Explore Basho Valley in Skardu with this complete overview. Discover its scenic landscapes, rivers, wooden bridges, trekking spots, and natural beauty perfect for nature lovers and travelers.
Where
WhatSurrounded by the invisible line of Nepal, Basho Valley falls into the jaw-dropping beautiful district of Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan and resembles like walking into a different world. Only a two-hour drive away from the Skardu City, which is constantly overfilled with people, this isolated oasis can provide the traveler a possibility to do the impossible in our networked world: Just to forget about everything and dive into pure, uncivilized nature.
As opposed the other tourist attraction sites that litter the northern contours of Pakistan that are highly populated, Basho Valley is an untapped bearing of pureness that appeals to the soul. Here bald mountains in the sky and pine forests making natural cathedrals, and glacial streams work silver ribbling through the breath taking meadows. No matter whether you need to find a perfect place to pitch a tent under the canvas of stars, or you want to experience some intense alpine walks, Basho will make a truly life-changing experience for anyone who wants to explore nature and get his or her adrenalin dosage.
The strategic area occupied by Basho Valley in Skardu district makes it a perfect target to explore the most tourism-worthy destinations of the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley is a relaxing companion of some of the most eminent tourism sites in the region with Skardu City being the hub through which most of the adventures are launched to Shigar and Khaplu and Deosai Plains which is famous as the most stunning beauty of the region.
It is very easy to make a journey out of the peaceful embrace of Basho to see the reflections of the crystal clear water of Sadpara Lake, the historical splendor of Shigar stronghold, or adopt the eco-friendly lifestyle in the beautiful Organic Village. The wider district leads to dramatic valleys of Hushe and Kharmang which allow Basho to be a destination on its own and a peaceful staging point to further exploration.
Basho is usually incorporated into the bulk of the Northern Pakistan itinerary so that most of the visitors view it as a recuperative stay to get involved in fishing and hiking before finding out strenuous mountain excursions. The path towards the reach of this secret valley becomes a part of the magic itself: windy mountain roads disclose the pine-covered hills with every next turn, and breathtaking views over the river inform the travelers that the journey is just half the adventure.
A serene camping site in Basho Valley, Skardu, with tents nestled in lush meadows surrounded by towering mountains, offering the perfect outdoor adventure experience.
A picturesque riverside campsite in Basho Valley, where tents rest beside a flowing river surrounded by lush meadows and majestic mountains, creating an ideal spot for nature lovers.
A stunning view of lush green plains in Basho Valley, encircled by towering mountains and dotted with campsites, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure.
The Basho Valley provides a quite welcome change in the way of commercial activity when it comes to shopping. No chrome-and-metal malls, no outlet stores here, because people find the beauty of small-scale unbranded shops that indicate the dedication of the valley people to simple living.
The entry villages are humble, but selling treasures that have stories: Dry fruits found locally, wool caps that were hand knit by skilled artisans, and the basics in trekking equipment to the ill-prepared visitor. Fortunate travellers could find the locals being willing to sell liquid gold in the shape of organic honey, sweet dried mulberries or trout freshly caught in the valley waters which are pure.
Shopping here is not about transactions, it is about sharing stories, where a product is an expression and it is about the story behind it as opposed to the transaction. It is wise to stock up in Skardu City since Basho does not provide demand type of supply; it has specialized in being a place of true local produce.
Basho Valley can be viewed as a kind of a live museum in which every attraction is better than the previous one in terms of natural beauty and the future adventure possibilities. The trip starts with the Basho Forest which is a cathedral of tall pines where one can enter deep within its fresh aromatic branches. Here, meditation walks turn into pilgrims and picnics turn into feast in the forest; light and shadows inspire photographers at every turn.
Go a little further and the forest clears giving way to the crown jewel of the area: Basho Meadows. These expanses of grasslands are similar to a carpet put by nature with ancient glaciers and the watchman mountains that have been guarding this earth over the ages. Meadows offer the most ideal amphitheater to have a camp at under the starriest skies, and one could just admire the Milky Way in all its galactic splendor not hampered by the light pollution.
The river in the valley, the Basho, is the source of life to the valley; the clear flow moves with such purity that one sees in it colors of the sky itself. Fishing lines are thrown into pools full of trout and families sit along the banks with spontaneous water play and creek side relaxation. Along the course of the river there is a discovery of unseen jewels, hidden waterfalls, tumbling out of rocky terrain and glacial creeks hissing of days passed by ice.
Karachi
Clifton, Saddar
Lahore
Gulberg, Model Town
Islamabad
F-7, Blue Area
Trekking
Fairy Meadows, Margalla
Boating
Khanpur, Attabad
Mountaineering
Rakaposhi, Hunza Valley
Biryani
Sindhi, Lahore
Chapli Kebab
Peshawar, Tarru Jabba
Dry Fruit
Gilgit, Skardu, Quetta
Gilgit Baltistan
Polo Festival, Takhum Rezi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chilam Joshi, Buzkashi
Sindh
Camel Dance, Sindhi Day
Fabrics & Clothing
Ajrak, Balochi Tanka
Artisan Picks
Khussa, Jhumka
Collectables
Blue Pottery, Woven Baskets
Herbs & Spices
Thyme, Milk Thistle
Clothing & Textiles
Kashmiri Shawls, Cotton
Minerals
Gypsum, Aquamarine
