All the Places to Visit in Skardu Pakistan

Skardu attracts many tourists who come here for the epic Karakoram Mountains. Skardu is the first stop before people start their journey to the remote areas from where to climb or trek to the mountains.

However, Skardu has a beautiful landscape, valleys, lakes, historic sites, and forts that offer amazing beautiful sights, history, and a full-on experience.

Hire a Car:

Car rental services are also available in Skardu city. Hotels and travel agencies will be able to help yo hire cars OR connect you to the people. 

Where to get a cab?
If you choose not hire any vehicles you can get cabs. Within the city small cars are parked in the Bazar and by the roadside waiting passengers. They will take you anywhere within the Skardu area but might not agree to go far.

Accommodation in Skardu:

You can choose from numerous hotels and guest houses in Skardu. Well known on the expensive side are the Shangri-La Resort and Serena Hotel. You might need to get reservations and confirm the prices before you go.

Apart from these many hotels located centrally in the city with beautiful locations are available ranging from PKR 5000 to PKR 2000 per night. Most will have complimentary breakfast and small restaurants. Hot water, electricity, and the internet will be available in most hotels and guest houses.

Where to get your SIM?

To get your SIM (preferably SCOM for the region) you will have to visit the Skardu market. Picture Identification and copies of passports are required for foreign tourists. The number will be activated with your biometric thumb impression. You can choose between Pre-paid and Post-paid.

Internet

The data on SCOM can be used for Whatsapp which will be enough to stay connected with your loved ones. Images take a while to upload and videos are very difficult to upload and download. Uploading videos on any other site will take longer.

The Wi-Fi available in hotels and guest houses isn’t great either. Uploading videos will take several hours depending on the speed.

Once you move towards other areas from Skardu Wi-Fi will not be available. SCOM will work in most of the remote areas BUT NOT ALL.

Here is a breakdown of places to visit in different regions. This will help you create your own plan/itinerary.

Places to see within Skardu Area: 

Kharpoucho fort, upper Kachura, lower Kachura and spend the evening at Shangrilla Resort (Lower Kachura), Manthal Buddha Rock, Satpara Lake, Skardu Market, Nansoq Organic village Skardu, Katpana desert and lake, Basho valley. 

Visit nearby Shigar Areas:

Safranga Desert,  Blind Lake, Shigar Fort,  Amburiq Mosque 

Khaplu Area (in Ghanche District)

Khaplu is the capital of Ghanche District. Most famous places are the Khaplu palace and Chaqchan Mosque 

Deosai National Park:  Worth mentioning separately. Deosai is amongst the most visit and popular places in Gilgit Baltistan. The National Park comprises of large area and many streams and lakes including Sheosar Lake.