10/04/2025
Tourists Coming to Skardu Must Read This
Skardu is a city in Gilgit-Baltistan, but in the local tourism industry, "Skardu" often refers to all four districts of Baltistan plus the Astore District. Tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan usually choose between either Hunza or Skardu. That’s why tours in Gilgit-Baltistan are generally divided into two parts:
1. Skardu Tour
2. Hunza Tour
The Hunza Tour starts from Jaglot and ends at Khunjerab Top, while the Skardu Tour also starts from Jaglot and ends at one side with K2, the other with Siachen, and the third with Deosai, concluding at Minimarg.
If you travel to Skardu by air, you'll find all types of vehicles available in the city for visiting tourist spots. If you go by road, the journey to Skardu begins at Jaglot after passing through Babusar and the Karakoram Highway. A great new road has been built from Jaglot to Skardu, and its name has been changed from “Jaglot–Skardu Road” to “Baltistan Highway.”
From Skardu, you can also travel to Astore, Ghanche (Khaplu Valley), Kharmang, and Shigar. The Skardu tour includes the following tourist destinations:
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1. Skardu District
This district starts from Rondu Valley and ends at Sermik. Skardu city is the largest city in Gilgit-Baltistan and home to people from every district of the region. People from all Islamic sects—Shia, Noorbakhshi, Sunni, Ismaili, and Ahl-e-Hadith—live here peacefully. Skardu is the trade hub of the entire region and also houses Gilgit-Baltistan’s only international airport. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates daily flights from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, and since last year, flights from Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan have also started.
Tourist spots in Skardu District:
Deosai National Park
Kharpocho Fort (Historic Fort)
Shangrila Resort
Zhooq Valley
Kachura Lake
Sadpara Dam
Chunda
Satak Valley (Rondu)
Balamik
Katpana Lake
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2. Ghanche District (Khaplu Valley)
Ghanche starts from Keris and ends at the Siachen Glacier. It’s also known as Khaplu Valley. It is famous worldwide for its towering mountains and glaciers. The world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, is located here. Mountaineers returning from peaks like K2, Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, and Mashabrum use the valley of Hushe as their route back. The beauty of this district is unmatched.
Tourist & Historic spots in Ghanche:
Khaplu Fort
Chaqchan Mosque (700 years old)
Thoqsi Khar
Haldi Cones Viewpoint
Hushe Valley (with peaks like K6, K7, and Mashabrum)
Sailing Resort
Kandus Valley (Hot springs)
Gayari, Siachen, Saltoro Valley
Thalay Valley, Thalay La
Nangma Valley, Kande
Kharfaq Lake
Khaplu’s Grand Mosque (Asia’s largest khanqah)
K2 Viewpoint, Machlu Broq
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3. Shigar District
Shigar is a fertile valley known for its historic landmarks and towering peaks. The second-highest mountain in the world, K2, is located here. Five of the world’s highest 8000+ meter peaks are found in this region. Shigar is about 30 km from Skardu.
Tourist spots in Shigar:
Shigar Fort
The world’s highest cold desert – Sarfaranga
K2 Mountain
Hashupi Garden
600-year-old Grand Mosque (Khanqah Maula)
Arandu Valley
Concordia
Central Karakoram peaks – Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, Trango Towers, etc.
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4. Kharmang District
Known for its waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.
Tourist spots:
Manthokha Waterfall
Silent Waterfall
Shela Valley
Ghandus Lake
Kargil Border
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5. Astore District
Astore is administratively part of the Diamer Division, but access is often via Skardu, especially for air travelers. Tourists coming by air usually reach Astore through Deosai.
Tourist spots in Astore:
Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat
Rama Meadows
Parishing
Minimarg
Domail Lake
Rattu
Shounter
There are many other tourist spots as well, though not all are easily accessible to the general public.
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