Skardu Valley is one of the famous and most beautiful valley,s in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is the capital of the Skardu District. It is situated on the bank of the Indus River. The valley is about 10 km wide and 40 km long. The Skardu region has four of the world’s fourteen of Eight-thousand peaks (8,000 m and above) the second highest peak K2 (8611 m), and other three peaks are, Gasherbrum1/k5 (8080 m), broad peak (8047 m), Gasherburm2/K4 (8035 m) and many others which are below 8000. Skardu valley is a gateway for travellers, hikers, and trekkers into the mountain range.
This valley is surrounded by grey coloured dry rugged mountains and dunes. Skardu is a vast valley that is filled with numerous colours and breathtaking sights such as lush green plains, picturesque landscapes, historical sites, majestic mountains, rocky plains, curvy streams, cold deserts, amazing waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and green meadows. It is a very rare combination of natural beauty to be concentrated in one place.
Places to Visit in Skardu Valley
There are many places to visit in Skardu valley, we are discussing here top most hot destinations to visit in Skardu Valley.
Kharphocho Fort
Skardu Valley has an ancient Fort known as Kharphocho Fort or Skardu fort means “King of Forts”. If we look at its structure, it has a very suitable name for it. Situated on the top of a mountain that gives you a panoramic view of the whole town. A glorious piece of architecture of the Kharphocho fort resembles the Tibetan architecture. This fort is built at the end of the 16th century by Ali Sher Khan, who ruled over the region. The fort contains a wooden structure old mosque which is dating back to the arrival of Islam in the 16thcentury. The construction of the fort is amazing that inspire thousands of visitor every year. It is a symbol of the region’s past glory.
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Kachura Lakes
There are two Kachura lakes in Skardu valley which is upper Kachura lake and lower Kachura lake, located in Kachura village, Skardu valley. The lakes are at a height of 2,500 meters is (8,200 ft) above sea level.
Lower Kachura lake also called Shangrila Lake, which means “Heaven on Earth”. Shangrilla lake is 18 km away from Skardu. Alongside the lake, a dense forest with red hut cottages surrounded by the snow-clad mountains makes an amazing impact. Shangrilla lake is a famous destination spot in Skardu due to its scenic beauty and wonderful Shangrila resorts, that is one of the highest resorts in the world and best resort in Shangrila.
Upper Kachura Lake is approximately 4 km away from Kachura, Shangrilla Lake having a depth of 70 meters. The best tourist destination is surrounded by massive mountains and fruit trees full of apples, apricot, and peaches. In autumn it becomes more beautiful.
Satpara Lake
Satpara lake (also known as Sadpara Lake) is one of the beautiful freshwater lakes of Pakistan which provide water to Skardu Valley. It is located 9 km from Skardu town. Satpara Lake is at an elevation of 8650 ft above sea level that’s spread over 2.5 km². The turquoise water of the lake is so noticeable that attracts thousands of tourists and offers an opportunity for boating, fishing, and rowing in a freshwater lake. A marvellous place to witness and embrace the beauty of nature.
Here is the PTDC motel which is ideally located overlooking Satpara lake, where you can enjoy the cool breeze of air, splashing water, and wildering freshness all around it.
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Deosai National Park
The Skardu valley Tour can never be completed without visiting the stunning Deosai National Park. It is one of the highest plateau in the world at 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level and is especially known as the Roof of the World. Deosai means “the land of Giants”, in local language also called “Byars” meaning summer place. It is vast fascinating plains approximately on an area of 3,000 km2 located between Kharmang, Astore and Skardu, and a 2-hour drive from Skardu.
Deosai national park is famous for a rare species of flora and Fauna and the home of brown bears, ibexes, red foxes, wolves, snow leopards, and some native and migratory birds. Travel to the Deosai National park and experience nature with its lush green grass, magical landscape, colourful wildflowers, and rare butterflies.
Katpana Cold Desert (World Highest Cold Desert)
The cold desert is also known as the Katpana desert. It is high altitude cold desert at an elevation of 2,226 meters (7,303 feet) above sea level. The largest area of the Katpana Desert is spread in Skardu and Shigar Valleys. It is one of the world’s highest cold deserts and most visited places in Skardu. The dunes of Katpana desert presents a remarkable view. Its mesmerizing cold nights and magnificent sandy view make it a majestic place to visit. The sand of Katpana desert is white, not yellow like the other deserts, which has made this dessert a wonder on earth.
Manthokha Waterfall of Skardu Valley
Manthokha Waterfall located in Kharmang Valley, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, it is 40 km away from Skardu. A fabulous waterfall with a height of 180 feet. Manthokha waterfall is the best spot for fishing and camping. In winter the waterfall is completely frozen such as rare views to be seen. One of the most enchanting places in Skardu.
K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) (2nd Highest in World)
Pakistan has the pride of having the second-highest mountain of the World K2 after Mount Everest. K2 is the highest point of the Karakorum range in Gilgit Baltistan and also the highest point in both Pakistan. It is at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 ft) above sea level. K2 is also known as Chogori, “The big mountain” in the local Balti language. The name K2 was given by British surveyor T.G. Montgomerie in 1856, “K” standing for “Karakoram” and “2” refers that it is the 2nd highest peak, so it means Karakoram 2.
It is located at the Pak China border. K2 base camp trek is one of the popular trekking that leads to the hub of great mountains like K-2 and other peaks above 8000. During K2 base Camp Trek, you will explore stunning views of the breathtaking Skardu valley. The scenic views always overwhelm mountain lovers and adventurers.
Baltoro Glacier Skardu Valley
The famous Baltoro Glacier, located in Skardu Gilgit Baltistan. This area is famous for the highest mountain range including K2 the world’s second-highest mountain. The Baltoro glacier is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar region and runs through part of the Karakoram mountain range. This picturesque glacier is 62 kilometers long. The assemblage of Baltoro Glacier with the Godwin Austen Glacier is known as Concordia. This is a very popular spot to visit and camping.
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