Someone who searches for adventure, quiet, along with incredible natural views, will find Skardu a good place – it sits in Gilgit-Baltistan and is more than a mountain town. It is a place travellers think about even after they visit. From blue lakes to cold deserts that sit 2,300 meters high, Skardu offers much to do – it has something for couples, families, solo travellers, as well as people who like sunsets.
Table of Contents
Top Natural Attractions in Skardu
1. Explore Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes
The two lakes are the main points of interest in Skardu.
- Upper Kachura Lake holds clean, deep water, which is suitable for boating. People also fish for trout there.
- Lower Kachura Lake, also known as Shangrila Lake, sits within a pleasant resort. Travellers drink butter tea and look at the mountains at this place.
Nature did all the editing—no filters needed.
2. Go Boating at Satpara Lake
Just 9 km from Skardu, this is another crystal-clear beauty. You can rent paddle boats, fish a bit, or just take in the reflections of the mountains. It’s peaceful and makes for some of the best photos.
3. Ride Through the Katpana Cold Desert
A desert… that’s cold? Yup. Katpana is one of the coldest deserts in the world.
- Jeep safaris
- Sandboarding
- Sunset hikes
- Stargazing without any light pollution
Just don’t forget your jacket—it gets seriously chilly.
4. Jeep Safari in the Sahara Desert
Next to Katpana, this desert also gives a crazy mix of white sand and snowy peaks. Jeep rallies happen here often. It’s like off-roading in a dream.
Adventure & Offbeat Spots
5. Camp at Deosai National Park
Deosai, known as the “Land of Giants,” is unreal in the summer, covered in wildflowers and full of life.
- Spot marmots and foxes
- Maybe even see a Himalayan brown bear
- Visit Sheosar Lake, where the sky reflects like glass
Don’t forget your camera and backup batteries.
6. Take a Break at Basho Valley
Peaceful, green, and full of pine trees, Basho Valley is great for camping, short treks, or just chilling. It’s like nature’s own therapy centre.
7. Visit Manthokha Waterfall
About 3 hours from Skardu, this waterfall drops from 180 feet. There’s a small café and a trout farm nearby. Dip your feet in the stream while sipping chai. It’s simple and amazing.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
8. Trek to Paristan Lake (For the Brave Ones)
This area has few visitors. People must walk on rocky paths. But the view at the top pays off. The place is quiet and has not changed.
Historical and Cultural Spots
9. Climb Up Kharpocho Fort
Built in the 1500s, this old fort gives the best view of Skardu city. Go at sunset—locals say even the clouds stop to watch.
10. ver Shigar Valley and Shigar Fort
Green fields, rivers, and wooden houses—Shigar is calm and lovely. The restored Shigar Fort is now a hotel and museum. Super peaceful for slow travellers.
11. Explore Khaplu Valley and Palace
Khaplu has royal charm, friendly locals, and a slower pace. Go to the Khaplu Palace. See the Chaqchan Mosque – it is old in the area.
12. Check Out the K2 Museum
Under the peak of K2, the small museum holds gear, stories, and photos of mountain climbers. People who love adventure should see it.
13. Spot the Manthal Buddha Rock
Skardu has a deep history, and this ancient Buddhist carving proves it. From the 8th century, this peaceful spot has been great for anyone who enjoys quiet places with real meaning.
Local Food, Culture & Events
14. Taste Balti Cuisine
Warm, simple, and perfect for the mountains:
- Mamtu: Steamed dumplings
- Skyu: Thick, homemade pasta stew
- Prapoo: Noodle soup that’s made for cold nights
- Butter tea: Weird at first, but oddly good
Balti food hits differently when it’s cold outside.
15. Visit Organic Village in Skardu
This place isn’t for flashy tourism. It’s a slow-living village where everything’s done the natural way. Travellers eat farm-fresh food, chat with locals, and walk around mud homes.
16. Catch the Mayfung Festival
In December, locals set torches alight; they dance and celebrate the longest night of the year. The event contains much colour, fire, and energy. If you’re around, don’t miss it.
17. Travel Photography & Stargazing
A person does not need a DSLR camera to take good photos. The lakes, the skies, and the deserts appear suitable for a travel magazine.
A tripod helps for steady pictures. Bring patience. And bring more memory cards.
Smart Travel Tips & Itineraries
18. Plan the Perfect Skardu Itinerary
2-day trip:
- Kachura Lakes → Katpana Desert → Manthokha Waterfall
4-day trip:
- Add Deosai Plains, Basho Valley, and Kharpocho Fort
7-day plan:
- Shigar, Khaplu, Organic Village, and a trek to Paristan
19. How to Get to Skardu
You’ve got two options:
- By Air: Daily flights from Islamabad to Skardu. Quick, but it can get delayed if the weather’s bad.
- By Road: Long (about 20–24 hours), but worth it for the views. Most travellers stop in Chilas or Gilgit to break it up.
Tip: If winding roads make you sick, bring motion sickness pills.
20. Best Time to Visit Skardu
From May through September, the weather is good, roads are open, and plants are green. In October, the air cools along with colours changing. A quiet settles then. From November to March, winter snow covers the ground. Some places are not reachable at that time. Check the road conditions before you travel.
21. Where to Stay in Skardu
Here’s a quick list:
- Shangrila Resort: Insta-famous and peaceful
- Serena Shigar Fort: Sleep like royalty
- Budget stays: Lots of local guesthouses with warm Balti hospitality
Book early during the summer. Also, not all places have Wi-Fi or heating—check before you go.
Final Tips: What to Know Before You Go
- Altitude sickness: Skardu is high up. Rest on Day 1, drink lots of water.
- Transport: Jeeps are your best bet.
- Weather: Even in summer, nights are cold. Pack layers.
- Locals: The Balti people are warm and kind. Even a small smile or a few Urdu words go a long way.
- Connectivity: Don’t expect strong signals. Enjoy the digital break.
Final Thoughts
Skardu is a place that remains in a person’s thoughts. The area has cold deserts and still lakes – it also has forts, food, and celebrations, along with people who welcome visitors. For every sort of traveller, the area holds something. One can walk, relax, study, or eat.
Close your computer. Pick up your bag. Start the trip. Skardu invites you to visit.