- SKARDU, GILGIT-BALTISTAN · HIDDEN GEM
Chunda Valley | Hidden Gem of Skardu
A short drive from Skardu, Chunda Valley offers mountain views, colourful orchards, and a calm countryside escape for travellers and photographers alike.
A quiet orchard valley near Skardu
Located a short distance from Skardu town, at a height of around 2,500 metres, Chunda Valley offers mountain views, colourful orchards, and a calm setting for tourists, travellers, and researchers.
Chunda Valley sits about 500 metres above Skardu town and can be reached by roughly a one-hour drive (around 10 km) from the airport on rough roads, 4×4 vehicles are recommended. Visitors can also walk or use local transport.
A valley that changes with the seasons
During spring and summer, Chunda bursts into life with blooming apricot, apple, and cherry trees, while autumn colours the valley in shades of gold and red.
Quick Facts
Weather & the best time to visit
Chunda Valley is pleasant to visit from April to September. Visitors should bring warm clothes in layers and be ready for sudden weather changes, the valley generally receives little rain because of the surrounding Karakoram mountains.
Spring (Late Feb – April)
Cherry blossoms bloom across the valley, adding vibrant colour to the orchards.
Summer (May – September)
Comfortable temperatures ranging from 15–27°C, with sunny days, cool nights, and occasional short rain.
Autumn
The valley turns to shades of gold and red as orchard leaves change colour.
Winter (December – February)
Very cold, often below zero, and some roads may close.
Chunda Valley Orchards
Village View
Spring Blossoms
Why visit Chunda Valley?
Chunda Valley is a beautiful place with mountains, nature, and local culture. In spring, cherry blossoms fill the orchards, and the valley offers great views year-round. Friendly Balti people make the visit even more welcoming, and its close location to Skardu makes it easy to reach, yet peaceful and quiet.
From Chunda, visitors can see Skardu city, Kharpocho Fort, and Sarfaranga Cold Desert, a favourite spot for photographers and sunset lovers. The valley also offers short treks, village walks, and the chance to meet local people.
A short drive from Skardu, Chunda Valley is a perfect spot to enjoy nature and experience life in Baltistan’s countryside.
Karakoram Peaks
Chunda Orchards in Bloom
Aerial View of Chunda Valley
Chunda Valley on the map
Questions about visiting Chunda Valley
How far is Chunda Valley from Skardu?
Approximately 10 km, reachable by about a one-hour drive on rough roads. 4×4 vehicles are recommended, though visitors can also walk or use local transport.
What is the elevation of Chunda Valley?
Around 2,500 metres, roughly 500 metres above Skardu town.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Chunda Valley?
Late February to April, adding vibrant colour across the orchards.
What is the weather like in Chunda Valley?
Summers (May to September) are pleasant, ranging from 15 to 27°C with cool nights, while winters (December to February) are very cold, often below zero, and some roads may close.
What can I see from Chunda Valley?
Sweeping views of Skardu city, Kharpocho Fort, and Sarfaranga Cold Desert, making it a favourite for photographers and sunset lovers.