Skardu, a mountain town

Skardu is a mountain town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is the capital of the Baltistan region in the Karakoram mountain range, at an altitude of approximately 2,438 meters (7,999 feet) above sea level. Skardu is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular tourist destination, particularly for mountaineers and trekkers to explore the Karakoram mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

Skardu is also a hub for trade and transportation in the Baltistan region. It is located at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers and is surrounded by several famous mountain peaks, such as Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I-II and K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The town has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Bhudha Rock and the Kharpocho Fort, a 16th-century fortress that overlooks Skardu town from a hilltop. Skardu is known for its traditional handicrafts, particularly its intricate woodcarvings and embroidery.

History of Skardu

The history of Skardu and this region is fascinating and can be traced back to ancient times. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years and has been part of various empires and kingdoms throughout history.

In the early centuries AD, Skardu was part of the Kushan Empire, which was centred in northern India and extended into Central Asia. In the 8th century, the region was conquered by the Tibetan Empire, which brought Buddhism to the area.

In the early 16th century, the Balti prince Ali Sher Khan Anchan embraced Islam and introduced it to the region. Over time, Islam spread and became the dominant religion in Skardu and the surrounding areas.

The influence of Islam can be seen in the many mosques and Islamic religious institutions that exist in Skardu today. Some of the most notable include the Kharpocho Fort Mosque, which is believed to be one of the oldest surviving mosques and landmarks of the region.

During the 19th century, Skardu became an important hub for trade between Central Asia and India. The town was also part of the Dogra Empire, which was a princely state that covered much of northern India and the Himalayan region.

In 1947, Pakistan gained independence from British rule, and in 1948 Gilgit Baltistan became part of the newly-formed country. Skardu has since become famous for tourism due to its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the Karakoram mountain range. Today, it is home to a diverse population of people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Places to visit in Skardu

Skardu is a beautiful town with many spectacular places to visit. Here are some famous tourist attractions in Skardu:

1. Kharpocho Fort: Built in the 16th century, Kharpocho Fort is an important landmark in the town. The fort is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This fort is located on a high hill overlooking the Indus River and offers breathtaking views of the valley. The fort was built in the 16th century and is a popular tourist destination.
2. Shigar Fort: Located in the nearby town of Shigar, this fort is a restored palace from the 17th century. It is now a hotel and museum known for its beautiful architecture and historic significance.
3. Katpana Desert: The Katpana Desert is a unique natural wonder near Skardu. It is a cold desert covered with snow in the winter and has dunes, a popular attraction for tourists in the summer.
4. Satpara Lake: Satpara Lake is above Skardu town on the way to the Deosai plains. It is a beautiful clear water lake a few kilometres from Skardu. This lake is the only source of drinking water for Skardu town. The lake is under the shadow of the majestic Karakoram mountains and is a popular destination for boating, picnics and fishing.
5. Deosai National Park: This national park is the second-highest plateau on earth, located about 28 kilometres from Skardu, and is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, including brown bears and snow leopards. 
6. K2 Base Camp: Skardu is the starting point for many treks, including the K2 Base Camp, located at the foot of the world’s second-highest mountain. K2 base camp trek is one of the top adventure holidays in the world. The best time for the K2 base camp trek is June to September.
7. K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek: The K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek is a popular multi-day trekking adventure in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. This trek takes you to the base of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, while the latter takes you across the Gondogoro Pass with stunning views of high peaks. Many trekkers combine these two and Pastore Peak for an epic three-week adventure in the heart of the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.
8. Upper Kachura Lake: Also known as Kachura Lake, this is a beautiful high-altitude lake located about 18 kilometres from the town. The lake is under snow-capped mountains and is known for its crystal-clear water. Tourists can enjoy boating, picnicking, fishing in the lake and camping nearby.
9. Lower Kachura Lake: Also known as Shangrila Lake, this is another beautiful lake located about 16 kilometres from Skardu. The lake is by green meadows and has a small hotel and restaurants. The lake is also a popular spot for picnics and photography.

These are just a few of the many places near Skardu. The town has stunning natural beauty and offers a wealth of cultural and historic attractions to explore.

Best season to visit Skardu

The best time to visit Skardu depends on your personal preferences and what activities you want to do. Generally, the peak tourist season is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and roads and trekking trails are accessible. During this time, the days are longer, and the blue sky with the sun makes it easier to explore the scenic beauty of this region.

Weather is generally mild and pleasant in May and June, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a perfect time to trek and explore the splendid beauty of this magnificent region.

The weather can be a bit warmer from July to September, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a perfect time to go hiking, mountain climbing, boating, fishing, and enjoy outdoor activities.

The winter season starts in November and lasts until March. During this season, many roads and trekking trails are closed, but it can be an excellent time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Overall, the best time to visit is during the summer, from May to September, when the weather is mild, and the region is most accessible for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How do I get to Skardu?

Skardu is in the northern areas of Pakistan, and the easiest way to get there is by air. However it is also possible to go by road, but the journey can be long and tiring. Here are some ways to get there:

1. By air: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Skardu is to take a flight. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Air Blue operate daily flights between Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Skardu. The flight from Islamabad to Skardu takes around one hour and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains.
2. By road: It is also possible to get to Skardu by road, but the journey can be long and tiring. The distance between Islamabad and Skardu is around 570 kilometres, and it can take 18-20 hours by car or bus via Karakoram Highway. The road passes through mountainous terrain and can be challenging in places.

You can hire a private car with an experienced driver or take a bus from Islamabad. It is important to note that the road to Skardu is often closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall, so it is best to check the road conditions before planning a trip.

What are the 8000-meter peaks near Skardu?

Skardu is in the heart of the Karakoram mountain range, home to some of the highest peaks in the world. Here are the four 8,000 meters peaks that are near Skardu:

1. K2: K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second-highest peak in the world and the highest peak in Pakistan. It is in the Karakoram range, near the Pakistan-China border. K2 has a height of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) and is considered one of the most challenging mountains.
2. Broad Peak: Broad Peak is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is in the Karakoram range, near K2. It has a height of 8,047 meters (26,401 feet) and is known for its beautiful pyramid shape.
3. Gasherbrum I: Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, is the 11th-highest mountain in the world and is located in the Karakoram range, near k2 and Broad Peak. It has a height of 8,080 meters (26,509 feet) and is known for its steep and challenging climb.
4. Gasherbrum II: Gasherbrum II is the 13th-highest mountain in the world and is also in the Karakoram range, near Gasherbrum I. It has a height of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet) and is considered one of the easier 8,000-meter peaks to climb. Gasherbrum I and II share the same base camp.

These mountains are popular destinations for mountaineers and adventurers from around the world. Skardu is the getaway for treks and expeditions to these peaks, and many mountaineers and adventurers use the town as a starting point for their journeys.

Which language is spoken in Skardu?

The official language of Skardu and the entire Gilgit-Baltistan region is Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. However, many other languages are also spoken in Skardu, depending on the ethnic and cultural background of the local population. These languages include:

1. Balti: Balti is the most commonly spoken language in Skardu and the surrounding areas. It is an ancient language that is part of the Tibetan language family and is spoken by the Balti people, who are the largest ethnic group in the region.
2. Shina: Shina is another language spoken in Skardu and the surrounding areas. It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Shina people, an ethnic group in the Gilgit Baltistan region.
3. Brushaski: Brushaski is another language spoken in some parts of Skardu and the surrounding areas. It is a language not related to any other known language on earth, spoken by the Brushaski people, a small ethnic group in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan.
4. Urdu: As mentioned earlier, Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and is widely spoken in Skardu and other parts of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Ursu is also spoken by many people who have moved to this region from other parts of Pakistan.
5. English: English is also spoken by some people in Skardu, particularly those who work in the tourism industry or have had an education in English.

What is the famous food of Skardu?

The local cuisine of Skrdu is influenced by the region’s harsh climate and mountainous terrain. The food is simple and hearty, and it includes a variety of meat and vegetable dishes designed to provide warmth and sustenance in cold weather. Here are some of the most popular cuisines in Skardu:

1. Apricot: Skardu is famous for its delicious fruits, especially apricots that grow in the fertile valleys around the town. These apricots can be eaten fresh, dried or used as an ingredient in different cuisines, including chutneys, jams, and desserts.
2. Mamtu: Mamtu is a popular meat dish, that is similar to a Central Asian dumpling. This cuisine is made with a filling of minced meat, onions, and spices wrapped in a dough and steamed or fried. You can enjoy Mamtu with soya sauce, black pepper and other local spicy sauces.
3. Khamheer: Khamheer is a bread made in Skardu and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The bread is made from whole wheat flour and is cooked on a hot griddle. It is eaten with butter, tea and other local cuisines.
4. Soup: Skardu soup is a hearty, warming soup made with meat, lentils, and vegetables. This soup is spiced with local herbs and spices, which give it a distinctive flavour.
5. Trout: Skardu is famous for its freshwater trout, caught in the rivers and streams around the town. The fish is usually grilled or fried and served with rice or vegetables.

These are just a few examples of delicious food to try in Skardu. The local cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and it is a reflection of the unique cultural heritage.

Skardu airport

Skardu Airport is a domestic airport located outside the town of Skardu. It is situated at an elevation of 7,300 feet (2,225 meters) above sea level and has one runway that is 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) long. The airport is owned and operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and serves as the primary gateway for tourists and locals travelling to Skardu and other nearby areas.

The airport serves several domestic airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Serene Air, and Airblue. These airlines operate regular flights between Skardu and Islamabad, Lahore, and other major cities in Pakistan. The flight time from Islamabad to Skardu is approximately 1 hour.

Skardu Airport is known for its challenging terrain and weather conditions. The airport is in a mountain valley with high peaks, which can create unpredictable winds and turbulence. The weather in Skardu can also be unpredictable, with frequent snowfall during the winter months. As a result, flights to and from Skardu are often subject to delays or cancellations, especially during the winter.

Skardu Airport is an important transportation hub for the entire Gilgit Baltistan region and plays a vital role in supporting the local economy and tourism industry.

In conclusion, Skardu is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and adventure of northern Pakistan. Its stunning landscapes, spectacular mountains, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.