Skardu, capital of Baltistan, is perched 2,438 meters above sea level against the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram range. The flight from Islamabad is full of thrills and is often regarded as the highlight of the visit: after following the Gilgit air route, the plane turns right and flies over the gorge of the Indus river, with enormous rock faces rising on either side.
Baltistan is known as “Tibet-e-Khurd” or Little Tibet, since its way of life reflects that of the roof of the world and the land of Lamas. It borders China’s Xinjiang province and Kashmir.
Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers, Baltistan’s five valleys — Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang — are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears. Skardu’s historic Kharpocho Fort was built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled from Ladakh to Chitral until the end of the 16th century.
Skardu is the starting point for most expeditions and treks to K-2, the Baltoro glacier and Concordia, and for the high Deosai Plains to the south. The town sits on a wide, sandy bend of the Indus, ringed by mountains on every side.
Is Skardu Valley right for you?
- Suggested time
- 3 – 5 days, with day trips to Shigar, Khaplu or Deosai
- Activity level
- Sightseeing by road and jeep; the starting point for K-2 and Baltoro treks
- Best for
- Lakes, cold deserts and big-mountain views — and trekkers heading for the Karakoram
- When to go
- April to October. Spring brings apricot blossom to the Baltistan valleys; Deosai can only be crossed in summer, once the snow has melted.
Combines well withHunza ValleyGilgit Valley
Compare Skardu Valley with another destination →Places to see
The Buddhist Rock
The only surviving rock with Buddhist carvings in Skardu, located on the Sadpara road at Manthal.
Kharpocho Fort
The “king of forts”, built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan on a rocky ridge above the town, with sweeping views over Skardu and the Indus.
Lovely Lakes
Upper Kachura Lake, Kachura Lake (29 km) and Sadpara Lake (8 km) are famous for fishing and boating.
Katpana Desert
High-altitude sand dunes on the banks of the Indus near Skardu — a cold desert, often dusted with snow in winter.
Deosai Plains
One of the highest plateaus in the world, reached by jeep from Skardu via Sadpara. In summer it is carpeted with wildflowers and is home to the Himalayan brown bear.
Shigar Valley
32 km by jeep from Skardu — the gateway to the great peaks of the Karakoram, Gasherbrum and K-2.
Khaplu Valley
The beautiful valley of the Shyok river, 103 km from Skardu, home to Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Gangri, K-6 and K-7.
Good to know
- By air
- PIA flies from Islamabad to Skardu, weather permitting — one of the most spectacular flights in the world.
- By road
- A 241 km road connects Gilgit to Skardu. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours.
- When to go
- April to October. Spring brings apricot blossom to the Baltistan valleys; Deosai can only be crossed in summer, once the snow has melted.
- Where to stay
- Skardu has a range of reasonably priced hotels, and there are government rest houses at Skardu, Sadpara Lake, Shigar Valley, Khaplu and Kachura Lake.
- What to buy
- Baltistan is known for “pattu”, a hand-woven woollen cloth for jackets and coats. Skardu’s bazaar also sells colorful, intricately embroidered “chugas” (Balti gowns), wooden spoons, and dried apricots and walnuts from the valleys.
Header photo: Skardu and the Indus in autumn — Vasiq Eqbal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons