Top Tourist Attractions in Skardu Valley
Skardu Valley, nestled between the majestic Karakoram and Himalayan Mountains, is home to some of the world's most breathtaking adventure destinations and tourist spots. Located at an elevation of 2,230m above sea level in the far north of Pakistan, Skardu Valley is one of the premier tourist destinations globally. The valley boasts stunning blue waters, alpine lakes, verdant meadows, historic fortresses, and high-altitude deserts. Skardu is undoubtedly a paradise for travelers. If you're planning a tour of Pakistan, Skardu Valley is an essential destination you won't want to overlook. Skardu attracts the highest number of foreign visitors compared to other locations in Pakistan. The city of Skardu serves as the capital of the Karakoram range and acts as the logistical hub for all trekking and expeditions in the Karakoram mountains. The routes to the famous K2 mountain and other peaks begin in Skardu Valley, with classic treks like the K2 Base Camp Trek, Gondogoro La, Snow Lake Trek, and many other adventurous journeys starting from here. Before exploring the top attractions in Skardu, it's important to note that, like other valleys in Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu is not just a single valley. The entire Baltistan region is referred to as Skardu Valley, which includes several sub-valleys such as Shigar Valley, Khaplu Valley, Kharamang Valley, Rundo Valley, and Deosai/Gultari Valley. Therefore, when someone mentions Skardu, they are often referring to all these valleys. Here, we will highlight the best places to visit in each valley of Skardu. Top Attractions in the Outskirts of Skardu Skardu is a serene destination perfect for vacationing, with multiple tourist spots located within less than an hour's drive. The best places to visit in Skardu include:
1: Kharpocho Fort:
A must-see historical monument in Skardu, Kharpocho Fort is a 16th Century fortress built by the renowned king of Baltistan, Ali Sher Khan Anchan, whose family ruled the region for centuries. The ruins of Kharpocho Fort reflect the past glory of the kingdom. The fort is located on Kharpocho Hill, just a half-hour hike from Skardu's main bazaar. Kharpocho Fort offers the best viewpoint of Skardu Town, where you can observe the towering peaks, lush green Skardu city, the Cold Desert, and the Indus River.
2: Nansok Organic Village
One of the organic villages in Skardu Valley, located just an hour's walk from Skardu city, is situated behind Kharpocho Hill along the banks of the Indus River. This village gained attention after Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited in 2005.
3: Sadpara Lake
The turquoise lake, surrounded by mountains and located at the entrance of Skardu from Deosai, is one of the top spots to visit in Skardu Valley. Sadpara Lake is an artificial lake situated 8km from Skardu.
4: Manthal Buddha Rock Carving
Buddha Rock at Manthal is a significant remnant of the Buddhist Era. This 9th-century Buddhist symbol represents the golden age of Buddhism in the region. The rock carvings depict a sculpted figure of Buddha at the center, surrounded by smaller figures. Be sure to stop by Buddha Rock on your way to Sadpara Lake or Deosai.
5: Katpana Cold Desert
Surrounded by the lush green Skardu Valley and towering peaks, Katpana Cold Desert is one of the high-altitude alpine deserts. It is located 5 km from Skardu city. You can visit Katpana Cold Desert while traveling to or from Skardu Airport via an alternative route through Ranga Village.
6: Italian Museum PTDC Motel Skardu
The Italian Museum at PTDC Motel Skardu is a must-visit location. It showcases the history of alpinism and the region, featuring old utensils, antiques, and architecture, as well as the history of each valley in Baltistan and mountaineering testimonials. All these must-visit places are located in the outskirts of Skardu city. You may also be interested in our luxury Skardu honeymoon tour packages.
Attractions Within One Hour Drive from Skardu City
The following attractions are just an hour's drive from the capital city of Skardu: 1: Chunda Valley Chunda is one of the most popular tourist spots in Skardu. It is a stunning valley located just about an hour's drive from Skardu downtown. Chunda is a hilly village situated 500m above Skardu town, offering spectacular views of the entire Skardu City. The best sights include the take-off and landing of airplanes at Skardu Airport and the Indus River. In summary, Chunda Valley is one of the best must-visit places in Skardu. Besides its natural beauty, it provides a panoramic view of the entire Skardu city. The ideal time to visit Chunda is during the Spring Blossom (April) or from June to September-November. 2: Shangri-La Resort or Lower Kachura Lake Shangri-La is one of the popular tourist destinations in Skardu, located less than an hour's drive from Skardu downtown. The area is renowned for its breathtaking views and stunning beauty. 3: Upper Kachura Lake 
Upper Kachura Lake is a water basin located in Kachura village, close to the majestic Indus River, about an hour away from Skardu. The turquoise blue lake is surrounded by large rock formations and snow-capped mountains in the background, making it a must-visit tourist spot in Skardu. Locals associate many myths with the lake, which is locally known as “Foroq Tso.” 4: Soq Valley Kachura Another tourist attraction in Skardu, known for its enchanting natural beauty, particularly its blue waters.
