Tourist Attractions in Skardu
Skardu is gateway to the mighty mountains of Pakistan such as K2, Gasherbrum and many more. Baltistan (Skardu) has been variously described as “little Tibet”, “the roof of the world” but also commonly known “Heaven on Earth”. Touring to Skardu by road takes much longer than the tour by air, especially families should be well prepared (food and drinking water stock) before setting off by road. Skardu Shangrila Tour is highly recommended to the honeymooners and for individual and family holiday makers as well.
The name “Skardu” is believed to be derived from the Balti word meaning “a lowland between two high places. The two referenced “high places” are Shigar Valley, and the high-altitude Satpara Lake. Local people might tend to write the name as སྐར་དོ་ according to how they pronounce it. But the meaning of which, as stated above, corresponds to the Tibetan word མདོ. In many ways it has been very close to Tibetan architect and culture.
Shangrila Resort as major tourist attraction
Shangrila was established in 1983 with the opening of the first Resort Hotel in Skardu, Baltistan. It was named “HEAVEN ON EARTH” because of its spectacular beauty, and breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere. Shangrila Resort Hotel was founded by the late Brig. Muhammad Aslam Khan (late), the first commander of the Northern Scouts who liberated the Northern areas in 1948.
Shangrila was named after a book titled “LOST HORIZON” by James Hilton. In the book, the author narrates a fairy tale in which an aero plane crash landed near a riverbed, in the early 1920’s. The surviving passengers came across some Buddhist monks from a nearby temple and sought their help. They were taken to a beautiful lamasery filled with a variety of fruits and flowers. The monks looked quite young, although they claimed to be hundreds of years old. The idyllic place was called Shangrila, a Chinese word meaning “HEAVEN ON EARTH”.
Sightseeing Tours & Excursions
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Full day tour to Shigar Valley
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Half day tour to Satpara Lake
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Full day tour to Deosai Plateau (4000m)
Recommended Hotels in Skardu
- Shangrila Resort
- Shigarfort Hotel by Serena
- Tibet Hotel Kachura Lake
- Broq Resort
- Oasis Resort Katpana