Location: Skardu
Top Things to do in Skardu
Top Restaurants in Skardu
7 Nature & Parks in Skardu That You Shouldn't Miss
Skardu (Urdu: سکردو, Balti: སྐརདུ་་) is a city in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, and serves as the capital of Skardu District. Skardu is located in the 10 kilometres (6 miles) wide by 40 kilometres (25 miles) long Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers at an altitude of nearly 2,500 metres (8,202 feet). The city is an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of the nearby Karakoram Mountain range. The town is located on the Indus river, which separates the Karakoram Range from the Himalayas.
Restaurants in Skardu
1. Deosai National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Ranger_ofthe_North - Abbottabad, Pakistan
Deosai Plains is a 70 x 30 km plain between Astore and Skardu. It is one of the highest large plains in the world at a height of 13700 feet above sea level. The most interesting feature is the flowing water through the plain. In good old days the vehicles used to cross the water struggling to fight the flow and the obstacles in the rivers. Now, bridges have been built over the rivers.... However, I personally believe that these bridges, made of concrete have spoiled the beauty of the region. From Astore, one has to reach up to Chillam Chowky where one enters the Deosai Plain. Right in the beginning, there is a lake... The SheoSar, which literally means 'blind lake' because the exit of water from the lake was considered hidden. The total crossing may take many hours. 3 to 4. or longer. But the track across the plain is pretty much levelled, gravel type road, with easy crossings. A 4WD is recommended but not essential. The area has brown bear, that are usually far away from the road and from the tourist traffick. People interested in watching bears have to detour and go sideways quite a long way. However, in winter season, these bear come quite near the areas occupied by humans. A few tent hotels have cropped up here and there. However, solid construction is prohibited in the area because government has declared this a national park. A nice place to visit
2. Upper Kachura Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By arbabytes - Skardu, Pakistan
It has been twice that i visited this place and everytime it gave an unforgettable experience. A beautiful lake, preserved its natural beauty as it is, gives one of the most scenic views that one may have experienced. Boating is one of the main activities. Complete boat can be booked for 2000 rupees (around $15). A place called Nazara Hotel is just a small hike away from lake. Its peaceful ppace which serves the trout fish. Fish and view of the lake is the prize of this hotel that is worth every penny.
3. Sheosar Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By flyfisher66 - Islamabad, Pakistan
Undoubtedly, Sheosar Lake is the jewel of Deosai National Park. Located on the far end of Deosai National Park (towards Chilam Chauki side), Sheosar is quite a large sized lake at 13000 ft above sea level. There are few areas where lake water can be approached, otherwise, at many places the area on the lake shore is boggy. Lake is quite deep and has crystal clear water. There are areas around the lake where one can find places for picnic. There are a couple of small kiosks in the area that provide drinks, snacks and tea. One will have to take along the food, if one wants to eat on the lake. It could be quite windy on the lake and if the sun disappears, it could become quite chilly in a short while. The lake remains frozen for almost 4-5 months in a year.
4. Burji La Pass
5. Manthokha Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By arbabytes - Skardu, Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan) mainly comprises of 5 main valleys. One of the valleys is Kharmang Valley. This is the place from where Indus river enters into Pakistan. Manthoka Waterfall is one of the well known tourist attractions of Kharmang valley. Following will help you to explore this place:- Getting around Manthoka - Manthoka Waterfall is situated around 120 kms from main Skardu Valley. Getting around the place is fairly easy (totally against my expectations). Hiring a car is a good option as local transport is not that comfortable. Hiring a sedan will cost around 5000 PKR (around 35$) whereas hiring a 5-door will cost one around 8000-10000 PKR (60$-80$). I myself went on a sedan Road to Kharmang Valley is pretty good. One can expect an average speed of 80 kph although road is bumpy and pitted at places. One thing for sure, route to Kharmang is full of natural beauty and one is forced to stop at places just to observe the serenity and natural beauty. Last leg of The journey is around 5 km and is actually tiring since there is no road and speed is just around 5 kph or even less Things To Do - At the end of the last leg, one reaches the waterfall. There is a parking place for the cars. Reaching the waterfall after crossing a small hanging footbridge is a relaxing sight for the eyes. Falling from a height of around 100 ft, water burbles around and makes its way through the rocky patches. One can take photographs with waterfall in the background or even being right under it. Just beside the waterfall, there is an open space resort called MANTHOKA WATERFALL RESORT serving some freshly cooked TROUT fish and Fries. There is also a small Tuck Shop in the same resort. (Prices of the resort are higher than those one finds within mainstream Skardu Market). Ending an evening with a warm cup of tea with waterfall in the background makes the day even special and more memorable (This one for the tea lovers). All in all, a must visit place that does live up to expectations
6. Satpara Lake
7. Katpana Desert
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Mehboobalia
We visited as a family and had a chance to Glamp one night, amazing and mesmerising experience with sunset at top of sand dunes, trout and Yak for dinner , Milkyway sighting over Bon fire and tons of stories, Katpana lake itself is a beautiful spot and make sure to take appropriate at and adequate supplies of fuel if you are planning to go in winter or early spring, a day trip can be fun too but it’s called cold desert for a reason , gets to 1 degree at night and the view is just mesmerising from top, of you are lucky enough you might be invited to board boat by locals as that’s their way to cross lake to in to village else just walk and do not intrude , A walk from top down to lake is must.
