Skardu, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a destination that is gaining popularity among tourists. Its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and adventure activities make it an ideal place for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience. In this travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Skardu tourism in Pakistan.
How to Reach Skardu
Skardu is most easily reached by flight. From Islamabad to Skardu, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offers daily flights. The journey, which lasts around an hour, provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. It’s usually a good idea to allow additional time because weather-related travel delays or cancellations can happen.
The alternative that I prefer the most is to travel by car from Islamabad or Gilgit to Skardu. Even though the trip might last up to 24 hours, it is unquestionably one of the world’s most picturesque drives. The ninth-highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat, can be seen in amazing detail as the road passes through the Karakoram Mountains. It is a most beautiful journey for me as I explore by road. So, come and explore the beauty of Sakardu in the tourism industry of Pakistan.
Skardu Offers a Variety of Lodging Choices.
From guesthouses to five-star hotels, Skardu offers a variety of lodging alternatives. As I am touring, the Shangrila Resort, which is situated on the banks of Lower Kachura Lake, is one of the most popular lodging options. After a day of touring, the resort is the perfect spot to unwind with its breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Another fantastic choice is the Serena Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old fort that has been renovated and provides a window into the area’s rich cultural heritage. With the fort’s transformation into a luxury hotel, visitors may enjoy a distinctive and genuine experience of Skardu tourism in Pakistan.
The Weather in Skardu
The neighboring mountains help to keep Skardu’s summertime climate temperate. Between April and October, the tourist season officially begins. During the peak tourist season, the temperature ranges from a high of 27 °C (81 °F) to a low of 8 °C (46 °F). The opposite is true; the winters continue to be chilly. The winter months are nearly impossible to travel to since the temperature drops to zero.
The Best Locations to Visit Close to Skardu
There are several wonderful tourist attractions close to Skardu tourism in Pakistan. It is worthwhile to see some of Skardu’s top tourist attractions.
Here are a few of my idealized suggestions in detail for Skardu’s nearby attractions: Despite its significance for the region, Skardu is a very tiny hamlet that can be easily explored within a few hours from the city. Visit Skardu Bazar and browse the town’s souvenir bazaar for regional fabrics and crafts. Never forget to barter!
National Park of Deosai
The Deosai Plateau near Skardu is the second-highest plateau in the world, rising between 3,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level. Deosai National Park, which is now listed on UNESCO’s Temporary World Heritage List, was primarily created to safeguard the Himalayan brown bear and other endangered species. Drive for one to two hours south from Skardu to Deosai National Park across the mountain pass to take in the huge, deserted scenery, the Kalapani and Barapani rivers, and Sheosar Lake.
Mantuka Falls
Furthermore, about an hour’s drive southeast of Skardu is the beautiful waterfall known as Mantuka Falls. It starts from high, amazing mountains, and it is difficult to think the waterfall is manmade when it is surrounded by a peaceful green valley. Furthermore, In one of the most lovely spots in Skardu, soak up the sunshine in the waterfalls’ clear waters, take pictures of silky streams and rainbows, and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is a stunning alpine haven that encircles Nanga Parbat. You’ll pass through the region on your way out of Gilgit-Baltistan, where you’ll start your trek to this secluded paradise, which is located close to Chiras.
Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is Pakistan’s most well-known tourist destination and a must-see while there. Moreover, this stunning valley is found on the Karakoram Highway north of Skardu.
Shangri-La Hotel
One of the most beautiful locations in Pakistan, if not globally, is Lower Kachura Lake, which is a part of the opulent Shangri-La resort. Spend a tranquil afternoon in one of the world’s greenest gardens, and don’t forget to sip some organic cider beside the lake that has the shape of a heart. Consider spending the night at the resort if you’re feeling really talented.
Kachura Upper Lake
Upper Kachula and Lower Kachula are two lakes in Kachura, a town about an hour’s drive northwest of Skardu. The first is accessible after a 15-minute walk through a small forest. On Lower Kachula Lake, swimming, fishing, and jet skiing are common pastimes.
Sarfaranga Desert
One of the popular cold deserts in the Skardu region is the Sarfaranga Desert. Moreover, It is the perfect location for a trip to Shigar because it is situated along the Shigar River in the Shigar Valley. Stay in the gentle sand and play in the high dunes with your buddies. But watch out—there can be thorns buried in the sand!
In Skardu, the food I like the most
popular traditional Balti cuisine called Papua contains buckwheat noodles in a smooth pesto sauce. Furthermore, The food in Balti is probably the most popular in all of Pakistan. Balti has far more comfort food than spice, so its flavor and spice are quite different from the rest of Pakistan that you may be familiar with. Moreover, it should be eaten as much as possible in Skardu because it is difficult to find in other regions of Pakistan.
Skardu first Aid
Your main health worry, as it is throughout Pakistan, should be food safety, so stay away from tap water and unfinished meals furthermore, it’s a good idea to have some altitude sickness drops on hand in case you experience any effects from the altitude.
Popular Balti Dishes Consist of
Papua Soba noodles with a creamy pesto sauce that resembles Korean TikTok Steamed wheat dumplings with beef, lamb, or yak filling are known as “mami “. Furthermore, Balti lentil soup is a hearty, moderate soup made with vegetables that is comparable to German lentil soup. Namkin Chai is milk tea that has been given a great taste by adding a dash of salt to it.
Conclusion
Baltistan’s capital, Skardu, is situated 2,438 meters above sea level with the towering Karakoram Mountains in the background. It is an ancient dialect of Tibetan spoken by people of mixed Tibetan and Caucasian ancestry. Moreover, it also gets referred to as “Tibet-e-Khurd” (Little Tibet) because of the similarities between its culture, way of life, and architectural style, and those of Tibet. Furthermore, China is on its border.
Furthermore, Skardu is a must-visit location for visitors visiting Pakistan due to the breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, variety of activities, and delectable cuisine. There has never been a better time to plan your trip to Skardu, which is swiftly expanding in popularity and is turning into a major tourist destination in Pakistan. Moreover, So prepare to explore this undiscovered treasure in the Karakoram Mountains of Skardu tourism in Pakistan by packing your bags!