Skardu | Satpara Lake | Kachura Lake

Skardu is a city located in Gilgit−Baltistan, a part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Skardu serves as the capital of Skardu District and the Baltistan Division. Skardu is situated at an elevation of nearly 2,500 metres in the Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers.

Elevation: 2,228 m

Area: 77 km²

Weather: 13°C, Wind NW at 5 km/h, 44% Humidity

Neighborhoods: Skardo, Shardu, Katpana, Manthal, Hameed Garh, Zaman Abad, Agha Hadi Chok, Bain, Karasmathang, Katsala

University: University of Baltistan, Skardu

Skardu, famous for climbing, mountaineering all around the world. Along with this, Skardu host the second Highest mountain of World and Pakistan Highest mountain, K2 (8,611 m). Moreover, the landscape, culture, traditions, and hospitality of locals are catching millions of tourists from all over the year.

The best time to visit Skardu is summer from June to September. It’s the optimal time to enjoy lush green landscapes at comfortable temperatures without much rainfall and escape from the suffocating heat in other parts of Pakistan.

Skardu is located around 145 KM away from Hunza so if you travel at the consistent speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Hunza in 5 hours and 42 minutes. Your Hunza travel time may vary due to your bus speed, train speed or depending upon the vehicle you use.

Skardu (Urdu: سکردو, romanized: Skardū, pronounced [skərduː]; Balti: སྐར་དོ་་, سکر دو) is a city located in Gilgit−Baltistan, a part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

When can you find snow in Skardu? Weather stations report a good amount of seasonal snow likely to be deepest around March, especially close to early to mid March. The best time to ski (if at all) in Skardu is often around around March 12th when fresh powder is deepest.

In Skārdu, the summers are warm, dry, and clear and the winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 17°F to 86°F and is rarely below 6°F or above 92°F.

Skardu(Urdu: سکردو, romanized: Skardū, pronounced [skərduː]; Balti: སྐར་དོ་་, سکر دو) is a city located in Gilgit−Baltistan, a part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Skardu serves as the capital of Skardu District and the Baltistan Division. Skardu is situated at an elevation of nearly 2,500 metres (8,202 feet) in the Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. The city is an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of the nearby Karakoram mountain range. The Indus River running through the region separates the Karakoram from the Himalayas.

Table of Contents

Etymology

The name “Skardu” is believed to be derived from the Balti word meaning “a low land between two high places.” The two referenced “high places” are Shigar city, and the high-altitude Satpara Lake.

The first mention of Skardu dates to the first half of the 16th century. Mirza Haidar (1499–1551) described Askardu in the 16th-century text Tarikh-i-Rashidi Baltistan as one of the districts of the area. The first mention of Skardu in European literature was made by Frenchman François Bernier (1625–1688), who mentions the city by the name of Eskerdou. After his mention, Skardu was quickly drawn into Asian maps produced in Europe, and was first mentioned as Eskerdow the map “Indiae orientalis nec non insularum adiacentium nova descriptio” by Dutch engraver Nicolaes Visscher II, published between 1680 and 1700.[citation needed]

Skardu is a town in the region of the same name in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakorams. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient form of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the “Tibet-e-Khurd” (Little Tibet).
It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Ladakh. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 C and minimum (October) 8 C. Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan’s five valleys, – Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears.

See

Skardu city center
K2 Museum, near K2 Motel, displays pictures

Kharpocho Fort: Skardu has an ancient Fort known as Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few metres beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight.
Satpara Lake About 8 km (5 miles) north of Skardu and 20 minutes by jeep lays Sadpara Lake, surrounded by glacial mountains, which are mirrored in its crystal clear waters. The lake has a fairytale island in the middle, which can be reached by country boats that one can row. This lake also abounds in fish and provides good fishing.
Shangrila Lake About 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu and 1 hour by jeep lies the shimmering peaceful deep Shangrila lake, also called Kachura Lake, teeming with brown trout. During spring many exotic and colourful flowers adorn its banks, while peach, apricot and apple trees are laden with blossoms in April. Later in the summer one can taste the apples, which are a delicious variety. Also see Shangrila resort.

Shigar Valley: The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum, and K2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barley. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are unique to Baltistan. The wooden mosque in the middle of the town was built by Kashmiri carpenters several hundred years ago.
Shigar Fort.

Khaplu Valley: This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu. Khaplu is the starting point for most trekking and climbing expeditions. Many famous mountains such as Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Kangri, K-6, K-7 are here. Chaqchan Mosque is one of the earliest mosques in Baltistan (1504 AD), attributed to Syed Ali Hamdani. There is a Palace of Raja of Khaplu and remains of Thors
Narsok village, here you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith.
First Organic village
Buddha Rock Carvings: Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, 3 km from Skardu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic 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.

• • •	Swat Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit – Swat History of Faisalabad Azad Kashmir \| Meaning, History, Population, & Government

Skardu is the largest town of Gilgit Baltistan. Skardu is the land of mountains. Skardu is the perfect place for trekking and hiking. Many hiking tracks start from Skardu. The best time to travel Skardu is June and July. In Skardu, there are four of the world’s fourteen Eight thousand peaks. The weather of Skardu is moderate. A trip to Skardu is very adventurous.
Skardu has lush green meadows, snow-covered mountains, freshwater springs, and historical places. Skardu airport is located in North West direction and 11 miles from the city. Skardu airport is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and an amazing view of the Indus River.
Skardu has a very rich culture. Many cultural festivals are celebrated in Skardu. Balti is spoken by Skardu people. Skardu people said, “Hospitality is our culture”. Skardu has many traditional, healthy and delicious cuisines like Balay (Noodle Soup with goat meat), Gyal (Buckwheat Cakes), Boiled Goat, Potato Stew, and Marzan, Prapu.From Skardu airport, thousands of local and foreigners tourists come and visit Skardu.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is sometimes called “Sadpara Lake”. Satpara Lake supply natural and fresh water to the Skardu valley. Tourists can enjoy fishing and boating on Satpara Lake. The Satpara dam project is built on Satpara Lake. The height of the dam is 128 ft. Satpara Lake is considered as the most attractive lake among tourists.
Local people believe that there is a gold mine in the bottom of the lake so that’s why its water is shining in the day time. Satpara Lake has an awe-inspiring view. Rowing, Motor boating, and fishing can also do at the lake. Satpara Lake is considered as the charming lake due to its marvelous and magnificent beauty.
Through a car, you can reach to Satpara Lake from Islamabad in 14 hours 20 minutes. The distance of Satpara Lake from Islamabad is 650 km. From Skardu, you can reach to Satpara Lake in 1 hour.
Kharpocho Fort
Skardu Fort is also known as “Kharpocho Fort”. Kharpocho Fort means “king of forts”. It is the majestic fort of Skardu. The fort was built by King Ali Sher. Skardu Fort is a very ancient fort. Skardu Fort is surrounded by Indus River and it is built on the top of a small hill.
An old ancient mosque in the fort attracts tourists, but it is closed for praying visitors. The fort is destroyed for many years. The fort looks like vintage. Persian text is written on the rock fixed in one of the walls in the fort. View of Skardu can be seen from Skardu Fort.
Through a car, you can reach to Skardu Fort from Islamabad in 14 hours. The distance of Skardu Fort from Islamabad is 645 km.From Skardu, you can reach to Skardu Fort in 1 hour.
Katpana Desert
Katpana Desert is also known as “Cold Desert” or “Biama Nakpo”. A cold desert is located near Skardu city. Katpana Desert is the world’s highest desert which is located in Pakistan. The cold desert looks majestic. Skardu airport is located near Cold desert. The best thing for cricket lovers you can play cricket in the cold desert.
Katpana Desert is the gem of Skardu and an amazing place to visit. The white beautiful sand dunes, lush green trees attract tourists from all over the world. A cold desert is not barren like other deserts.
In December and January, the weather of the desert is in -17 C. Tourists can enjoy camping here. In winters, snow-capped mountains lookmagnificent and ravishing. It is located at an elevation of more than 7,303 feet.Katpana Desert holds the great attraction of tourists.
Kachura Lake
Kachura Lake is the jewel of Skardu. Kachura Lakes (Kachura Jheel) are two lakes in Skardu “Upper Kachura Lake” and “Lower Kachura Lake”. Upper Kachura Lake is located in the upper region of Kachura and Lower Kachura Lake is located in the lower region of Kachura.
Lower Kachura Lake is also known as “Shangrila Lake”. It is a famous tourist attraction. Lower Kachura Lake is surrounded by guest houses, snow-covered mountains, green trees, and rest houses.Through a car, you can reach to Lower Kachura Lake from Islamabad in 13 hours. The distance of Lower Kachura Lake from Islamabad is 620 km.
The water of upper Kachura Lake is very clear. Tourist can enjoy Fishing, hiking at upper Kachura Lake. Through a car, you can reach to Upper Kachura Lake from Islamabad in 13 hours 15 minutes. The distance of Upper Kachura Lake from Islamabad is around 620 km.
Both lakes are so beautiful and you feel so peaceful. It’s view is breathtaking and captivating.
.
Khaplu Palace
Khaplu Palace is also known as Yabgo Khar. Khaplu Palace is an ancient fort and located in Khaplu. It was the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Khaplu Palace was constructed by Kashmiri and Balti craftsmen.

Khaplu Palace has won the Virgin Holidays responsible tourism awards in poverty reduction category in 2012. The palace is now managed by Serena Hotels. Through a car, you can reach to Khaplu Palace from Islamabad in 16 hours 30 minutes. The distance of Khaplu Palace from Islamabad is 740 km.
Behind the palace a trek which leads to the Pari village in Skardu district. Many tourists visit Khaplu Palace and stay here.Balti Folk exhibition center is also in the Khaplu Palace and many handicrafts, traditional items are displayed.
Nansoq Organic Village
Nansoq is the first organic village in Pakistan and it is located on the back portion of Kharpocho Fort. The organic village was developed with the help of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales called Prince Charles and his highness Sir Aga Khan has visited Nansoq village.
The distance of Nansoq Organic Village from Skardu is 16 km.Through a car, you can reach to Nansoq Organic Village from Islamabad in 14 hours. The distance of Nansoq Organic Village from Islamabad is 640 km.
You can easily travel to different places from Skardu.
Cities

Distance in Km

Colleges in Pakistan and Top Ranking Universities in Skardu list.

Find a Course / College / University in Pakistan

Featured Courses & Programs

Top Universities in Islamabad

Top Universities in Punjab

Top Universities in Balochistan

Top Universities in KPK

Top Universities in Sindh

Top Universities in AJK

Top Universities in Pakistan by Rank

Top Universities by Rank in Skardu

Top Schools by Rank in SkarduTravel Time
Skardu to Abbottabad 500 11 hr
Skardu to Muzafarrabad 475 10 hr 45 min
Skardu to Dunga Gali 550 12 hr 30 min
Skardu to Naran Valley 350 7 hr
Skardu to Kaghan Valley 880 17 hr 45 min
Skardu to Hunza Valley 285 5 hr 30 min
Skardu to Chitral 575 14 hr
Skardu to Islamabad 630 13 hr
Skardu is the gem of mountains and lakes. Skardu is full of beauty and vibrant colors. People are very kind-hearted and friendly.

Skardu | Satpara Lake | Kachura Lake | Khaplu

Etymology

See