Skardu

Skardu is the main town and administrative centre of the Baltistan division, situated in a broad river valley at 2,228 metres where the Indus and Shigar rivers meet, surrounded by massive desert mountain walls. The town is the primary base for expeditions to K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, and the Baltoro Glacier. Kharpocho Fort, a hilltop citadel dating to the 16th century, overlooks the confluence and the wide sandy river plain. Nearby Satpara Lake, a reservoir south of town, provides a contrasting blue water element to the arid landscape.