Discover Majestic Skardu Mountain Views

Around Skardu, the lakes are the first thing most visitors want to see. Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake, with the famous Shangrila Resort on its shore, are known for their deep blue water and peaceful surroundings. Satpara Lake, a short drive from the city, is a lovely place for a picnic and boating, and Manthokha Waterfall and Kharpocho Fort offer easy sightseeing close to town. The nearby Sarfaranga Cold Desert, with its sand dunes surrounded by snowy mountains, is one of the most unusual and photographed sights in the region.

For a real taste of high-altitude adventure, Skardu opens the way to Deosai National Park, often called the "Land of Giants". This vast plateau sits at over 4,000 metres and is covered in wildflowers in summer, with clear streams, Sheosar Lake and a chance to see Himalayan brown bears. Shigar Valley, with its old Fong Khar Fort and apricot orchards, and Khaplu, with its beautiful palace and traditional wooden buildings, are excellent day trips or overnight stops. Trekkers and mountaineers also use Skardu as a base for routes toward Askole and the K2 region.

The best time to visit Skardu is from May to October. Deosai is usually accessible only in the summer months, from around June to September, since heavy snow closes the roads for the rest of the year. Nights are cold even in summer, so warm clothes are a must, and roads to remote spots can be rough, so it helps to travel with an experienced driver. Skardu can be reached by road along the Karakoram Highway or by a scenic flight from Islamabad, and its warm hospitality, local food and dramatic scenery make it a great choice for families, couples, friends and solo travelers.