This season, explore the glorious mountains of Skardu cloaked in the golden foliage of fall. The valley offers a wide variety of spectacular sights and includes four of the world's fourteen eight-thousander peaks, attracting tourists, trekkers and mountaineers from around the world.
Be it the views, the food or cultural activities, Skardu is one of the most entertaining and enchanting travel destinations of Pakistan. The valley offers many natural as well as historical tourist hot spots that are an absolute must visit for avid travellers. Here’s a list of the best things to do and places to see in Skardu Valley to make for a most memorable mountain getaway.

A high altitude alpine plain, situated at an average elevation of 13,497 ft above sea level is considered the second highest plateau in the world. The scenic park is renowned for its stunning flora and fauna, carpeted with wild flowers and colourful butterflies fluttering amidst its fields. Take a walk in Deosai National Park’s picturesque paths and capture memorable pictures with your friends and family.

Take a scenic boat ride in the sparkling blue Upper Kachura Lake. Sit by the lakeside and enjoy a cup of coffee and tea with tranquil views of the water.

Situated at an elevation of 7,303 ft above sea level, the Katpana Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. Occasionally covered it snow, the sand swept plains are a truly magnificent sight to behold. Plan a night of glamping in the stunning Katpana scapes at a well equipped campsite by the name of Glamp. Gaze at the starlit sky and enjoy a hot meal around a cosy campfire with your friends and family.

The Manthoka waterfall is approximately 180 feet high and a short car ride away from downtown Skardu. Enjoy the gushing water views with some tea and snacks sourced from a nearby local eatery that offers delicious and fresh trout fish from the region.

Funded by the Italian government in 2004 as a landmark symbol of friendship between Italy and Pakistan, the K2 Museum archives the history of expeditions to K2 and the types of flora and fauna in the region. It was established in 2004 to mark the golden jubilee of the first ascent of K2 by Italian mountaineers in 1954. It's a great place for knowledge and fact seekers and also to enjoy evening tea amidst beautiful views of the valley.

A historical architectural wonder of the valley, the Kharpocho Fort (also known as Skardu Fort) requires a 20 minute hike up the mountain which is totally worth the effort. The fort was built by the king Ali Sher Khan Anchan at the end of the 16th century. Perched above the meeting of two rivers, the fort overlooks almost the entire city and makes for the perfect place to seek refuge in Skardu’s history and majestic views.

The Manthol Buddha Rock is a large granite rock with an engraving of the image of Buddha, dating back to the 8th century. The archeological relic is fascinating piece of history that is visited by many a tourist visiting Skardu. It’s a must visit for all travellers coming to the valley, especially those with a penchant for ancient history.

Skardu’s first organic village, Nansoq gives you a taste of the traditional balti lifestyle. It is located behind the Kharpocho Fort and has been visited by prominent members of the British family, including King Charles. The village boasts a small population of dwellers who practice a strictly organic lifestyle with minimal use of modern machinery and artificial aids. The village is a symbolic representation of how important the organic way of life is, which is a trend being widely aspired and adapted around the globe.