Amidst a landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, crashing waterfalls and quiet lakes, Skardu, the district headquarters of Baltistan, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Indus. Perched at a height of 2286 meters (7,500 ft), Skardu offers a cool and refreshing climate. On the eastern boundary of the district lies Ladakh, in the west Gilgit, in the south Indian-held Kashmir and to the north is the Chinese province of Sinkiang.

During the summer, Skardu attracts a large number of trekkers and mountaineers from all parts of the world. In fact, the entire region is known as mountaineers' paradise. Nowhere in the world does one find such a large collection of lofty peaks, including K-2 the world's second highest peak, and huge glaciers like Baltoro, Biafo and Siachen, some of the largest in the world outside the Polar region, as in this 16,283 square km (10,118 square miles) of wonderland.

There are five main valleys in the district Baltistan, Shigar, Khaplu, Rondu, Skardu and Kharmang. All of them produce apricots, peaches, pears and apples in such abundance that this region is known as the land of apricots and apples.

Places of Interest

Kharfocho Fort : The construction of Kharfocho fort, the King of forts, at Skardu has been attributed to the famous ruler of Skardu - Maqpon Bugha (1490 - 1515 AD).

Mindoq Khar : This palace was built by Mindoq Gialmo on the hill where now stands the Kharfocho fort. The palace was named after the queen as 'Mindoq Khar' meaning the 'Flower Palace'. The Palace was damaged by the troops of the Sikh ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Gulab Singh, when he invaded Skardu in 1840 AD.

Satpara Lake : 8 km (5 miles) south of Skardu, lies Satpara Lake. Surrounded by high glacial mountains, this lake has an island in the middle of its clear waters, which can be reached, by boat. The lake is considered ideal for fishing.

Kachura Lake : About 32 kms (20 miles) from Skardu, lies the shimmering waters of the Kachura Lake. In the springtime, its banks are adorned by a multitude of colorful flowers and the trees are laden with peach, apricot and apple blossoms. The lake offers great opportunities for trout fishing.

Hilal Bagh and Chahar Bagh: Just below the Mindoq Khar or Flower Palace, there was a terraced garden with fountains built in marble. This royal garden covered the areas from Mindoq Khan to the present bazaar at Skardu where the newly constructed road crosses the channel.

A palace built in marble with towers also stood in the middle of the garden, above the Polo Ground, which is called Ghudi Changra. The palace was destroyed during the great floods in the area. A marble Baradari was later constructed at this site. This royal garden was named Hilal Bagh (Crescent Garden). Another garden was also laid which was named Chhar Bagh. The said garden was laid on the orders of the Queen while her husband was away. As the mother tongue of the Queen was Persian, she gave a Persian name to these gardens.

Shigar Valley : The Shigar Valley forms the gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakoram, including Mount K-2. The valley has an extremely picturesque landscape, and an abundance of fruits such as grapes, peaches, pears, walnuts and apricots.

Khaplu Valley : This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 kms (64 miles) from Skardu. There is a sprawling village perched on the slopes of the steep mountains that hem the river. Many famous mountains, such as Masherbrum, K-6, K-7, Sherpi Kangh, Sia Kangri, Saltoro Kangri etc. are located here.

Buddhist Rock : Of the many, there is only one existing Buddhist Rock with rock carvings in the Skardu Valley located on Satpara Road. Probably the rock carvings and images of Buddha date back to the period of Great Tibet Scholars Empire. When the Buddhist people of Gandhara migrated and passed through the present northern areas of Pakistan, they settled at some places temporarily and carved drawings of Stupas, scenes of their experiences and images of Buddha with texts the in Kharoshti language.