Skardu is often called the gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks , and once you visit, it’s easy to understand why. Turquoise lakes, cold deserts, ancient forts, and vast high-altitude plains all exist within a relatively small radius, making it one of the most rewarding destinations covered by Skardu tour packages.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to actually go once you arrive, here are the 10 places in Skardu that consistently top every traveler’s list , along with what to expect at each one.
1. Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)
Known as “Heaven on Earth,” Shangrila is built directly around Lower Kachura Lake, with its iconic boat-shaped restaurant sitting right on the water. The lake’s still, mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding mountains makes this one of the most photographed spots in all of Skardu.
Best for: Photography, relaxation, boating
Distance from Skardu city: Roughly 30 minutes by road
2. Upper Kachura Lake
A short drive beyond Shangrila, Upper Kachura Lake is quieter and less commercial, but arguably even more scenic. Because it sees fewer visitors, it offers a more peaceful experience, crystal-clear water surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Best for: Peaceful sightseeing, avoiding crowds
Best time to visit: May to September, when the water is at its clearest
3. Deosai National Park
Sitting at over 13,000 feet, the Deosai Plains are one of the highest plateaus in the world and home to rare wildlife, including the Himalayan brown bear. The landscape here feels almost otherworldly , vast, open, and dotted with wildflowers during summer.
Best for: Wildlife spotting, jeep safaris, wide-open scenery
Note: Only accessible from late May to early September due to heavy snowfall the rest of the year
4. Shigar Fort
Also known as Fong Khar, Shigar Fort is a beautifully restored royal residence that now operates as a heritage hotel and museum. Walking through its wooden interiors offers a genuine glimpse into the region’s centuries-old history and Balti architecture.
Best for: History lovers, architecture, cultural experiences
Distance from Skardu city: Around 45 minutes
5. Kharpocho Fort
Perched on a hill overlooking Skardu city and the Indus River, Kharpocho Fort (also called Skardu Fort) offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the entire region. The climb up is short but steep, rewarding visitors with sweeping views of the valley below.
Best for: Sunset views, panoramic photography
Best time to visit: Late afternoon, for golden-hour lighting
6. Satpara Lake
Serving as Skardu’s main source of drinking water, Satpara Lake is surrounded by mountains and offers boating along with stunning reflections on clear days. It’s one of the easiest lakes to access directly from Skardu city.
Best for: Boating, easy accessibility, short trips
Distance from Skardu city: Roughly 20-30 minutes
7. Manthokha Waterfall
Located in the Kharmang district, Manthokha is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, cascading down from a significant height into a rocky pool below. It’s a bit further out, but well worth the detour for travelers who enjoy natural landmarks.
Best for: Nature photography, a break from lake-heavy itineraries
Note: Requires a longer drive, best combined with other Kharmang attractions
8. Cold Desert of Katpana (Sarfaranga)
Yes, Pakistan has a desert at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. The Katpana Cold Desert features genuine sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped mountains , a striking contrast that makes it one of the most unique stops on any Skardu itinerary.
Best for: Jeep safaris, unique landscape photography
Activities: Dune buggy rides and jeep tours are commonly available
9. Basho Valley
A lesser-known gem, Basho Valley offers dense pine forests, a flowing stream, and excellent camping spots for travelers who want a quieter, more nature-focused experience away from the more touristy lakes.
Best for: Camping, trekking, nature walks
Ideal for: Travelers looking to extend their Skardu tour with an extra day
10. Khaplu Valley
Slightly further from Skardu city, Khaplu is home to another beautifully restored royal palace (Khaplu Palace) and offers a quieter, more traditional glimpse into Baltistan’s culture, surrounded by orchards and mountain views.
Best for: Culture, heritage architecture, a slower-paced day trip
Distance from Skardu city: Around 2-3 hours
How to Get to Skardu
Most travelers reach Skardu one of two ways. Skardu tour by air is the fastest option, with flights connecting through Islamabad and cutting travel time down to roughly a couple of hours — ideal if you’re short on time or prefer to skip the long road journey. Alternatively, the road route via the Karakoram Highway offers a scenic, if longer, journey through some of Pakistan’s most dramatic landscapes.
Best Time to Visit These Places
While Skardu is accessible for most of the year, the widest range of attractions , particularly Deosai Plains is only open between May and September. If your itinerary includes Deosai, planning your trip within this window is essential.
Planning Your Skardu Trip
With 10 distinct places to cover, most travelers find it easiest to spread these across a 4-6 day itinerary, rather than trying to see everything in a rushed 2-day trip. A well-paced Skardu tour package typically groups nearby attractions together — for example, combining Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake in one day, or Katpana Desert with Kharpocho Fort in another.
Book Your Skardu Trip with Travelstation
As the best travel agency in Lahore, Travelstation offers customized Skardu tour packages — including Skardu tour by air with star-category hotels and private transport, or the scenic by-road route via the Karakoram Highway. Whichever way you choose to travel, we handle the logistics so you can focus on exploring.
Ready to plan your trip? Visit our homepage to explore all our services, or read our complete Skardu travel guide for more details.
Deciding between destinations? Check out our comparison guide on Hunza vs Skardu to help plan your Northern Pakistan trip.
