"Skardu - our last taste of civilisation!" Top 5 Page for this destination Skardu by lachydragon

Skardu Travel Guide: 52 reviews and 130 photos

Trekking on the Baltoro Glacier - see travelogues

Skardu- the begining of our Baltistan Trek

In June 2001 I felw into Skardu - the capital of Pakistan's Baltistan region to begin my trek up into the Karakoram Mountains, walking the Baltoro Glacier for 15 days. Skardu itself never gets a good write-up simply because the town is fairly dull. However, don't let this dissuade you from this amazing region. Once you leave the hot and dust Indus Floodplain and climb up the roads out of town you enter the much cooler side valleys and get a true taste for the way of life and hospitality of the Balti People.

My Skardu page is the jumping-off point for the travelogues which describe my trek from Askolie (in the Shigar Valley) along the Bardumal river to Paiju Camp before climbing up onto the Baltoro Glacier and trekking to Concorida - the natural amphitheatre set amongst imposing 8000+ metre peaks (including K2). From Concordia our trekking group crossed the Gondogoro La - a 5500metre snow pass before dropping down into the Hushe valley.

My Hushe pages will then kick-in from there.

Check out my tips on Skardu itself before turning to the travelogues to read about my trek.
Please let me know what you think of my pages...and watch this space as i add more travelogue photos when time premits!

NEW!- July 2003 - I have finally updated some of the travelogues and added in some from when we reached the glacier - check out the newest travelogue for these pics.
If you like what you see please lemme know and rate these pages!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Getting out of Skardu itself and heading for Kachura!
Cons:Battling the dust of the town itself!

Last visit to Skardu: Jun 2001
Intro Updated Jul 6, 2003
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Reviews (14)

Masherbrum in the late afternoon light - Skardu

Polarising Filter for Camera Gear What to Pack (1)

You should seriously consider bringing a polarising filter for your mountain photos up here. There are some stunning... more travel advice

Sorry the pic's a bit uninspiring - ony 1 I have! - Skardu

Swim in the Refreshing Upper Kachura... Off The Beaten Path (2)

In the stunning village of Kachura, nestled in the hills behind the Adventure Travel Campground (see accommodation tips)... more travel advice

One of the buildings in the village - beautiful! - Skardu

Kachura Village Off The Beaten Path (2)

Kachura Village was stunning at the time of year we were there (June) as the fruit trees were all laden with fruit and... more travel advice

Our wonderful giude and cook - Youssef! - Skardu

Sorting out Trekking Gear Favorites (2)

Skardu is the last place you can re-sort your bags and leave behind anything which is unnecessary for your trek.... more travel advice

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (19)

Fudge Aug 10, 2007 at 7:07 AM Report Abuse

So nice Skardu :) I only managed to do the flight this time... and plane had to turn back. Dang. Will be back one day! Have you read Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, set in Baltistan?
TONY786 Jun 2, 2007 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

Going sept 07 , love your page and pics..Pakistan is an amazing place
shadan Sep 17, 2006 at 7:40 AM Report Abuse

Very good work. Very neatly written. Love your pages!
Saagar Jan 10, 2006 at 4:01 PM Report Abuse

That's a great travelogue from your trek, good photos too!
PTSD Aug 12, 2005 at 5:56 AM Report Abuse

The one place im DYING to see in Pakistan is K2 !!! - Hope i get to see it someday ! -:)-Helpful tips on Skardu!-From Pakistan ITSELF ! :)
Laurina Aug 13, 2004 at 11:10 PM Report Abuse

Great tip about tipping the porters etc.... :o) I hope I get to go to Skardu before winter sets in!
WAHEEDASLAM May 18, 2004 at 3:35 AM Report Abuse

Very informative page...Two weeks ago I was reading a travel book of Skardu...It was amazing your pictures gave life to the words that I've read....Very beautiful pictures...
queenp May 15, 2004 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Okay Drag, It sounds like you and your gang were starting to get a bit punchy at this point (Coffe tin gals). I haven't been in the middle of nowhere and can still appreciate the humour. What does thay say? Shukria!
nox Apr 27, 2004 at 4:48 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great tips, I will be heading off to Skardu in mid may. The pictures were great and the tip of taking a polarizing filter for my camera will be helpful.
Brendulichka Mar 28, 2004 at 5:10 AM Report Abuse

Great pages! I'm leaving for Skardu and roof of the world tomorrow and very excited! Thanks for doing all these pages!