The Gilgit Baltistan region is blessed with mighty mountains of Karakoram and Himalayas. Skardu is the city hub of Baltistan region and it wont be wrong call it the city of tourism in Pakistan as many come through Skardu to go trekking, trailing and on climbing expeditions. Here are 10 famous places you should visit while in Skardu.

1. Deosai National Park

Deosai is one of the most famous places in Gilgit Baltistan and has an easy access from Skardu. Deosai National Park was first established to secure the lives of wild life especially to protect the depleting number of Snow Leopard and the Brown Bear. Besides the wild life planet, this Park is famous for its green hills, flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains and streams, lakes and wild flowers. Deosai National Park is mostly visited during summers as winters are very harsh and roadblocks are common.

2. Basho valley

Basho is a lush green beautiful valley located at a distance of 20 Km from Skardu airport. Basho valley is pine forested and beautiful valley . This beautiful valley is famous for its green meadows, pine forests, granite peaks and waterfalls. This isolated valley is peaceful as very few tourist visit the area.

3. Katpana Cold Desert of Skardu

At the cold region and high altitude , sand dunes are no less than a wonder. This desert is located along side the Indus River covering the two main deserts; Katpana Desert and Shigar desert. It is also known as cold desert as during winter it is covered in snow.

4. Shangrila Resort

The Heavenly Shangrila Resort is built on a beautiful lake and is located 35 minutes from Skardu and is surrounded by the fascinating sceneries. This resort is best known for boat riding in Skardu.

5. Manthal Buddha Rock Carvings

On the way to Sadpara lake , Manthal village is located on right side. The Buddhist rock is located in this village. This rock carving was done when the region was under Buddhism and widely used route of Buddhists who travelled on the Silk Route. Buddhist monks of that time craved drawings of their visions, experiences and images of Buddha with texts written in Tibetan Language. These Buddhist rocks were the place of their worships till the mid of 14th Century A.D before the advent of Islam in Baltistan.

6. Shigar Valley

This valley is watered by Shigar river and is the gateway to the mighty Karakoram Mountains. Shigar Valley is 23km away from Skardu. It is a beautiful region proliferates with crops and fruits of all sorts such as apricots, walnuts, pears, peaches and grapes. Shigar Fort is a main attraction which used to be the residency of local Ruler and now preserved and converted into a hotel. Another important landmark in the region is Amburiq Mosque, one of the oldest mosque in Baltistan as well as in South Asia.

7. Satpara Lake

Bright Blue, bursting with rainbow, surrounded by the glacial mountains and carrying enchanted lake in its middle, this lake is the ultimate fairy-tale in the Satpara area in Skardu.

8. Kharpocho Fort

The ancient and famous fort, gives you a hill top view of the whole town. Under the feet of Kharpocho fort, crawls the powerful Indus River. The steep hike to the Fort is worth the amazing view from the top.

9. Upper Kachura Lake

The most mesmerising lake in Skardu valley , with a depth of almost 60 meters is located 20 Km from Skardu city. In local balti language it is called Foroq Tso.

10. Nansoq Organic Village

Nansoq is the first organic village in Pakistan. It is located behind the well-known Kharpocho fort, this village has been visited by Prince Charles and Prince of Wales and Duchess Of Cornwall.