'''Skardu''' is a town in the region of the same name in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakorams. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient form of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd" (Little Tibet).

It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 C and minimum (October) 8 C. Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan's five valleys, - Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears.

Get in

By Air

Skardu can be reached by plane. Pakistan International Airlines fly daily from Islamabad (Pakistans capital city). The air journey is full of thrills and would itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. After following the same air route, which connects Gilgit to Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the plane turns right and flies over the gorge of the Indus River. Enormous rock faces rise on either side or at times it seems as if the wing tips of the plane would almost scrape against them. They never do.

By Road

Skardu can be reached using daily bus services offered by Nothern Area Transport Company from Islamabad. Its very hilly drive. 20 hours from Islamabad.

Get around

Another big city of Gilgit is four to five hours drive away from Skardu. You can go to Pakistan - China border via Gilgit. You may visit most famous Khunjrab Pass, K-2 Mountain base camp etc.

See

  • '''Skardu city center'''
  • '''K2 Museum''' located near K2 Motel, displays pictures
  • '''Kharpocho Fort''': Skardu has an ancient Fort known as Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few yards beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight.
  • '''Satpara Lake''' About 8 km (5miles) north of Skardu and 20 minutes by jeep lays Sadpara Lake, surrounded by glacial mountains, which are mirrored in its crystal clear waters. The lake has a fairytale island in the middle, which can be reached by country boats that one can row. This lake also abounds in fish and is considered ideal for fishing.
  • '''Shangrila Lake''' About 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu and 2 hours by jeep lies the shimmering peaceful deep Shangrila lake also called Kachura Lake, teeming with brown trout. During spring many exotic and colourful flowers adorn its banks, while peach, apricot and apple trees are laden with blossoms in April. Later in the summer one can taste the apples, which are a particularly delicious variety. Also see '''Shangrila resort'''.
  • '''Shigar Valley''': The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley_fs gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barley. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are unique to Baltistan. The wooden mosque in the middle of the town was built by Kashmiri carpenters several hundred years ago.
  • '''Shigar Fort''' [http://www.shigarfort.com]
  • '''Khaplu Valley''': This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu. Khaplu is the starting point for most trekking and climbing expeditions. Many famous mountains such as Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Kangri, K-6, K-7 are located here. Chaqchan Mosque is one of the earliest mosques in Baltistan (1504 AD), attributed to Syed Ali Hamdani. There is a Palace of Raja of Khaplu and remains of Thors
  • '''Narsok village''', here you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith.
  • '''First Organic village'''
  • '''Buddha Rock Carvings''': Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometres from Skardu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Nalah are also found.
  • Tours

  • '''Karakoram Explorers''' [http://www.karakorumexplorers.com.pk] offers tours to Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush.
  • '''Baltistan Tours''' [http://www.baltistantours.com], Sher Ali Chowk,Near Alamdar Chowk, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2626
  • '''Nazir Sabir Expedition''' [http://www.nazirsabir.com], Near K-2 Motel, Skardu. Tel.: (92-0575) 2778
  • '''Adventure Tours of Pakistan''' [http://www.atp.com.pk], Near Kushu Bagh, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2249
  • '''Himalaya Treks & Tours''' [http://www.htt.com.pk], Maqpon Sar, Krisma Thang, Skardu. Tel: (92-05831) 52528. Fax:(92-05831) 52958. E,mail: himalia@comsats.net.pk
  • '''Walji_fs Travel''' [http://www.waljis.com], New Police Station, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 3468
  • '''Tibet Treks & Tours''', Yadgar Chowk, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55418
  • '''Hushe Treks & Tours''', Skardu.
  • Do

  • '''Karakoram Air Safari'''
  • '''Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking''': The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.
  • '''Fishing''': at Satpara Lake (8km) and Kachura Lake 932km) from Skardu abound in trout. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.
  • '''Flora & Fauna''': Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees are found in abundance. Apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.
  • '''Wildlife''': Baltistan boasts of wildlife like Markhors, ibexes, snow leopards and birds, namely Chakors, partridges and ducks. Most of the animals and birds are protected but limited shooting is allowed. Hunting permits are issued by the local administration.
  • '''Biking'''
  • '''Walking excursions''': A stroll around the eastern end of the Skardu rock will take you to the nearby village of 'Narsok', where you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith. To reach Narsok, walk to the far end of the Skardu Polo field and pick up a trail that skirts the rock slopes beneath Zowar Singh's fortress. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few yards beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight. on the west bank of the Satpura Nala is a tall rock with a vertical, beige-colored northern face. Carved here circa A.D 900 is a lovely image of a meditating Maitreya Buddha framed by Bodhisattvas.
  • Buy

    Baltistan is known for its "Pattu" - hand woven woollen cloth for jackets, coats etc. You can also pick up colorful intricately embroidered "Chugas" (Baltistani gown) and wooden spoons at Skardu bazaar.

    Shopping Centres

    Naya Bazar, Old Bazar, Botto Bazar, Hussain Chowk, Alamdar Chowk, Kazmi Bazar, Gamba Bazar, Benazir Chowk, Yadgar Chowk etc.

    Handicraft Shops

  • '''Murad Trading Co. Gem Stores & Antiques''', New Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2132
  • '''Hassan Mirza & Co.''' New Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55420
  • '''Pakiza Gems''', Batti Antiques, Naya Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55118
  • '''K-2 Handicraft''', K-2 Motel, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2577
  • '''Topaz Gems''', Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
  • '''Sahabaz Gems''', Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.
  • Eat

  • '''Pagoda Restaurant''', offers a sumptuous Chinese cuisine. The Pagoda is on an island amidst the Honeymoon Lake linked to the Shangrila Resort by a short bridge.
  • '''The Lake View Restaurant''' gives a panoramic view of the Shangrila Resort and offers Pakistani and Continental cuisine.
  • '''Tandoori Village''' offers a taste of ancient old recipes, Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kababs, Mutton Tikkas, Grilled Fish with home made tandoori rooti. Enjoy the out door feast under the stars in a traditional atmosphere.
  • '''Cafe DC-3''' This code name of orginal DC-3 Aircraft was Alph Alpha Foxtrot (AAF) . This unique cafe is one of its kind. Situated in an airplane, which crash landed on the riverbed and was brought to the present site in the 50's. It offers a variety of snacks and cabin crew hospitality
  • Drink

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Concordia - II''', Near K-2 Motel, skardu. S.R. D.R. Tel: (92-0575)2515
  • '''Hunza Inn''', Naya Bazar, Skardu. Room Rs. 200/- Tel: (92-0575) 2570 Meal: Rs. 60/-
  • '''Baltistan Tourist Cottage''', Chowk Yadgar, Skardu. Room: Rs. 150/- to 200/- Tel: (92-0575) 2707
  • '''Baltoro Rest House''', Satellite Town, Skardu. Rooms: Rs. 200/-, Tel: (92-0575) 2443 (for government servants)
  • '''Northern Areas PWD Rest House''', Hamid Garh, Skardu. VIP Rooms = 07 - Rs. 2500/-, Tel: (92-0575) 2405 (for government servants)
  • '''Yak N Yurt Sarai''', Satellite Town, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2856
  • Splurge

  • '''Shangrila resort''' [http://www.shangrilaresorts.com.pk] is the most popular resort of the country.
  • '''Shigar Fort Residence''' [http://www.shigarfort.com] recently restored by Agha Khan trust is a must see.
  • '''K2 Motel''' is a PTDC motel in Skardu
  • Besides other reasonably priced private hotels, PTDC Motels at Skardu, Sadpara Lake and Khaplu offer comfortable accommodation. There are government rest houses at Skardu, Sadpara, Shigar Valley, Khaplu and Kachura.

    Contact

    Important Telephone Numbers

  • Deputy Commissioner 55062)
  • Senior Superintendent of Police 2424,2888,2979
  • Assistant Commissioner 55075
  • PIA Airport 2492
  • PIA Booking Office 2941,3325
  • PIA Cargo 2291
  • CAA Airport Tower 2413
  • Police Station 2444
  • Municipal Committee 2618
  • Get out

    By road

  • To China
  • Thrice-weekly bus service was scheduled to begin crossing the border from Gilgit, Northern Areas, to Kashgar, China, and road widening work was scheduled for 600 kilometres of the Karakoram Highway. There were also plans for one daily bus in each direction between Sust and Taxkorgan in the border areas of the two countries.

  • To Islamabad
  • Via the Karakoram Highway, popularly known as the Silk Road.

  • To Gilgit
  • Via the Karakoram Highway, popularly known as the Silk Road.

    By Plane

    PIA offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Skardu and Islamabad. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.