Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide: Here is the best Skardu travel guide you will ever come across.
When planning an adventure to Gilgit Baltistan, you’re faced with the choice of two captivating routes: It comprises of two segments: the Gilgit tour and the Skardu tour. These two tours represent the ultimate of what is on offer in the northern part of Pakistan; two different but equally amazing experiences which will marvel all visitors. This Skardu travel guide aims at ensuring you do capture as much beauty in the region as possible, also it shows Skardu as the gateway to some of the most beautiful regions in Gilgit Baltistan.
Understanding Skardu: Baltistan and a Gateway to It
Hence Skardu although regarded as a city in large consists of more significant in the situation of regional tourism. In the regional tourism, whenever we are speaking of Skardu, it is referring to the city of Skardu and the districts of Skardu division including four districts of Baltistan and one Astore district. And when the travelers planning a Skardu tour, they are thinking of a full-fledged trip to the several districts including Ghanche (Khaplu Valley), Shigar, Kharmang, and Astore etc.
The Two Avant Grade Feature of Gilgit Baltistan.
Gilgit Baltistan is typically explored through two main tours:
- Gilgit Tour: This journey begins from Jaglot and ends right up to the Khunjerab Pass which is the highest paved IBC in the world. This tour is called ‘The Karakoram Highway and Great Peaks’ owing to the rough terrains of the Karakoram Highway and magnificent snow-clad giants on the way.
- Skardu Tour: This tour begins from Jaglot and takes the travelers through some of the most beautiful sites such as K2– the second highest peak in the world, Siachen Glacier, Deosai Plains the second highest plateau in the world, Minimarg and others. The Skardu tour, that is usually considered to be more challenging, reveals the picturesque nature and the cultural values of this area.
These tours summaries the potential of Gilgit Baltistan as they provide different views of natural beauty, cultural interaction and adventurous activities. This travel guide on Skardu is composed to help you with your trip whether you are flying into Skardu in a straight flight or simply driving down.
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Getting to Skardu:
There are all types of operational vehicles at the Skardu airport that could transport and ferry any traveler from the airport to any tourist site of his/her choice. If you fancy a few hours’ drive, the start point is from Jaglot which is remotely linked through Babusar Top and Karakoram Highway to Chilas.
The existing route which is the Jaglot Skardu Road now Baltistan Highway is quite easy with spectacular views on the route. This has brought about improvement on the roads thus enhancing easy movements for tourists between these isolated regions. On your journey, you will go through Dambodas Bazaar and Basho Valley to name but a few. In Basho, one can hire a local vehicle for3000 PKR which will further explore this valley.
Venturing on, the route gets to the JSR Junction which is a decision point to where one wants to go next. To the right we have the Kachura Valley that harbors some amazingly clear water lakes. Following the same road for forty minutes without making any turns one arrives at Skardu city; the largest city of Gilgit Baltistan. From here skardu has very fine road connectivity which helps a lot to explore other much interesting places like Astore, Khaplu, Kharmang and Shigar etc.
Top Tourist Places to visit in Skardu District
The Skardu District represents one of the most beautiful regions of Pakistan; it is full of natural and historical attractions. Some of the top spots that should be on every traveler’s itinerary include: Some of the top spots that should be on every traveler’s itinerary include:
Deosai National Park: Called also the ‘Land of Giants,’ Deosai, stretches for some 3000 sq. km, is one of the highest plateaus on the globe. In the summer in particularly, the rugged landscape of the terrain is softened by a carpet of flowers making it a naturalist’s delight. This park also has the Himalayan brown bear which is a vernal species that enhances the beauty of this park.
Kharpocho Fort: Located on the outskirts of the Skardu city this structure provides a view into the history of the area. From these sites, the vistas are majestic offering a clear and wonderful deserved view over the entire Skardu Valley.
Shangrila Resort: This is probably one of the most well-known resorts, as it is called ‘Heaven on Earth,’ and it is situated close to the Lower Kachura Lake. To crown it all, the lake has calms waters and surrounded by mountains which make it blend well to give a magical environment.
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Shigar Fort: A 400-year-old fort which has been renovated and turned into a Hotel. It also provides an opportunity for those who choose to stay here to feel and see the history of this region and be comfortably equipped at the same time.
Kachura Lakes (Upper and lower): These lakes are probably among the most stunning attractions in this region of Pakistan. The Upper Kachura Lake is not easily accessible while Lower Kachura also known as Shangrila Lake is easily accessible and is surrounded with accommodations to the tourists.
Sadpara Lake: Fishing and boating are two of the most activities one can enjoy around this lake which is situated close to Skardu. The Sadpara Dam nearby supplies water in the region and also enhances the beauty of the lake as well.
Chunda Valley: Another beautiful valley that is still unknown but more scenic than the spring is the valley which provides a visual feast of the towering Mountains and the grass green valley. It is a perfect place for trail blazing and nature walks.
Basho Valley: Basho Valley is reputable for their providing natural serene environment via dense forests and clear thorny streams to the individuals that is interested in experiencing the natural environment.
All these places explain their distinctiveness in terms of culture and history of Kharpocho Fort, natural beauty of Shangrila Resort and the stunning grandeur of Deosai National Park. Finally, availability of several kinds of attractions make sure that anyone visiting this place is never disappointed.
Exploring Ghanche (Khaplu Valley): It is a land of Peaks and Glaciers
Khaplu Valley or Ghanche District is most famous for towering debris and glaciers covering throughout the region. It is the base from which treks too few of the highest fought-over terrain on earth like Siachen Glacier start. The valley is also home to several historical sites that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region: The valley is also home to several historical sites that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region:
Khaplu Fort: These are architectures of some great heritage where this fort of Tibet turned into a historical hotel experiencing great stay option. Standing on the wall of the fort lovely view of the valley can be seen.
Chaqchan Mosque: This mosque is over 700 years old and is amongst the oldest in the region thus making it a representation of the history of Islam in the region. This is the main reason why Moslems all over the world take pride in their mosques the woodworks and the buildings’ architectures are incredibly intricate.
Thoqsi Khar: Yet another historic fort which can provide idea about the history of the region.
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Hushe Valley: Served as a beginning point for many treks to the Karakoram peaks including the K2. There are some high mountains around the valley that is why it became the center of attraction for the trekking lovers.
All these sites are compulsory-visits for anyone interested in Gilgit Baltistan; they incorporate both history and scenic view that cannot be compared.
Shigar: G2K and K2: Everywhere and Beyond
Indeed Shigar valley, only 30 KMs from Skardu is where the past and the present meld with adventurous activities. The valley contains many valuable but unknown historical treasures and also provides the route to the second tallest mountain in the world that is K2. Key attractions in Shigar include: Key attractions in Shigar include:
Shigar Fort: The fort has been turned into a hotel that brings together historical features and amenities of the present day, giving you a one of a kind experience.
Blind Lake: Lake View with mountains in the background coupled with a calm surrounding which is conducive for relaxation. The water of the lake is still and there are several trees around the lake which makes very suitable for a relaxation.
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Sarfaranga Cold Desert: Sarfaranga is one of the world’s tallest cold deserts that provide the unbelievable experience of sand dunes against the snowy mountains.
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K2 Viewpoint: Highly recommended for those who can’t go all the way to the base of the K2 but want to feel like climbers. It is the view towards the mountain and other adjacent rising terrains that provide perfect viewpoints.
The historical places and natural parks turn Shigar into the most attractive travelling destination for every tourist that uses Skardu travel guides.
Kharmang: That being said, the nickname ‘The Land of Waterfalls and Valleys’ is suitable for this country.
Kharmang District is off the beaten path and it suddenly awes visitors with crystal clear rivulets, stunning waterfalls and pretty green valleys. It is ideally suitable for tourists that prefer off the beaten path and are interested in the nature of Gilgit Baltistan. Must-visit spots in Kharmang include: Must-visit spots in Kharmang include:
Manthokha Waterfall: Located to the district of Kalikot, Manthokha is one of the largest waterfalls in the country. The waterfall is located in area surrounded by green pastures, hence making it suitable for an outing whereby one can take packed lunch.
Khamosh Waterfall: Yet another gorgeous waterfall in Kharmang and this one is far more serene than many others.
Shela Valley: A scenic place to be in that is surrounded by beautiful valleys, and nature’s beauty that makes people feel calm and relaxed. The valley can therefore be used for hiking and also for taking photographs.
Ghandus Lakes: Two natural fresh water lakes which are situated on the upper as well as the lower segment of the valley providing clear water and panoramic vistas.
These features entitle Kharmang to be appealing to those tourists who look for the purity and calmness in nature excluding the most crowded and noisy places.
Astore: The Hidden Gem in Gilgit Baltistan
Despite being a district of the Diamer Division; it is mostly referred to as the Astore Valley.
Especially if the visit is on an aircraft the main gateway is through Skardu. Astore Valley is known for its beautiful waters, green pastures and high mountains including Nanga Parbat famous for being the ninth highest mountain in the world usually called as Killer Mountain. Key attractions in Astore include: Key attractions in Astore include:
Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat: To my surprise the face towards the south that is widely famed for its vertical drop to the onslaught of nearly 5,000 meters said nothing when it came to Nanga Parbat.
Rama Meadows: A beautiful grassy ground beside pine trees and beautiful view of Nanga Parbat. This area is also ideal for camping ad taking pictures.
Minimarg: An aspiring village that is nestled close to the LOC which augurs well with visitors due to the raw scenic beauty it offers.
Shoonter Valley: Full of natural beauty and houses some of the clearest rivers of the region, Shoonter Valley is a beautiful destination concealed from the outside world.
Therefore, for those enthusiasts who want to avoid the crowds found on most of the tourist attractions in Gilgit Baltistan, Astore is a place to visit.
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