Skardu

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Skardu Valley

Skardu is the major city of Baltistan along the broad bank of the river Indus. In northern areas Skardu is the largest district. Baltistan is abode to some of the uppermost summits in the world, the Karakoram Range; Skardu is very well-liked with Mountaineering Journeys. It is evenly famous with elevated altitude trekkers, who trek to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.  Skardu by road lies about 5 hours away from Gilgit and 10 hours drive from Besham.  A daily flight to and from Islamabad is also in process. Skardu has a nature of its own and has very attractive scenery. The Indus becomes broad and still here. The town is bordered by dry Rocky Mountains and sand banks. Here are the some famous and most interesting places of Skardu.

A view of Skardu and River Idus Valley from K2 Motel

Kharphocho Fort, Skardu:

There is most famous and a very ancient Fort of Skardu which is known as Kharphocho Fort (King of Forts). This fort is situated on a hill overlooking the town. This fort was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century. This powerful Indus is flowing along just a few yards under your feet. This river is surrounded by the silvery white sands and really this is a breathtaking view.

Satpara Lake

Satpara Lake, Skardu:

About 8 km (5miles) north of Skardu and 20 minutes by jeep lays Sadpara Lake, bordered by icy mountains, which are mirrored in its crystal clear waters. There is a fairytale island in the middle of this lake. You can reach there through country boats. This lake also proliferates in fish and is also well known for fishing.

Shigar Valley:

The entrance to the huge mountain summits of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s calm, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barley. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are identity of Baltistan. There is a beautiful wooden mosque in the middle of the town. This mosque was built by Kashmiri carpenters about some hundred years ago.

Shigar Fort, some memorable moments

Shigar Fort:

This is also a very famous fort of Skardu. This fort is located on the famous path to the world’s second highest mountain K-2, and known as Fong-Khar, which in the home language means the “Palace on the Rock”. This fort was restored by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP-P) an institution of the Aga Khan Development Network.  Shigar Fort Residence is a exclusive tradition guesthouse that presents guests the chance to practice the restored original architecture of the 17th Century Raja Fort Palace, while enjoying the current facilities and services of a comfort guest house.

The complex at Shigar includes the 400-year-old Fort/Palace and two more new buildings, the “Old House” and the “Garden House”. The previous Palace of the Raja of Shigar has been altered into a 20 room tradition guesthouse, with the grand audience hall serving as a museum of Balti culture and featuring select illustrations of fine wood-carving, as well as other legacy objects.

The world famous Shangrila. A treat to visit.

Shangrila Lake, Skardu:

About 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu and 2 hours by jeep lays the sparkling quiet deep Shangrila Lake also called Kachura Lake, teeming with brown trout. During spring many foreign and colorful flowers decorate its banks, while peach, apricot and apple trees are loaded with flowers in April. Later in the summer one can taste the apples, which are a particularly yummy collection. There you can also visit and stay at Shangrila resort. Which is complete luxurious and comfortable for your journey.

Khaplu Valley:

This is a stunning valley of the Shyok River and it is 103 km east of Skardu. Khaplu is the initial point for most trekking and climbing journeys. Many prominent mountains such as Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Kangri, K-6, K-7 are situated here. Chaqchan Mosque is one of the initial mosques in Baltistan (1504 AD), credited to Syed Ali Hamdani. There is also a Palace of Raja of Khaplu and remains of Thors

Narsok village:

This is the village where you will find a large pure spring flowing from the bottom of the monolith.

Buddha Rock Carvings, Skardu:

At this place an enormous Buddha stature bounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometers from Skardu crossways Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Ancient men and animal figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Nalah are also found.

Deosai Famous - Choota Pani bridge

Deosai:

The Deosai Plains are 32 km south of Skardu. This raised ground is the environment of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and many other wild animals. At an average height of 3500 metres, Deosai is now a National Park and sheltered area for different animals.

The rolling plain here holds no trees or bushes and the area is covered by for seven months in a year. Spring approaches to Deosai in August when millions of wild flowers start to blossom all over the flourishing green grassland. This is a time when Deosai seems like a heaven with scenery full of wild flowers on green rolling mounts and crystal clear water flows with snow covered summits in the background. The Deosai Plains are also home to the Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Golden Marmot, Wolf, the Ladakh Urial, the Snow Leopard, and over 124 local and traveling birds. Birds in the park comprise the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Laggar Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Indian Sparrowhawk and Snowcock.

An adventurous jeep trip will take you right across the striking mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling on KKH; you will take pleasure in the most stunning scenery on earth. Before reaching Deosai, you will also observe the delightful visions of Nanaga Parbat (8126 m), the ninth highest peak of the world. At Deosai, you initial stop will be at Sheosar Lake. This place presents stunning visions of south fact of Nanga Parbat and a panoramic sight of Deosai Plains. At Bara Pani, you can spend one day and visit the center of the National Park for Bear watching or you may get pleasure from fishing in the cold waters or Barwai Stream. From Deosai, you can trek back via Skardu and Gilgit to have the most exciting drive along the Indus River.

Fertile banks of the Indus River at Skardu

Traveling to Skardu:

Travel By air:

Pakistan International Airlines flies every day from Islamabad. However, since the pilots fly on no computer navigation, the flight only goes on clear days. During the flight it’s probable to catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat (the 9th highest mountain in the world) and K2 (the 2nd highest mountain in the world. The air trip is full of adventures and could itself be viewed as the highlight of the visit. After following the similar air route, which joins Gilgit to Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the plane turns right and flies over the gap of the Indus River.

Travel By road:

You can also travel through the road which is quite inexpensive rather than travel by air. Skardu can be reached by bus from Islamabad. The drive brings you all the way over the Karakoram Highway.

The Karakoram Highway is not fully constructed and the Skardu road still has to be repaired. By road you can reach there within 36 hours through public transport. You can also reach there from Gilgit. Though it’s less than 200km the journey will take you close to 8 hours (by public transportation.

Things To Do in Skardu:

There are lots of things available for visitors and tourist. Here are some attractions which is well liked and popular for many visitors

Snow-covered peaks of the Karokoram Mountains, Skardu Valley

Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking:

This area is perfect for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. You can not do mountaineering and trekking without the permission of tourism department. Authorization for mountaineering and trekking for limited zone is permitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, and Islamabad.

Fishing:

You can also do fishing near the bank of Satpara and Kachura Lake. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.

Flora & Fauna:

There is large variety of Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees in Skardu. Apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.

Skardu Wildlife:

Baltistan boasts of wildlife like Markhors, ibexes, snow leopards and birds, namely Chakors, partridges and ducks. Many animals and birds are confined but limited shooting is permissible. Hunting permits are issued by the home administration.

Walking Tours:

A leisurely walk around the eastern end of the Skardu rock will take you to the nearby village of ‘Narsok’, where you will locate a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith. To arrive at Narsok, walk to the extreme end of the Skardu Polo field and lift up a trail that evades the rock slopes beneath Zowar Singh’s fortress. On the west bank of the Satpura Nala is a tall rock with a perpendicular, beige-colored northern face. Carved here circa A.D 900 is an attractive image of a meditating Maitreya Buddha bordered by Bodhisattvas.

Shangrila resort

List For Lodging:

• Karakoram Inn
• Concordia – II
• Hunza Inn
• Baltistan Tourist Cottage
• Baltoro Rest House
• Northern Areas PWD Rest House
• Yak N Yurt Sarai
• Skardu Inn
• Indus Hotel
• Hotel & Restaurant Dewan-E-Khas
• Shangrila resort
• Shigar Fort Residence
• K2 Motel

Skardu is really a beautiful and a very interesting place to visit. This is also a base spot for many mountaineers. People of Skardu are so simple and traditional. They respect every tourist also guide them about their culture and traditions. This place is just like a heaven. I really believe that just a one time in our life we should come and visit this beautiful and stunning city. This Skardu city is a great attraction for mountain climbing and also for an adventurous journey.

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