided.
Another 1-hour long jeep track from Sassi Village leads us to the Khaltaro Valley and Khun Meadows.
27. KUTWAL LAKE
Twenty Seventh on the list of the top places to visit in Skardu is Kutwal Lake. A 40 to 50-minute-long trek from Kutwal Village in Haramoash Valley leads us to the Kutwal Lake. Kutwal is a small, beautiful lake surrounded by sky-scrapping peaks of Haramosh Valley and the Hamaosh Glacier. It is a must visit location if you come to Haramosh Valley.
28. BILAMIK VALLEY
Twenty Eighth on the list of top places to see in Skardu is Bilamik Valley. It is located in the Rondu District, almost 70 km from Skardu City. The jeep track for Bilamik starts 20 km after you cross Astak Nala point on the JSR and just before the Dambodas Village. It takes almost 1.5 to 2 hours on the jeep to reach Bilamik after crossing the Dambodas Suspension Bridge over the Indus River. The jeep track crosses a few villages along the way until you reach Bilamik. This Valley is another tourist heaven. You can camp up here for the night. Only basic facilities are available here.
29. HUSHE VALLEY
Twenty Ninth on the list of top places to see in Skardu is Hushe Valley. It is in the Ganche District of Gilgit Baltistan, approximately 2-3 hours drive from Khaplu, and the drive itself is pretty amazing. The government protects Hushe Valley and falls inside the premises of the Central Karakoram National Park. It serves as the base for trekking towards Masherbrum, K2, Broad Peak, Gondogoro La, Snow Lake, Concordia, and the surrounding mountain peaks. Many people turn to Hushe Valley to satisfy their adventure lusts. It is also known as the “Valley of Mountains.” There is a town named “Kanday” in Hushe Valley, which is the last village of this valley in Pakistan, before the wilderness of skyscraping mountains.
30. K2 BASECAMP
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30. SKARDU CITY
Thirtieth on the list of top places to see in Skardu is Skardu City, the capital of Skardu District, is located in Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. Skardu was an ancient city with traces of Tibetan, Maqpon, Dogra, Mughal, and British rule until it fell into the democratic land of Pakistan. People here speak Balti, English and Urdu languages. Skardu is located where the Shigar River falls in the mighty Indus River. It is a famous tourist destination in Pakistan. Millions of local and international tourists turn to Skardu annually.
31. SKARDU HIGHWAY (JSR)
Last on the list of top places to see in Skardu is Jaglot-Skardu Road or Skardu Highway (also S-1 Highway). It provides the link between Karakoram Highway and Skardu. It is a 167 km long highway, which starts from the Jaglot town on KKH till the Skardu City. This highway faces numerous landslides and gets blocked for clearance and renovation. This highway holds enormous significance for tourism in the region. It is also essential to the locals as they use it to supply goods to the people of Skardu and surrounding areas.
These were the best places to see in Skardu. Although no list of top places to visit in Skardu justifies this enormous land, we have tried our best to help you plan your next Skardu Tour 2025. So contact us now and get our expert advice on how to plan your next Skardu Visit