Base of the giants

Skardu

Gateway to K2 and the Baltoro giants — cold deserts, alpine lakes and the mighty Indus.

Major points

Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort)

Kharpocho Fort, the King of Forts, stands on a rocky hill above Skardu. It is an ancient fortress with sweeping views of the town, the Indus River, and the surrounding mountains.

Nature

Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake

Shangrila Resort sits on the shore of Lower Kachura Lake, a deep blue mountain lake near Skardu. Famous for its red-roofed cottages, gardens, and calm water, it is one of the most photographed places in Baltistan.

Nature

Basho Valley

Basho Valley is a green, forested valley in Skardu District with a river, suspension bridge, waterfall, and village of Sultanabad. It is a quiet alternative to the busier lakes and deserts.

Nature

Katpana Cold Desert

Katpana Cold Desert, or Nakpo Biama in Balti, is a high-altitude desert of sand dunes at about 2,226 metres near Skardu, set against snow-covered peaks. It is one of the highest deserts in the world.

Nature

Chunda Valley

Chunda Valley is a scenic valley near Skardu with meadows, the Maltaro Bridge, and Chunda Top viewpoint offering wide views over Skardu. It is a quiet place for walks and photography, close to Katpana Desert.

Nature

Satpara Lake

Satpara Lake, also spelled Sadpara, is a large blue lake about 9 km from Skardu at 2,636 metres. It supplies water to Skardu and is the gateway to the Deosai plains.

Nature