Welcome to Skardu
(Capital: Skardu, Area: 19,.697 km2 Population: 305,000)
Welcome to Skardu, renown as “Climbers’ Paradise It is surrounded by the mighty mountains of the Karakoram Range and the Himalayas, which tower above the region and exemplify the epitome of beauty. The serenity and wilderness of Gilgit-Baltistan beckons to you. Skardu is the base center for all the trekkers and climbers to initiate their journey. Some unique sites in the nearby area will add adventure to your visit:
Basho valley
Basho is a lush, verdant valley located at a distance of 20 km from the Skardu airport. Basho Valley is the only landscape which can boast of a pine forest near Skardu. This strikingly beautiful valley is famous for its meadows, waterfalls, and thick forest.
Buddha Rock Carvings
En route towards Sadpara Lake at “Manthal” village, you can stop to explore the surrounding area. Three kilometers from Sadpara, below the road and across the river at the base of a huge, steep mountain, you can find a massive granite boulder with ancient engravings, including one of the Buddha in tranquil meditation. The inscriptions date back to the 9th century and were created by monks in the Tibetan language.
Kharphocho Fort
In the Balti language, “Kharphocho” means “King of Forts” It stands prominently at the top of the mountain overlooking the city. This fort was built by King Ali Sher at the end of the 16th century and destroyed in 1857 under the leadership of Ranbir Singh. Due to its strategic location, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb also attempted to conquer the fort. The structure and location of the fort show that it was designed exclusively for defensive purposes. It towers at the top of a small hill, which is bordered by the Shingo River on one side, while flanked on another by Skardu city. Such a strategic position blocked the enemy’s entrance, and therefore, Raja was protected and soldiers were able to communicate through an underground passage.
Nan Soq Organic Village
The first organic village of Pakistan is in “Non-Sooq,” Baltistan. This unique tourist attraction is organic farmland situated on the bank of the Shingo River. The local people’s lifestyle and food are produced in an ancient natural way. The use of any artificial fertilizer and insecticides is totally prohibited by the government authorities. It is an intriguing tourist spot. The trail that leads to the organic village is full of opportunities for trekking pleasure. The adventurous and mindful world traveler must experience an organic village once in a lifetime. With only twelve households, this small village is located behind the well-known Kharphocho Fort. It was visited by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Duchess of Cornwall on November 4th, 2006.
Shangri-La-Resort
Shangri-La Resort is one of the highest resorts in the world. Shangri La Lake is formally known as Lower Kachura Lake. It is almost (8,198.819ft, 2,499 m) above sea level. Tourists find heaven there in between the immense snow-covered mountains, which display a large variety of flora and fauna.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is a natural lake which supplies water and electricity to the entire town of Skardu. Satpara Lake is situated at an elevation of (8,648.294ft, 2,636m) above sea level, spreads over an area of 2.5 km² and graces an enchanting island in the center. The completion of Satpara Dam, downstream from the lake, enlarged its size. It is fed by the mountains and the springs of the Deosai plains, which provide a main source of water for the lake. With shifting rainbow hues and reflections of the sky, surrounded by huge mountains, Sadpara Lake is the ultimate resort which dreams are made of!
Upper Kachura Lake
The crystal-clear water of Upper Kachura Lake mirrors the myriad pattern of the clouds against an azure sky and has a depth of 70 meters (230 ft). In summer, it has a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). In winter, the surface is frozen solid. The beauty of the Upper Kachura Lake is almost unhampered and mostly unexplored by travelers, due to its rough terrain and lack of accessibility. The area boasts of a great variety of floral species, especially the wild apricot orchards during the spring season. Recreational activities at Upper Kachura Lake include hiking, trout fishing, and mountaineering in the Himalayas.
