Exploring the Very Beautiful Valley of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan
Have you ever visited Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region or the Skardu Valley? The area is definitely a piece of heaven on earth, best recognized for its outstanding topographical characteristics and breathtaking weather. All types of travelers worldwide, including nature enthusiasts, photographers, documentary filmmakers, and mountaineers, are drawn to this enchanting valley.
So, if visiting the Skardu Valley is also on your bucket list, this blog is for you. We have included a thorough travel guide to Skardu in this article, outlining some of its beautiful natural characteristics and all the significant amenities this fantastic location provides visitors.
READ MORE ABOUT PAKISTAN’S GILGIT BALTISTAN’S SKARDU VALLEY
Skardu, situated at a height of 7,320 feet (2231 meters), is undoubtedly a mountaineer’s heaven—the massive mountains of the Karakoram Range around it. The valley is 40 kilometers long and about 10 kilometers wide. It is amazingly situated at the Shigar and Indus rivers meeting point. It is among the top locations to visit in Pakistan because of this beautiful natural feature.
The valley of Skardu is the pinnacle of natural beauty due to its abundance of lush green foliage, medieval forts, panoramic mountain vistas, a frigid desert, freshwater rivers, and lakes. By going over each of these characteristics individually, we can learn more about one of Pakistan’s most picturesque valleys.
SKARDU’S HISTORICAL FORTS
You might see various historical sites when you travel to Gilgit-Baltistan’s Skardu Valley, two of which stand out particularly: the Skardu and Shigar forts. Let’s find out more information about these historical sites in Skardu Valley.
(KHARPOCHO) SKARDU FORT
The local term “Kharpocho,” which translates to “King of Forts,” is another name for Skardu Fort. The fort was constructed in the sixteenth century at the direction of the previous king of the area, King Sher Ali Khan Anchan. The fort was intentionally built on the summit of a mountain to safeguard the area from any potential outside threats. It was done to monitor the path leading into and out of the valley.
The name of this fort, which appears rather conspicuous due to its mountain-top location, is painted in significant characters on one of its walls to promote tourism in the Skardu Valley. Standing in Skardu Fort, one can see the entire valley in one continuous panorama.
FORT SHIGAR
Shigar Fort, also known as the “Fort on Rock,” is another magnificent historical site in the Pakistani town of Shigar, close to the Skardu Valley. The fort had a significant repair that cost $1.4 million and took six years to complete (from 1999 to 2004). It was transformed into one of the most opulent hotels in the area and a museum. Serena Hotels, a well-known five-star hotel group in Pakistan, now manages the establishment.
When we look at the history of this vital location, we learn that Shigar Fort was built during the Amacha Dynasty’s dominion over Shigar. It was Raja Hasan Ali Khan’s command. The palace perched atop the rock is a monument to Shigar’s illustrious past.
SKARDU’S BEAUTIFUL LAKES AND WATERFALLS
There are a few breathtaking lakes in the area around Skardu. The two Kachura Lakes, the upper and lower, are the most well-known. Other lakes besides the Kachura Lakes are Satpara and Blind Lake (Sheosar). Now, let’s find out more about these magnificent freshwater lakes nearby.
SHANGRILA LAKE, LOWER KACHURA LAKE
Both residents and visitors refer to the well-known Lower Khachura Lake as Shangrila Lake. The distance to Skardu’s largest city is 30 minutes by car. The Shangrila Resort is one of Shangrila Lake’s main draws. The resort has opulent architecture that enhances the lake’s beauty, which is so immaculate that it makes a lasting impression on your memory.
When it comes to promoting tourism in the Skardu Valley, the lake itself is crucial. It is a heart-shaped lake that was naturally produced, and the water is crystal-pure, reflecting the majestic majesty of the nearby massive mountains.
(FROGH SCHO) UPPER KACHURA LAKE
The Upper Kachura Lake, colloquially called Frogh Scho, is arguably the second most picturesque lake in Pakistan’s Skardu Valley. It is easily reachable by automobile and is located around 28 kilometers from the main metropolis. Fruit-bearing plants, primarily apricots, surround the area’s trees.
Summertime temperatures can be as high as 20 degrees Celsius in the region, while wintertime lows are below zero. Near the lake, visitors partake in numerous activities and watersports like boating, hiking, mountaineering, and fishing. As a result, it is among the top attractions in Skardu Valley.
SWETA LAKE
One of the best fishing sites in the area is Satpara Lake. It is one of the most stunning lakes in the Skardu Valley, surrounded by tall glacier mountains. The two activities most associated with Satpara Lake are rowing and trout fishing. It was one of Pakistan’s most picturesque tourist destinations and one of its biggest freshwater lakes.
Satpara Dam is one of Satpara Lake’s most notable features. Billions of rupees were spent on its construction. Satpara Dam, finished in 2011, is now Skardu’s main drinkable water supply. It has four independent powerhouse units that produce electricity as well.
(SHEOSAR LAKE) BLIND LAKE
Blind Lake, also known as Sheosar locally, borders the Indus River on one side and the Shigar River on the other. Sheo means “blind,” and Sar means “Lake” in the local language. You have two options for getting there to enjoy the lake’s beauty while visiting Skardu.
You can either hike from Skardu to your destination, which would take at least a few days, or explore the area in a 4×4 jeep, which can take a few hours.
WATERFALL AT MANTHOKHA
Skardu is also home to Manthokha Waterfall, one of Pakistan’s most beautiful waterfalls. It is situated in Pakistan’s far northern area, in the isolated Kharmang Valley. The distance between this waterfall and the central city of Skardu is 80 kilometers.
Due to its stunning appeal, regional residents and visitors from abroad eagerly travel to see this fantastic natural feature up close. A 4X4 vehicle is recommended for this trip because the road to Manthokha Waterfall is pitted and uneven in some places.
A SKARDU VALLEY WEATHER
Skardu is one of the coldest valleys in Pakistan, with a semi-arid climate. Skardu’s summer weather is generally agreeable, with an average high of 28 degrees Celsius at the height of the summer.
On the other hand, it may get extremely chilly during the winter. During the coldest part of the winter, the area’s reported average temperatures are as low as -8 degrees Celsius.
Note: The chilly desert is one of Skardu’s most distinctive features. It is a fantastic sight to observe the snow-covered dunes in Skardu’s frigid desert during the height of winter.
TRAVEL ACROSS SKARDU
If you’ve already begun preparing for your journey to Skardu, we’d like to give you further information on the finest routes and kinds of transportation. Road travel from Islamabad, the nation’s capital, will take about 13 hours and cover 630 kilometers. The Skardu Road through the N-15 National Highway is the most effective route to reach Skardu. Additionally, many private travel companies now provide tour packages to Skardu starting at roughly PKR 70,000.
You’ll arrive at Skardu Airport if you’re flying. The flight will last for one hour. Around PKR 40,000 ($200) can get you from Islamabad to Skardu in one way. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the sole airline operating on the route. Regarding a related subject, read our in-depth blog about Pakistan International Airlines if you want to learn more about the country’s flag carrier.
SKARDU VALLEY’S TOP HOTELS
In Pakistan, Skardu is now a popular tourist destination. Due to this, many resorts and hotels have recently appeared nearby. Therefore, we have selected a few excellent possibilities for you if you’re looking for some of the most incredible places to stay in Skardu Valley. Look at this:
- One Skardu Mountain Lodge, a hotel at the Shangri-La Resort in Skardu. Himalayan Holiday Home Hotel Hotel Skardu Reego
- These lodging options in the Skardu Valley provide guests with several cutting-edge amenities. Complimentary breakfast buffets, vehicle rental services, no-charge internet access, boating and fishing facilities, jogging trails, and barbecue facilities are a few of the more notable ones among them.
- These locations can also be used for corporate meetings and training sessions because they include specific business centers and conference spaces. These hotels in Skardu could provide a variety of room types, including single-bed, double-bed, presidential suites, executive suites, and lakeside cottages.
- Hotels start charging as little as PKR 8,000 per night. Seasonal variations may be seen in Skardu’s hotel room rates and availability. To give you thorough information, we have also produced an extensive piece about some of the top places to stay in Skardu.