Skardu: Crown of the Karakorams
History
Where Empires Converged
For over a millennium, Skardu (35°18′N 75°37′E) served as the strategic nexus between Tibetan, Balti, and Dogra kingdoms. The 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock carving reveals its Buddhist past, while the 16th-century Kharpocho Fort symbolizes its martial legacy as the “Guardian of the Indus”.
Kharpocho Fort’s strategic vantage point
Summer bloom in Deosai National Park
Geography
Land of Giants
At 2,228m (7,310ft) elevation, Skardu commands:
- K2 Access: Launchpoint for the world’s 2nd highest peak
- Deosai Plains: 4,114m alpine meadow (Asia’s highest plateau)
- Satpara Lake: Glacial waters with submerged shrine island
- Indus-Shigar Confluence: Dramatic river junction
Chart with us
Conquer the Karakorams on our expert-guided Skardu expeditions.