Best Places to Visit in Skardu in Summer – A Complete Travel Guide
Skardu in summer? That's when this place really comes alive. Once the snow clears and the mountain passes open up, Gilgit-Baltistan transforms into something you'd normally only see in documentaries. Crystal lakes, valleys so green they almost hurt your eyes, and peaks that make you feel wonderfully small—summer here hits different.
If you're mapping out a summer escape, here are the spots in Skardu you absolutely need to see.
1. Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)
This is usually the first place people mention when Skardu comes up in conversation. Those red-roofed cottages sitting beside that impossibly blue water, gardens that look like someone's full-time obsession—yeah, it's as good as the photos suggest.
Come summer, everything just works here. The weather's comfortable, flowers are doing their thing everywhere, and the lake becomes this perfect mirror for the sky. Grab a boat, walk around with your camera, or just claim a spot by the water and do absolutely nothing for a while.
Why visit in summer?
- Temperature that doesn't require three layers of clothing
- Everything's green and blooming
- The light for photography is perfect
2. Upper Kachura Lake
A quick drive from Shangrila, but it feels like a different world. Where the lower lake gets the crowds, Upper Kachura stays quiet and relatively untouched. If you're the type who finds peace in silence, this is your spot.
Summer turns the water this deep, rich blue, and the mountains frame it all like nature knew exactly what it was doing.
Perfect for:
- Anyone tired of fighting for photo angles
- Couples looking for actual alone time
- Easy picnics and walks that won't destroy your knees
3. Deosai National Park – The Land of Giants
Here's the thing about Deosai: you can only get here in summer. The rest of the year? Buried under snow. But June through September? This massive plateau turns into something out of a dream, covered in wildflowers and wildlife.
Keep your eyes open for Himalayan marmots popping up from their burrows, wild horses grazing, and if luck's on your side, brown bears doing their thing from a very safe distance.
Summer highlights:
- Wildflowers as far as you can see
- Weather that won't freeze or cook you
- Streams and plains that stretch forever
4. Sheosar Lake
Tucked inside Deosai, Sheosar Lake is the kind of place that makes you pull out your phone just to prove it's real. On those rare, perfectly clear summer days, you can catch Nanga Parbat's reflection in the water.
The quiet here isn't just the absence of noise—it's this heavy, almost spiritual thing that settles over you.
Best time to visit:
- Mid-summer, July to August
- Sunrise or sunset for those golden-hour moments
5. Satpara Lake
Satpara pulls double duty—it's gorgeous and it actually keeps Skardu running by supplying water to the city. Summer's when the surrounding peaks trade their snow for green, and the whole scene just pops.
The boating here is solid, and when it's hot, that breeze coming off the water is exactly what you need.
Why summer is ideal:
- The lake's fully visible, not half-frozen
- Skies are usually clear
- Roads are reliable
6. Basho Valley
Most tourists miss Basho Valley, which honestly works in your favor. This hidden corner near Skardu looks absolutely magical when summer rolls around. Pine forests, streams that sound like meditation tracks, meadows that invite you to just lay down for a bit.
If you're over the crowded tourist circuit, Basho offers the reset button you're probably looking for.
Best activities:
- Camping under stars you forgot existed
- Bonfire conversations that go way too late
- Walks where the only schedule is "whenever we feel like turning back"
7. Manthoka Waterfall
Summer's when Manthoka Waterfall really shows off. All that melting snow feeds it, so it comes down powerful and loud—the kind of sound that drowns out whatever you were stressing about before you got here.
The greenery around it, plus a few local food stalls nearby, makes this a solid picnic stop.
8. Khaplu Palace and Valley
Khaplu has this cultural richness that sets it apart. Summer brings out the best in this valley—apricot trees heavy with fruit, fields so green they look fake, rivers cutting through it all.
The palace itself tells stories about Baltistan's royal past, and it's way more interesting than your average museum visit.
9. Shigar Valley & Shigar Fort
Shigar Valley delivers peace, scenery, and culture without making you choose between them. Summer paints everything green here, and when you see Shigar Fort sitting against that clear blue sky, you'll understand why people keep coming back.
Great for travelers who want Instagram moments and actual substance in the same trip.
10. Blind Lake (Zharba Tso)
Not many people know about Blind Lake, which is exactly why it's worth the detour. Even during peak summer, this spot stays peaceful—perfect if you've had enough of elbowing through crowds.
The stillness of the water, the mountains closing in around it... photographers go a little crazy here, and honestly, can you blame them?
Best Time to Visit Skardu in Summer
Your sweet spot is these three months:
- June
- July
- August
Roads are clear, weather's playing nice, and you can actually reach all the good spots without epic detours or canceled plans.
Final Thoughts
Skardu in summer isn't just another vacation—it's the kind of trip that sticks with you. Lakes that look Photoshopped but aren't, mountains that make you rethink scale, valleys where your phone might actually stay in your pocket for once.
Whether you're chasing adventure, looking for peace, or just trying to see something truly beautiful, summer in Skardu delivers. These places aren't just tourist checkboxes—they're experiences that'll pop back into your head months later when you're stuck in traffic or sitting through another pointless meeting.
Put Skardu at the top of your summer list. You won't regret it.
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FAQs for Best Places to Visit in Skardu in Summer
What makes summer the best time to visit Skardu?
Summer (June to August) is when Skardu really opens up. The snow melts, mountain passes become accessible, and places like Deosai National Park—which stay buried under snow most of the year—finally let you in. Plus, the weather's comfortable enough that you're not freezing at night or sweating through your shirt during the day. Wildflowers are everywhere, the lakes are at their most vibrant, and you can actually reach all the major spots without road closures ruining your plans.
How hot does Skardu get in summer?
Not very, actually. Daytime temperatures usually hover between 15-25°C (59-77°F), which is pretty pleasant for exploring. Nights still get cool, especially at higher elevations like Deosai, so you'll want a jacket or fleece after sunset. It's nowhere near the brutal heat you'd find in Pakistan's plains during summer—that's part of why people escape here.
Can I visit Deosai National Park outside of summer?
Nope. Deosai is only accessible from roughly mid-June through September. Outside that window, heavy snowfall closes the roads completely. Even in early June or late September, conditions can be unpredictable, so check current road status before making concrete plans. If Deosai's on your must-see list, you need to come in summer—there's no workaround.
Which lake is best for photography in summer?
Honestly, they're all stunning, but if I had to pick: Sheosar Lake for those epic mountain reflections and wildflower meadows, Upper Kachura for that deep turquoise color against the peaks, and Shangrila if you want those postcard shots with the red-roofed cottages. Best light is always early morning or late afternoon—midday sun washes things out and you'll be fighting harsh shadows.
Is Basho Valley crowded in summer?
Not really. Basho stays relatively under the radar compared to places like Shangrila or Deosai. Most tourists stick to the well-known spots, which means Basho offers peace and quiet even during peak season. It's one of those hidden gems that hasn't blown up yet—though that might change as word spreads.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to visit these places?
For most destinations, yes. A regular car might handle the drive to Shangrila or Satpara Lake, but for Deosai, Basho Valley, and some of the more remote spots, you absolutely need a proper 4x4 with good ground clearance. The roads range from rough to "is this actually a road?" Hiring a local driver with a jeep is your smartest move—they know the terrain and can handle whatever the road throws at you.
How many days do I need to cover these summer destinations?
If you're trying to hit the major spots without feeling rushed, plan for at least 5-7 days. A quick breakdown: 2 days for the Kachura lakes and Shangrila, 2 days for Deosai and Sheosar Lake (it's far and you'll want time there), 1-2 days for Shigar and Khaplu valleys, and buffer days for weather delays or spontaneous detours. Got more time? Even better—this isn't a place where you want to be constantly rushing to the next checkpoint.
Are there accommodation options near these summer spots?
Skardu town has the most options—everything from budget guesthouses to decent hotels like Hotel Himalaya. Shangrila Resort has its own accommodations if you want to stay right on the lake. Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace both offer heritage hotel experiences. For Deosai, you're looking at camping (bring proper gear) or day trips from Skardu. Basho Valley has a few basic guesthouses, but don't expect luxury—it's more about the experience than the amenities.
What should I pack for a summer trip to Skardu?
Layers are your friend. Even though it's summer, you'll need: lightweight clothes for daytime, a warm fleece or jacket for evenings and high altitudes, rain gear (summer brings occasional showers), sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is stronger at elevation), a hat for sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. If you're camping or heading to Deosai, add warm sleeping gear—nights get properly cold up there even in July.
Can families with kids visit these places in summer?
Absolutely. Summer is actually the best time for families since the weather's manageable and you're not dealing with extreme cold. Shangrila, Satpara Lake, and the easier valley drives work great with kids. Deosai is doable but the long jeep ride and high altitude might be tough for very young children. Stick to shorter outings, keep snacks handy, and don't pack the schedule too tight—kids need downtime, especially at altitude.
Will I have mobile network and internet access?
In Skardu town and near major tourist spots like Shangrila, yes—mobile networks work reasonably well. Once you head into remote valleys, Deosai, or Basho, expect spotty coverage or complete dead zones. Don't count on posting Instagram stories from Sheosar Lake in real-time. Download offline maps before you go, and let people know you'll be unreachable for stretches. Honestly? It's kind of nice to disconnect for a bit.
Is it safe to travel to Skardu in summer?
Very safe. Summer is peak tourist season, so infrastructure is running smoothly and you'll see plenty of other travelers around. The local community is welcoming and used to visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: hire reputable guides and drivers, let your hotel know your plans, respect local customs, and don't do anything obviously risky like wandering off marked trails alone. Weather can change quickly in mountains, so always check conditions before heading out.
