18 Great Things to do in Skardu, Pakistan
This post is about the best things to do in Skardu. Skardu, located in the stunning Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich history and unique culture. Nestled in the heart of the Karakoram Range, it serves as a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, attracting nature lovers from around the globe.
Why visit Skardu
When I planned my trip to Pakistan I was wondering whether 5 days were maybe a bit too much for Skardu. I Clearly underestimated the amount of things to do in Skardu and the exceptional beauty of Baltistan.
Baltistan if often called “Little Tibet” because of its Tibetan roots and similarly spectacular landscapes. The region is dotted with vast glaciers, desert sand dunes and stunning valleys offering endless scenic beauty and trekking opportunities.
Skardu is a great city to base yourself while exploring the treasures of Baltistan. In addition, it is also a great place to learn more about its intriguing history and culture. From trying Balti food to visiting ancient Buddha rocks and historic forts.
In the end, there were so many things to do in Skardu that 5 days weren’t even enough. Skardu was one of the highlights to my trip to Pakistan and there is so much left to explore in this region that I am already planning a return trip.
The best things to do in Skardu
Hike to Kharpocho fort
One of the most popular things to do in Skardu, is the 45 minute hike to the Kharpocho Fort. Karpocho Fort was built by Raja Ali Sher Khan Anchan in the late 16th century. He was a Balti king and under his rule he expanded the borders from Baltistan all the way to Ladakh in the east and Chitral in the West.
Kharpocho Fort was constructed at a strategic location on a hilltop above Skardu, offering stunning panoramic views of the Indus River, the Skardu Valley and the distant snow-capped mountains of the Karakoram range.
Like other forts in the region, Karpocho Fort was built using local stone and mud, which was typical of Baltistan’s architecture during that period. While much of the original fort is now in ruins, some sections, including its walls, towers, and a few rooms, are still intact.
Insider tip: the climb up to the Kharpocho fort takes around 45 minutes and is not diffucult. Do wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is rocky.
Hike to Nangsoq, the organic village
Another easy hike within Skardu is the walk to Nangsoq, the Organic village that lies just behind the Kharpocho Fort. The village promotes organic farming and sustainable living. You can see how locals grow organic fruits and vegetables and practice traditional methods of agriculture.
The path is not difficult, but with my fear of heights there were some scary parts. That said, we met lots of school children that hike this path every day and had to giggle when they saw I was afraid. It takes about 45 minutes from Skardu to get to the organic village.
Insider tip: this hike is easy to do after you climb the Kharpocho fort as the trail to Nangsoq is close to the trail to the Kharpocho Fort.
Katpana Cold Desert
What I liked most about Skardu was the variety of landscapes in the Skardu valley. From lush valleys with fruit orchards, to towering mountain peaks and, surprisingly even deserts including beautiful sand dunes. Katpana Desert is among the highest deserts in the world and is covered in snow in winter.
Insider tip: the sand dunes of the Katpana Desert are near Skardu airport and it is best to arrange a taxi. Sunset is the best time to visit for taking the best pictures.
Satpara lake
Satpara Lake is one of the more spectacular lakes around Skardu with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that are a beautiful contrast against the surrounding mountains. The color of the water is particularly vivid during sunny days.
There is not much to do, except enjoying the spectacular views from the viewpoint next to the road. The lake serves as a vital water source for the surrounding regions, particularly for irrigation and drinking water. Therefore, there is no boating allowed.
Insider tip: Satpara Lake is only 10 kilometers south of Skardu and easy to reach by taxi. Although you could also hike to Satpara lake, it will be on the main road and is therefore not the most scenic hike in Skardu. It is easy to combina a visit of Satpara Lake with the nearby Manthal Buddha Rock.
Manthal Buddha rock
The Manthal Buddha Rock is an ancient Buddhist rock carving located near the village of Manthal, about 3 kilometers from Skardu.
The carving dates back to the 8th century AD, a period when Buddhism was the dominant religion in Baltistan. It serves as an important reminder that the area was once part of the extensive Buddhist culture that spanned Central Asia. You can find other Buddhist remains in Taxila as well as in the Pamir mountains north of Baltistan.
Insider tip: You can easily hike from Skardu up the hill to see the Manthal Rock or you can take a taxi. We decided to take a taxi to Satpara Lake and then up the Manthal Rock hill and then walk back ourselves.
Marsur rock
One of the more challenging things to do in Skardu is the hike to Marsur rock. It’s a popular hike, because of the spectacular views over the Skardu valley from a rock that is very much like the Trolltunga rock in Norway. Except that Marsur rock is even higher at 3,737 meters above sea level
I had to skip this hike, because I did not have enough time in Skardu, but seeing the pictures of others that did the Marsur rock hike, it must be amazing.
The trail starts near the village of Hussainabad, 6 kilometers from Skardu. You will need private transport to bring you a little further beyond the village up the winding mountain road to where the hike begins. At the start of the hike you will need to pay an entrance fee and you can hire a guide, but this is not mandatory. From the entrance check post it takes about 3 hours to reach Marsur rock. The challenge is in gaining 800 meters in just 2.5 kilometers.
Insider tip: Carry enough water and snacks for the trek, as there are no facilities on the trail.
Skardu bazaar
Skardu bazaar is the beating heart of Skardu and a lively affair with lots of vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. This is where you can also find some souvenir shops selling gems from the mountains. Skardu is known for its rich deposits of precious and semi-precious gemstones, including topaz, aquamarine, tourmaline, and ruby.
Try Balti food
Skardu is a great place to try Balti food that is very different from the food you find elsewhere in Pakistan. There are a number of unique dishes that you can only find in Baltistan and that reflect the Tibetan origin of the Balti people. For example, the salty butter tea with milk in Skardu is also very common in Tibet.
Balti food also uses fresh and local ingredients from the mountains. Apricots are very important and apricot oil is very popular. People pour it over their food or dip their bread in. It is absolutely delicious.
Not all Balti dishes are easy to find in a restaurant, but you can ask your hotel to prepare a homemade Balti meal. This is when I got to try some local delicacies such as Balay and Prappu. Balay is a thick and hearty soup from a rich goat broth with noodles. Prappu was the most delicious dish. Pieces of dough are covered in a sauce of grounded nuts (walnut, almond or apricot kernels) topped with apricot oil.
Chicken Moskut is another delicious dish of pieces of chicken (or goat) served in a rich sauce of nuts, spices and herbs. Mamtu are dumplings that are very similar to Momo in Nepali cuisine or Manti from Central Asian cuisine.
Watch a polo match
Polo is a traditional and highly celebrated sport in Skardu and the broader Gilgit-Baltistan region. Skardu has its own polo ground where you will often see people practicing. It is particularly popular in the summer months when Skardu hosts local polo tournaments.
The Shandur Polo Festival, held every year at the Shandur Pass (about 100 km from Skardu), is the most famous polo event in the region. It is often called the “Highest Polo Ground in the World” because of its location at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
Things to do near Skardu
Sarfaranga Desert
Sarfaranga Desert is the most spectacular desert near Skardu with large sand dunes and beautiful views. It has become very popular though. Buggies wait for you next to the road to bring you to the sand dunes where you will not be alone. Nevertheless, the beauty of the area makes it well worth a visit.
How to get there: Sarfaranga Desert is about 35 kilometers from Skardu and you will need your own transport. In most hotels you can negotiate a driver with a car.
Shigar fort
The Shigar valley makes for a nice day trip from Skardu. The highlight in Shigar is the ancient Shigar Fort. Like the Kharpocho Fort it was built in the 16th century to defend the village from invaders.
The Shigarfort was renovated in recent years by the Agha Khan Trust, transforming it partly into a museum open and partly into the expensive Serena Heritage Hotel. Visitors get a guided tour through the museum that is rather interesting with lots of explanations about Balti culture.
How to get there: Shigar is about 40 kilometers from Skardu. Minivans leave when full from Skardu bus station (this might take a while) and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange a jeep with driver for the day.
Shigar mosques
There is more to Shigar than just the Shigar fort and I recommend to take some time to walk throughout the village. There are some interesting old mosques in Shigar as well.
First of all, the 14th century Amburiq mosque that is the oldest mosque in Baltistan. The mosque is entirely built from mud and wood with beautiful carvings. Second, the newer 17th century Khillingrong mosque is also beautiful with exquisitely carved motifs, including geometrical and floral patterns
Shigar Blind Lake
Near Shigar is the beautiful Blind lake that makes a great stop after you visited Shigar. There is not much to do at Blind Lake, except enjoying the views that are especially beautiful in the late afternoon before sunset.
Inside tip: you need your own transport. You can arrange a driver with a car or jeep for the day combining the Sarfaranga Desert, Shigar and Blind Lake in a nice daytrip.
Kachura lakes
The Kachura lakes are among the most popular things to do in Skardu for both foreign and local tourists. There are in fact two lakes. The lower Kachura Lake, also dubbed the Shangri La of Pakistan. And then the Upper Kachura Lake, higher up in the mountains.
The pictures are gorgeous, but I underestimated how busy the lakes are. It was not the peaceful and serene experience that I expected. Lower Kachura lake is surrounded by large and busy resorts. As I enjoyed the view from the road above with a cup of tea, I felt no need to head down and join the crowds of local tourists waiting to go on a short boat drive.
Upper Kachura lake was a bit more quiet and serene. In all honesty, the views were stunning. But in the end the highlight of the day was the lesser known Soq valley that our driver recommended.
How to get there: there is a paved road to both the lower and upper kachura lakes. It is best to arrange a driver with a car for the day. If you also take in the Soq valley you need a car with a high clearance or preferably a 4 by 4.
Soq valley
To get to Soq valley is an adventure in itself. Leaving the paved road to the Kachura lakes, you enter a rugged track that enters the Soq valley. The views on the fast flowing Soq river and the mountains is wonderful.
At the end of the road is a restaurant where you can eat trout fish. Apparently Soq valley is famous for its trout and it was indeed the best grilled fish I had in Pakistan.
Manthoka waterfall
There are a number of waterfalls nearby Skardu, but the most spectacular waterfall is the Manthoka waterfall. The waterfall alone is worth the 2 hour drive, but the journey is also spectacular with beautiful views as you drive along the Indus river and pass through mountain villages.
How to get there: Manthoka waterfall is 75 km from Skardu. and you will need your own transport. In most hotels you can negotiate a driver with a car.
Deosai plains
I could not visit the Deosai plains, because in October the park was already closed. Deosai is one of the highest plateaus in the world, situated at an elevation of around 4,114 meters above sea level and as a result you can only access it in the summer months. But if you are in Skardu in summer, Deosai is a must visit.
The Deosai Plains are part of the Deosai National Park, which is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The plains are home to diverse wildlife, including Ibex, wild sheep, foxes, and even the rare Himalayan brown bear. Deosai is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and Lammergeier.
Khaplu
Khaplu is another beautiful village in the Skardu valley with anothet historical fort and ancient mosques. Many people visit it as a day trip from Skardu, but Khaplu is a destination in its own right with many things to see. As the journet to get there is already 3 to 4 hours, I recommend staying at least one night in Khaplu, more if you want to explore the beautiful Hushe valley.
How to get there: there are frequent minivans between Skardu and Khaplu that leave from the bus station when full. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Skardu travel tips
Where to stay
Sehrish guesthouse : I stayed in Sehrish Guesthouse and had a wonderful time there. It was more like a homestay and the family was very friendly.
Serena Fort Hotels: if money is not an issue you can sleep in the ancient Forts in both Shigar and Khaplu. They are beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust and now part of the luxurious Serena Hotel chain.
Where to eat
Shah i Dewan: Shah I Dewan was my favourite restaurant in Skardu with a large menu. Everything I tried was delicious. I can recommend the Kashmiri dish Chicken Yakhni as well as the Balti dish Chicken Muskot.
Rafsal restaurant: not as good as Shah I Dewan, but a nice restaurant with Balti food where you can try Prapu and Balay.
Mamtu de Skardu: the best place to try Mamtu dumplings in Skardu
How to get there
By road: From Islamabad it is a long, but spectacular journey to Skardu. The journey takes you from Islamabad to Gilgit (15-16 hours) on the Karakoram Highway, then a road from Gilgit to Skardu (7-8 hours). Several companies, including NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation), operate buses from Islamabad to Gilgit. In Gilgit you can find shared minivans to Skardu.
Alternatively, you can take the road through the Babusar Pass. This route is faster (16 hours in total) and more scenic than the Karakoram Highway, with views of lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the high-altitude Babusar Pass. But this route is only open between mid-June to mid-October and requires private transport. Many local tour operators can arrange a jeep with driver.
By air: The quickest and most convenient way to reach Skardu is by flight. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates direct flights between Islamabad and Skardu. The flight duration is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas and Karakoram Range, including views of Nanga Parbat if the weather is clear. Flights to Skardu are highly weather-dependent due to the mountainous terrain. Cancellations and delays are common, especially in winter or during bad weather.
How to get around
From Skardu bus station there are minivans going to nearby villages like Shigar and Khaplu. But Many sights are hard to get to by public transport. In most hotels you can arrange a driver with a car to make daytrips for the sights outside Skardu.
When to visit
Spring: Spring is a good time to visit Skardu with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. As the snow melts, the valleys turn green and wildflowers start to emerge. Some trekking routes at the higher altitudes may still be snow-covered.
From mid March to early April you can witness the short, but spectacular apricot blossoms. Apricots are an essential part of the local culture and economy in Skardu and you can see the apricot orchards in full bloom around Skardu as well as in the nearby villages of Shigar and Khaplu.
At last, you can also enjoy the Nowruz celebrations in March. Nowruz in Skardu is closely linked with the arrival of spring when locals decorate their homes with fresh flowers.
Summer: Summer is peak tourist season, because it is the most ideal time for trekking and exploring high altitude areas such as the Deosai Plains. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
Autumn: Temperatures start cooling down again, ranging from 5°C to 20°C with clear days and cool nights. Autumn might be the most beautiful time to visit Skardu, because the valleys are painted in golden, red, and orange hues. At the same time, the summer crowds start to thin out, offering a more peaceful experience. By late October, some higher-altitude passes or roads may start to close as snow starts to return.
Winter: Harsh winter weather sets in, with heavy snowfall and temperatures dropping below freezing. Many roads and facilities are closed due to snow, making travel challenging.
In December or January, Skardu celebrates the Mayfung festival. The festival is an occasion for the community to come together and features large bonfires (“Mayfung” means “bonfire” in Balti), where people gather to sing traditional Balti songs.
Sustainable travel in Skardu
Although Pakistan is still an off the beaten path destination, tourism is increasing in places like Skardu. Traveling sustainably to the Karakoram mountains is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.
Stay in small scale sustainable hotels: It is better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.
You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.
Leave no trace principle: When hiking around Skardu, stick to designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife such as ibex, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.
I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.
To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.
Respect the culture: Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Urdu, can go a long way in building meaningful connections.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This post with a travel guide about the best things to do in Skardu contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!