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. 

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.