Hello everyone!!
I spent 8 unforgettable days in Skardu during peak spring blossom and I'm excited to share my experience.
I went to Skardu by air from Lahore, accompanied by 10 family members (including kids). Before visit, I did a comprehensive R&D (as my hobby) and prepared a complete plan myself including transport, the hotels, visiting spots and the food points, and Alhamdulillah it turned out to be the perfect plan.
Transport:
I was in conversation with a lot of locals and I selected
Wazir Arif for the transport (best decision). Such a kind human being, who treats you as if you are his family.
Flight Experience with PIA:
My journey began with a smooth flight which took off from Lahore exactly in time (10am) and landed at Skardu airport at 11:15am, offering stunning views of Nanga Parbat and snow-covered landscapes. During this short flight, they did serve food/drinks/tea. Flight experience with PIA is excellent.
Skardu Vibe at Skardu International Airport:
As soon as u get off the plane, you get the vibe, which cannot be described in words. The atmosphere, the cool breeze, the snow covered mountains, the view of surroundings is breathtaking.
Welcome at Hotel Serenity Inn Skardu:
I chose to stay at serenity inn hotel due to its central and peaceful location, and above all, the owner Naeem bhai, who is such a great human being. We were served with local organic fruit chaat, kheer, arzuq (traditional dish) and tea in the hotel lawn with the kind hospitality on top of it. That was the best vibe of my whole trip.
Weather and spring blossom:
I was very curious about the weather condition, as snowfall happened very late this year. Alhamdulillah, the weather was perfect throughout my stay, allowing me to witness the vibrant colors of cherry and apricot blossoms in full bloom.
Visiting spots:
Day 1. Katpana cold desert (Only one point as I did not make first day hectic)
Day 2. Safari Resort Soq valley (Recommended to stay a day there), Upper kachura, Lower kachura/Shanrgila
Day 3. Sarfaranga cold desert, Shigar Fort, Hashupi Garden, Khoj Resort
Day 4. Sadpara village, Chumik bridge , Jamia Masjid, Bismillah dry fruits
Day 5. Areshman Organic resort Ghowari, Royal Resort and fish farm Saling valley, Crystal Lake, Machulu village, haldi cones
Day 6. Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque, Manthoka waterfall
Day 7. Skardu Bazar for shopping, Chunda valley
The Food:
Chinese at eat and read hotel
Trout fish with rice at upper kachura
Indus Lodges (family platter)
Shahi Dewan
Tea/pakoras at Sadpara village
Food corridor (for fast food)
Areshman organic resort (desi breakfast)
Royal resort and fish farm (trout fish, wedges, chicken karahi)
Tea and fries and manthoka waterfall cafe
Local organic food arranged by Naeem/Ali bhai at serenity inn hotel
Quetta darbar cafe (breakfast)
Hassan Hussain mamtu and beef pulao
BBQ at Indus view hotel
Local Cuisine:
arzuq, kisar, mutton yakhni, chowbalay, Mutton soup, khurba, prapu, mamtu, walnut raita, apricot oil, desi halwa topped with dry fruits, local green tea
Hotels:
Serenity Inn Hotel
Indus view hotel (highly recommended)
Eat and read hotel
Final Remarks:
If you are planning to travel to Skardu, I recommend to spend atleast full 5 days there. If possible, add some cost and travel by air as you will get to enjoy your trip without being hectic. For any kind of assistance, I am happy to give you the best possible plan according to your requirement, along with the best affordable hotels and transport facility.