A Cultural Journey Through Skardu: What to Explore

Are you planning your next Skardu tour? It’s indeed a breathtaking destination with a culturally rich heritage and natural beauty. There are so many places to visit that sometimes it becomes extremely difficult to decide where to start. 

But don’t you worry about it! 

I’am here with this detailed guide about the eight must-have cultural and scenic destinations in Skardu. After reading this, you’ll have a clear plan to explore the best of what Skardu has to offer. Let’s get started! 

8 Must-Visit Cultural and Scenic Destinations in Skardu

Here are the top 8 destinations that include famous lakes, forts, mountains, and the local bazaars (markets). 

1. Satpara Lake

The first must-place to explore in Skardu is Satpara Lake, also known as Sadpar Tso. It’s a 20-minute drive from the outskirts of the Skardu area and offers a stunning view of mountains and crystal-clear water. The water comes from the melting snow of Deosai Plains, which is another famous place in Skardu. 

Beyond admiring the lake’s beauty, visitors can enjoy a range of activities like fishing (after getting a permit), boating, and experiencing a peaceful time with nature. 

2. Shangrila Resort

The word Shangrila means “Heaven on Earth,” and that’s exactly what this resort feels like. The resort is made around a beautiful man-made lake in the heart shape. Around this heart-shaped lake, there are charming resorts and villas that tourists can book for a comfortable and luxurious stay, but it’s not absolutely necessary. 

If you’ve already booked your hotel room, you can go to the resort and spend your day around the lake, enjoying boating and other activities. 

3. Khaplu Fort

The next one on the list is Khaplu Fort, which shows the rich culture of the city. The palace was built in the mid-19th century by Yabgo Khar, the ruler of Khaplu. 

Tourists can visit the palace, admire its historical artifacts, and even book a hotel room in the upper portion of the fort. The first floor is dedicated to the museums, where tourists can learn about the history and cultural heritage. There are also local shops within the palace to buy traditional handicrafts and dresses. 

4. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park is in the Western Himalayas of Gilgit Baltistan. It’s a high-altitude plateau, standing at an elevation of over 4,000 meters, and is famous for its stunning landscapes. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered Himalayan brown bear, snow leopards, and numerous bird species. 

Besides being stunning, the place is also known for its legends related to its name DeoSai which means “Land of the Giants”. According to locals, there was a time when giants existed in that area, making it an exciting tourist attraction. 

5. Cold Desert Skardu 

If you’re looking to visit unique places with beautiful landscapes, the Cold Desert of Skardu should be at the top of your list. It’s called the Katpana Desert and is located in Skardu Valley. 

What’s unique about this desert is that despite being a desert, during winter, the sand dunes are often covered in snow, with the backdrop of snowy mountains creating a contrasting landscape. This rare combination makes it the best place for taking photos, offering visitors an unforgettable view.

6. Manthal Buddha Rock

Manthal Buddha Rock offers a tour deep into the rich cultural history of Skardu. It’s a large granite rock with carved images of Buddha located in Manthal village; that’s why it’s called Manthal Buddha Rock. 

The rock features pictures of Buddha in different poses and religious symbols that depict the history of Skardu before the arrival of Islam. So if you enjoy visiting historical religious, or architectural sites, this is a must-place to explore in Skardu. 

7. Manthoka Waterfall

Manthora Waterfall is one of the treasures of Skardu city. The place is located in the Kharmang Valley and is 180 feet high from the ground, offering a spectacular view with lush greenery surrounding it. 

Besides the waterfall offering a breathtaking view, the surroundings make it the perfect spot for a picnic, with hotels and tree houses for fun and relaxation. However, keep in mind this isn’t an ideal place to visit in winter as the area can become quite cold, and the waterfall may freeze.

8. Local Markets 

Although local markets aren’t comparable to the natural beauty of Skardu, they’re extremely important if you want to know more about the culture and lifestyle of the region. You can buy handicrafts, spices, and traditional clothing and even connect with the locals, who are friendly and welcoming to tourists. 

These markets also provide an excellent opportunity to taste authentic food such as Skardu chapshoro (meat pie), mantu (steamed dumplings), herbal tea, and other drinks. 

What to Consider While Planning a Trip to Skardu? 

You have a list of places that you can visit during the Skardu trip, so now it’s time to plan the trip carefully. Here are some key-consideration to keep in mind: 

• Best time to visit Skardu: The best time to visit Skardu is the summer season, from June to September or October. In these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and all the lakes will be fully accessible, which is the complete opposite in the winter season.  
• Consider the weather: Don’t forget to consider the weather you can cope with. Most individuals who plan the trip in the winter can’t cope with the extreme weather and snowy conditions. 
• Accommodation: If it’s not your first time trip to Skardu, be sure to book the accommodation in the hotels in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid last-minute challenges. 
• Travel arrangements: You can plan your trip to Skardu, but we would highly recommend going with a tour guide. In this regard I recommend Exploria Tours as they provide the best experience. It’s the best option if you want to learn about the culture, archeological sites, and hidden tourist spots. 
• Health and safety: Skardu isn’t an easy place if you’re not used to the cold weather, so it’s important to consider your health conditions before adding any adventure to your list. 

Final Thoughts 

Here comes the end of our cultural journey through Skardu’s guide. This blog includes all the famous and important places one must visit on the trip to Skardu. 

We’ve also included information regarding the aspects you should consider while planning the trip. These considerations will ensure you’re safe and well-prepared for your adventure, allowing you to enjoy every moment in the breathtaking landscapes of Skardu.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip for the next summer now to avoid any problems.