Skardu Travel Guide: Honeymoon in Skardu Valley: 10 Days Program
If you are planning to visit the bewitching Skardu Valley then you must read the following lines. Well done, sir/madam! What a great decision you’ve made! A completely off the beaten track destination in northern Pakistan, Skardu is a favorite among tourists and trekkers due to awe inspiring sceneries of beautiful lakes and majestic mountains. Whether you are a thrill enthusiast, bird watcher, hiker or a traveler who wants to bask in the natural beauty of this world, read on this guide to Skardu. Here, I present a 10-day plan for the Skardu Valley that will make sure you indulge yourself in all the interesting spots to visit.
Day 1: We spend most of the day travelling to Skardu by air before check in at a local hotel.
There are two options to get to Skardu Valley:
Either by taking a flight from Islamabad, or road trip from Gilgit.
When you get there, you will be welcomed by the good weather and nice airy views of the ‘Ranges’. You must get a room at a hotel and get some rest as well as adapt to the high altitudes in the town. You will need your energy for the other days or whenever you will be meeting that person again.
Key Highlights:
– Beautiful view of the destination- Skardu Valley
– Rest and acclimatization
Day 2: Exploration of Skardu city – A fabulous mix of tradition and heritage
Though no significant civilization has developed in Skardu city itself now, it is the best place to start discovering more about the region’s culture and history of. The day begins with the exploration of the bazaar, where they can buy souvenirs and products that will not be found in other shops and communicate with the hospitable people.
Head out for the Kharpocho Fort, also known as the Skardu Fort from where one can get the breathtaking view of the city, as well as the Indus. You can also take up the challenge of hiking to the ‘Masrur Rock, a rock formation like Norway’s Trolltunga. It must be a considerable distance walk but the rewards are massive seeing the beautiful sight.
Places to Visit:
– Kharpocho Fort also known as Skardu Fort
– Local market for local artefacts
– Masrur Rock hike
Day 3: Moving to Astore Valley
Lower Kachura Lake
Shangrila Resort
Today people should spend the whole day in nature. The first stop is at Shangrila Resort, which is also famous as ‘Heaven on Earth,’ Lower Kachura Lake is a beautiful spot with exceptionally beautiful view and favorable climate. From there you are welcome to take a boat ride around the picturesque within the waters of Upper Kachura Lake. A short hike shall enable you to reach a vantage point that will give you a rapture view of the lower Kachura Lake that forms a heart shape.
Must-See Spots:
Shangrila Resort is located at the Lower Kachura Lake in the Skardu Valley of Gilgit Baltistan.
A boat ride at the upper Kachura Lake or Shangrila Lake as it is also named.
– Bird’s-eye view: the viewpoint trek
DAY FOUR: DEOSAI NATIONAL PARK ‘The Land of Giants’
Your journey does not end here; the next day, you head out for a full-day trip to Deosai National Park which is notorious for the ‘Giants’ This Plateau is one of the highest plateaus in the World and is enriched with Bio diversity and Beautiful immigrated landscape of Nanga Parbat – the ninth highest mountain in the world. Deosai is the most attraction place near skardu valley especially for the lovers of nature those likes to capture it in their cameras.
Highlights:
– Wildlife Observation in the Deosai National Park, Himalayan Brown Bears, Himalayan Wolves, Himalayan Vultures and Cute Golden Marmots are found in Deosai National Park and if you are lucky enough, sometimes Himalayan ibex also found here.
– Picturesque sites of that region including the Nanga Parbat.
– Features of the Land of Giants
Day 5: Satpara Lake and Sarfaranga Cold Desert – From Picturesque Water to adventurous Sand Dunes
Watch My Vlog on Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Satpara Lake can be visited as the first site for the day, the morning scenery at the lake is mesmerizing. Whether it is just a day of sunbathing on this beach, a boat ride or if you fancy a fishing trip then this is a perfect place to go to. Afterwards, visit the Sarfaranga Desert in Shigar valley which is considered as the highest cold desert on planet earth.
Here you can have the opportunity to have that adventurous activities such as; bike riding in the desert, jeep tours, horseback riding, paragliding, and even parachuting, the price detail is in my vlog, you can visit my vlog for more details. It becomes unforgettable because travelling than from Satpara Lake where everything is calm to Sarfaranga Desert which is full of excitement.
Exciting Activities:
– A boat can be hired for a day to tour Satpara Lake Sightseeing and taking a rest at Satpara Lake.
– The Sarfaranga Desert is home of many unique creatures and local people can also go to the desert safari.
– Adventure sports: there is every bit of biking, jeep safari, horse riding, and paragliding.
Read Also This Skardu And Gilgit Travel Guide
Deep into the heavenly valleys of K2, deep into the abyss of mountains in the Asian region there is Day 6 of travelling of course going on a trip that will lead to discovering new treasures hidden in this world so far away from our own.
Today, driving about 50 kilometers for some 3 hours you will be taken for a full day trip to Khaplu, a beautiful village which has a remarkable history as well as the most attractive architect icons. Explore the architectures of Khaplu Palace that makes it exotic – a mixture of Tibetan, Balti, and Kashmiri designs. So, tourists shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Chaqchan Mosque – one of the oldest mosques located in the territory, which surrounded by the valley view.
Must-Visit Sites:- Khaplu Palace – Chaqchan Mosque – Spend time wandering through the beautiful confines of the village of Khaplu
Watch my Vlog on Khaplu Palace
Day 7 –Final Day – Leisure – Cultural Immersion – Embracing Balti Culture
Some of the training focused on the capability’s successes and how it tackled the challenges while others opted to pick several areas of interest followed by discussions on what its participants observed, made and learned through their adventure; therefore, the slower day deserves a break. You can go to an apricot farm near and try Balti Apricot which is famous here or engage yourself in the traditional cooking demonstrations to know how the local recipes are prepared. It’s another day completely dedicated to the exploration of the culture of the region and enjoying the basic comforts that the life in Skardu Valley has to offer.
Cultural Experiences:- It is recommended to make a trip to an apricot farm.- Traditional cooking class
– Take it easy and explore the culinary, arts, fashion etcetera, of the different areas.
Day 8: An eight kilometer trek through a thick forest to Fairy Meadows – Base of Nanga Parbat
Any tour to northern areas of Pakistan must include a visit to Fairy Meadows; the starting point of Nanga Parbat. It is a little distant from Skardu and quite a ride and hike in the terrain but the view and the experience of sleeping under the stars in a natural frontier is satisfying. Camping – Enjoy the night famous eagles nest hotel, the open sky, along some of the most beautiful landscapes that Pakistan has to offer.
Trekking Adventure:
– I proposed to name it Journey to Fairy Meadows due to its whimsical theme and surprising melodic features.
– Tent pitching with Nanga Parbat seen
– Trips with wildlife encounter
Day 9: Today, the group was to visit Fairy Meadows – it is considered to be the ultimate alpine experience.
Fairy meadows can be visited whole day and the scenic view of Nanga Parbat can also be enjoyed. If you are still in the mood for little more adventure then you are welcome to take a short trek to the Nanga Parbat Base Camp. Even if you decide to remain at the Meadows the outlook and serenity provides one with enough to make this day memorable.
Highlights:
– Explore Fairy Meadows
– Trek at Nanga Parbat base camp essentially is an optional activity;
– Take pleasure in the quiet mountainous atmosphere
Finally, after 10 days of your Skardu travel Guide we go back to the start of our journey that is Skardu.
This means that after enjoying your moments at Fairy Meadows you will be required to proceed back to Skardu. Finally, there comes the best morning to reach the city back and while reaching, start to explore how much you have traveled greatly. Depending on where you wish to go or if you want to leave then it is time to head out from skardu or stay on in rest of Pakistan.
Final Thoughts:
– A hike from Fairy Meadows
– That is reach Skardu and fly back
Final Tips for Your Skardu Adventure: Final Tips for Your Skardu Adventure:
– Let me share the following essentials about Skardu which are quite generic and can be altered according to your likes and dislikes and the kind of climate during your travel time.
– Make sure to visit the official web sites for that countries you will be travelling to and check on the current travel restrictions and precautions.
– It is recommended that Skardu Valley has limited access to facilities hence do not expect to get enhanced services of any kind.
Skardu Valley has been proved to be the heaven on earth, there is everything here from soft adventure to cultural sites and Beautiful landscapes. This may well be because I arrived well-prepped with knowledge of the ten days that I would be spending in the Skardu Valley, or because Skardu is a place to which anyone who visits will undoubtedly return with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your trip!
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