By Air
Skardu [M] can be reached by plane. Pakistan International Airlines fly daily from Islamabad [M] (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 [M] to Islamabad/Rawalpindi [M], 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 [M] can be reached using daily bus services offered by Nothern Area Transport Company from Islamabad [M]. Its very hilly drive. 20 hours from Islamabad.
Another big city of Gilgit [M] is four to five hours drive away from Skardu [M]. You can go to Pakistan - China border via Gilgit. You may visit most famous Khunjrab Pass, K-2 Mountain base camp etc.
- Kharpocho Fort [S]: Skardu [M] 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 [S] About 8 km (5miles) north of Skardu [M] 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 [M] 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 [S].
- Shigar Valley [S]: The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 km away from Skardu [M] 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.
- Khaplu Valley [S]: This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu [M]. 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 [S], here you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith.
- Buddha Rock Carvings [S]: Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometres from Skardu [M] 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.
- Fishing [S]: at Satpara Lake [S] (8km) and Kachura Lake (32km) from Skardu [M] abound in trout. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.
- Flora & Fauna [S]: 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 [S]: 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.
- Walking excursions [S]: A stroll around the eastern end of the Skardu [M] 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.
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 [M] 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 [S], New Bazar, Skardu [M]. Tel: (92-0575) 2132
- Hassan Mirza & Co. [S] New Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55420
- Pakiza Gems [S], Batti Antiques, Naya Bazar, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 55118
- K-2 Handicraft [S], K-2 Motel, Skardu. Tel: (92-0575) 2577
- Topaz Gems [S], Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
- Sahabaz Gems [S], Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.
- The Lake View Restaurant, part of Shangrilla resort gives a panoramic view of the Shangrila Resort and offers Pakistani and Continental cuisine.
- Tandoori Village [S] 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, part of Shangrilla resort [S] 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
Budget
- Hunza Inn [S], Naya Bazar, Skardu [M]. Room Rs. 200/- Tel: (92-0575) 2570 Meal: Rs. 60/-
Splurge
- Shangrila resort [2] is the most popular resort of the country.
Besides other reasonably priced private hotels, PTDC Motels at Skardu [M], Sadpara Lake and Khaplu offer comfortable accommodation. There are government rest houses at Skardu, Sadpara, Shigar Valley [S], Khaplu and Kachura.
By road
Thrice-weekly bus service was scheduled to begin crossing the border from Gilgit [M], Northern Areas, to Kashgar, China, and road widening work was scheduled for 600 kilometres of the Karakoram Highway [S]. There were also plans for one daily bus in each direction between Sust and Taxkorgan in the border areas of the two countries.
Via the Karakoram Highway [S], popularly known as the Silk Road.
Via the Karakoram Highway [S], popularly known as the Silk Road.
By Plane
PIA offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Skardu [M] and Islamabad [M]. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.
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