Things to Do in Skardu, پاکستان

Skardu, the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, is a breathtaking valley town nestled in the heart of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. Surrounded by towering mountains including K2, the world's second-highest peak, this remote destination offers unparalleled access to the Karakoram Range and serves as the launching point for numerous high-altitude expeditions and treks. The town sits at an elevation of 2,228 meters along the banks of the mighty Indus River, where dramatic landscapes of barren mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient Buddhist heritage create an otherworldly atmosphere. Skardu's unique position makes it a crucial hub for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventure seekers from around the globe. The region's rich cultural tapestry blends Balti traditions with influences from Tibet and Central Asia, evident in the local architecture, cuisine, and warm hospitality of the people. Beyond its role as a base camp destination, Skardu offers stunning natural attractions including the famous Shangrila Resort, serene alpine lakes, ancient forts, and some of the most spectacular mountain vistas on Earth, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic high-altitude adventure.

Top Things to Do in Skardu

K2 Base Camp Trek

Embark on one of the world's most challenging and rewarding treks to the base camp of K2, the savage mountain. This 12-14 day expedition takes you through the Baltoro Glacier, past Concordia (known as the throne room of the mountain gods), offering close-up views of four of the world's 14 eight-thousanders. The trek requires excellent physical fitness and proper acclimatization.

Booking Tip: Book with reputable local operators 2-3 months in advance, expect costs of $2,000-4,000 including permits, guides, and porters. Best attempted June-September, ensure your operator provides proper gear and has emergency evacuation plans.

Deosai National Park Safari

Explore the world's second-highest plateau, known as the 'Land of Giants' for its vast rolling plains at 4,114 meters above sea level. This unique ecosystem comes alive with wildflowers during summer, creating a carpet of colors against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The park is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear and offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Visit between June-September when accessible, hire 4WD vehicles with experienced drivers for $80-120 per day. Book accommodation at Deosai camping sites in advance, and bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at night.

Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake

Visit the famous Shangrila Resort, built around the pristine Lower Kachura Lake and often called 'Heaven on Earth.' The resort features a unique restaurant built inside a crashed aircraft and offers stunning reflections of surrounding peaks in the crystal-clear lake waters. The area provides perfect opportunities for photography, boating, and peaceful relaxation.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost around $5-10 per person, boat rides $10-15. Stay overnight for $100-200 per room during peak season (May-September). Book well in advance as it's extremely popular, and visit early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds.

Skardu Fort and Ancient Buddhist Sites

Explore the historic Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort) perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indus Valley, dating back over 700 years. The region also features ancient Buddhist rock carvings and stupas at Manthal Buddha Rock, showcasing the area's position on the ancient Silk Road. These sites offer insight into the rich cultural heritage predating Islamic influence in the region.

Booking Tip: Entry to fort costs $2-5, hire local guides for $15-25 per day for historical context. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for photography, combine with Manthal Buddha Rock visit (30 minutes drive) for a full cultural day.

Satpara Lake and Dam

Discover the serene Satpara Lake, located just 8 kilometers from Skardu town, surrounded by barren hills and offering mirror-like reflections of the surrounding landscape. The recently constructed dam has enhanced the lake's beauty while serving as a crucial water source for the region. The area is perfect for picnicking, photography, and short hikes along the shoreline.

Booking Tip: Accessible year-round by road, hire local transport for $20-30 return trip. Entry fee around $3-5, best visited during sunrise or sunset for spectacular colors. Combine with nearby Blind Lake for a full day excursion.

Getting There

The primary way to reach Skardu is by flying from Islamabad to Skardu Airport, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operating daily flights during the tourist season (April-October). Flights take about 1.5 hours but are weather-dependent and frequently cancelled due to poor visibility. Alternatively, the overland journey via the Karakoram Highway takes 20-24 hours from Islamabad, passing through Gilgit, and offers spectacular scenery but requires good road conditions. During winter months (November-March), flights are less frequent and the road journey can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Skardu primarily consists of jeeps, pickup trucks, and small buses for reaching various attractions and trekking starting points. Most hotels and tour operators can arrange 4WD vehicles with drivers for day trips, costing $60-100 per day depending on destination and vehicle type. Within Skardu town, walking is feasible as most amenities are concentrated in the bazaar area, though taxis and rickshaws are available for short distances. For serious trekking and expeditions, hiring porters and guides through registered tour operators is essential and legally required for certain restricted areas.

Where to Stay

Skardu Bazaar Area

Shangrila Resort

Satpara Lake vicinity

Kachura Village

Shigar Valley

Near Skardu Airport

Food & Dining

Skardu's dining scene centers around traditional Balti cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like Balti pulao, yak meat preparations, and apricot-based delicacies that reflect the region's high-altitude agricultural heritage. The main bazaar area offers numerous small restaurants serving local specialties alongside Pakistani standards like karahi and biryani. Most hotels provide meal services, and the famous Shangrila Resort restaurant offers a unique dining experience inside a converted aircraft. Due to the remote location, fresh vegetables and fruits are limited, but the region is famous for its dried apricots, walnuts, and other preserved foods that form the backbone of local cuisine during harsh winters.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Skardu is from May to September when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities and mountain views are clearest. July and August represent peak season with warmest temperatures (15-25°C during day) but also the highest tourist crowds and accommodation prices. Shoulder seasons of May-June and September offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and better value. Winter visits (December-February) are possible but extremely cold with limited flight schedules and many attractions inaccessible due to snow, though this period offers unique snow-covered landscapes for hardy travelers.

Insider Tips

Carry cash as ATMs are limited and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels

Acclimatize properly by spending 2-3 days in Skardu before attempting high-altitude treks to prevent altitude sickness

Book accommodations well in advance during peak season (June-August) as options are limited and fill up quickly with trekking groups

Things to Do in Skardu