Chunda Valley: No 1 Treasure in Pakistan

chunda valley

 

 

Chunda Valley is a beautiful and scenic valley in Skardu, Pakistan. It’s placed up high, around 3,000 meters above the sea, with big mountains all around and lots of green fields. Chunda Valley is a hidden treasure because it is not very well-known or visited by tourists, unlike other popular destinations in Skardu. However, those who venture to Chunda Valley will be rewarded with a serene and peaceful environment, where they can enjoy the natural beauty and the rich culture of the local people.

chunda valley

Directions

Chunda Valley is a beautiful and scenic valley in Skardu, Pakistan. It’s up in the mountains, about 3,000 meters above the sea, with tall peaks all around and plenty of green meadows.

chunda valley

From Islamabad

You can take a flight from Islamabad to Skardu airport, which operates daily depending on the weather conditions. The flight duration is about an hour and the fare ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 PKR (50 to 95 USD) one way.

Skardu to chunda valley distance is about 25 kilometers. The road there is narrow and bumpy, so get ready for a rough ride. Renting a jeep or car for the trip usually costs between 2,000 to 3,000 PKR (which is around 13 to 19 USD) per day.

From Peshawar

you can take a flight from Peshawar to Skardu airport, which operates daily depending on the weather conditions. The flight duration is about an hour and 15 minutes and the fare ranges from 10,000 to 18,000 PKR (63 to 113 USD) one way.

In Skardu, you can rent a jeep or a car to go to Chunda Valley. Skardu to chunda valley distance is around 25 kilometers. The road is small and uneven, so expect a rough journey. Renting a jeep or car usually costs between 2,000 to 3,000 Pakistani Rupees (around 13 to 19 US Dollars) per day.

Best time to visit Chunda Valley Skardu

The nicest time to go to Chunda Valley is from April to October. During this time, the weather is nice and the scenery looks its best.

The pros and cons of visiting Chunda Valley in different seasons are:

Spring (April-May)

The valley is covered with a variety of flowers, creating a stunning contrast with the snow-capped mountains. The temperature is mild and comfortable, ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

chunda valley

Summer (June-August)

The valley is lush and green, with clear blue skies and fresh air. The temperature is warm and pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is a good time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horse riding. 

Autumn (September-October)

The valley is painted with vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red, creating a spectacular sight. The temperature is cool and crisp, ranging from 5°C to 15°C. This is a good time to enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and the lakes, and to explore the historical and religious sites. 

Winter (November-March)

The valley is blanketed with snow, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. The temperature is freezing and harsh, ranging from -15°C to 5°C. This is a good time to enjoy the winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. 

chunda valley

Trails, lakes, and campsites in Chunda valley Skardu

Chunda valley is a beautiful and serene place in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is famous for its blossom trees, giant mountains, lush green scenery, and magnificent views of Shangrila Lake and Chunda Lake. 

Some of the trails, lakes, and campsites in Chunda valley are:

Trails

  • Chunda Top Trail 
  • Chunda Lake Trail
  • Chunda Orchard Trail

Lakes

  • Chunda Lake
  • Shangrila Lake
  • Sadpara Lake

Campsites

  • Chunda Top Campsite
  • Shangrila Campsite
  • Sadpara Campsite

 

Adventure and activities

Chunda Valley skardu is a wonderful place to enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, picnicking, and more. Here are some tips on how to prepare for each activity and what are the benefits and challenges of each activity:

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty and scenic views of Chunda Valley skardu. You can choose from different trails, such as Chunda Top Trail, Chunda Lake Trail, and Chunda Orchard Trail, depending on your fitness level and preference. 

Camping

Camping is a fun way to spend the night in Chunda Valley and experience the tranquility and serenity of nature. You can choose from different campsites, such as Chunda Top Campsite, Shangrila Campsite, and Sadpara Campsite, depending on your budget and preference. To prepare for camping, you should bring a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a flashlight, a stove, a pot, a spoon, and food.

 

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is an adventurous and challenging activity that tests your strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. You can find some rock climbing spots in Chunda Valley skardu, such as the cliffs near Chunda Lake and Shangrila Lake, depending on your skill level and preference. 

Picnicking

Picnicking is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that allows you to savor the delicious food and the scenic views of Chunda Valley skardu. You can find some picnicking spots in Chunda Valley, such as the meadows near Chunda Lake and Sadpara Lake, depending on your convenience and preference. 

Picnic point near Chunda Valley

 There are many beautiful and fascinating places to visit in this region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Here are some of the picnic points that you can enjoy:

Deosai National Park

This is a high-altitude alpine plain and national park that is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear and many other wildlife species. You can visit the park from May to September.

Shigar Valley

This is a valley that is watered by the Shigar River and is the gateway to the high mountains of the Karakoram. The valley has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant local community. You can visit the historical Shigar Fort, the ancient Amborik Mosque, the beautiful blossom trees, and the spectacular views of Shangrila Lake

Katpana Lake

This is a hidden gem in the Karakoram Range that offers a glimpse of untouched natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by snowy mountains, sandy dunes, and lush green grass. You can visit the lake from June to September.

chunda valley

Italian K2 Museum

This is a landmark symbol of friendship between Italy and Pakistan that was established in 2004 to commemorate the first ascent of K2 by Italian mountaineers in 1954. 

Kharpocho Fort

This is a historic fort that was built by King Ali Sher Khan Anchan in the late sixteenth century. The fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Skardu and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The fort is called the “King of Forts” because it’s very big and in a really important spot. 

Chunda Orchard

This is a place where you can enjoy the delicious and fresh fruits of the Chunda Valley skardu, such as walnuts, grapes, peaches, pears, and apricots. The orchard is located near the Chunda Fort. You can visit the orchard from May to October.

Local events and festivals

If you are interested in the local events and festivals in Chunda Valley skardu. This is some information about each of them.

  • Spring Festival
  • Shandur Polo Festival
  • Balti Cultural Festival
  • Cherry Blossom Festival 
  • Winter Festival

Accommodation options for Chunda valley tourists

If you are looking for accommodation options for Chunda valley tourists, you have a range of choices, depending on your budget, preference, and availability. This is some information about the popular accommodation options:

Shangrila Resort

This is a luxury resort near the Shangrila Lake, which offers comfortable and cozy cottages, tents, and rooms. The resort has modern amenities such as electricity, wifi, hot water, and a restaurant. The price range for the resort is from 10,000 to 20,000 PKR (63 to 126 USD) per night.

chunda valley

Baltistan Continental

This is a standard hotel in the Skardu city, which offers clean and spacious rooms, suites, and apartments. The hotel has basic facilities such as electricity, water, and a restaurant. The price range for the hotel is from 3,000 to 6,000 PKR (19 to 38 USD) per night.

Sadpara Lake View Hotel

This is a budget hotel near the Sadpara Lake, which offers simple and affordable rooms and camps. The hotel has limited facilities such as toilets, water, and food. The price range for the hotel is from 1,000 to 2,000 PKR (6 to 13 USD) per night.

Chunda Top Campsite

This is a campsite on the top of Chunda hill, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the stunning views of the valley and the night sky. The campsite has basic facilities such as toilets, water, and firewood. The price range for the campsite is from 500 to 1,000 PKR (3 to 6 USD) per night.

Skardu Homestay

This is a homestay in the Skardu city, where you can stay with a local family and enjoy their hospitality and warmth. The homestay offers cozy and comfortable rooms, shared bathrooms, and a kitchen. The price range for the homestay is from 2,000 to 4,000 PKR (13 to 25 USD) per night.

Local cuisine

 Here is some information about each of the dishes you mentioned:

  • Skardu Chapshoro
  • Balti Yakhni
  • Harissa
  • Apricot Cake

 

FAQS

What is the geographical location of Chunda Valley?

Chunda Valley is a valley in Skardu district, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters above sea level.

What are the main attractions or landmarks in Chunda Valley?

The main attractions or landmarks in Chunda Valley are the Chunda Lake, the Shangrila Lake, the Chunda Fort, the Chunda Orchard, and the Chunda Top.

How can one access Chunda Valley by public transportation?

One can access Chunda Valley by public transportation by taking a bus or a van from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, or Peshawar to Skardu via the Karakoram Highway, and then hiring a jeep or a car from Skardu to the valley.

What are the popular activities to do in Chunda Valley?

The popular activities to do in Chunda Valley are hiking, camping, fishing, horse riding, sightseeing, and exploring the historical and religious sites.

Are there any accommodations available within Chunda Valley?

There are some accommodations available within Chunda Valley, such as the Chunda Top Campsite, the Shangrila Campsite, and the Sadpara Campsite. 

What is the best time of year to visit Chunda Valley?

The best time of year to visit Chunda Valley is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best. 

Are there any local festivals or events celebrated in Chunda Valley?

There are some local festivals or events celebrated in Chunda Valley, such as the Spring Festival,  and the Balti Cultural Festival, 

What is the history behind the name “Chunda Valley”?

The history behind the name “Chunda Valley” is that it is derived from the Balti word “Chun”, which means “a place where water flows”. The valley is watered by the Satpara stream, which feeds the Chunda Lake and the Shangrila Lake

Read More

Thank you for joining me on Place Attract, where we’ve looked at some of the most beautiful places in the world! I hope you liked seeing these amazing spots with me on your screen. But our journey isn’t finished yet! There are still more cool places to discover. Whether you’re new to traveling or you’ve done it a lot, Place Attract is a great place to get ideas for your next trip. So, let’s keep exploring and find more awesome places together like, kumrat valley, Baboon Valley

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *