Skardu’s rise from a relatively obscure mountain town to Pakistan’s most-discussed domestic destination has happened fast — here’s what’s actually behind it.
The scenery is genuinely rare
Few places on Earth combine a 4,114m wildflower plateau (Deosai), turquoise glacial lakes, 17th-century royal forts, and access to some of the world’s highest peaks (K2 among them) within a single, reachable region.
Improved accessibility
More frequent flights, a longer runway supporting larger aircraft, and steady road improvements along the Karakoram Highway have made a trip that once felt like an expedition into something achievable on a normal holiday schedule.
Social media and word of mouth
Shangrila Resort’s lakeside setting and the Deosai plateau have become widely shared online, introducing Skardu to travelers who’d never previously considered northern Pakistan.
Growing infrastructure
Hotels spanning genuine budget guesthouses through five-star and heritage-fort properties have opened rapidly in the past several years, making the region workable for a much wider range of travelers and budgets than a decade ago.
What this means for visitors
The upside is dramatically more choice and better infrastructure than even five years ago. The trade-off is that peak season (June–August) now sees real crowds at the best-known spots — worth knowing if you’d rather visit in a quieter shoulder season.