Being a part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan, Skardu is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking nature, adventure, or historical places. The top 10 tourist attractions in Skardu are:
Located in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, Khaplu Palace is one of the country’s most beautiful historical monuments. Local royal families have resided in the palace since the mid-19th century. In addition to historical charm, the palace has been transformed into a luxury hotel with modern amenities. This palace boasts intricate woodwork and carvings that contribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Stunning views of the Karakoram Mountain range surround the palace from the terrace.
It is a truly unforgettable experience to visit Khaplu Palace, which offers a glimpse into Gilgit-Baltistan’s rich history and culture. A peaceful escape is assured at the palace thanks to its luxurious accommodations and stunning surroundings. No matter what you are interested in, Khaplu Palace is the perfect place to visit in Skardu, whether you are looking to explore the local area or relax. This palace not only offers stunning architecture and breathtaking views but also has an intriguing history and fascinating architecture.
A hidden gem in the heart of northern Pakistan, Organic Village Skardu offers a unique experience for nature lovers. The scenery and tranquility of this idyllic village offer visitors a glimpse of how life is lived in an organic village, where sustainability and self-sufficiency are at the heart of everyday life. Snow-capped mountains surround the village, which offers a serene environment perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. A visit to Organic Village Skardu allows visitors to experience local culture and organic cuisine.
It is always a pleasure to visit the villagers, who are warm and hospitable. At Organic Village Skardu, you’ll find delicious organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and the opportunity to taste them is a highlight. In summary, Organic Village Skardu offers unique insight into a sustainable, eco-friendly way of living. Because of this, it is the best place in Skardu to visit if you enjoy nature.
An adventure seeker or nature lover will find this peaceful lake nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks a picturesque destination. This is a must-see attraction in Skardu. Getting to the lake involves a narrow, winding road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The lake is surrounded by rugged terrain, so you can hike along to explore the area further or relax and soak up the beauty. Your childhood memories will be cherished forever when you camp by the lake under the stars. And one of the best Lakes in Skardu.
This mesmerizing landscape is enhanced by the crystal-clear water of Blind Lake Shigar, which reflects the surrounding mountains and skies. Additionally, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular fishing spot.
Located in Skardu, Kharphocho Fort is a historical landmark and a must-see destination for visitors interested in its rich cultural heritage. The fort guards Skardu town and the Indus River from a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. A king of Skardu built a fort here in the 17th century, and since then, several rulers and armies have used it as a strategic location. In addition to offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s historical and architectural background, the fort was recently restored.
There is a wealth of history and cultural significance to explore the fort’s various chambers and watchtowers, along with a chance to learn about its rich history. Additionally, the fort provides incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Skardu Valley, making it a great place for photographers.
Katpana Desert, one of the most popular places to visit in Skardu, is in the picturesque region of Gilgit Baltistan. It is a stunning desert that blends barren dunes, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear blue skies. During May and October, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Pakistani culture and hospitality make the locals and visitors feel at home, and you can enjoy traditional Pakistani cuisine. A trip to the desert is truly memorable when you experience its serene silence, stunning sunsets, and starry night sky.
Deosai National Park is a high-altitude national park situated between the Kharmang, Skardu, and Astore districts at an altitude of 4114 meters above sea level. It is considered the second-highest plateau in the world. This place is only accessible in the Summer and is one of the best tourist attractions in Skardu.
These plains are home to various wild animals and birds. Wild animals include Siberian Ibex, Kashmir Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, and Himalayan Wolf. Wild birds include Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Laggar Falcon, Himalayan Snowcock, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, and Eurasian Kestrel. The best time to visit Skardu Deosai Plain is from July to September.
Manthanal Buddha rock is the largest granite rock with a sculpture of the Buddha, dating back to the 8th century. This rock lies in the village of Manthal in Skardu. This rock holds great importance among Buddhists because it contains one of the earliest images of the Buddha ever created. This spot has great attractions for tourists seeking historical places.
Sheosar Lake is an alpine lake located at the Western end of Deosai National Park with an elevation of 4142 meters above sea level. This lake is inaccessible from November to May because the area is covered in snow. However, this lake is a great attraction in Summer because of its crystal-clear water, butterflies, and a wide variety of wildflowers.
It is a hidden gem within Skardu Valley, a picturesque region of Pakistan whose pristine beauty captivates visitors. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflecting the breathtaking scenery, this alpine lake lies surrounded by towering mountains. Naturalists and adventure enthusiasts will love the serenity and tranquility of Upper Kachura Lake. Boating or sitting by the lakeside, visitors can experience mesmerizing views whilst enjoying the tranquility.
Furthermore, the area features campsites offering overnight stays in a picturesque wilderness setting. Visiting Upper Kachura Lake promises a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
There are various things to do with family in Skardu, including boating on Satpara Lake, exploring Kharphocho Fort, picnicking at Shangrila Resort, and visiting Manthokha Waterfall. It is a popular tourist destination, with plenty to do in Skardu, whether you are traveling solo or with family. This destination offers all the activities related to nature, thrill, and amusement. Some popular activities that can be done with family and popular activities related to couples are as follows:
It’s a highly recommended activity for families. Boating on Satpara Lake’s crystal-clear water offers a unique and unforgettable experience to beloved families. Boating on a lake surrounded by high mountains adds to the pleasure.
This fort is known for its architectural brilliance. Ali Sher Khan Anchan built it in the 16th century. There is a small window entrance for the fort, which accommodates only one person at a time. This adds to its brilliance. This fort has a tunnel that connects it to the city. Exploring Kharphocho Fort with family offers great amusement.
Shangrila Resort is the best place for a family picnic. Its lake-side cottages and rooms give an awesome view. A ticket is required to enter the resort, priced at PKR 1000 per person. The water park, amusement park, and delicious food are included in the ticket. Families spend a great time here, getting away from the daily hustle.
Manthokha Waterfall, located in the Kharmang Valley in Skardu, is a great destination to discover for capturing nature. This waterfall is surrounded by lush green grasslands, restaurants, and high peaks, which give an amazing view. Families often visit this spot on special occasions and capture these moments with cameras.
Skardu, the most popular and most beautiful destination, offers a variety of activities for couples, including a romantic stroll at Satpara Lake, sunset viewing at Deosai National Park, private camping in Basho Valley, and a candlelight dinner at Shangrila Resort.
There is a hypnotizing sunset at the Sadpara Lake in Skardu. At sunset, the surrounding mountains offer an unforgettable view. Couples take advantage of this moment by enjoying a romantic evening on the lakeshore as they walk among unique, fragrant wildflowers.
Deosai National Park is one of the most popular destinations among travelers. There is an amazing sunset view at Deosai National Park. Once you get there, you see never-ending plains and the sky. Couples find it awesome to walk across the endless alpine plains, with a pleasant fragrance of wildflowers at a beautiful sunset.
Basho Valley is situated in the heart of Skardu. Stepping into Basho Valley feels like dreaming in a pure, beautiful natural environment. There are various camping sites along the riverside. Camping in the meadows is always fun and an adventure. Couples spend a great time camping along the riverside in the Basho Valley.
Shangrila Resort Hotel offers exquisite cuisine at the “Pagoda,” one of its most famous attractions. This restaurant sits in the water and features a very unique design. It offers romantic deck seating for couples or indoor seating for groups overlooking the serene Lake.
Skardu is a place rich in culture and history. Local artisans possess remarkable skills in making handmade items, including Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, gemstones, and jewelry. Moreover, Skardu is famous for dried apricots and many other dried fruits.
Pashmina Shawls are made up of cashmere wool, which is obtained from the hairs of the Changthangi Cashmere Goat. These shawls are famous for their exceptional softness and warmth, thanks to their natural insulating properties. Plain Pashmina Shawls are mostly available in almond color, which adds more grace and elegance. These exceptional properties urge tourists to buy Pashmina Shawls.
Skardu has a rich cultural heritage. Skardu is known for various traditional handicrafts, including woven carpets, handmade jewelry, and pashmina shawls. The unique properties of these handicrafts urge tourists to buy them.
Different types of gemstones are mined in Shigar Valley, Skardu, which include tourmaline, beryl, garnet, topaz, apatite, zoisite, fluorite, axinite, and clinozoisite. These gemstones support local people economically. Local handicraft artisans possess remarkable skills in creating unique jewelry pieces in high demand.
Nature has blessed Skardu with a variety of dry fruits. And among them, one of the most precious blessings is the apricot. Skardu is one of the largest apricot-producing areas in Pakistan. Besides apricots, almonds, walnuts, and silajit are also produced in Skardu.
Adventure enthusiasts have a great time in Skardu. Common adventure activities in Skardu include Trekking in Deosai National Park, climbing Kharphocho Fort, Paragliding over Satpara Lake, and rafting on the Indus River.
Deosai National Park is a high-altitude alpine plain and a popular destination among trekkers. These plains cover an area of about 3000 km2. It is one of the best places to visit in the Skardu Valley.
Deosai Plains are at an altitude of 13497 feet above sea level. The shortest route to reach here is from Skardu, which is 30 km away. Once in the Deosai Plains, tourists have a great experience while trekking to camping sites.
This fort is located on a mountain, about 40 meters above the city. Visiting this fort gives a complete view of Skardu City. There is a secret tunnel in the fort that connects it to the city. This fort is the most famous destination for travelers heading to Skardu.
Satpara Lake is a natural lake in Skardu, located at an elevation of about 2636 meters above sea level, with an area of 2.5 square kilometers. With a little, easy hiking, tourists can see the Buddha Carvings on the nearby mountain. Paragliding over Satpara Lake offers enchanting views of the Buddha Carvings and the lake’s mesmerizing blue.
The Indus River, besides being the lifeline of agriculture, offers the best rafting experiences from May to November. The Indus River is considered one of the best rivers for rafting and kayaking. Tourists in Skardu try this adventure activity with great spirit and enthusiasm.
Places to Visit in Skardu have extreme weather conditions in Winter. The whole valley is covered with snow. But tourists find their way by enjoying Ice Skating at Satpara Lake, snowboarding in Deosai National Park, and camping in Basho Valley.
In winter, the Satpara Lake becomes a playground for ice skaters. Whether taking tentative steps on the ice or carving graceful pirouettes, the frozen lake becomes your rink, offering a unique and joyful winter activity.
Snowboarding refers to coming down on a snow-covered surface while standing on a snowboard that is attached to the rider’s feet. The plains of Deosai offer this enchanting activity because they are covered in snow.
Basho Valley is situated in the heart of Skardu. Stepping into Basho Valley feels like dreaming in a pure, beautiful natural environment. There are various camping sites along the riverside. Camping in the meadows is always fun and an adventure.
| Locations | Distance (kilometer) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore to Skardu | 1100 Km | 23 hours |
| Naran to Skardu | 360 km | 11 hours |
| Peshawar to Skardu | 700 km | 24 hours |
| Skardu to Astore Valley | 235 km | 6 hours |
| Skardu to Hunza Valley | 290 km | 5.5 hours |
| Skardu to Gilgit | 200 km | 4 hours |
| Faisalabad to Skardu | 920 km | 28 hours |
| Skardu to Basho Valley | 45 km | 4 hours |
| Skardu to Manthokha Waterfall | 80 km | 3 hours |
| Skardu to Shigar Valley | 52 km | 2 hours |
| Islamabad to Skardu | 610 km | 19 hours |
| Skardu to Shangrilla | 18 km | 35 mins |
| Murree to Skardu | 550 km | 20 hours |
| Skardu to Deosai Plain | 35 km | 3 hours |
| Skardu to Upper Kachura | 21 km | 50 mins |
| Skardu to Khaplu | 115 km | 3.5 hours |
| Skardu to Marsur Rock | 30 km | 3 hours |
| Skardu to Kharpocho Fort | 17 km | 1.5 hours |
| Shigar to Skardu Airport | 55 km | 2.5 hours |
| Skardu to Chunda Valley | 12 km | 45 mins |
| Skardu to Soq Valley | 25 km | 1 hour |
| Babusar Top to Skardu | 295 km | 10 hours |
| Skardu to Cold Desert | 25 km | 35 mins |
The three main types of tour packages in Pakistan are independent, group, and customized tours. On an independent tour, travelers choose their destination and perform activities on their own. At the same time, a tour guide managed a group tour.
The tour guide chooses the destination himself and lists the activities to be performed during the tour. On the other hand, a customized tour is planned with the preferences and needs of the individuals or a group in mind.
Various tour packages are available for families in Pakistan. Skardu tour packages are organized and planned by families themselves. Families plan to visit specific places and participate in activities for their enjoyment and satisfaction.
Plan the trip of your dreams with our customized packages tailored to your interests, preferences, and above all, your budget. PTP is the best travel company offering tour packages to Skardu. This company provides visitors with the best facilities available and ensures the safety of the tour.
Their extensive range of Hunza Valley Tour Packages can offer you all the advice you need to make your travel arrangements smooth and satisfying, whether you’re planning a trip to Skardu from Lahore, Karachi, or any other location in Pakistan. So don’t waste your time and book your trip now with their Customized Skardu Tour Packages.
Skardu is a gateway to many eight-thousand-meter peaks, which are ranked among the highest peaks in the World. Thus, this place has a special attraction for nature and adventure enthusiasts. It has been the most important region for Buddhism.
Skardu comprises glaciers, lush green valleys, rivers, landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. It also serves as a hub for various adventure activities, including rafting, kayaking, skiing, trekking, hiking, and camping. Its natural beauty, rich culture, and history make it a must-visit place for tourists.
