Skardu

SkarduFromFort1175 - |An overview of Skardu

Skardu is based in the region of the same name in the Gilgit-Baltistan, 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 commonly called the "Tibet-e-Khurd" (Little Tibet).

It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Jammu and Kashmir|Indian 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.

Travel to Skardu

Awesome Shangrila - |Awesome Shangrila

Fly to Skardu

Pakistan International Airlines flies daily from Islamabad. However, since the pilots fly by sight with no computer navigation the flight only goes on clear days. During the flight it's feasible to catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat (the 9th highest mountain in the world) and K2 (the 2nd highest mountain in the world. The air journey is full of thrills and could itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. After following the same air route, which connects Gilgit to Islamabad/Rawalpindi and the plane turns right and flies over the gorge of the Indus River.

By road

Skardu can be visited by bus from Islamabad. The drive takes you all the way over the KKH (Karakoram Highway).

Since the KKH is still under construction and the Skardu road still has to be repaired and the road can take up to 36 hours by public transport (cost approx. 1500 Rupees).

It's also feasible to get to Skardu from Gilgit. Though it's less than 200 kilometers the journey takes close to 8 hours by public transport.

How to get around in Skardu

Shangrilla Resort Akbar(1) - Shangrilla Resort Akbar(1)

Most places in Skardu town are within a 30 minutes walk. It's easy to get a taxi or hire a driver for trips outside of the town.

What to see in Skardu

• Skardu downtown
• K2 Museum located near K2 Motel, displays pictures

Shangrilla (2) - Shangrilla (2)

• 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 metres beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight.
• Satpara Lake About 8 kilometers (5 miles) 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 visited by country boats that one can row. This lake also abounds in fish and provides good fishing.
• Shangrila Lake About 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Skardu and 1 hour 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, Apricots and apple trees are laden with blossoms in April. Later in the summer one can taste the apples, which are a delicious variety. Also see Shangrila resort.

Deosai Plateau 2 - Deosai Plateau 2

• Shigar Valley: The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 kilometers away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s 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 -

Shigar fort - |Shigar Fort

• Khaplu Valley: This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 kilometers 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 masjids 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 kilometers 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.

Best things to do in Skardu

• 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 (8 kilometers) and Kachura Lake (32 kilometers) 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 such as 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.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Skardu

Baltistan is known for its "Pattu" - hand woven woollen cloth for jackets and coats. Also, colourful 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.

Baltistan Gems, Jewellery and Antique(regd), cell 0092-344-620-10-60, email: Baltistan Gems is a big gem and jewellery exporters. - New Bazaar, Near Qatal Gah Chock.

Handicraft Shops

• Murad Trading Co. Gem Stores & Antiques - ☎ +92 575 2132 - New Bazar, Skardu.
• Hassan Mirza & Co. - ☎ +92 575 55420 - New Bazar, Skardu.
• Pakiza Gems - ☎ +92 575 55118 - Batti Antiques, Naya Bazar, Skardu.
• K-2 Handicraft - ☎ +92 575 2577 - K-2 Motel, Skardu.

• Topaz Gems, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
• Sahabaz Gems, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.

Halal Restaurants in Skardu

• Hotel & Restaurant Dewan-E-Khas, located near the SCO office, offers a wide variety of (Pakistani), Western and Chinese food. Dewan-E-Khas is the only family restaurant (this means that it has a room for families/Women to eat Halal in) in Skardu..

Web.www.dewanekhas.com.pk Email ph.+92 5815 455494 Mob.+92 3009091494

• Pagoda Restaurant, part of Shangrilla resort, 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, part of Shangrilla resort gives a panoramic view of the Shangrila Resort and offers (Pakistani) and Continental cuisine.
• Tandoori Village offers traditional dishes such as, Chicken tikka, seekh Kebab, mutton tikkas, grilled fish with home made tandoori rooti.
• Cafe DC-3, part of Shangrilla resort This code name of original DC-3 Aircraft was Alph Alpha Foxtrot (AAF) . This unique cafe situated in an airplane, which crash landed on the riverbed and was brought to the present site in the 1950s.
• Karakoram Café, located near Benazir Chowk across from the frozen goods store. WiFi available.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Skardu

Skardu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Skardu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Skardu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Skardu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Skardu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Skardu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSkardu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Skardu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Skardu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Skardu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Skardu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Skardu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Skardu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Skardu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Skardu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Skardu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Skardu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Skardu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Skardu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Skardu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Skardu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Skardu Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Karakoram Inn - ☎ +92 575 55438 - Hotel & Restaurant, skardu. S.R. D.R.
• Concordia - II - ☎ +92 5815 452 515 - Near K-2 Motel, skardu. S.R. D.R.
• Hunza Inn - ☎ +92 575 2570 - Naya Bazar, Skardu. Room Rs. 200/- Meal: Rs. 60/-
• Baltistan Tourist Cottage - ☎ +92 575 2707 - Chowk Yadgar, Skardu. Room: Rs. 150/- to 200/-
• Baltoro Rest House - ☎ +92 575 2443 - Satellite Town, Skardu. Rooms: Rs. 200/-, (for government servants)
• Northern Areas PWD Rest House - ☎ +92 575 2405 - Hamid Garh, Skardu. VIP Rooms = 07 - Rs. 2500/-, (for government servants)
• Yak North Yurt Sarai - ☎ +92 575 2856 - Satellite Town, Skardu.

Mid-range

• Skardu Inn, in the main Bazaar
• Indus Hotel
• Karakuram Hotel in the main bazar

• Hotel & Restaurant Dewan-E-Khas - Is the only hotel that is open year round. Rooms feature western bathrooms, 24 hour hot water, TV and Wireless internet.

}} ph.+92 5815 455494 Mob.+92 3009091494

• Shangrila resort - 35.4266342, 75.4534536 ☎ +92 5815 4549412
• Serena Shigar Fort Residence - 35.4229252, 75.7422783 In Shigar, a two-hours drive from Skardu ☎ +92 5815 467108 +Rooms from 8,000 Pakistan Rupees - Recently restored by Aga Khan trust is a must see.

• K2 Motel is a PTDC motel in Skardu

Go Next

• Travel the Karakoram Highway, part of the old Silk Road.

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