Skardu

Gateway to Baltistan, with cold deserts, Upper Kachura Lake and the Deosai Plains, and the starting point for treks to K2 Base Camp.

Skardu lies in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and is the capital of Baltistan. Set in the broad Indus Valley at about 2,230 m and ringed by the snowy peaks of the Karakoram and Himalaya, it is the gateway for expeditions and base camp treks to 8,000 m peaks such as K2 and Broad Peak. Around town are Kharpocho Fort, the Manthal Buddha Rock and the Katpana Cold Desert next to the airport. To the northwest are Upper and Lower Kachura Lake (home to the Shangrila Resort) and the Basho Valley; to the south, the road climbs past Satpara Lake to the Deosai Plains, averaging 4,100 m, and Sheosar Lake. Northeast, the Shigar Valley holds Shigar Fort, Amburiq Mosque, the Sarfaranga Cold Desert and Blind Lake; east along the Shyok River are Khaplu Palace and Chaqchan Mosque, and to the southeast is Manthoka Waterfall. The best season is May–Oct; the Deosai Plains are open from roughly mid-June to September, and April's apricot blossom season is also beautiful. Winters are bitterly cold and some roads close. Getting there: direct flights from Islamabad to Skardu take about 1 hour but are often canceled due to weather; overland via the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road takes about 18–20 hours. Plan on 4–6 days. Note: check the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisories before you go, as some areas require permits; protect yourself from the high-altitude sun and watch for altitude sickness. Local customs are conservative, so dress modestly.

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