Gilgit-Baltistan

Skardu

Gateway to the great Karakoram giants and turquoise lakes.

About Skardu

A high desert valley ringed by 7,000 m peaks, Skardu is the launch point for K2 and the Baltoro. Cold-desert dunes, the Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes, and the road to Deosai make it unforgettable on its own.

Highlights

Shangrila ResortUpper Kachura LakeCold DesertDeosai Plains gateway

Good to know

Region: Gilgit-Baltistan
Elevation: 2,200 m
Best season: May – Sep

Where to go

Top spots in Skardu

The places we make sure you don't miss — handpicked highlights of the valley.

Shangrila — Lower Kachura Lake

An emerald lake ringed by pines and landscaped gardens, home to the iconic red-roofed Shangrila Resort. One of Skardu's most photographed scenes.

Upper Kachura Lake

A deep, crystal-clear lake a short walk beyond Shangrila, framed by rugged peaks and prized for trout fishing and quiet boat rides.

Deosai National Park

The 'Land of Giants' — a 4,000 m plateau of wildflower meadows, the cobalt Sheosar Lake and Himalayan brown bears. Open roughly mid-June to October.

Katpana Cold Desert

One of the world's highest deserts, where silver sand dunes meet snow peaks along the Indus — surreal at sunset and under moonlight.

Shigar Fort

A 400-year-old raja's fort-palace in lush Shigar Valley, beautifully restored by the Aga Khan into a heritage stay among apricot and walnut orchards.

Kharpocho Fort

The 'King of Forts', built by Ali Sher Khan, looking down over Skardu town and the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers.

Gallery

Skardu in pictures

A glimpse of the landscapes you'll wake up to.

Trips here

Adventures in Skardu

Guided departures and treks that visit this region.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Road Trips

New

Skardu & Deosai Plains

Shangrila, the cold desert, and a journey across the Deosai Plains — the second-highest plateau on earth.

7 days Level 1 Max 14

Rs 78,000

Khosar Gang Expedition (6045m)

If you've been trekking in Pakistan and wondering what it feels like to stand on a real Karakoram summit, Khosar Gang is the answer.

7 days Level 3 10

Next departure: 24 Jul 2026

From

Rs 200,000

per person

View details