Skardu: The City That Doubles as Base Camp for Half of Pakistan's Peaks

More Than Just a Stopover

Skardu tends to get treated as a launchpad — the place you land, stock up, and drive out from toward Deosai, Shigar, or the Baltoro Glacier. That reputation is fair given how central it is to expeditions and treks across Baltistan, but the city itself, sitting in a wide valley along the Indus River, has enough on its own to justify a proper day or two rather than a quick overnight.

Framed by dramatic desert-colored mountains and cut through by the Indus, Skardu's setting is dramatic even by Gilgit-Baltistan's high standards, and its role as a trading and expedition town for well over a century gives it a different character from the smaller valley villages further out.

Kharpocho Fort

Perched on a rocky outcrop above the city, Kharpocho Fort ("King of Forts") dates back roughly 500 years and offers one of the best panoramic views of Skardu, the Indus River, and the surrounding mountains. The climb up is short but steep, and the fort's ruins, while not as fully restored as Shigar or Baltit, retain a raw, weathered character that some travelers find more atmospheric than the more polished heritage sites elsewhere.

Skardu's Lakes

Two lakes near the city are worth building into any Skardu itinerary. Satpara Lake, roughly 20 minutes from town, offers boating and a scenic drive along the way, framed by rocky slopes. Upper Kachura Lake (sometimes called Shangrila Lake, after the resort built on its shore) is a smaller, calmer lake known for its clear, still water and surrounding pine trees.

Skardu Bazaar

The city's main bazaar is a practical stop as much as a sightseeing one — this is where trekking groups stock up on gear and supplies before heading toward Deosai or the Baltoro region, and it's a good spot to pick up local crafts, dried fruits, and a sense of Baltistan's trading-town character.

Things to Do in Skardu

Visiting Kharpocho Fort

A short, steep climb rewarded with sweeping views over the city and Indus valley, best attempted in the cooler morning hours.

Boating at Satpara or Kachura Lakes

Both lakes offer boat rides and a relaxed pace, a good contrast to the more adventure-focused activities further out from the city.

Exploring the Bazaar

Worth a slow walk for local crafts, dried apricots and almonds, and general city atmosphere.

Using Skardu as a Base

For travelers planning trips to Deosai, Shigar, Khaplu, or the Baltoro Glacier region, Skardu functions as the natural staging point for gear, transport, and permits.

Best Time to Visit Skardu

April through October covers the main travel season, with June–August being warmest and busiest, ideal for using the city as a base for onward trips to Deosai or trekking regions. September–October brings cooler, clearer weather and excellent visibility for photography. Winters are cold, and while the city itself remains accessible, many onward routes (Deosai in particular) close completely.

How to Reach Skardu

• By air: Skardu Airport offers direct flights from Islamabad, by far the fastest option, with dramatic mountain views on clear-weather flights, though flights are weather-dependent and can be delayed or cancelled at short notice.
• By road: A long but scenic drive from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway and the Skardu road, typically taking upwards of 20–24 hours depending on stops, more commonly broken into a multi-day journey with overnight stops.

Local Tips

• Book flights with flexibility in mind — weather delays are common given the mountainous approach.
• Skardu is the practical place to arrange permits, guides, and gear for onward trips into Baltistan's more remote trekking regions.
• ATMs and better connectivity are available here compared to smaller surrounding towns, so it's a sensible place to withdraw cash and stock up before heading further out.
• Try local Balti cuisine, including dishes built around apricots, walnuts, and local dairy, distinct from lowland Pakistani food.

Nearby Attractions

• Shigar Fort and Valley – roughly an hour away, one of the region's best heritage sites.
• Deosai National Park – the high plateau accessible via a 2–3 hour jeep ride.
• Khaplu – a historic town further east with its own restored palace.
• Upper Kachura and Satpara Lakes – both easily reached within 20–40 minutes of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do most travelers reach Skardu? By domestic flight from Islamabad for speed, or by road along the Karakoram Highway for those who want the scenic overland journey and are prepared for a longer trip.

Is Skardu worth visiting on its own, or only as a base? Both — the fort, lakes, and bazaar give it enough standalone appeal for a day or two, beyond its obvious role as a gateway to Deosai and Baltistan's trekking regions.

Is Skardu accessible in winter? Yes, the city itself remains open, though many popular onward routes like Deosai close completely due to snow.

Do I need special permits to visit Skardu itself? No special permit is required for the city; permits become relevant for specific trekking regions or protected areas further out, such as parts of the Baltoro/K2 region.

Conclusion

Skardu is easy to underrate if you're only passing through on your way to Deosai or a trekking trailhead. Give the city itself a proper day — Kharpocho Fort's views, a boat ride on Satpara or Kachura, and a walk through the bazaar — and you'll come away understanding why it's remained Baltistan's most important town for well over a century.