Skardu is the main town of Baltistan along the wide bank of the river Indus. Skardu is the largest district of the Northern Areas. Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, Skardu is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who treks to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia. Skardu by road, lies approximately 5 hours away from Gilgit and 10 hours drive from Besham. A daily flight to and from Islamabad is also in operation. The flight is always subject to weather.
Skardu has a character of its own and has a very interesting scenery. The Indus becomes wide and still here. The town is surrounded by dry rugged mountains and sand dunes.
Skardu is famous for the many trekking and adventure spots around it. There are numerous treks starting from Skardu. The near by Satpara Lake and Shangri-la resort are very famous among the local travelers and is visited by people from all over the country during June & July.
Amidst towering snow clad peaks with heights varying form 1,000 to 8,000 meters, the picturesque & panoramic Baltistan speak volumes about its unmatched beauty. Out of 14 highest peaks in the world (over 8,000 meters high) 4 mighty peaks are found in the Baltistan's Karakoram Range. These mighty guardians include K.2/ Mount Godowin Austin (8611m world's second highest), Gashabrum-I (8,068m), Broad Peak (8,047m) and Gashebrum-II(8,035m). For the climbers and adventures it is a dream come true as all the great challenges are found at the top of the world. A large number of climbers have so far attempted, but quite a few have succeeded in scaling the mighty K.2. standing at 8,611m and being the second highest peak in the world. The traditional route to K.2 base camp goes from Skardu via Shigar-Dassu-Askole up to Concordia over the Baltoro glacier a trek of 6 days. It is a wonderful trek that provides an awesome journey through the mighty riggers, peaks and glaciers leading to the base camp at K.2. Whether you want to trek to the base camp or attempt to subdue the amazing monster it is and experience worth remembering. For Trekking, Baltistan provides the most scenic and longest treks in the world. It offers a unique opportunity to get close to the longest glaciers outside Polar region,Siachan (72km),Biafo (60km),Baltoro (60km),and Batura (64km).Walking in fresh air during the day and lying under the stars at night makes trekking in Baltistan an unforgettable experience.
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