Skardu

Skardu lies at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers at an altitude of nearly 2,500 meters. It serves as a strategic starting point for mountaineering expeditions to K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum peaks. Yet the city is more than just a base camp; it is surrounded by a surreal landscape of grey mountains, deep blue lakes, and even sand dunes. The Katpana Desert, often called the 'Cold Desert', has a fascinating contrast to the snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Cultural highlights include Skardu Fort (Kharpocho), which perches majestically on a rock overlooking the city. Nearby are the idyllic Kachura (Shangrila) and Sadpara Lakes, excellent for boating and relaxation. The Deosai Plateau, the world's second-highest plateau, is accessible from Skardu and is covered in colorful wildflowers during summer. Getting to Skardu is an adventure in itself, either via the winding Gilgit-Skardu Road or by plane from Islamabad, which provides one of the most spectacular scenic flights in the world. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and the passes are navigable.

Nearby cities

Rawalpindi

The bustling 'Twin City' of Islamabad with rich military history and vibrant bazaars.

Muzaffarabad

The capital city of Azad Kashmir, nestled at the scenic confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers.

Islamabad

The modern, green capital of Pakistan nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills.

Mingora

Mingora is the largest city in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area renowned for its natural beauty and archaeological sites.

Abbottabad

Abbottabad is a charming hill city known for its mild climate and as a gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan.

Gilgit

A historic Silk Road hub and the gateway to the Karakoram's highest peaks.

Kohat

Kohat is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for its strategic location and guava production.

Charsadda

Charsadda is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located near the ancient capital of Gandhara, Pushkalavati.

Nowshera

Nowshera is a city on the Kabul River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an important industrial and communications hub.

Mansehra

Mansehra is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a gateway to northern areas like the Kaghan Valley.

Chitral

An isolated city in the Hindu Kush, known for its majestic fort and proximity to Trich Mir.

Rawalakot

The capital of Poonch district, known as the 'Pearl Valley' for its natural beauty.

Murree

Pakistan's most popular hill station, known for its colonial architecture and dense pine forests.

Neelum Valley (Sharda)

A historical and scenic town on the banks of the Neelum River, famous for the ruins of Sharda Peeth.

Keran

An idyllic village on the banks of the Neelum River, located right on the Line of Control with India.

History & landmarks

Peshawar

One of the oldest living cities in South Asia, famous for its history and bazaars.

Mardan

The historical heart of Gandhara, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Takht-i-Bahi.

Khaplu

A historic town in the Baltistan Valley, renowned for its grand palace and as the gateway to the Masherbrum peak.

Nature

Lulusar Lake

A group of mountain peaks and a lake in the Kaghan Valley, the main source of the Kunhar River.

Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

A stunning alpine lake located in the Kaghan Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

More places

Kaghan Valley

The Kaghan Valley is a picture-postcard alpine landscape in the Mansehra district.

Ayubia National Park

A forest park in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its hiking trails and monkeys.

Tarbela Dam

A massive earth-filled dam on the Indus River, one of the largest in the world.