Skardu is the jewel of Gilgit-Baltistan with turquoise lakes and snow-topped mountains in every direction. The top places to visit in Skardu include lakes and mountain passes to make it one of the best tourist destinations in all of Pakistan.
With golden plains of Deosai National Park to the pine-covered slopes of Basho Valley and Chunda Valley, Skardu combines amazing landscapes, local culture, and accessibility through Islamabad to Skardu flights or Skardu roads, which puts it among the best tourist attractions in Gilgit-Baltistan and Skardu.
In this article, we will provide you with information about the top 10 places to visit in Skardu and the tips to enjoy to your fullest there.
1. Upper Kachura Lake
Hidden away high up in the mountains above Skardu, Upper Kachura Lake stands out as one of the most soothing places in the whole valley. With its serene waters and reflecting the peaks through which it flows due to its glacier origin, this is a lake that reflects the beauty of nature through its pine forest surroundings and rocky cliffs.
Whereas Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila) is a popular attraction, the lesser known Upper Kachura is much quieter and offers visitors an amazing place to enjoy a more natural experience. Visitors need only a short walk or ride on a jeep to reach this lake and spend time around it by resting, boating, and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
The best months to visit are between May and September, which is when the waters of this lake get their unique color. If you are exploring the best places to visit in Skardu, then you should definitely not leave out Upper Kachura Lake from your list of sites.
Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is named as “The Land of Giants”, the second-highest plateau on the earth, which is located 4,000 meters above sea level. You can find vast stretches of open fields that are covered with wild flowers during summer season. This breathtaking view is enhanced by snow-covered mountains visible on the horizon, a scenery not found anywhere else in the country.
Deosai Skardu is the habitat of the endangered Himalayan brown bear species, along with the golden marmots, foxes and migratory birds. There is also the Sheosar lake, located in the very middle of the plateau. This national park in Skardu is open to visitors only from late May till early September as heavy snowfalls make access impossible at other times of the year. It is crucial to have an insight into the Deosai Skardu weather before your journey. For the visitors who decide to explore Deosai National Park Skardu Pakistan, early morning hours might be the best option.
Manthal Buddha Rock
Manthal Buddha Rock is a stone engraved with the representation of Buddha that is located near Skardu. This ancient monument dates back to the 8th century and is considered one of the most interesting historical monuments in the valley. The image of the Buddha is surrounded by several other figures that make this site the rare proof of Buddhism that once developed in Baltistan.
The monument is easily accessible from Skardu City and can be visited within a day trip because there is nothing to see besides this stone. However, despite being exposed to harsh weather for many centuries, the image on the rock has been preserved perfectly.
This monument is especially interesting for history lovers as it shows how mixed the history of Skardu actually is. Although it does not have such amazing landscape as some other sites located in the valley, Manthal Buddha Rock is a great example of the diversity of the region.
Soq Valley
Soq Valley is one of those destinations in Skardu that is located away from the popular tourist route and provides an undeveloped and natural view of village life in Baltistan.
The trekking community prefers Soq Valley for the scenic treks and hiking tours that start from meadows and mountain streams surrounded by mountains whose beauty can match with some of the well-known valleys of the region.
Visitors in search of destinations other than lakes and forts to explore in Skardu may like to experience the natural beauty of Soq Valley.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Sarfaranga Cold Desert extends along the banks of the Indus River and is considered as one of the highest cold deserts of the world, with golden dunes contrasting sharply against the background of snowy peaks. It is definitely one of the most unusual landscapes not only of Skardu but the whole world.
Sarfaranga is widely known for holding various jeep rallies, quad biking races and dune buggy trips. Apart from this, crossing this unique desert while the sun sets can provide visitors with an excellent chance to capture some amazing pictures of the scenery around.
Being easily accessible from either direction towards the Shigar Valley, Sarfaranga Cold Desert cannot be left unnoticed by any tourist who wants to see something really unusual about Skardu.
Shangrila Resort
As the name of “heaven on earth,” the Shangrila Resort is located on the shores of Lower Kachura Lake, which is among the top photographed locations in the entire Gilgit Baltistan province. Shangrila Resort’s restaurant that takes the shape of an aircraft at the edge of the water is the most identifiable icon of tourism in Skardu city.
The Lower Kachura Lake features striking blue water, surrounded by pine trees and mountains that can be explored by boats and horse rides with many photo locations available. As one of the popular tourist resorts in Skardu, Shangrila Resort provides its visitors with accommodation in cottages, restaurants, and beautiful gardens.
As Shangrila Resort is located in close proximity to Skardu city, it usually becomes the initial stop for tourists coming to Skardu city.
Manthoka Waterfall
Falling from the mountains of Kharmang District, Manthoka Waterfall is the most refreshing place to visit in Skardu, particularly during the summer months. The water falls into the natural pools, forming misty pools that give relief from the hotter highlands and dry areas in the region.
Small sitting and pathways have been created around the falls, giving it accessibility to families and even those who want to see the site without much trekking through difficult terrains. Food stalls and sitting arrangements also make it easier to relax in this location, rather than simply taking photos and leaving.
Although slightly far from the Skardu city, the Manthoka Waterfall is recommended to be visited along with a trip to the Kharmang valley.
Chunda Valley
Chunda Valley lies just a short drive from the city of Skardu, an oasis of orchards, cultivated fields, and villages in front of a magnificent background of towering mountains. The valley’s proximity to the big city allows it to be among the most easily accessible valleys and does not require a whole day for a visit.
Chunda Valley is known for its beauty during spring and autumn when orchards of apricots and apples get blooming or become golden yellow, thus providing some color to the monochromatic landscape created by the surrounding mountains. Local farms and paths will provide visitors with a glimpse of how life looks like in the area.
Those who have limited time but want to experience the rural side of Skardu should definitely choose Chunda Valley.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake lies a short distance from Skardu city, a spot that is not only very easy to access but incredibly beautiful as well, thus becoming a great choice to visit as the first or last destination in Skardu city. The clear blue-green waters of Satpara Lake come from glaciers and are located between rocky mountains.
Apart from being a great place to have a look at the beautiful scenery, Satpara Lake also provides an important source of water for the area as the Satpara Dam supplies water for irrigation and drinking purposes in Skardu city. People can go boating, horse riding near the lake or simply relax in one of the many cafes that are situated here.
The convenience and peacefulness of this destination make it possible to easily fit it into any schedule.
Kharpocho Fort
Kharpocho Fort, meaning “Fort King,” is a historic site that provides some of the finest views in the whole valley. The fort was constructed during the 16th century and provides an amazing view of the valley, Indus River, and the vast Skardu city that can be seen below from the top of the fort.
The path to the top of the fort is difficult and rocky but is easy to manage by most tourists, and the view from atop is totally worth the hike. Tourists will enjoy a view of the rivers, mountain ranges, and greenery in Skardu Valley. It is recommended to visit this fort at sunset to witness an amazing view of the whole valley in golden light.
For tourists who want to explore a little bit of history and scenic beauty close to the city, this fort is the place to visit.
Practical Travel Tips for Skardu
Now that you know the best places to visit in Skardu, here are some practical tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
1. Best Time to Visit
- Summer (May-August): It is the peak time. The climate is nice (about 25°C) and all the roads are open including Deosai road.
- Autumn (October-November): It is the season of colors. The cherry and apricot trees bloom in golden, red, and orange colors. The temperature is cold but very romantic.
- Spring (April): It is the season of blossoms. The valley is filled with pink and white apricots.
2. How to Get There
- By Plane: Skardu International Airport provides flights from bigger cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. These flights provide some great sights of K2 and Nanga Parbat. In 2026, the frequency of flights has increased, but they depend on the weather.
- By Road: The road between Jaglot and Skardu has been completed and is fully paved. A journey that used to take eight hours is now reduced to three to four hours.
3. What to Pack
Even if you visit in summer, the nights in Skardu are cold.
- A warm jacket and hoodie.
- Appropriate footwear for trekking or sneakers (heels/sandals do not work well here).
- Sunglasses and sunscreen lotion (solar radiation is very intense at high altitude).
- Power bank (electricity supply may be unreliable in some regions).
Conclusion
Starting from the serene water body of Satpara and Upper Kachura Lakes to the cultural significance of Manthal Buddha Rock and Kharpocho Forts, there is no other place in Pakistan that offers such a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure like Skardu. Regardless of whether you are planning a road trip to Skardu or looking for flights from Islamabad to Skardu, here are some places in Skardu to visit.
