Skardu walking tour & city guide
Gateway to K2 and the Karakoram.
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Skardu, in Gilgit-Baltistan, sits in a wide valley of the Indus River surrounded by the Karakoram. It is the starting point for expeditions to K2 and the world's highest peaks.
The valley
Kharpocho Fort overlooks the town. Upper Kachura Lake and Shangrila Lake are clear mountain lakes, and the Cold Desert of Katpana has sand dunes at 2,200 meters.
Deosai
The Deosai Plains, one of the highest plateaus in the world, are covered with wildflowers in summer and home to Himalayan brown bears.
Good to know
Skardu has an airport with flights from Islamabad, which save a long drive, though they are often canceled in bad weather. The road via the Karakoram Highway and the Indus valley is spectacular but long. Summer, from May to September, is the main season; the Deosai Plains are reachable only from about June to September. Skardu is the base for treks to K2 base camp and the Baltoro Glacier, among the most dramatic mountain landscapes on Earth.
Top sights in Skardu
- 1
Shangrila Lake
A heart-shaped lake.
- 2
Upper Kachura Lake
A clear mountain lake.
- 3
Deosai Plains
A high-altitude plateau.
- 4
Katpana Cold Desert
Sand dunes in the mountains.
- 5
Kharpocho Fort
A fort above the town.
Food markets & where to eat in Skardu
Skardu bazaar
Dried fruit and local food.
Lakeside
Restaurants at Shangrila.
Town center
Balti eateries.
Food to try in Skardu
Mamtu
Balti dumplings.
Apricots
Fresh or dried.
Butter tea
Salty mountain tea.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Skardu
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in SkarduCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Skardu.
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