Gilgit Baltistan has gained popularity for its surreal beauty and adventurous landscape. This region came under the spotlight, especially after the internet and social media have contributed to showing its beauty and warm hospitality to the world.
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In this article, You will get the answer: Which is Better? Skardu Vs Hunza. Today, every tourist is familiar with the name of Hunza and Skardu. These tourย destinations are two jewels in the crown of the Karakoram Range, each offering a unique tapestry of natural wonders and cultural richness.
Hunza has majestic peaks, including Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, serene lakes like Attabad, delicious food, and warm hospitality. The region’s cultural heritage, embodied by the ancient Baltit Fort and the warm hospitality of the locals, adds a distinct allure.ย
On the other hand, Skardu, known as the gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, boasts a diverse terrain with lush valleys, barren mountains, and shimmering lakes such as Sheosar and Satpara.ย
Skardu offers a wide range of sightseeing, beautiful lakes, and adventure activities. Skardu’s cultural blend, influenced byย Tibetanย andย Central Asian traditions, is showcased in historical sites like Skardu Fort. Both destinations promise an immersive journey into the heart of the Karakorams, where adventure, culture, and natural beauty converge to create unforgettable travel experiences.
A Quick Overview of Hunza Vs Skardu Tours: Which is Better?
| Criteria | Hunza | Skardu |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Location | Northern extremes of Gilgit Baltistan | Gilgit Baltistan, serves as a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks |
| Prominent Peaks | Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar | Gateway to K2, K3, Gasherbrum, etc. |
| Lakes | Attabad Lake, Naltar Lakes | Kachura Lake, Sheosar Lake, Satpara Lake |
| Cultural Heritage | Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Hussaini Suspension Bridge | Skardu Fort, Khaplu Fort, Shigar Fort |
| Local Cuisine | Hunzai cuisine with organic recipes | Diverse culinary influences, Tibetan and Central Asian traditions |
| Valleys | Nagar Valley, Naltar Valley | Khaplu Valley, Shigar Plains, Deosai Plain |
| Road Infrastructure | Limited road infrastructure, some paved roads | Network of roads connecting scenic spots, adventurous jeep trails |
| Climate | Pleasant summers, snowy winters | Mildly cold summers, heavy snowfall in winters |
| Tourist Activities | Trekking, cultural exploration, vibrant lakes | Trekking, photography, exploration of diverse landscapes |
| Natural Beauty | Majestic Karakoram Mountains, vibrant lakes | Diverse landscapes, towering peaks, serene lakes |
| Overall Travel Experience | Rich historical tapestry, warm hospitality | Captivating locations, dynamic landscapes, visual delights |
Comparison of Hunza and Skardu Tour Attactions
Here is the quick overview of the Hunza and Skardu Tour Attractions.
| Hunza Attractions | Skardu Attractions |
|---|---|
| Karimabad | Shangrila Resort |
| Capital city known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant markets. | Beautiful resort by a lake, perfect for relaxation and activities. |
| Baltit Fort | Kharphocho Fort |
| 700-year-old fort showcasing ancient architecture and history. | Historic fort with panoramic views of the Skardu valley. |
| Altit Fort | Sheosar Lake |
| 900-year-old fort offering stunning valley views. | High-altitude lake surrounded by wildflowers and mountains. |
| Passu Cones | Kachura Lakes |
| Unique pyramid-shaped mountains, popular for photography. | Picturesque lakes ideal for boating, fishing, and picnics. |
| Husseini Suspension Bridge | Deosai National Park |
| One of the world’s most dangerous bridges with thrilling views. | Famous for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. |
| Eagleโs Nest | Baltoro Glacier |
| Breathtaking viewpoint for views of Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat. | The longest glacier, a popular trekking destination. |
| Attabad Lake | K2 Base Camp |
| Crystal-clear lake for boating and photography. | Base camp for climbers, offering stunning mountain views. |
| Ganish Village | Shigar Fort |
| Historic village known for traditional architecture and culture. | 17th-century fort turned museum showcasing royal heritage. |
| Soq Valley | |
| Lush landscape known for cultural heritage, ideal for camping and hiking. |
Hunza Tour Attractions
Following are the main attractions of Hunza Valley which you can enjoy during hunza valley tour.
Karimabad
Karimabad is the capital city of Hunza and is famous for its stunning, picturesque town surrounded by incredible peaks. It has become a tourist hub and allows visitors to capture the lush green view of landscape ranges. The older name of Karimabad was Baltit. Visitors also visit the local markets of Karimabad to shop.
Baltit Fort
The fort is located in the Karimabad town of Hunza Valley. This 700-year-old ancient fort stands alive and represents the region’s old heritage and architectural majesty. Visitors visit the fort, capture the panoramic view of the valley, and learn about the history of Baltit Fort, the royal residence of the Hunza King.
Altit Fort
Altit Fort in Hunza, located near Karimabad. It is a 900-year-old historical fort that was the residence of Mirs of the Hunza region. From its vantage points, visitors enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the valley.
Passu Cones
Passu Cones is a series of cone-shaped mountains located in Hunza Valley. It is famous for its unique pyramid-like shapes and is one of the most photographed landscapes in this region. Visitors come to Hunza Valley and visit the beautiful, breathtaking view of the Passu Mountains.
Husseini Suspension Bridge
The Husseini Suspension Bridge is the most dangerous and thrilling in the world. It spans the Hunza River and connects the Husseini village to the surrounding areas. It offers a breathtaking view of stunningly beautiful landscapes around the valley.
Eagleโs Nest
Eagle Nest is a breathtaking viewpoint located in the Karimabad Hunza Valley. It is famous and popular for its beautiful view of peaks, including Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat. Visitors visit this point to capture the views of sunset and sunrise.
Attabad Lake
The most beautiful crystal-clear Lake was formed by a landslide in 2010. It is a famous tourist destination for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking activities. The scenic viewpoint surrounded by mountains is ideal for photography.
Ganish Village
The historic and charming village for its traditional balti architecture and cultural heritage. It is located between the mountains landscapes and is famous for its excellent hospitality of the people, vibrant culture, and scenic view of the valley.
Attractions of Skardu
Following are the Skardu must visited places which you can visit during your Skardu Valley Trip.
Shangrila Resort
Mountains and lush green scenery surround A beautiful Lake known as Heaven on Earth. The resort offers accommodation cottages behind the Lake with stunning landscape views. Visitors enjoy various activities like boating, jet skiing, etc. This is an ideal resort for relaxation and a peaceful environment.
Kharphocho Fort
Kharphocho Fort known as Skardu Fort is a historic fort on a hilltop in Skardu, built in the 19th century. Visitors visit this beautiful fort to explore the valley and capture stunning panoramic views. It is a popular spot for photography and learning about the history of the region.
Sheosar Lake
The beautiful scenery and crystal clear lake are located at the highest altitude in Deosai National Park. The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows and towering mountain peaks. It is famous for its wildflower bloom during the summer season, which enhances the beauty of sightseeing.
Kachura Lakes
Kachura Lake offers stunning picturesque surroundings and beautiful scenery. It is located in Skardu and is famous for its peaceful environment, ideal for boating, fishing, and picnics. The lake’s crystal clear water reflects the majestic mountain peaks and lush green scenery.
Deosai National Park
The breathtaking highest-altitude national park is located at 15,000 ft in northern Pakistan. Deosai National Park is famous for its wildflower meadows, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of mountain peaks. It is considered the home of wildlife, including snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and other species.
Baltoro Glacier
Baltoro gakcier is the longest gkacir in the world. It is used as the gateway for hiking to k2. The popular destination of trekkers, mountainers for making a unforgetable experinece in the mountains.
K2 Base Camp
K2 is considered the second-highest peak in the world. The base camp is located along the Baltoro glacier and offers climbers a breathtaking view of towering peaks, including K2 and Gasherbrum.
Shigar Fort
The valley is full of ancient historical heritage and the cultural traditions of the Skardu region. The historical Shigar fort in the Shigar valley was built in the 17th century as a royal residence. The fort is a museum with a historical heritage for visitors and photography. Visitors can explore the fort’s royal garden and its beautiful sightseeing.
Soq Valley
The valley is nestled in the Skardu and is famous for its breathtaking lush green landscape and heritage culture. The valley is ideal for camping and hiking. In the summer and spring, blooming wildflowers enhance the valley’s beauty.
Both Hunza and Skardu offer beautiful attractions that demonstrate the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making them must-visit destinations for travelers.
Which one is better for tour Hunza or Skardu:
Read More: Hunza Skardu Tour Package 2024
Let’s begin with a brief introduction to both valleys first.
Describing the beauty of Hunza Valley through words seems inadequate compared to its breathtaking vistas that unfold before one’s eyes. This enchanting valley, nestled in the northern extremes of theย Gilgit Baltistanย province, boasts a palette of colors rarely seen elsewhere in Pakistan.ย
This valley allows you to meet with nature and feel something unreal happening around you while feeling the whole environment. A mere two-hour drive from the central city of Gilgit and 10 hours from the capital city of Islamabad,ย Hunza Valley is steeped in a rich historical tapestry.
Journeying to Hunza, travelers are treated to theย majestic Karakoram Mountains, a spectacle that captivates all who behold it. Regardless of your accommodation, the imposing Rakaposhi always looms in the background, a constant presence connecting the valley to its storied past, preserved in monuments that beckon tourists.ย
The local people and warm hospitality immensely attract tourists to this culturally rich region.ย Hunzai cuisine and its organic recipes have a delicious taste with healthy ingredients. Naltar, a prominent valley within Hunza, is renowned for its vibrant lakes accessible via jeep on winding, paved roads.
Geography and Landscape
Hunza is famous for its lush green meadows, stunning views of peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, beautiful lakes, historical heritage, and people’s hospitality. The valley offers gorgeous colors or flowers in autumn that enhance the region’s beauty.
Skardu is famous for its roughed mountains, deep valleys, scenic lakes, deserts, plains, and Shangrila resort. It is also a popular place for trekking, including Baltoro Glacier and K2 Base Camp. The valley has ancient historical places and a vibrant cultural landscape.
Culture and People
The people of Hunza belong to Wakhi and Burusho, who are known for their excellent hospitality, vibrant culture, and unique customs. The valley’s historical heritage includes traditional crafts, music, clothes, and historic forts.
Skardu is the homeland of many ethnic groups, including the Balti people, who have different cultural practices and customs. The region is also known as the Tibetan Plateau, as evidenced by its language, food, and cultural heritage.
Tourism and Activities
Hunza has become a tourist hub. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and cultural tourism. The Hunza Valley includes breathtaking attractions like Karimabad Fort, Passu Cones, Husseini Bridge, Attabad Lake, and Khunjerab Pass. You can enjoy different activities like boating, Ziplining, and jet Skiing.
Skardu Valley is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lakes, deserts, plains, and trekking and mountaineering tracks. The most popular treks include the K2 Base Camp and Baltoro Trek.
Accessibility
Hunza is usually easily accessible from Gilgit, a well-maintained carpeted road that connects the region. The journey offers you the opportunity to explore the beautiful, stunning views of the Karakoram Highway and the surrounding valley.
You can fly from Islamabad to Skardu or travel by road using the KKH route. Traveling to Skardu by road allows the traveler to experience the adventure of scenic driving.
Climate
In Hunza you can experience the moderate climate in the summer and winter seasons. The region showcases the lush green beauty during the summer and spring months.
Skardu region has a colder climate with extreme winters and mild summers. In the winter season, it is also called the Winter Wonderland.
Culinary Delight
Hunza is famous for its organic food, including walnut cake, apricots, and local. The popular traditional dishes include dumplings, momos, chapshoro, and Yak BBQ.
The famous cuisine of Skardu includes traditional dishes such traditional dishes such as dumplings, balti lamb, and a wide variety of dairy products.
Accommodation and Facilities
Hunza Valley offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to executive villas. The infrastructure for tourists is well organized, and there are a variety of dining options.
Accommodations in Skardu are limited compared to Hunza and other remote areas. The government is working to improve the facilities for tourists.
Crystal Clear Lakes:ย
The crystal-clear waters of these lakes reveal a submerged world adorned with lush green vegetation. Summer unveils pleasant weather, while winter blankets the region in snow, creating a picturesque scene.ย
The capital of Hunza,ย Karimabad, boasts villages with ancient houses and stone-paved streets, evoking a sense of history. Altit and Baltit Forts, former residences of royalty dating back 700 years, now stand as museums, meticulously renovated by the Agha Khan Culture Trust to safeguard heritage for future generations.
Nagar Valley, another gem in Hunza, charms visitors with its simplicity and mesmerizing colors. The snow-capped peaks of Rakaposhi provide a stunning backdrop, and the enchantingย Attabad Lake, with its crystal turquoise waters, casts a spell on all who witness its beauty.
Sost, the final village in Hunza along the Karakoram Highway, near the Chinese border, plays a vital role in transportation between Pakistan and China. Khunjerab Pass, the high mountain pass in the Karakoram range, symbolizes the deep friendship between Pakistan and China.ย
The pass, home to a national park inhabited by rare snow leopards. It is a testament to the unique bond between the two nations. Under the milky starlit sky, the peaks of Lady Finger, Golden, and Hunza create a breathtaking panorama, adding the finishing touch to the tremendous beauty of the region.
See More:ย Hunza Tour Packages 2024
Skardu Tour:
Nestled at an elevation of 2500 feet above sea level and influenced by the Indus and Shigar Rivers, Skardu offers a diverse climate. Summers are mildly cold, with rainfall from April to October, transforming into a frigid winter with heavy snowfall.ย
Thanks to its mesmerizing locales, Skardu is steadily gaining popularity among photographers, nature enthusiasts, trekkers, hikers, and tourists.ย
Emerging as a prominent tourist destination and expedition hub in Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu captivates visitors with serene locations, making it a trekker’s paradise.ย
The region is a gateway to some of the highest mountains, includingย K2,ย K3, and Gasherbrum. Skardu’s wonders extend to its valleys, where a narrow jeep road adds an exhilarating twist to the journey.ย
Departing from Skardu to Khaplu Valley via jeep, travelers navigate a winding road framed by trees, offering a breathtaking panorama. Khaplu, an ancient state and hub of the Yabgo Dynasty, boasts a fort now transformed into a museum. Nestled at the base of the Karakoram mountain range, the panoramic views of Khaplu defy description.
Read More:ย Best Things to Do in Skardu
Skardu is adorned with various lakes:
Skardu is adorned with various lakes, with Kachura Lake ranking among the top 10 lakes in Pakistan for its dazzling beauty. It is often referred to as Shangri La Lake. A dense forest in the western Himalayas surrounds it.ย
Adding to Skardu’s breathtaking views are Deosai and Shigar Plains, true marvels on Earth. Shigar, a cold desert with hanging clouds, showcases the Creator’s handiwork, while the Shigar Fort is a timeless architectural masterpiece.
Envision the beauty of the vast, cold plains, a grey-colored lake, and towering snow-capped mountains, filling the heart with joy. The unparalleled dawn and dusk experiences in this region are a testament to the unique beauty that Skardu possesses, leaving an indelible mark on all who visit.
On the other hand, Deosai Plain, known as the land of giants, was once inaccessible due to its abundant wildlife. The government’s Deosai National Park initiative aims to preserve wildlife, mainly brown bears. The plains offer an ear-shattering silence, allowing one to hear their heartbeat, with Sheosar Lake gracing the landscape.
Final Thoughts on which one is better for the tour, Hunza or Skardu:
In reaching a conclusive decision based on the discussion above and my analysis as a frequent traveler of this region, it becomes evident that Skardu stands out with many captivating destinations, surpassing even the renowned Hunza Valley.
ย When one delves into a comprehensive comparison encompassing climate, road infrastructure, and hospitality, Skardu emerges as the superior choice over Hunza. In essence, Skardu offers a more extensive array of attractions, thereby enriching the overall travel experience.
Examining the climatic conditions, Skardu showcases a distinctive charm and diverse weather patterns. This climatic diversity adds an extra layer of allure to Skardu, providing visitors with a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Another facet where Skardu outshines Hunza is in the domain of road infrastructure. Navigating the region, travelers encounter a network of roads connecting the various scenic spots and adding adventure to the journey.ย
The narrow roads, particularly the jeep trails leading to remote places, contribute to the thrill and excitement of exploration, setting Skardu apart as a destination that offers visual delights and a unique travel experience.
Unparalleled beauty of Skardu:
The unparalleled beauty of Skardu is not merely a matter of scale; it is a symphony of nature’s grandeur, captivating the human spirit. The landscape in Skardu unfolds with more gigantic and awe-inspiring vistas, presenting a veritable treat for trekkers and hikers seeking to challenge themselves against nature’s majestic backdrop.ย
From the towering peaks that beckon the adventurous spirit to the tranquil lakes that reflect the region’s serenity, Skardu offers a diverse and comprehensive tapestry of natural wonders.
A journey to Skardu is highly recommended for those seeking an immersive experience in Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes. To witness the beauty and amazement this region encapsulates, booking aย Pakistan tour packageย becomes an invitation and a challenge to prove any skepticism wrong.ย
With its multifaceted attractions and unparalleled charm, Skardu invites travelers to explore, discover, and redefine their understanding of natural beauty.
If You want to visit both Hunza and Skardu then Click Pakistan Tourism Services offers Hunza Skardu Tour Packages to our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hunza and Skardu, Which One is Better for Tourists
Following are the frequently asked questions
How far is Skardu from Hunza in hours?
Answer: The Hunza Skardu journey typically takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, and the route. Hunza is approximatly 290 Km from Skardu.ย The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the main road connecting these two regions, offering stunning views of the Karakoram Range.
How are the roads from Hunza to Skardu?
Answer: The roads from Hunza to Skardu are a mix of paved and rough patches. While the whole journey offers amazong views of mountains and rivers. However, some parts of the road can be difficult to navigate, especially during rainy seasons or after landslides. Travelers are advised to use a 4×4 vehicle for a safer experience.
Which one is better for a tour, Hunza or Skardu?
Answer: For a cultural and scenic experience, Hunza is ideal with its ancient forts, villages, and vibrant local culture. If you’re seeking adventure, hiking, and dramatic mountain landscapes, Skardu is the better choice. Many travelers combine both destinations for a complete experience of Pakistanโs northern beauty.
Click Pakistan offers all type of tours we are offering Hunza Tour Packages, Skardu Tour Packages and the combination of these two destinations Hunza Skardu Tour Packages.
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