If you are planning to travel to the northern part of Pakistan, you may come across the name Skardu. Skardu is the perfect destination in Pakistan if you dream of visiting a cold desert or alpine plateau. If you’re also in the mood to sample some of Balti’s delicacies, it’s time to pack your bags and plan your vacation in Skardu.
Location:
The Skardu Valley is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The valley is about 10 km wide and 40 km long. It is at the confluence of the Shigar River and Indus River. It surrounded by the large Karakoram Range and Himalayas.
Skardu is often referred to as the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. This region is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous opportunities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and mountaineers from around the world. Skardu is the perfect destination in Pakistan if you dream of visiting a coldest desert or alpine plateau. Some coldest places in Pakistan like Shigar, Deosai National Park, Askole, Gorikot, Hushe located in surroundings of Skardu.
Weather in Skardu:
Compared to the rest of northern Pakistan, Skardu has a relatively mild climate. The hottest months are from June to September, when temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius, and the coldest months are from December to February, when temperatures often drop below zero. In the months in between, expect temperatures around 10°C. The highest precipitation occurs from December to May.
Best time to visit Skardu:
The best time to visit Skardu is the summer months, from June to September. It’s the perfect time to enjoy lush green landscapes at a comfortable temperature, avoid heavy rain, and escape the oppressive heat of the rest of Pakistan. October is another great time to visit Skardu to experience the region’s golden fall in autumn. Winter turns the area around Skardu into a beautiful white wonderland, but during this season, the city will be hard to reach.
How to get to Skardu:
Entering Skardu is both a blessing and a curse. You have more options than most other places in northern Pakistan, as Skardu already has its airport.
Daily Flight Operation for Skardu:
There are daily direct flights from Islamabad and Karachi to Skardu Airport. Flights are operated by the national airline PIA with small aircraft. Despite the relatively short flight time, flights to Skardu are expensive. Getting into the mountains (scenic) is very difficult for pilots, but it’s still safer to fly to Skardu than to reach the city by road.
Drive to Skardu:
Are you confused about what to wear in Skardu? Most of the time, you can wear warm clothes as the nights in Skardu are too chilled. Driving to Skardu is a lot cheaper than flying. You can hire an experienced driver with a private car to take a bus for that route.
Best Hotels in Skardu:
There are many hotel options in and around Skardu. If you’re looking for an upscale experience, you might consider staying at one of the popular hotels near Skardu. This includes the Serena Higg Hotel within Fort Higg and the Shangri-La Resort around Lower Kachula Lake. However, Shangrila resort Skardu is the most famous resort in Skardu.
Important location to visit in Skardu:
The highly visited coldest places;
- Upper Kachura lake
- Shangrila
- Katpana cold desert
- Sadpar a lake
- Budha Rock
- Deosai Plains
- Shigar Fort
- Khaplu valley.
- Basho valley
- Manthoka waterfall
- Khamosh waterfall
Is it Safe to Travel to Skardu? :
Overall, Skardu is a very safe travel destination in Pakistan. However, to ensure a smooth ride, there are a few things to remember. Many Skardu hidden places are still unexplored. Skardu is famous for its mesmerizing places, natural beauty, and fantastic weather. A Skardu trip is one of the best decisions you can make.
Road Condition in Skardu:
The best route for Skardu is by air or Gilgit. As mentioned, the road connecting Skardu and Gilgit is the most dangerous. If you decide to travel by road, make sure to:
Hire an experienced driver.
Only use vehicles in good condition and avoid large buses.
Avoid traveling in the dark and during the landslide season.
Budget a lot of time for this adventurous trip.
Usually, these are not a big problem in cities, but when you are outside Deosai National Park, avoid getting too far from your car if you encounter a brown bear in the Himalayas.
Conclusion:
The visit to Skardu was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression. Pakistan boasts a myriad of stunning locations, and its coldest places offer a unique experience for travelers seeking icy adventures. From the frozen lakes of Skardu to the snow-covered peaks of Naltar Valley, these destinations showcase the beauty of winter in Pakistan. So, if you're ready to embrace the cold, pack your bags and explore the chilling wonders of Pakistan.
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