Skardu is a stunning region in northern Pakistan, known for its breathtaking landscapes. Its towering mountains, and serene lakes. It serves as a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2.
Shangrila Resort is a luxury retreat located in northern Pakistan, particularly famous for its stunning location in Skardu, which is part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Known as “Heaven on Earth,” it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green landscapes. The resort is named after the mythical paradise of Shangri-La from James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon,” and it lives up to its name with its serene and breathtaking natural beauty.
This picturesque lake is a major highlight of the resort. It’s a heart-shaped lake with calm waters that reflect the surrounding mountains, creating an almost magical scene.
Upper Kachura Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Skardu region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is part of the Kachura Lakes, which include both Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes. Upper Kachura Lake is less developed and more secluded compared to its counterpart, offering a more untouched and serene experience.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding rugged mountains and create a picturesque view. The water has a deep bluish-green hue, giving it a magical quality.
The lake is surrounded by natural beauty, including trees such as wild apricots, and is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers.
Khaplu Fort was built in 1840 by the Raja of Khaplu, with the help of local craftsmen, during a time when the Khaplu kingdom was an independent entity. The fort has elements of both defensive architecture and residential spaces, showcasing a blend of local materials and design influenced by the region’s Tibetan, Central Asian, and Mughal connections. The fort’s strategic location near the Shyok River made it a hub for trade and a center of regional power.
Wood and stone are key materials, with intricate carvings and wide verandas.
The use of mud plaster and the sloping roofs are reminiscent of Tibetan building styles.
The inclusion of gardens and ornamental designs, such as archways and lattice work.
Hussainabad Waterfall, located in the Skardu region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a picturesque natural attraction. It is nestled within the scenic Hussainabad village, a short drive from Skardu city. The waterfall cascades down from a rocky cliff, creating a stunning visual spectacle, especially during the summer months when the water flow is at its peak.
The surrounding area is known for its lush greenery, rugged mountains, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The site is ideal for photography, picnics, and nature walks, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.
Satpara Village is a small, scenic settlement located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, near the town of Skardu. It is most famous for its proximity to Satpara Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake that is a major source of fresh water for the region. The village is situated at an elevation of around 2,636 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Mantokha Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It’s one of the few accessible waterfalls in the Skardu Valley, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The waterfall cascades down from the rocky mountains, offering a serene and picturesque landscape surrounded by greenery and towering cliffs.
The Mantokha Waterfall is known for its clear and fresh water, sourced from the nearby mountains and glaciers, and it creates a peaceful ambiance with the soothing sound of water. The area is ideal for picnicking, photography, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Skardu region.
Shigar Fort is a historic structure located in the Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan. It is a stunning example of traditional Balti architecture, combining ancient Tibetan and Kashmiri styles. Originally built in the 17th century by Raja Hassan Khan of the Amacha Dynasty, Shigar Fort served as his royal residence.
Blind Lake, located near Skardu, is a lesser-known yet beautiful spot that offers a unique experience for visitors. It’s a high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning landscapes, with crystal-clear waters and views of the towering mountains in the backdrop.
The Sarfranga Cold Desert is located in the Shigar Valley of Baltistan, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is one of the world’s highest cold deserts, sitting at an altitude of around 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level. The desert presents a unique landscape with vast stretches of white sand dunes surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, including peaks of the Karakoram range.
Unlike traditional hot deserts, Sarfranga is classified as a cold desert due to its high altitude and the extreme temperature variations it experiences. Summers are dry and warm, but winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures and snowfall.
The desert is famous for its vast white sand dunes, which contrast dramatically with the nearby mountains and lush green valleys. The sands are sculpted into stunning formations by the wind, making it a beautiful and unique natural wonder.
Basho Valley is a beautiful and relatively hidden gem valley located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is famous for its lush green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear rivers, offering a serene and peaceful environment for travelers seeking natural beauty and solitude.
The valley lies near the city of Skardu, which is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan, and
Basho Valley is also known for its dense pine forests, alpine lakes, and picturesque landscapes. Travelers can enjoy camping, trekking, and even some wildlife spotting in the valley, which is rich in flora and fauna. The region is also a gateway for mountaineers and trekkers exploring the nearby Karakoram and Himalayan ranges.
Chunda Valley is a scenic area located near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Known for its stunning landscapes, the valley offers a mix of green terraced fields, flowing rivers, and snow-capped mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers. It’s particularly famous for its natural beauty, fruit orchards, and a peaceful environment.
Due to its elevation, Chunda Valley enjoys pleasant weather in the summer and is often a place where people visit to escape the heat. It’s also relatively less crowded compared to other tourist spots in Skardu, which adds to its appeal for those seeking tranquility and unspoiled nature. During the winter, the valley is covered in snow, offering a different kind of charm for visitors who enjoy winter landscapes.
Sheosar Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in Deosai National Park in northern Pakistan, at the boundary of the Skardu and Astore districts. The lake’s name, “Sheosar,” is derived from the local language, meaning “Blind Lake” because of its deep, clear waters. It’s one of the highest lakes in the world, sitting at an elevation of about 4,142 meters (13,589 feet) above sea level.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear water, serene beauty, and the breathtaking landscapes that surround it.
The Deosai Plains are a vast, high-altitude plateau located in northern Pakistan, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Deosai is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Here’s a closer look at what makes this place so special:
Deosai is one of the highest plateaus in the world, standing at an average elevation of around 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level.
The plains are part of the Deosai National Park, established in 1993 to protect the endangered Himalayan brown bear, which is one of the most famous residents of the park. The park also aims to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Himalayan ibex, golden marmots, snow leopards, wolves, and over 124 bird species. The area is particularly famous for its wildflowers, which bloom in abundance during the short summer months.
The Deosai Plains are often called the “Roof of the World” and are a significant destination for anyone looking to experience the rugged, untouched beauty of Pakistan’s northern wilderness.
Thorchay Meadows is a scenic gem nestled in the Bilamik Valley, within the Skardu region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of about 11,000 feet, these meadows are surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Karakoram Range and offer stunning views with lush greenery, pristine streams, and snow-covered mountains. Thorchay Meadows attracts hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts who come to experience its tranquility, with opportunities for birdwatching and photography amidst the serene landscapes.