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 is the gateway to some of the world's tallest peaks including K2, and is famous for its alpine lakes, Balti culture, ancient forts, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Key Attractions: Skardu Bazaar, Kharpocho Fort, Indus River viewpoints, Balti cuisine.
Upper Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake)
Located about 32 kilometers from Skardu at an altitude of around 2,500 meters above sea level. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains. Home to the iconic Shangrila Resort, with optional boating and lakeside photography.
Key Attractions: Crystal-clear water, Shangrila Resort, boating, mountain views.
Lower Kachura Lake
A naturally preserved lake near Upper Kachura, famous for its calm environment, clear water, and willow trees along the shoreline. Less crowded than Upper Kachura, offering an ideal setting for relaxation and quiet photography.
Key Attractions: Willow trees, calm waters, peaceful environment, photography spots.
Soq Valley
A hidden gem near Skardu known for its lush green fields, freshwater streams, and traditional Balti villages. Offers short scenic walks and authentic countryside experiences away from tourist crowds.
Key Attractions: Green fields, freshwater streams, traditional villages, peaceful walks.
Bashu Valley
One of the most scenic valleys in the Shigar region, known for lush green meadows, alpine forests, and crystal-clear streams surrounded by towering Karakoram peaks. Accessible via rough mountain tracks requiring 4x4 jeep transport for some areas.
Key Attractions: Bashu Meadows, Bashu Waterfall, Bashu Forest, mountain photography.
Bashu Meadows
Wide open grasslands within Bashu Valley offering spectacular panoramic mountain views. Perfect for relaxation, picnics, and nature photography.
Key Attractions: Open grasslands, mountain views, peaceful surroundings, photography.
Bashu Waterfall
A refreshing waterfall in Bashu Valley where fresh mountain water cascades down rocky cliffs, creating a scenic and relaxing environment ideal for short visits.
Key Attractions: Cascading waterfall, rocky cliffs, refreshing environment.
Shigar Valley
A historic valley located approximately 30 kilometers north of Skardu. Famous for its 17th-century Shigar Fort, traditional Balti villages, apricot orchards, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Often called the gateway to K2.
Key Attractions: Shigar Fort, Amburiq Mosque, Hashupi Garden, traditional villages.
Shigar Fort
A magnificent 17th-century palace restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture into a heritage museum and luxury hotel. The fort showcases traditional Balti architecture with Kashmiri and Tibetan influences, reflecting centuries of regional history and royal heritage.
Key Attractions: Heritage architecture, museum, royal history, traditional gardens.
Amburiq Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Baltistan, dating back to the 14th century and built by the Persian saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani. Famous for its rare Tibetan-Balti wooden architecture and intricate carved woodwork — a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure.
Key Attractions: Ancient wooden architecture, Islamic heritage, traditional craftsmanship.
Hashupi Garden
A scenic orchard area in Shigar known for its apricot trees, peaceful village views, and traditional Balti countryside atmosphere. Especially beautiful during apricot blossom season in spring.
Key Attractions: Apricot orchards, village views, peaceful walks, seasonal blossoms.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert (Katpana Desert)
One of the highest cold deserts in the world, located at approximately 2,226 meters above sea level. Famous for its surreal landscape of golden sand dunes set against the snow-capped Karakoram Range — a rare geographical combination found in very few places worldwide.
Key Attractions: Sand dunes, mountain backdrops, sunset photography, desert walks.
Blind Lake (Jarba Tso)
A peaceful natural lake hidden among sand dunes and greenery in the Shigar area. Known for its calm waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation and quiet photography.
Key Attractions: Hidden lake, calm waters, sand dunes, peaceful environment.
Manthokha Waterfall
A spectacular 180-foot (approximately 55-meter) waterfall located in Kharmang Valley, about 80 kilometers from Skardu. Surrounded by green landscapes, small cafés, and trout fish farms. One of the most popular natural attractions in the region, offering a refreshing escape with picnic areas.
Key Attractions: 180-foot waterfall, trout farms, cafés, green landscapes, picnic spots.
Chocolate Rocks
A unique geological formation in the Kharmang region, famous for its unusual brown layered rocks that resemble stacked chocolate blocks. The dramatic desert landscape combined with a mountain backdrop makes this one of the most photogenic and unusual sites in Baltistan.
Key Attractions: Layered rock formations, desert landscape, photography, geological wonder.
Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort)
A historic fort built in the 16th century by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, located on a hilltop overlooking Skardu city. Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indus River, Skardu Valley, and surrounding mountains. A symbol of Balti heritage and strategic history.
Key Attractions: Hilltop fort, panoramic views, Indus River, historic ruins.
Buddha Rock Skardu
An important archaeological site featuring a large rock carving of Buddha dating back to the early Buddhist era of the region (around 8th century). A significant cultural and historical landmark reflecting the pre-Islamic Buddhist heritage of Baltistan.
Key Attractions: Ancient rock carving, archaeological site, Buddhist heritage.
Sadpara Lake
A stunning turquoise lake located about 8 kilometers from Skardu at approximately 2,636 meters above sea level. Surrounded by towering mountains and serving as a major water source for Skardu city. Famous for its peaceful lakeside atmosphere and scenic photography.
Key Attractions: Turquoise water, mountain views, lakeside picnics, 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.
Key Attractions: Handicrafts, gemstones, dry fruits, Balti caps and shawls, local cafés.
Kharmang Valley
A scenic valley located southeast of Skardu, famous for the Manthokha Waterfall, Chocolate Rocks, and traditional Balti culture. The valley sits along the Indus River and offers dramatic landscapes combined with cultural authenticity.
Key Attractions: Manthokha Waterfall, Chocolate Rocks, Indus River views, traditional villages.
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
