Satpara Lake

This lake lies 8 km (5 miles) south of Skardu. Set in a landscape of high mountains clothed in glaciers, this blue-water lake has an island in its midst. It is known for its brown trout, and is an ideal fishing spot.

Kachura Lake

It is located at a distance of 32 kms (20 miles) from Skardu. The spring season invests the banks of the lake with an array of multi-colored flowers and trees that are laden with peach, apricot and apple blossoms. The lake has been developed as a tourist resort with many hotels and motels, and is a popular anglers resort for trout fishing.

Deosai Plateau

This plateau lies 32 km to the southwest of Skardu and can be reached via the Satpara Lake. It has an average height of 3,500 meters (11,660 feet), is 70 km across, and links Baltistan with the Astore Valley.

Deosai plateau is the habitat of wild animals, especially the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear. Today, it has been turned into park that shelters and protects wildlife. The land is covered with snow for seven months of the year. In spring, vast stretches of green and thousands of wild flowers are intercepted by crystal clear streams and backed by snow-covered peaks.

Shigar Valley

To explore the mass of Karakoram Mountains that are heaped in the north and east of Skardu, go through the ancient village of Shigar. This is the gateway to a wonderland for trekkers and mountaineers, where there are some of the largest and dangerous glaciers of the world, including the famous Baltoro glacier. Of the fifteen highest peaks of the world, five peaks, over 8000 meters (including K-2, 8,611 meters), are located at the head of the Baltoro glacier.

Many springs in Shigar valley are reverenced for mineral water that helps in the cure of skin diseases. The village is set in a green, picturesque valley made brilliant and colorful by an abundance of fruit trees. The various fruits grown here include apples, walnuts, peaches, grapes, pears and apricots. The region is renowned for its apples and apricots. You can also visit the oldest Mosque of the area, called Karbala-e-Muala.