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.Skardu is linked to the national capital, Islamabad by PIA, which operates one flight daily. 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. Baltistan is known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd", or Little Tibet since its life-style reflects that of the Roof of the World and the Land of Lamas.
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.
How To Get There?
By Air: PIA operates a daily Boeing flight between Islamabad and Skardu (subject to good weather). The air journey is full of thrills and would itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. Return airfare is equivalent to US $ 88/- for foreigners. For bookings, please contact PIA’s Northern Areas Booking Office at Rawalpindi (Tel: 051-9272200).By Road: Skardu is 793 km from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road. The daily NATCO bus & coach service takes 24 hours for this wonderful and adventurous journey. An all-weather, 241 km long Skardu road, connects Skardu with Gilgit. The journey takes around six hours.
Shopping Centres1. Naya Bazar, Old Bazar, Botto Bazar, Hussain Chowk, Alamdar Chowk,Kazmi Bazar, Gamba Bazar, Benazir Chowk, Yadgar Chowk etc.
2. Handicraft Shops:i) Murad Trading Co. Gem Stores & Antiques, New Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2132
ii) Hassan Mirza & Co. New Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55420
iii) Pakiza Gems, Batti Antiques, Naya Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55118
iv) K-2 Handicraft, K-2 Motel, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2577
v) Topaz Gems, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
vi) Sahabaz Gems, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.
List Of Tour & Travel Agencies1. Baltistan Tours,
Sher Ali Chowk,
Near Alamdar Chowk, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 2626
2. Nazir Sabir Expedition,
Near K-2 Motel, Skardu.
Tel.: (92-0575) 2778
3. Adventure Tours of Pakistan,
Near Kushu Bagh, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 2249
4. Himalaya Trekking & Tours,
Near Sadpara Inn, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 2528
5. Walji’s Travel,
New Police Station, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 3468
6. Tibbet Treks & Tours,
Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 55418
7. Hushe Treks & Tours, Skardu.
List Of Hotels In Skardu
1. Concordia - IINumber of Rooms = 07
Near K-2 Motel, skardu. S.R. D.R.
Tel: (92-0575) 2515 Rs. 700/- Rs. 800/-
Meals: Lunch: Rs. 180/-
Chinese Dinner: Rs. 200/-
Pakistani Dinner: Rs. 210/-
Lunch: Rs. 200/-
Break Fast: Rs. 100/-
2. Hunza Inn
Number of Rooms = 10
Naya Bazar, Skardu. Room Rs. 200/-
Tel: (92-0575) 2570 Meal: Rs. 60/-
3. Baltistan Tourist Cottage Number of Rooms = 10
Chowk Yadgar, Skardu. Room: Rs. 150/- to 200/-
Tel: (92-0575) 2707 Meal: Rs. 50/-
4. Baltoro Rest House
Rooms = 20
Satellite Town, Skardu. Rooms: Rs. 200/-
Tel: (92-0575) 2443 (for government servants)
Rooms: Rs. 250/-
(for others)
VIP Room: Rs. 250/-
(for government servants)
VIP Rooms: Rs. 400/-
(for other visitors)
5. Northern Areas PWD Rest HouseRooms = 10
Hamid Garh, Skardu. VIP Rooms = 07 - Rs. 2500/-
Tel: (92-0575) 2405 (for government servants)
Rs. 400/- (for others)
Ordinary Rooms = 03
Rs. 200/- to Rs. 300/-
6. Yak N Yurt SaraiNumber of Rooms = 14
Satellite Town, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 2856
List Of Hospitals & Medical Centres
1. District Hospital, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 2413
Emergency Tel: (92-0575) 2413
2. Eye Hospital Northern Areas,
Skardu (Gamba)
Tel: (92-0575)
3. Abbas Medical Centre, Skardu.
4. Rahman Clinic, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 3156
5. Dr. M. Ashraf Clinic
Tel: (92-0575) 2613
6. Dr. Tariq Sharif Clinic
7. Combined Military Hospital, Skardu
8. DHO, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 3156
9. Al-Abbas Hospital, Link Road, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 55518
10. Rehman Clinic, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 3156
11. Sakina Professional Training Institute for Women, Skardu.
Tel: (92-0575) 55026
Important Telephone Numbers Of Skardu
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