Skardu Valley, the land of lustrous lakes, gigantic mountains, picturesque waterfalls, bucolic meadows, and a gateway to an amphitheater for the world’s highest peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers.

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Skardu Valley

The Ultimate Guide to Pakistan’s Dream Land – Skardu Valley

What is the best way and time of the year to get to Skardu Valley in Pakistan? What to do in Skardu Valley? What are the major attractions of Skardu Valley? Is there any tour and trekking company operating? Is Skardu safe to travel?
“Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon”
Into the wild
Most people travel to satisfy their passion for adventure and challenge their spirit, a few to connect to their soul in the wilderness of forest, others travel to get rid of the weight of the world in the vastness of desert. There is no place to bring all these dreams to fruition, other than the breathtaking Skardu Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, the best place to visit in beautiful Pakistan. This is the land of lustrous lakes, gigantic mountains, picturesque waterfalls, bucolic meadows, and a gateway to an amphitheater for the world’s highest peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers.

Skardu- A Climber’s Paradise

The capital town of the largest district “Skardu” of Gilgit-Baltistan region, Skardu valley is surrounded by three world-famous ranges, Karakoram, Himalaya, and Ladakh. Famed as the Climber’s Paradise, Skardu valley is the trekking hub to four of the world’s highest summits; Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, Broadpeak, and K-2.

It contains the most spectacular and fascinating mountainous region of the world where hundreds of virgin peaks still lying unclimbed challenging climbers the world over. Trekkers and climbers from all over the world hustle to trek through these mighty peaks so as to expand their list of summits. Hiking among them is an exceptional experience, but exploring the valleys and the local culture is equally rewarding.
Times change, but what hasn’t changed is the magnetism of Skardu Valley for local and foreign tourists. The crisp forest breeze, diverse wildlife, blossoming trees of apricots, cherry, and mulberry, the serenity of the meadows and mighty mountain ranges fascinate travel enthusiasts and adventure lovers to explore the ethereal beauty of these faraway lands.

Every time you invest time and effort to visit the valley it offers something brand new to your experience of life; Skardu valley is worth it!
Having awareness of the culture, history, significant locations and attractions, hotels in the area, weather information, and road conditions is imperative to tailor a trip according to your desires and your trip mates’ expectations.

Weather Conditions and Climate

The Summer climate of Skardu is moderate with low levels of rain throughout the year. Average temperature staggers between 24°C maximum to 4°C minimum during March to September. Sever winter season is marked with freezing temperatures dropping to -10°C from October to February, afterwards, it starts climbing up the scale again.

Accessing Skardu Valley

Skardu is 637 kms away from Islamabad, 14 to 20-hour drive or a one-hour scheduled flight. To reach Skardu from Islamabad, tourists either travel by road or by air. PIA is the only airline operating in the area so far. The valley is open for tourists throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Skardu valley is between June and September when there is greenery everywhere.
Access to Skardu by road via Naran-Babusar-Chilas road is not possible during November to March period, which sometimes extends till May, due to heavy snowfall and possible landslides. However, the other, the less taken route is via Mansehra-Batagram-Chilas which features dry mountains and dangerous roads.

To enjoy the wintry white vista of the snow-clad valley in these months, the best way is air travel. October is also a great month to enjoy orange and red autumn colors.
Traveling by air is certainly thrilling, no less than a road trip, as you can witness the “killer mountain, Nanga Parbat” at your eye level and K-2 while flying from Islamabad to Skardu. For mountaineering enthusiasts and high-altitude trekkers, this sight amplifies their passion to surmount these giants. You can also have a glimpse of the magnificent Indus River as the flight takes a turn towards Skardu, leaving Gilgit on its left.

If there are no time constraints, taking a road trip to Skardu is the most rewarding experience. Journeying through Karakoram Highway (KKH), towards Skardu, there is an endless array of natural attractions all around. As you start traveling away, from the capital city Islamabad towards the heavenly north of Pakistan, the ghastly rapid and verdant River Kunhar joins you from Mansehra. 282 km from Islamabad, break journey in Naran Valley to visit Lake Saif ul malook, Shogran, and Siri Paye, each a wonderful spectacle in itself, something not to be missed. Moving forward, Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass, and Fairy Meadows are some of the major attractions along the route to Skardu.

Tourist Attractions in Skardu And Its Neighborhood

What makes Skardu valley special from all other places is its diverse landscape packed with natural treasures, its rich history, and cultural heritage. The valley offers you a sight of the world’s highest mountain range, enchanting lakes, idyllic meadows, panoramic waterfalls, the cold desert, historic forts, and exuberant festivals; all of it. The truth is, the bounty of the area cannot be envisioned unless you witness yourself.

“And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity, and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”
Pico Iyer

Skardu Valley offers that best trip, the best love affair that never really ends, that never stops amazing you with its countless attractions.

As you travel towards Shigar Valley taking Shigar road, Sarfranga Cold Desert is at a distance of 16 Kms. This cold desert is the world’s highest cold desert, locally called “Biama Nakpo” in Shina language meaning “Black Sand”. Driving on the asphalted Shigar road running through the white dunes of cold desert leads you to Shigar Valley. The valley rich in mineral wealth and tasty fruits like walnuts, grapes, peaches, pears, and apricots, is on an hour’s drive from Skardu. The higher you travel the more enchanting becomes the scenic beauty of the region.

Nansoq Organic Village, Satpara Lake, Upper Kachura, and Lower Kachura Lake are the gems that Skardu valley proffers to its guests.

The scenic drive to Manthokha waterfall near Skardu is what most tourists aspire while being in Skardu valley. You can enjoy the picturesque waterfall surrounded by towering peaks and have some fresh trout from streams in small restaurants set up in the meadow.

For more adventurous hearted, Deosai Plains near Skardu is a few hours’ drive away by jeep. Deosai National Park is ranked as the second-highest plateau in the world which is home to plenteous species of plants and animals including brown bears and snow leopards. Walking through the colorful plains adorned by hundreds of vibrant flowers, you can explore Sheosar Lake in the neighborhood.

To satiate your quest for thrill and adventure, you can go for a trek on one of the many trekking sites in and around Skardu valley. Few among the trekking and climbing heaven are rock climbing in Karakoram range K-2 Base Camp, Masherbrum base camp, Burzil Pass, etc.

Among all these attractions, Skardu valley is surrounded by few astounding valleys hiding the jewels of natural beauty in their lap. These valleys are located at small distances from main Skardu city and are approachable after a drive of few hours. The main valleys around Skardu include Shigar Valley, Khaplu Valley, Rama Valley, Rupal Valley, Hispar Valley, Harmoush Valley, and Astore, Hunza Valley in the extreme north of Skardu is famous for its mountain peaks and ancient watchtowers, such as the Baltit Fort and Altit Fort.

These known attractions in Skardu surround the iconic Skardu Valley, however, many visitors dare to take the detour to have a more candid and intimate experience and it is worth it. These detours lead tourists to the hidden gems as each detour takes them to another unexplored, awe-inspiring site.

Folks of Skardu

The inhabitants of Skardu belong to multiple ethnicities, mainly Baltis and Tibetans. Commonly spoken languages are Shina, Burushaski, Balti, and Wakhi. The literacy rate is 100 percent all over the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Khaplu, Machalu, Chorbat, Haldipa are significant villages in Skardu valley.

The population of Gilgit-Baltistan is Muslim, the majority belonging to the Shia Sect, however, followers of Sunni, Wahabi, and Noorbakhshi sect are also found in the great majority. Ismailism is also one of the major sects whose practitioners reside in Gilgit Baltistan.

The commendable hospitality, warmth, and friendliness of Skardu’s folks make it a safe tourist attraction for all kinds of travelers. Each house in Skardu valley has its orchard of fruits; apples, apricots, peaches adorn the landscape in every village. Traveling along the villages and towns, people generously offer pleasantries to the tourists. They may also invite you to stay in their homes and offer you meals. People do not accept tips, however, you can leave a small amount of money or some gift item for them as a thank-you, although it is common for them to refuse.Women are treated with respect in the conservative society of Gilgit- Baltistan and you will not find many women outside of their houses.

Festivals in Skardu

Besides the landscape, history, and culture, the flamboyance of festivals in Skardu valley is also appealing for tourists. In addition to many local festivals characteristic of each valley, the world-famous Polo Festival in Skardu is a great attraction. Polo is a traditional Balti game, which is also called “The Game of Kings” or “The King of games”. The polo festival is held during the second week of August each year in which the polo tournament marks the liberation of Baltistan from Dogra rule in 1948.
Jashn e Nowruz is celebrated in all parts of Gilgit Baltistan as the Persian new year begins. People gather to enjoy feasts; paint eggs to decorate their tables, and ladies beautify their hands with henna (local plant grinded and blended with water to paint hands red)

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