What to See in Skardu - Top Sights and Attractions

Lake in Asia. Satpara sar Lake is a natural lake near Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, which supplies water to Skardu Valley. It is fed by the Satpara Stream.

Satpara Lake is situated at an elevation of 2,636 meters (8,650 ft) above sea level and is spread over an area of 2.5 km².

The completion of Satpara Dam downstream of the lake has enlarged the size of Satpara Lake.^[1]

Fortress in Skardu. Skardu Fort or Kharpocho means The king of Forts is a fort in Skardu city in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Australian mountaineer and film maker Greg Child writes that the fort is "perched above the junction of the rivers" and overlooks the Rock of Skardu.^[2]

Historical landmark in Skardu. Manthal Buddha Rock is a large granite rock on which picture of Buddha has engraved which probably dates back to 8 century. This rock is located in Manthal village of Skardu Town, in Pakistan. Buddha Rock is one of the most important relics of Buddhism in Skardu. It is about 3 kilometers from Sadpara Road. Sadpara road will lead to Satpara Lake.^[3]

The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo, is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. The desert contains large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during winter. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 metres above sea level, the Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. While the desert technically stretches from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra in Indian-administered Ladakh, the largest desert area proper is found in Skardu and Shigar Valley, both within Pakistani-administered territory. The portion of the desert that is most frequented by tourists is located near the Skardu Airport.^[4]