As the largest city in Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu serves as the starting point for all major treks leading to the glacier-covered Central Karakoram National Park. High-altitude cold deserts on either side of the city, including the Safaranga and Katpana deserts.
A bazaar in the middle of Skardu is a great place to find souvenirs, try local dishes, and learn about the best hotels. Skardu is home to a wide range of notable tourist attractions, including Masur Rock, upper and lower Kachura Lake, Kharpocho Fort, and Katpana and Safaranga deserts.
Aside from Charakusa Valley and Concordia, Hushe village is an alternative starting point in Skardu if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. Skardu winters are harsh, so summers are more popular. You will avoid crowds if you visit Skardu Valley in late August or early September. Get a complete travel guide to Skardu here.
There are many top 10 most beautiful Skardu Valley famous, and best tourist places to visit and see with your family in winter and summer:
Absolutely stunning views today. Photos don’t do it justice. Well worth stopping at the edge in Upper Haramosh Valley and spending some time there. Kutwal Lake is really pretty and we spent about 1 hour there taking photos. The climb up to Ansoo Lake is steep and took us about 1.5 hours going very slow and with plenty of stops, but honestly, the views are so incredible that you’ll want to stop and take photos anyway.
The above-mentioned beautiful verses of the poetry always remind me of “Land of Giants”…Deosai Plains…an alpine plateau (over 4000m)of exceptional beauty and ecological value located in the western massif of the Himalayas, east of Nanga Parbat Peak and near the Central Karakoram Range.
Deosai and Sheosar Lake (4250m) form one of the highest-altitude freshwater wetlands in the world. The cold alpine environment is important due to its diverse flora and rich variety of species.
This biodiversity reflects the park’s location where two biogeographical provinces merge, as species are channeled through the Karakorum range, the main crest of the Himalayas, the Zanskar range (Trans-Himalaya), the Ladakh range (Trans-Himalaya), and the Indus valley. It is recognized as an internationally important site for the protection and conservation of the critically endangered Himalayan Brown Bear.
Three important river systems originate from Deosai National Park namely; Shatung, Bara Pani, and Kala Pani which form the Shigar River, an important tributary of the Indus River.
On the way to Bashu Valley when you will see beautiful scenery from afar that looks like a natural spotlight magically transforming the valley into a garden of golden daffodils bathing in liquid Gold.
I love the way the sun spreads its rays amidst the range of clouds…illuminating and painting the valley with colors of sunshine and hope. Mother Nature has its unique way of teaching us lessons through its lens.
The beautiful golden rays of the Sun traversed through the misty waters of Mantokha disguising the fall in vivid shades of the rainbow.
Lying a short distance from the central city of Skardu, Chunda Valley lies at an altitude of 2,438 meters above sea level and is perfect for those who love nature and peace. This valley is famous for its majestic scenery and its giant mountains. It’s also known for its beautiful blossom trees during spring.
I got to witness this valley in Autumn and since this valley is on raised ground, providing scenic views of the entire Skardu city, it was freezing cold up there. The roads leading to Chunda Valley just like any mountainous terrain, can be a bit challenging to drive on, yet safe. Therefore, it is advisable to use a 4×4 vehicle.
Had a thrilling air safari and jeep safari in the Sarfaranga Desert, Skardu. Witnessed the most spectacular aerial view of the mighty Indus River and gigantic Karakorum mountains and yes not to forget, the serenity of the cold desert.
In addition to the Katpana Desert and Safaranga Desert, which are high-altitude deserts near Skardu, these two deserts rank as some of the highest high-altitude deserts in the world. Katpana desert is located significantly closer to Skardu than Safaranga desert, and it is easily accessible because it is close to Skardu Airport. Therefore, it attracts a higher number of tourists.
Katpana Lake in the middle, dunes, and the Indus River make this place extraordinary. Stunning mountain scenery frames all of this. An abundance of snow covers this desert landscape in winter, transforming it into a white wonderland.
Meanwhile, in Shigar Valley, the Skardu Cold Desert or Safaranga Desert lies along the banks of the Shigar River. In contrast to the Katpana Desert, Safaranga is more peaceful and serene, making it a more enchanting place for solitude. In comparison to the Katpana desert, its scenery is better, and its dunes are taller.
The silky soft sand is perfect for wearing barefoot, and you can try climbing the tall dunes, which can be challenging due to the chilly wind. A spectacular view of the Milky Way galaxy can also be viewed over the dunes of both deserts, providing visitors with a truly out-of-this-world experience.
It seems as if both of them have vowed to fiercely stand by each other at all times, and stay resilient in the face of any adversity. They were always destined to meet and fall in love together, they were meant to cross each other’s path. Their souls have been invisibly and eternally connected and no time or distance can tear them apart. Rejuvenating my soul in autumn where all the sun-faded colors of summer are repainted by vivid reds and golds.
Marsur Rock located at an altitude of 3600m, garnered significant attention regarding its uncanny resemblance to the famous Trolltunga in Norway. This rock can also be called the ‘Birds eye viewpoint of Skardu.’ The panoramic view from and around the rock is nothing short of spectacular, encompassing the Indus River, Skardu City, Hussainabad, the Cold Desert, and Kharphocho Forts, all within a single frame.
The road ascends with numerous zigzags, eventually leading you to the lush, grassy area of Broq Valley which is the starting point of the trek. From there, will take you through dry, rocky terrain as you ascend to a higher point challenging and affecting your pace.
It’s a constant steep uphill journey that will take an average of 4 hours to reach the highest point. It took us 2 hours to reach Masrur Rock and 30 min to descend back to Broq Meadows.
The views at the top are mesmerizing and breathtaking with the clouds floating as if you are in the sky. The green meadows, shiny plateaus, curvy roads, flowing streams and giant mountains are something to die for. The weather in this beautiful tourist destination should be checked before visiting.
Concordia is home to one of the best campsites I have ever been to. Nestled deep in the Karakoram range of Northern Pakistan (greatest ice valley)…lies with 360-degree views of a series of legendary mountains steeped in mystery, cloud, and ice including Gasherbrum 4(7925m), Broad Peak (8051m), Marble Peak (6256m), Mitre Peak (6010m)and of course, towering above all….the impressive, swirling cloud-capped K2 (8611m) in all her glory!
The K2 Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a kind of magic, beauty, and local culture not found anywhere else on our planet. A trek through Pakistan’s mighty Karakoram to the foot of the world’s second-highest mountain is one of the world’s classic and lesser-tackled – high-altitude adventures.
This trek is considered to be tougher than the Everest Base Camp Trek as it is 30% longer, much steeper, and less commercialized. If you can handle the extreme wilderness, altitudes of above 5,000m, and can walk each day for 6-10 hours, this trek is definitely meant for you!
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