PlateauDeosai National Park
One of the highest plateaus on Earth, declared a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear. Wildflowers peak in July. Visit Sheosar Lake and camp at Bara Pani.
Lakes, forts, cold deserts and the roof-of-the-world plains of Deosai, all within a day's drive of Ringchan Guest House.
Skardu sits where the Indus River opens into a wide valley, ringed by Karakoram giants. It is the main gateway to K2 and Concordia treks, and a base for lakes, historic forts, orchards and one of the world's highest cold deserts.
Most places below are a short drive from Ringchan Guest House, so you can see something new each day and come back to a warm meal and a comfortable bed.
Seven places we recommend most, with distances measured from Skardu.
PlateauOne of the highest plateaus on Earth, declared a national park in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear. Wildflowers peak in July. Visit Sheosar Lake and camp at Bara Pani.
LakeA heart-shaped lake beside the red-roofed Shangrila resort, built in the 1980s and named after the novel Lost Horizon. Easy, relaxed and ideal for families.
LakeA quieter alpine lake near Kachura village, about 70 m deep and ringed by wild apricot trees. Walk through village fields to reach it.
LakeA large freshwater lake that supplies Skardu with water and power through Satpara Dam (2011). Popular for trout fishing, rowing and the gateway road to Deosai.
HeritageHome to Fong-Khar, the 'Palace on the Rock', now a heritage museum and hotel, plus the 14th-century Amburiq Mosque. Also the road to Askole and K2 treks.
DesertGolden dunes set against snow peaks, among the highest cold deserts in the world. Try a jeep ride or an easy sunset walk.
HeritageKharpocho, the 'King of Forts', watches over Skardu town. Khaplu Palace blends Himalayan, Kashmiri and Mughal styles and is beautifully restored.
Skardu changes character every season. Pick the one that matches what you want to see.
Apricot and cherry blossom in the lower valleys, fewer crowds. Valley roads clear by May; Deosai begins to open later.
Warmest and busiest season. Deosai wildflowers peak in July, and long days suit lakes, treks and jeep trips.
Golden poplars and mirror-like lakes make this the most photogenic time. Deosai stays open until about October.
Cold and snowy, with snow-covered dunes. Deosai is snow-bound for roughly half the year, so plan valley and heritage visits instead.
Road and weather conditions change. Ask us before you travel, especially for Deosai.
Approximate drive times from Skardu. Or let us arrange everything with one of our tour packages.
Boating, trout and a calm start to the trip.
~30 minTwo lakes in one half-day, with a short village walk.
20-40 minDunes and mountain views close to town.
Near SkarduFort museum, mosque, orchards and village walk.
45-60 minFull-day jeep trip. Permit needed at park checkposts.
2-3 hrsLong day or overnight along the Indus, about 103 km away.
~3 hrs
Comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local Balti dishes, close to every place on this page.