Situated in the Karakoram division of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu offers scenic beauty, historical attractions, and adventurous activities that attract tourists. It has a beautiful and calm water lake that looks like a mirror when the sky is clear and has a historical fort that describes the history of the times gone by. Here are some Must-visit Top 10 Places in Skardu, these places will make your next trip an exciting one.
Top 10 Places in Skardu
Here are the top 10 places in Skardu you must want to see to make your tour remarkable.
i. Shangrila Resort
The journey through Skardu starts with the world-famous Shangrila Resort also known as ‘Heaven on Earth’ Popular for Lower Kachura Lake full of natural beauty with high green mountains and colorful gardens. This colorful structure that looks boldly oriental, like a Chinese temple, contributes to the overall picture of the resort.
The tourists can also take a calming ride in the boat over the lake and get an outstanding view of the reflection of the mountains surrounding it. Shangrila Resort indeed provides a memorable experience – one that is particularly suitable if you are visiting to be one with nature or pursue photography.
ii. Deosai National Park
Named popularly as The Land of Giants, Deosai National Park is the highest and second largest plateau in the world to get daylight. Deosai stands at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level and it qualifies to be among the highest terrains on the surface of the earth. Mammals that can be seen in this park consist of the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and many birds.
Thus, apart from being a wildlife destination, Deosai is also blessed with an incredible trekking and camping experience. The vast fields of the park with sparse bushes and trees of different colors, and crossed by several beautiful streams are best for hiking. Because of such scenery, Deosai is considered to be one of the best places that can be visited in Skardu.
iii. Satpara Lake
Featuring crystal clear water, Satpara Lake is a clear delight to the eyes. This is a natural lake situated a few kilometers from town and is supplied by the Satpara stream; the latter is a major water resource for the area. Satpara Lake is slightly more remote because it is located in the mountains, and its atmosphere is very tranquil, so it will suit travelers who do not want to be around many people.
The people can either engage in boating or fishing or the people can just take a stroll and have an easy walk around the lake. The garden gives a serene environment and magnificent scenery of the lake, thus recommended for persons who love nature and nature adventure.
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake is considered as a one of the top 10 places in Skardu. Located in the ever-expansive Deosai National Park is the Sheosar Lake, popularly known to be one of the many high-altitude lakes found in the country of Pakistan. The name itself is Sheosar meaning blind lake, which seemed quite appropriate given that such lakes are situated in such a secluded place.
Thus, the bright blue waters of the lake are set perfectly off against green fields and white mountain tops. However, what is beneficial for the photographer is a haven for the weary traveler who would like to spend some time walking around and taking nature’s beauty. Sheosar Lake is one for the books if you are here to spend a few hours just paragliding around with a sandwich or just standing in the center of the lake in awe.
Skardu Fort
Regarding history, it is the Skardu Fort also called Kharpocho Fort which is said to belong to the sixteenth century and is located overlooking Skardu town and the river Indus. Constructed by the indigenous rulers Maqpon, the fort was used as a military fortress, and currently, it is an example of the historical heritage of the area.
Visiting Skardu Fort is a special kind of experience because it provides the tourists with the opportunity to know more about the past of the area mainly because of the building’s old architecture plus the fact that it hugs the Skardu valley which in itself offers a breathtaking view. The elevation to the fort might be tiresome but the view at the top would make the tiring walking worthwhile.
Shigar Valley
Shigar Valley is about 20 Km away from Skardu town and is famous for its striking greenery, beautiful places, local culture, and the Shigar Fort and palace. The valley is at the entrance of the Karakoram Mountains and enjoys the features of stunning sceneries and archeological importance.
Of course, the highlight is the construction called Shigar Fort, which was initially built as a palace around 400 years ago and was completely renovated as a luxury hotel. Currently, tourists can tour the museum area of the fort and get a glimpse of the history and culture of the region or else see and relax. The valley is also characterized by several tracts of fruit gardens as well as several native villages.
Khaplu Palace
Khaplu Palace located in the splendid Khaplu Valley is yet another historical structure of the Baltistan area. This palace built in the 19th century has been renovated and well preserved to cater to hotel guests while they taste the ambiance of historical buildings of the past century.
The architecture of the palace is inspired by Tibetan, Balti, and Kashmiri styles due to the multicultural population of the area. One can visit the palace museum with displays and exhibits relating to the area’s history; or just take a walk through the palace grounds, boasting stunning gardens. Therefore, a mobile travel guide to Khaplu Palace is a must for history lovers and tourists who seek the real taste of this area.
Manthokha Waterfall
The beautiful Manthoka Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking and one of the highest waterfalls located in a secluded part of Skardu. It is a free-falling waterfall that rises 200 feet and the falling water produces a magical view as well as the sound of falling water which is admired all over the valley.
There are picnicking spots, nature walks, and beautiful views to be taken at this waterfall site, which is called Manthoka Waterfall. It has beautiful green trees around and the cool mist coming out of the waterfall makes it a beautiful place to make a halt and just take a sigh of fresh air from Skardu. There is a trek to get to this waterfall but the moment you get there, it is something that you will never forget.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Sarfaranga Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. Therefore, unlike the classical great desert, the Sarfaranga Cold Desert has sand bulk that covers almost all the central zone and is surrounded by a ring of snow-clad mountains, which give the area a splendid and extraordinary look.
Most of the time it has very high temperatures during the day and very cold temperatures during the night. Though the environment in Sarfaranga Cold Desert is extremely challenging and unfavorable for survival, there are various tourism activities that interested people can enjoy. You may choose an exciting jeep tour through the sand, you can sand surf or, finally, be impressed by the contrast of a desert and, say, rocks. There are also no obstructions to the night sky to make it a perfect place for astronomy and getting clear glimpses of the stars.
Upper Kachura Lake
The last but one of the prominent attraction centers to visit in Skardu is the beautiful and normally called Upper Kachura Lake. The Lower Kachura lake is more popular and more tourist exploited compared to Upper Kachura which is more naturally preserved.
This is another beautiful small-sized lake that contains really clear waters; this makes the water body ideal for swimming, and boating among other water-related activities. Located not very far from the popular point of interest, Upper Kachura Lake being surrounded by mountains and pine trees offers tourists a rather secluded place. It’s a perfect place for animals and for those people who like to spend amounts of time being alone with the beauty of nature.
If you are traveler, adventure lover or a transportation service provider you must want to know that Traveling a Hobby or a Lifestyle? This blog post will guide you in detail.
Conclusion
Skardu is a place that gives the taste of the adventurous, fantastic beauty of nature and touch with God. This detailed guide takes a look at the 10 top attractions that any tourist to this wonderful town should not miss in Skardu. If it is the adventure you are looking for, if it is leisure that you wish for, or if it is the culture that you are interested in, pack your bags and start preparing for these Top 10 places in Skardu – You are here on your next journey!
