Red-roofed cottages, a calm lake and snow peaks, Skardu's most famous lakeside resort.
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Shangrila Resort sits on the edge of Lower Kachura Lake, a few kilometres outside Skardu. Bright red-roofed cottages, orchards and gardens run down to the water, with snow-covered mountains behind. It is one of the most photographed places in Gilgit-Baltistan, and for many Pakistani travelers it is the classic Skardu image.
The resort was opened in 1983 and is named after Shangri-La, the hidden paradise in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon. Its other name is Heaven on Earth. It was the first resort of its kind in the northern areas, and it helped turn Skardu into a destination.
Whether you stay overnight or only visit for lunch and a lake walk, Shangrila Resort is a calm, comfortable and scenic stop on a Skardu trip.
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Founded in 1983 by Brigadier (Retd) Muhammad Aslam Khan, Shangrila was the first resort hotel in Skardu. The resort stands inside a landscaped garden beside Lower Kachura Lake, also called Shangrila Lake. Guests stay in cottages and rooms among fruit trees, with views across the water to the mountains.
The best-known feature is a restaurant built around the fuselage of an aircraft, reportedly based on a plane that crash-landed nearby. Evenings are cool and quiet, and many guests spend them by the lake or in the gardens.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (about 1 hour, weather permitting) or drive via the Karakoram Highway to Jaglot, then the Skardu road. The drive takes more than a full day.
From Skardu city, drive about 20 to 25 km towards Kachura on a smooth road, roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
Parking is available near the entrance. Day visitors may need to pay an entry fee.
Walk the gardens and lakeshore, then visit the restaurant, or continue to Upper Kachura Lake on foot.
Tip: Combine Shangrila with Upper Kachura Lake, Satpara Lake and the Skardu bazaar in one or two days.
April to May
Fresh greenery and blossom, mild days.
June to August
Warm days and the main tourist season. Busy.
September to October
Golden leaves, clear skies and fewer crowds. One of the best times.
November to March
Cold with snow. The resort and some services may close.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Book ahead, especially lakeside rooms in summer and holidays.
Check day-visit rules and fees before arriving.
Evenings by the lake are cool, even in summer. Carry a jacket in summer and warm clothes in other seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes for garden paths and the walk to Upper Kachura.
Start early for soft light, fewer crowds and calmer water.
ATMs are available in Skardu but not at the lake.
Skardu flights depend on weather.
Take rubbish with you and avoid plastic.
Respect local customs and other guests, and keep noise low.
Supervise children near the water.
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Explore Shangrila Resort in Gilgit-Baltistan and get directions easily.
Gilgit-Baltistan
It is at Lower Kachura Lake, about 20 to 25 km from Skardu city in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Let us plan your Skardu trip while you enjoy the lake and the mountains.
