Skardu Valley Gilgit Baltistan – Heaven on Earth

Have you ever visited Skardu valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan? The area is definitely a piece of heaven on earth, best recognised for its outstanding topographical characteristics and breathtaking weather. All types of travellers from around the world, including nature enthusiasts, photographers, documentary filmmakers, and mountaineers, are drawn to this enchanting valley.

Weather in Skardu Valley

Skardu is one of the coldest valleys in Pakistan, with a semi-arid climate. Skardu’s summer weather is generally pleasant, with an average high of 28 degrees Celsius at the peak of the summer.

SKARDU VALLEY WEATHER

On the other hand, it may get extremely cold during the winter. During the coldest part of the winter, the area’s reported average temperatures have been known to go as low as -8 degrees Celsius.

The chilly desert is one of Skardu’s most distinctive characteristics. It is an amazing sight to observe the snow-covered sand dunes in Skardu’s frigid desert during the peak of winter.

More About Skardu Valley

At a height of 7,320 feet (2231 metres), the Skardu valley is certainly a mountaineer’s paradise. It is surrounded by the massive mountains of the Karakoram Range.  It is incredibly located at the confluence of the Shigar and Indus rivers. Skardu valley is among the top locations to visit in Pakistan because of this wonderful natural feature.

How to Get to Skardu

Road travel from Islamabad, the capital of the country, will take about 13 hours (around 630 kilometres). The Skardu Road through N-15 National Highway is the most effective route to use to reach Skardu.

If you’re travelling by air, you’ll land at Skardu Airport. The flight will last for one hour. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the only carrier operating on the route.

Scenic Waterfalls and Lakes in Skardu

There are breathtaking lakes in the area around Skardu. The two Kachura Lakes, the upper and lower, are the most well-known. There are other lakes besides the Kachura Lakes, such as Satpara Lake and Blind Lake (Sheosar). Now let’s find out more about these magnificent freshwater lakes nearby.

Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake)

Both residents and visitors refer to the well-known Lower Khachura Lake as Shangrila Lake. It is a 30 minutes drive from the main city of Skardu.  The Shangrila Resort is one of Shangrila Lake’s main draws. The resort has opulent architecture that enhances the lake’s beauty, which is so immaculate that it makes a lasting impression on your memory.

Upper Kachura Lake (Frogh Scho)

The Upper Kachura Lake, also referred to as Frogh Scho locally is surely the second most picturesque lake in Pakistan’s Skardu Valley. It is easily reachable by automobile and is located around 28 kilometres from the main metropolis. The area’s trees are surrounded by fruit-bearing plants, primarily apricots.

Manthoka Waterfall

Skardu is also home to Manthokha Waterfall, one of Pakistan’s most beautiful waterfalls. It is situated in Pakistan’s far northern area, in the isolated Kharmang Valley. The distance between this waterfall and the main city of Skardu is 80 kilometres.

Due to its stunning appeal, both regional residents and visitors from abroad eagerly travel there to see this amazing natural feature up close. A 4X4 vehicle is recommended for this trip because the road to Manthokha Waterfall is pitted and uneven in some places.

Blind Lake (Sheosar Lake)

Blind Lake, also known as Sheosar locally, is bordered by the Indus River on one side and the Shigar River on the other. Sheo means “blind” and Sar means “Lake” in the local language. You have two options for getting there if you wish to take in the lake’s beauty while visiting Skardu.

You can either hike from Skardu to your destination, which would take at least a few days, or you can explore the area in a 4X4 jeep, which can take you a few hours.

Satpara Lake

One of the best fishing sites in the area is Satpara Lake. One of the most beautiful lakes in the Skardu Valley, it is encircled by tall glacier mountains. The two activities most associated with Satpara Lake are rowing and trout fishing. It was one of Pakistan’s most picturesque tourist destinations and one of the country’s biggest freshwater lakes.

Satpara Dam is one of Satpara Lake’s most notable features. Billions of rupees were spent on its construction. Satpara Dam, which was finished in 2011, is now Skardu’s main supply of drinkable water. It has four independent powerhouse units that produce electricity as well.