SKARDU: Skardu A district in the Gilgit-Baltistan region is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery, including a magnificent array of frigid deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, streams, and massive mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Karakorum, not to mention the magnificent Indus River that flows through the area.
Skardu’s captivating landscape transports viewers to a different realm and evokes a feeling of magic.Furthermore, Skardu’s distinct terrain, along with those of other Gilgit-Baltistan regions, has elevated it to a global attraction.
To begin with, one of Skardu’s jewels is the summit of Deosai, also known as the World’s Roof.The Deosai plains, which span 3,000 square kilometers and are located at an elevation of 12,700 feet (about 4,000 meters), make one feel ecstatic upon arrival.
The second-highest plateau in the world, after the Changtang Tibetan Plateau, is found atop the Deosai mountain range in the Himalayas.
In addition to the Himalayan brown bear, ibex, red fox, golden marmot, wolf, Ladakh urial, and other resident and migratory birds, Deosai is home to a diverse range of flower species.
The view of Katpana Lake and its surrounds is then breathtaking. On one side, there is the frigid desert of Katpana, and on the other, there is Katpana Lake, which is surrounded by the Indus River, the huge mountains of the Karakorum range, and the Himalayan range.
A glamping establishment in the chilly desert was established by a Lahori named Fahad Mehmood.Modern amenities including trendy beds, dining areas, and restrooms are provided in the glamps (camps).
In an interview with this writer, Fahad Mehmood stated, “This is my passion turned into business.”
“I love the outdoors, and I want to showcase the world’s most breathtaking combination of the Katpana Lake, the icy desert, the Indus River, and the majestic mountain ranges of the Karakorum and Himalayas,” he continued.
The surroundings of Shangrilla Lake are astounding. One is transported to another universe by the breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the hill, which is surrounded by poplars and pines and is accentuated at night by powerful gales.
Additionally, the view from Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) encompasses the Indus River, which is flanked by a frigid desert, and imposing mountains that provide striking background beauty.Here, the powerful nighttime gales are another unique aspect.
In an interview with APP, Ms. Catherine Olive, a foreign guest at the PTDC motel from the UK, remarked, “This view from the hotel is wonderful, aside from the whole of the Skardu is very beautiful.”
Another beautiful location in Baltistan is Shigar, which is home to the Serena hotel, Shigar fort, and the blind lake.These prideful possessions of Shigar are captivating like a blind lake in addition to being an instant hit.
The Shigar fort, which the Serena management purchased, has been transformed into a public museum and hotel.
The artefacts that the ancient Rajas utilized are on display at the fort.
Returning to Skardu, its magnificent assets are as captivating as they are quick hits. These include its freshwater lakes, which include: – The Shangrila lake, also called lower Kachura; – The Upper Kachura lake; – The Sadpara lake; – The blind lake, also called Jarbazoo.
In light of this, mountaineer Shaheen Baig stressed to APP the necessity of developing international-standard roads and hotels with cutting-edge amenities nearby in order to accommodate tourists.
He claimed that this was needed because the region’s economy was mostly reliant on tourism.
Additionally, Shaheen Baig encouraged the government to give both domestic and international mountaineers greater amenities.
The fares of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) are also included in the amenities.
In this context, the motel manager in Skardu Zahid Yaqeen for Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) stated, “PIA’s fares should be tourist friendly as local tourists also bring their children along and this becomes very costly for them.”
