Embracing many of the planet’s highest peaks, Pakistan is the incredible confluence of four great mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindukush and Pamir Mountains. For adventure-loving tourists, there are few places in the world that can compare to northern Pakistan in terms of unspoiled natural beauty.
The snow-capped peaks
Camping in the mountains
Visiting Skardu, a town in Gilgit-Baltistan region, is like a trip to the land of Narnia where the magical wardrobe door opens up to an enchanted land. The city of Skardu mesmerises visitors with its breathtaking sights that engulf the town.
Towering snow-peaked mountains, crystal clear rivers, high altitude lakes, natural springs, lush green plains and the treasure trove of historical sites make Skardu a must-visit place at any time of the year. It is best avoided in winter because the roads leading up to Skardu would be blocked by snowfall or landslides.
During my trip to Skardu, I had to endure a 17-hour ride up the mountains from Islamabad, but the views were worth the journey.
Never bored of this beauty
The Skardu Valley runs ten kilometres along Shigar River and Indus River, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Karakoram range. Skardu district is located at the confluence of the Indus River and the Shyok River, making it the base camp for leading tourist destinations in the Gilgit-Baltistan region including K-2, the second highest mountain in the world and also purportedly the most difficult mountain in the world to climb. Yes, it is actually easier to scale Mount Everest than K2.
The junction of rivers and great civilisation
Independence monument in Skardu
Like the rest of mountainous areas, Skardu is almost engulfed in a white veil throughout the year, with a respite between April and September. This is the ideal season to relish the beauty of the area. The long summer hours allow you to explore the forests, view wildflowers and spot the re-emergence of wildlife. The glaciers also melt into splashing rivers at this time.
Attractions to visit
1. K2 Museum
This unique tent-shaped museum showcases the multitude of local culture and expedition maps. The museum is sponsored by the Italian government and is located in the grounds of the PDTC K2 Motel near the bank of the Indus River. Enjoy the numerous historical photos documenting the arduous expeditions of K-2.
2. Skardu Fort
Skardu Fort or Kharpocho translates to the King of Forts. It is perched above the junction of rivers and was built during the reign of King Ali Sher back in the 16th century. The half-hour hike to the top of the fort unveils stunning views of the valley below.
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