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Skardu is the main town of Baltistan in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, spread across a wide valley where the Indus River winds past sandy flats beneath bare, towering mountains. Once the seat of a small Balti kingdom with cultural ties to Ladakh and Tibet, it now serves as the gateway to some of the highest peaks on Earth, including K2.
Just outside town, Lower Kachura Lake, often called Shangrila Lake, is ringed by a resort, while Upper Kachura Lake is clearer and quieter. Kharpocho Fort crowns a rocky ridge above the bazaar, and Satpara Lake lies in the hills to the south. The Manthal Buddha Rock preserves a carved image from the region's Buddhist past. Beyond Satpara, the road climbs to Deosai National Park, a high plateau known for summer wildflowers and Himalayan brown bears. The sand dunes of Sarfaranga and Katpana form cold deserts, a surprising sight at this altitude. In the Shigar Valley, the restored Shigar Fort and the wooden Amburiq Mosque show traditional Balti building styles, as do Khaplu Palace and the Chaqchan Mosque farther east. Expeditions to the Baltoro Glacier and K2 base camp set out from Skardu.
Skardu suits adventurous travelers, trekkers and road-trippers. Summer is the main season, when Deosai is reachable. Flights are often canceled because of weather, so building in buffer days is wise.
WiserMap travel guideSkardu Pakistan Deosai Plains and Kachura LakesPlan a Skardu trip with this guide to the Kachura lakes, Deosai Plains, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace and cold deserts, plus seasons, permits and safety advice.Read the guide
A small lake about 25 kilometers from Skardu, surrounded by the Shangrila Resort with its pagoda style buildings, gardens and a restaurant built inside an old aircraft fuselage. Boating is available on the lake. It is one of the most visited spots in Baltistan, and a small entry fee is charged for the resort grounds.
A deep, clear blue lake above Lower Kachura, reached by a short walk down from the road through apricot orchards. It is calmer than Shangrila, with simple boat rides and a few small cafes on the shore serving fresh trout. The water is very cold even in summer. Visit in the morning for still reflections.
A lake just south of Skardu town on the road to Deosai, fed by meltwater from the Deosai Plains and enlarged by the Satpara Dam. Its turquoise water is ringed by bare mountains, and there are boat rides and a small island. It makes an easy stop on the way to Deosai. Wear sun protection, as the air is thin and dry.
A fort built on a rocky ridge above Skardu town and the Indus River, associated with the Maqpon rulers of Baltistan around the 16th century. A steep climb of about 30 to 45 minutes leads up from the bazaar to its walls. The top gives broad views over the Skardu valley. Bring water and wear good walking shoes.
A large granite boulder in Manthal village near Skardu, carved around the 8th century with a seated Buddha surrounded by smaller Buddhas and bodhisattvas. It is a reminder of Baltistan's Buddhist past before the arrival of Islam. It is a short drive from town and takes about 30 minutes to visit, including the short walk.
Shigar Fort is a 17th century palace of the Amacha rulers, restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and now a heritage hotel and museum with carved woodwork. Amburiq Mosque nearby is a small timber and stone mosque from the 14th century that won a UNESCO conservation award. Shigar is about 30 kilometers from Skardu.
Khaplu Palace is a 19th century royal residence of the Yabgo rulers, restored into a heritage hotel and museum with views over the Shyok valley. Chaqchan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Baltistan, mixing Tibetan and Kashmiri styles. Khaplu is about 100 kilometers east of Skardu, so plan a night there.
One of the highest plateaus in the world at around 4,000 meters, with rolling meadows that fill with wildflowers in July and August. It is home to Himalayan brown bears, marmots and birds of prey, and Sheosar Lake sits near its western edge. Jeeps go from Skardu in summer. Bring warm layers, as weather changes fast.
High altitude sand dunes near Skardu, with Katpana close to the airport and Sarfaranga near the road to Shigar. Snow-capped peaks rise behind the pale dunes. Visitors come for jeep rides, quad biking, camping and sunsets, and a jeep rally is held at Sarfaranga. Nights get very cold, even in summer.
A green side valley west of Skardu, reached by a rough jeep road from the Indus, with pine forests, streams, meadows and small villages. It is popular for camping and picnics away from the town's crowds. Only four-wheel drive jeeps can make the climb, so hire a local driver in Skardu for the trip.
A broad waterfall in the Kharmang district east of Skardu, where a stream drops into a pool shaded by willows. Small cafes serve tea and fresh trout, and tables are set in the shallow water. The drive takes a few hours along the Indus and Shyok road. Leave early from Skardu and return before dark.
Skardu is the starting point for treks along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, one of the world's great mountain treks. Jeeps run via Shigar to Askole, where walking begins. The trek takes about two weeks and needs a licensed operator and permits. The main season is June to August.
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