Skardu, located in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan’s far north, is one of the country’s most iconic travel destinations, home to a population of over 200,000 people from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Balti, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski, Khowar, Domaki, and Urdu are widely spoken, reflecting the region’s rich cultural tapestry. The area is similarly diverse in faith, with communities of Nurbakhshi Shia Muslims, Sufis, Sunnis, and Ismailis living side by side.
One of Skardu’s most renowned landmarks is Skardu Fort, a centuries-old stronghold that houses a 16th-century mosque and offers sweeping views of the valley. The region is best visited between April and October, when the dramatic landscapes of Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes, Buddha Rock, and Mantokha Waterfall are easily accessible before winter temperatures drop well below freezing.
Skardu also serves as the gateway to Deosai National Park, the world’s second-highest plateau at 4,114 meters (13,497 ft). Known for its wide-open grasslands, wildflowers, and Himalayan brown bears, Deosai is one of Pakistan’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
