Experiencing Skardu & its surroundings
Whether you're local or a foreigner, we hope that by the end of this blog piece, we share our experience with you within the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. We also will be listing a few places to enhance your adventures and make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the end of this blog piece, you'd have a list of places to enhance your adventures and make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, before getting you excited through our experiences in the north, we must let you know that the trip entirely depends on your flight from Islamabad to Gilgit or Skardu, which, unfortunately, is subject to many cancellations depending on the weather conditions. I would also highly recommend having a few days of flexibility in case of cancellations. But what I can tell you is, it'll be worth it!
Pakistan, one of the most underrated travel destinations for numerous reasons. Pakistan has been known to have a complex history since its start, worse on media than in-person. However, for your first visit, we'd suggest keeping a guided tour - not in any way discouraging solo traveling. I personally traveled with a few individuals and covered a vast area of these scenic valleys. Let's move on to looking at the journey itself!
There are two ways to start your journey up north, either you start from Skardu, or Gilgit itself. I did two different trips but there's no reason you couldn't do it in one. Here we’re going through the must-see places in Skardu. It's time to take off for Islamabad!
Islamabad
Islamabad - the capital city of Pakistan, has a population of over 1.5 million individuals, allowing the country to make a great introduction to the country. I grew up in Islamabad so no matter what I say, it may be biased but once you live here, you're not going to be able to adjust to any other city. Assuming you took the first flight to Islamabad, start the day right with one of the best breakfasts in Islamabad, at Monal in the Pir Sohawa mountains, or within a cozy environment at Chaaye Khana.
Needless to say, Islamabad has some of the most picturesque views that you can find but here's a list of the top 5 in my opinion:
- The Pakistan Monument
- Shah Faisal Mosque
- Margalla Hills / Pir Sohawa / Monal
- Rawal Lake
- Saidpur Village.
While you're exploring these places, you'll come across a few activities that you could partake in. This includes strolling through the Museum at the Pakistan Monument, visiting the Islamic University at the Faisal Mosque, or having a cute little picnic in one of the spots towards Pir Sohawa. There are also quite a few activities at Rawal Lake including water sports to ATV rides to racing cars, each having a unique experience itself.
Head to the Serena Hotel if you want to have a one-of-its-kind introduction to Pakistani culture, architecture, and one of the best SPA treatments within their Maisha health club. This hotel is an all-inclusive type of place where you have fitness centers, outdoor pools, health club facilities, a few different types of cuisine, and a glamorous lobby.
Hoping you have a great time in Islamabad, it's time to look at starting our journey. There are two ways to start your journey up north, either you start from Skardu, or Gilgit itself. Here’s what you’d see the moment you step out of the plane in Skardu:
SADPARA LAKE IN SKARDU
Assuming you've moved on from Islamabad and Landed in Skardu, there are a few things you could do here. Depending on the weather conditions, the time of day, the Sadpara Lake in Skardu is close by to the airport and takes about 45 minutes to get there. This was something I got a chance to do due to the delay caused by bad weather. I was lucky enough to have to go to this lake and
At the back, towards the left, you can see a valley. That valley is the hometown of Ali Sadpara, the climber who never came back from K2.
Once you've completely admired and soaked this majestic lake, we can head towards Shigar to explore the Shigar Fort.
THE SHIGAR FORT
About an hour and a half drive from the Skardu airport is the Shigar Fort. In Balti and Urdu, Shigar Fort means The Fort on Rock. This fort was built in the 17th century by the Raja of Amacha Dynasty of Shigar and was restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan (AKCSP) in 2004. It took about 5 years to restore this mesmerizing fort. After the restoration, however, the Fort was converted to a museum and luxury hotel managed by Serena Hotels.
If you're in luck, and the weather permits, there may be a local polo match taking place nearby. Ask your guide or one of the locals for updated information – this is a popular sport in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and known popularly as “Game of the Kings”.
The experience is real - nothing but so picturesque that you won't want to get out of vacation mode. While you're at Shigar, you must also walk around during the day amidst the hustle, bustle or you can take a bicycle for a more relaxed afternoon to stretch the legs after your long journey.
THE KHAPLU PALACE
A three-hour drive from Shigar is the Khaplu Palace. One of the most beautiful palaces that I've come across and indeed the highlight of this place. Wait till you get here! From the moment you get past the entrance door, you'll want to stare at this beauty. If you've planned well and had time to spend, this property is one of its kind to stay in and is operated by Serena Hotels.
These are the dishes that were served to us on the terrace which overlooks the palace grounds and has 360-degree views. You'll forget about your revolving restaurants across the globe when you're having tea on this Khaplu terrace. Be sure to make use of the guided palace tour as there is a lot to learn about the history of the palace. If you're in it for the experience, I suggest you stay within the palace itself.
Serena Hotel will also pack you a picnic lunch or help you start the journey early, that is, if you're active and adventurous, there's an even greater panoramic view to be admired at a two-hour hike from the palace at Thoqsikar.
UPPER KACHURA LAKE
The Upper Kachura Lake is located in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan and is one of the most scenic views I've come across. Clearwater, chirping birds, blue sky, with rugged cone-like mountains, this lake sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level. In the summer, it can be about 15 degrees celsius whereas this would be frozen during the winter days.
Due to its infrastructure and its rough terrain, the Upper Kachura Lake is almost untampered and unexplored by travelers. However, there were recreational activities including hiking, trout fishing, and swimming at your own risk.
LOWER KACHURA LAKE
Lower Kachura Lake is about a 20-minute drive on the way back from Upper Kachura, assuming you're heading in the direction of Skardu city. Also known as the Shangrila, this lake
We hope this blog helps you explore the magnificent lakes and the snow-covered peaks in the Skardu region of Gilgit-Baltistan. When you head back to Islamabad, this is the plane that would take you back. However, the reason we put up this picture here is to show the beauty of the mountains in the background, which seems like a green screen.