Skardu
The capital of the Baltistan Division in Gilgit-Baltistan, located at approximately 2,228 meters above sea level on the banks of the Indus River. Skardu serves as the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2 and four other 8,000-meter mountains. Famous for its alpine lakes, ancient forts, Balti culture, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Key Attractions: Skardu Bazaar, Kharpocho Fort, Indus River viewpoints, Balti cuisine.
Upper Kachura Lake
A stunning alpine lake located about 32 kilometers from Skardu at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise water (around 70 meters deep) surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine trees. Offers a peaceful environment ideal for relaxation and photography.
Key Attractions: Crystal-clear water, surrounding cliffs, photography, peaceful atmosphere.
Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake)
Home to the world-famous Shangrila Resort, often called "Heaven on Earth." Located at about 2,500 meters above sea level near Upper Kachura. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens, wooden walkways, and the iconic airplane café — built from a real aircraft that crash-landed nearby in 1953.
Key Attractions: Shangrila Resort, airplane café, wooden walkways, gardens, lakeside views.
Soq Valley
A peaceful green valley located on the outskirts of Skardu, known for its open fields, natural streams, and traditional Balti countryside atmosphere. A quiet, less-touristy escape perfect for nature walks and photography.
Key Attractions: Green fields, natural streams, countryside views, peaceful surroundings.
Shigar Valley
A historic valley located approximately 32 kilometers north of Skardu at around 2,400 meters above sea level. Famous as the gateway to K2 and known for its traditional Balti villages, apricot orchards, and dramatic mountain backdrops along the Shigar River.
Key Attractions: Sarfaranga Cold Desert, Blind Lake, traditional villages, river views.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert (Katpana Desert)
One of the highest cold deserts in the world, located at approximately 2,226 meters above sea level near Shigar. Famous for its surreal landscape of golden sand dunes set against snow-capped mountains — a rare geographical combination found in very few places worldwide.
Key Attractions: Sand dunes, mountain backdrops, sunset photography, desert walks.
Blind Lake Shigar
A hidden natural lake located in Shigar Valley, surrounded by reeds and mountains. Known for its calm atmosphere and peaceful surroundings, ideal for relaxation and nature photography away from main tourist trails.
Key Attractions: Calm waters, mountain views, peaceful environment, photography.
Basho Valley
One of the most untouched valleys near Skardu, located at approximately 3,200 meters above sea level. Accessible only by 4x4 jeep, the valley is famous for its dense pine forests, flowing streams, wooden bridges, and wide green meadows surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Key Attractions: Basho Meadows, pine forests, mountain streams, snow-capped peaks.
Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort)
A historic 16th-century fort built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, located on a hilltop overlooking Skardu city. A short hike leads to the fort, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Skardu, the Indus River, and surrounding mountains. A symbol of Balti heritage and strategic history.
Key Attractions: Hilltop fort, panoramic city views, Indus River, historic ruins.
Manthal Buddha Rock
An important archaeological site featuring a large rock carving of Buddha dating back to the 8th century. Located near Manthal village in Skardu, the relic reflects the region's pre-Islamic Buddhist heritage with intricate carvings of Buddha in a seated meditation pose surrounded by smaller figures.
Key Attractions: Ancient rock carving, archaeological site, Buddhist heritage, intricate details.
Sadpara Lake
A stunning turquoise lake located about 8 kilometers from Skardu at approximately 2,636 meters above sea level. Surrounded by rugged mountains and known for its deep blue waters and peaceful setting. Serves as a major water source for Skardu city and is a popular spot for lakeside relaxation.
Key Attractions: Deep blue waters, mountain surroundings, lakeside relaxation, photography.
Skardu Bazaar
The commercial and cultural heart of Skardu city. A traditional market offering local handicrafts, Balti products, gemstones, Pashmina shawls, traditional caps, and dry fruits (apricots, walnuts, almonds). Perfect for experiencing local life and shopping for souvenirs before departure.
Key Attractions: Handicrafts, gemstones, dry fruits, traditional caps and shawls, local cafés.
Payment & Cancellation Summary
Payment Terms:
- 50% advance to confirm booking
- 50% balance before tour commencement
- Payments only to the official Pacific Trips company bank account
Cancellation Highlights:
- Flights: Subject to airline policy, 48-hour notice required, refunds in 25–45 working days
- Hotels: Subject to property policy, refunds in 7–15 working days
- Convenience charges are non-refundable
- Tours: No additional cancellation fees beyond service provider charges
