Basho Valley is a stunningly beautiful destination located in the Skardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Skardu to basho valley distance is around 42 km. It is known for its breathtaking scenery, towering mountains, crystal-clear streams, and lush green meadows. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, markhor, ibex, and the elusive snow leopard.
In this blog, I will explore the beauty and poetic essence of Bashu Valley, following the footsteps of the great poet himself. I will share with you my impressions, insights, and reflections on this amazing destination, as well as some practical information on how to get there, what to do, and what to expect.
Directions
Bashu Valley is located about 20 kilometers from Skardu town, the capital of Skardu District in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Here are some of the transportation options and costs involved from these cities:
Islamabad to Basho Valley
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and the nearest major city to Skardu. Visitors can fly from Islamabad to Skardu Airport, which takes about an hour and costs around 12,000 PKR (75 USD) for a one-way ticket. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus or a car from Islamabad to Skardu, which takes around 24 hours and costs around 3,000 PKR (19 USD) for a bus ticket or 15,000 PKR (94 USD) for a car rental. Islamabad to basho valley distance is around 702 km.
Skardu to Basho Valley
Skardu is the nearest town to Bashu Valley and the hub of tourism in the region. Skardu to basho valley distance is around 42 km. Visitors can take a jeep or a pickup vehicle from Skardu to Basho Valley, which takes about an hour and costs around 2,000 PKR (13 USD) for a one-way trip. The road leading to Basho Valley is not paved and could be rough, so make sure to bring a sturdy car.
Best time to visit
Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Bashu Valley in different seasons:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a lovely time to visit Basho Valley, because in spring basho valley weather is mild and pleasant, and the valley is full of blooming flowers and fresh greenery. The valley is also less crowded during this time, as it is not the peak season for tourism.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the best time to visit Bashu Valley, because in summer basho valley weather is warm and sunny, and the valley is at its most vibrant and colorful. The valley is also ideal for camping and trekking, as the streams are flowing and the meadows are lush. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect to meet many other travelers and locals in the valley.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another beautiful time to visit Basho Valley, in autumn basho valley weather is cool and crisp, and the valley is adorned with golden and red hues. The valley is also quieter and more peaceful during this time, as the tourist season is over and the locals are busy with harvesting.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the most challenging time to visit, basho valley weather in winter is cold and snowy, and the valley is mostly covered by ice and snow. The valley is also isolated and inaccessible during this time, as the roads and trails are blocked by snow and avalanches. Only the most adventurous and experienced travelers can visit the valley in winter.
Picnic point near Basho Valley skardu
Bashu Valley is a scenic and poetic destination that offers many picnic points for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the picnic points near Basho Valley that you can explore:
Basho Waterfall
Basho Waterfall is a stunning cascade of water that falls from a height of about 100 meters into a pool of clear water. The waterfall is surrounded by green meadows and hills, and is an excellent place for picnics and outdoor activities. You can reach the waterfall by hiking for about 30 minutes from the main road.
Basho Lake
Basho Lake is a serene and beautiful lake that lies at the end of the Basho Valley. The lake is fed by the melting glaciers and snow of the surrounding mountains, and reflects their majestic beauty. You can reach the lake by driving for about 15 minutes from the main road.
Chocolate Rock
Chocolate Rock is a unique and fascinating rock formation that resembles a giant piece of chocolate. The rock is located on a hilltop overlooking the Bashu Valley, and offers panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. The rock is a popular attraction for photographers and adventurers. You can reach the rock by hiking for about an hour from the main road.
Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake is a pristine and tranquil lake that lies about 20 kilometers from Skardu town. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and orchards, and is home to a variety of birds and fish. You can reach the lake by driving for about an hour from Skardu town.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Lake is a large and picturesque lake that lies about 9 kilometers from Skardu town. The lake is fed by the Satpara Stream, and is the main source of water for Skardu town. The lake is also famous for its island, which has a Buddhist stupa and a fort. The lake is a great place for fishing, boating, and sightseeing. You can reach the lake by driving for about 20 minutes from Skardu town.
Basho Meadows
Basho Meadows are the vast and verdant grasslands that cover the Basho Valley skardu. The meadows are dotted with colorful flowers and herbs, and are grazed by cows and sheep. The meadows are a haven for nature lovers and hikers, as they offer scenic views of the river and the mountains.
Trails and campsites in Basho Valley
Basho Valley is a scenic and poetic destination that offers many trails and campsites for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the trails and campsites in Basho Valley that you can explore:
Trails
Basho Glacier trek
This is a challenging but rewarding trek that takes you to the Basho Glacier, a massive ice sheet that lies at the foot of the Takh-i-Sulaiman peak. The trek starts from the Basho Lake and follows the Basho River upstream. The trek takes about 4 hours one way and requires a guide and proper equipment.
Takh-i-Sulaiman peak climb
This is an adventurous and thrilling climb that takes you to the summit of the Takh-i-Sulaiman peak, the highest peak in the Skardu region. The peak is about 6,200 meters high and requires technical skills and experience to climb.
Bruknuk mountain hike
This is an easy and enjoyable hike that takes you to the Bruknuk mountain, a hilltop that overlooks the Basho Valley. The hike starts from the main road and takes about an hour one way. The hike offers spectacular views of the valley and the Chocolate Rock.
Campsites
Basho Meadows Camping Site
This is a spacious and scenic camping site that lies in the Basho Meadows, the vast and verdant grasslands that cover the Basho Valley. The camping site offers basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and electricity.
Basho Lake Camping Site
This is a cozy and charming camping site that lies on the shore of the Basho Lake. The camping site offers basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and electricity.
Chocolate Rock Camping Site
This is a unique and fascinating camping site that lies on the top of the Chocolate Rock, a rock formation that resembles a giant piece of chocolate. The camping site offers basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and electricity.
Accommodation Options for Tourists
There are various accommodation options for tourists in Basho Valley skardu, ranging from cozy guest houses to nature resorts. Here are some of the living options that you can choose from.
Forest Department Guest Houses
These are two guest houses that belong to the forest department and are located in the Basho Meadows. The per night stay charge is around 2,000 PKR (13 USD) and the rating is 3/5.
Basho Valley Guest House
This is a small and comfortable guest house that is located near the Basho Lake. The per night stay charge is around 3,000 PKR (19 USD) and the rating is 3.5/5.
Basho Resort
This is a modern and luxurious resort that is located on the top of the Chocolate Rock. The per night stay charge is around 5,000 PKR (31 USD) and the rating is 4/5.
Basho Valley Resort
This is a spacious and elegant resort that is located in the Bruknuk mountain. The per night stay charge is around 6,000 PKR (38 USD) and the rating is 4.5/5.
Basho Meadows Camping Site
This is a camping site that lies in the Basho Meadows, the vast and verdant grasslands that cover the Basho Valley. The per night stay charge is around 1,000 PKR (6 USD) and the rating is 3/5.
Basho Lake Camping Site
This is a camping site that lies on the shore of the Basho Lake. The per night stay charge is around 1,500 PKR (9 USD) and the rating is 3.5/5.
Conclusion
In this blog post, I have explored the beauty and poetic essence of Basho Valley skardu, following the footsteps of the great poet Matsuo Basho. I have shared with you my impressions, insights, and reflections on this amazing destination, as well as some practical information on how to get there, what to do, and what to expect. I hope that by reading this blog, you have felt inspired to visit Basho Valley and discover its wonders for yourself.
FAQS
Where in Pakistan is Basho Valley?
Basho Valley is in Skardu District, which is in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
How to get to Basho Valley from Skardu?
You can get to Basho Valley from Skardu by taking a jeep or a pickup vehicle, which takes about an hour and costs around 2,000 PKR (13 USD) for a one-way trip.
What is the altitude of Basho Valley?
The altitude of Basho Valley is about 2,500 meters above sea level.
Where is Skardu Valley located?
Skardu Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, along the Indus River and the Karakoram Range.
Is Hunza and Skardu same?
Hunza and Skardu are not the same. They are two different districts in Gilgit-Baltistan, with different cultures, languages, and landscapes.
Which place is better Skardu or Hunza?
Which place is better Skardu or Hunza depends on your personal preferences and expectations. Both places have their own attractions and charms, such as natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural diversity.
Is Gilgit and Skardu same?
Gilgit and Skardu are not the same. They are two different cities in Gilgit-Baltistan, with different administrative and economic roles. Gilgit is the capital and the largest city of Gilgit-Baltistan, while Skardu is the capital and the largest city of Skardu District.
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