Skardu is one of the top summer vacation destinations in northern Pakistan. From June to September, visitors flock to the mountainous city, which, with its pretty peaks, calm lakes, and pleasant weather, provides the perfect respite from the sweltering heat.
We have compiled a list of the five most unforgettable destinations in Skardu. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Destinations in Skardu, Pakistan
1. Deosai National Park
According to the government website for the national park, the word "Deosai" comes from "Deo," meaning jinn or spirits, and "Sai," meaning a sitting place, i.e., "place of spirits."
Don't let the spookiness of the name distract you from the fact that this primarily empty landscape is one of the most gorgeous destinations in Skardu.
Once you've braved the harrowing journey to this park, which was founded to conserve Himalayan brown bears, you're in for a treat.
Situated between three mountain ranges-the western Himalayas, Ladakh, and Zanskar-Deosai is an exceptional location.
Tourists can expect to see rotund golden marmots, rare birds, and herds of peaceful Himalayan ibex.
Surrounded by nature in this location where it is said to be so quiet that one can hear their heartbeat, it's almost a spiritual experience.
During the tail-end of summer, if you're lucky, you might even experience live snowfall, which is an experience in its own right.
As you make the mountainous drive, there are many spots to stop along the way, so based on your itinerary, you can pick and choose how far to travel.
Tourist hotspots include Sheosar Lake and Bara Desosai (the habitat for Himalayan brown bears).
2. Satpara Lake
At 8,650 feet (2,637 meters) above sea level, Satpara Lake is another prime location for visitors exploring Skardu, Pakistan.
Satpara Lake is a deep, almost unnatural shade of blue that sparkles gold in the sunlight. It inspires an aura of magic and sparks local myths, such as the one that there is a gold mine situated at the bottom of the lake.
It is a picturesque location, with a stop for some photos. The mountains surrounding the lake are reflected in its mirror-smooth surface, and its still blue waters instill a feeling of immense calm within a person.
Apart from photos, you can also engage in activities such as boating and fishing on the lake. You can use motor boats or rowboats; a fishing license is required and can be obtained cheaply.
3. Upper Kachura Lake
Another of Skardu's mesmerizing lakes, Upper Kachura Lake, offers a gorgeous view of the Himalayas. It's a popular location for boating and fishing for trout, and a boat ride around the lake is a captivating experience.
You witness the lush green forests, snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake, and fish in the clear green water. The lake's water is freezing, and at a depth of nearly 197 feet (60 meters), boating is not allowed without life jackets; local boat owners provide them.
4. Katpana Cold Desert
You've likely heard of burning hot deserts that only get cold at night, but Skardu offers an entirely new experience: the Katpana Cold Desert.
The temperatures here vary from a maximum of 80.6 F (27 C) in the summer to below-freezing temperatures in December and January.
Katpana's gently undulating dunes and fine light-colored sand make it a desirable destination in Skardu, Pakistan.
The landscape looks mesmerizing at dawn or dusk when the sun rises or sets over the dunes, casting a gorgeous show of light and shadows.
Katpana is a traveler's favorite for pictures. The dunes allow for pictorial illusions as photographers play around with distance in the empty expanse of the desert.
5. Shigar Valley
The Shigar Valley, a short distance from Skardu, is a must for any backpacker in Pakistan because of its rich exposure to the culture and historical tradition.
Apart from the cold desert mentioned above, the Shigar Valley has two main attractions: Shigar Fort and Jarba Lake.
The Shigar Fort is an architectural marvel made entirely of stone and is nearly 400 years old. It houses historical artifacts about Balti culture and tradition, which visitors can observe via a ticket to the fort. The fort also functions as a guest house with 20 rooms, so staying at this historical spot is also an option.
The second attraction of Shigar Valley is Zarba/Jarba or Blind Lake. This lake is reached by traversing the Skardu-Shigar road; the Shigar and Indus Rivers surround it.
Like the other lakes mentioned, this lake is also a stunning tourist destination. Its tranquil beauty attracts people from all over to visit while they are visiting the Shigar Valley, and it should be on your checklist, as well.
Conclusion
These five places will make your trip to Skardu, Pakistan, a wonderful experience. For the travel agents reading, consider advertising your next tour to Skardu by creating travel posters.
You can do this using PosterMyWall's poster maker, which has hundreds of easily customizable templates for advertising yourself in a visually appealing manner. Insert beautiful pictures of Skardu itself within your posters because seeing is believing!
_______
This story is brought to you in partnership with PosterMyWall.
