Get ready for an enchanting trip to the land of breathtaking beauty, Skardu in Pakistan. Here’s a sneak peek at must-visit places with serene Shangrila Resort, historical Skardu Fort, stunning Baltoro Glacier, and majestic Deosai National Park.
Nestled right in the heart of Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu constitutes one of the major jewels of Pakistan; it has breathtaking natural landscapes combined with enriched cultural heritage. The mesmeric valley comprises many attractions for people touring around the world. The article intends to provide an overview of the most visited places in Skardu, each highlighting a different experience adding to the charisma and charm of the valley..
1. Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)
Shangrila Resort Skardu is famous as ‘Shangrila’ or ‘Heaven on Earth’. It is a major tourist destination located at the edge of Lower Kachura Lake, situated amidst panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscape. The lake is pristine, with its striking turquoise hue and the picturesque backdrop of the Karakoram Range.
Key Highlights:
- Scenic Beauty: The location of the resort is at an advantageous altitude that commands an unparalleled view of the lake and the majesties of mountains. The reflection of peaks in the still waters of the lake creates an astonishing effect.
- Cultural Experience: Shangrila Resort is made of unique architecture, clubbed together with traditional design that merges in most natural fashion with the natural surroundings. This hotel and its restaurant are specifically built to give the right blend of comfort and authenticity.
- Activities: They will visit the lake, take boat rides, walk around the resort, and relax amidst nature.
2. Deosai National Park
If listed under synonym, “Land of Giants” would be Deosai National Park-a high-altitude plateau spreading amidst the skies over an area of over 1,000 sq. km. It is the highest national parks in the world and famous for beautiful landscapes of undulating plains and rolling hills teeming with wildlife. Here you can stay at Hispar Hotel.
Key Highlights:
- Wildlife Viewing: It offers a habitat for the Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolves, and numerous birds. Deosai National Park proves to be a haven for all nature lovers and photographers.
- Scenic Drives: A journey to Deosai has some of the best driving routes in Pakistan with broad vistas of the plateau and surrounding mountain ranges.
- Trekking Opportunities: It offers many routes for trekking, and the important one is the trekking route that leads to Sheosar Lake – amongst the most beautiful places of the park. Its still water and landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful.
3. Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake is a jewel in the plateau’s natural beauty, situated right in the center of Deosai National Park. The name translates into “The King’s Lake”, and true to name, due to its crystal-clear waters, the astounding reflections of the surrounding peaks are mirrored in the lake. Here you can stay at Byarsa Resort.
Key Highlights:
- Natural Beauty: Situated amidst undulating hills and snow-capped peaks, the lake forms a perfect setting, coupled with nature walks and photography.
- Bird Watching: As it is a favorite site for bird-watching, so many kinds of migratory and resident birds visit the surroundings of Sheosar Lake.
- Picnicking: As the surroundings of this lake are so serene, a quiet picnic in the natural surroundings can be had.4. Skardu Fort
4. Skardu Fort
The Skardu Fort stands on top of an extremely high cliff, with a sketch of the Skardu Valley. It was an ancient place that dates way back to the 8th century, and with the rise and fall of various dynasties, it remained firm against time and has remained one of the prime landmarks to this date.
Key Highlights:
- Historical Significance: It stands overlooking the rich history and heritage of Skardu. This fort carries in it the tale of times gone by through the architecture and artifacts within itself.
- Panoramic Views: It provides this fort with a panoramic view of the Skardu Valley, Indus River, and surrounding mountains. Probably, one of the most captivating things to do on a visit to the fort.
- Cultural Experience: Further exploration of the fort reveals traditional architectural styles and other sociocultural practices.
5. Baltoro Glacier
Baltoro Glacier is famous around the world and more so among those who are basically adventure-loving or regular trekkers. In fact, this glacier proves as a great source of attraction for all those who desire to catch the brute beauty of the Karakoram Range. Here you can find different hotels at hotelandplace.
Key Highlights:
- Trekking: Baltoro Glacier Trek always features on the list of one of the great treks in the world. The trek offers views that make one stand on the other side of two of the highest peaks in the Karakoram, including K2 as the second-highest mountain in the world.
- Ice Caves and Moraines: Besides the glaciers, they contain other formations of ices such as moraines and ice caves, adding drama to their scenery.
- Adventure Tourism: It offers an adventurous experience for the backpackers or trekkers to the glacier. Although quite challenging, it is very rewarding to offer some of the most amazing landscapes in the world.
6. Upper Kachura Lake
While Lower Kachura Lake may be less famous, it offers equal charm but makes for a more tranquil and secluded experience. It lies at a higher altitude; lush forests and snow-crowned peaks surround the lake. Here you can stay at Ameeri Resort.
Key Highlights:
- Serenity: The serene atmosphere at Upper Kachura Lake gives the most excellent opportunity for meditation and the calm feeling brought about by crystal-clear water amidst the enchanting scenery of nature.
- Fishing: It is also a venue for fishing, as there are supposedly different species of fish inhabiting the lake.
- Photography: It itself provides scenic beauty with the vast lake surrounding its natural landscapes, and therefore it is a perfect location for photography enthusiasts.
7. Manthokha Waterfall
About 70 km away from Skardu, the Manthokha Waterfall is an Overwhelming view of nature. The water falls from a height of approximately 180 feet that presents an awesome view in the natural scenery of the earth.
Key Highlights:
- Visual Splendor: In itself, the sight of a waterfall falling into a clear pool of water is something else. The surrounding greenery and rugged terrain add to the ocular charm.
- Picnic Spot: Picnicking and spending time in nature is most appropriately done near the waterfall. Moreover, numerous food stalls serving local delicacies try the various traditional snacks that visitors may wish to sample.
- Accessibility: It lies on the road and is easily accessible from Skardu, hence is a popular day-trip destination.
Conclusion
Skardu is indeed a treat for all nature lovers, thrill seekers, and history buffs alike with its savored landscapes and a host of other varied attractions. From the serene Shangrila Resort to the crystal, light-emerald waters of Sheosar Lake, and from the rugged adventure that Baltoro Glacier promises to the historic allure of Skardu Fort, this valley indeed has a variegated canvas of experiences that will leave an indentation in the sands of time.
Whether it be serenity sought amidst nature, thrilling adventures, or even a sneak peeks at the history of this region, Skardu is welcoming for all. A tour to this magical valley is sure to become a tale of discovery, adventure, and breathtaking moments that shall remain etched in your memory long after you have left the valley.
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