Skardu
Skardu is a city in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan. The
Baltistan Division and Skardu District both have Skardu as their capital. It is
located at the Indus and Shigar Rivers junction in the Skardu Valley at 2,438
meters above sea level against the majestic Karakoram Mountains. The Skardu
Valley is home to dazzling lakes, gigantic mountains, lovely waterfalls,
peaceful meadows, and a doorway to an arena for the highest peaks and mesmerizing
glaciers in the world.
Skardu's history dates back 5000 years. It was part of the
Tibetan state. Before the advent of Islam, the entire Balti community has been
Buddhist. Skardu Buddha Rock attests to this. After Islam arrived in the region
in the 15th century, Arab and Farsi cultures merged with old Tibetan and
Buddhist architects. Skardu's way of life combines Buddhist carved culture
(pre-Islam) and Islamic cultural norms.
Total area 15,000 km2 (6,000 square mi)
Population 222,846
Weather
The Skardu Valley stands out from other areas for its diverse scenery, natural beauty, rich heritage, and rich cultural legacy. The valley provides you with views of the highest mountain range in the world as well as lovely lakes, picture-perfect meadows, breathtaking waterfalls, the chilly desert, forts, and vibrant festivals. But the truth is that you need to see it for yourself to imagine the area's riches.
Satpara Lake is a natural lake near Skardu that supplies water to the Skardu Valley. The Satpara Channel Supplies provides Satpara Lake is 2,636 meters above sea level and covers an area of 2.5 km2. Satpara Lake has grown due to the completion of the Satpara Dam downstream of the lake.
Katpana Desert
Kachura lakes
Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake are located at an elevation of 2,500 meters. This lake, also known as Shangrila Lake, is located outside of Skardu in a tourist resort called Shangrila Resort. Another lake, Zambakha Lake, is located in the small village of Zambakha, which is adjacent to Shangrila.
Manthal Buddha Rock
Manthal Buddha Rock is a massive granite rock with an engraved artwork of Buddha that dates back to the eighth century. This rock can be found in Pakistan's Manthal village of Skardu Town. Buddha Rock is one of Skardu's most important Buddhist remains. It is approximately five kilometers from the central city.
Manthokha Waterfall
Manthokha Waterfall is a waterfall in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan's far northwestern region. This waterfall is approximately 180 feet high from the ground and approximately meters from downtown Skardu.
Kharpocho Fort
Skardu Fort is also known as Kharpocho. The King of Forts is a fort in Skardu. The defense is situated above the intersection of the rivers and neglects the Rock of Skardu.
Katpana Lake
Katpana Lake is located on the outskirts of Skardu in Katpana, a small village connected to Skardu Bazar by a paved road—stunningly beautiful scenery, especially from the Katpana desert. The surrounding hills, Katpana desert, lakes, The Indus, and lush green fields combine to form one breathtaking sight.
Burji La
Burji La is a natural pass in the Karakoram Mountains in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, connecting Skardu and Deosai National Park. It stands 5000 meters above sea level. It is well-known for its stunning, amazing views of numerous high mountain peaks, including Nanga Parbat, K2, Laila Peak, Golden Peak, Masherbrum, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum IV, Chogolisa, and a portion of Broad Peak Mountain.
When is the best time to visit Skardu?
Pakistan International Airlines operates daily flights out of Islamabad. However, because the pilots fly by sight and do not use computer navigation, the flight is only possible on clear days. During t, you may see Nanga Parbat (the world's ninth-highest mountain) and K2 (the world's second-highest peak) during the flight, and the ride is thrilling and could be considered the trip’s highlight. Following the same air route that connects Gilgit to Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the plane turns right and flies over the Indus River gorge.
By Road
Heaven for climbers
Skardu valley gateway to four of the world's
highest peaks: Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II,
Broadpeak, and K-2. Three world-famous ranges surround the Skardu Valley. It
contains the world's most spectacular and fascinating mountainous region, with
hundreds of virgin peaks still lying unclimbed, challenging climbers worldwide.
Climbers and trekkers from around the globe rush to hike through some of these
mighty peaks to add more summits to their lists. Trekking among them is an
unforgettable experience, but discovering the valleys and learning about the
native culture is just as rewarding. What hasn't changed is Skardu Valley's
allure for both domestic and international visitors.
Culture
Skardu is a culturally diverse person. Baltistan is a
one-of-a-kind country. Baltistan currently has Tibetan culture, with some
Islamic and Iranian festivals thrown in for good measure. May-fang, rXrub laa,
Lchangra, and other words are part of Balti culture. After accepting Islamic
beliefs, Noroz becomes a part of Balti culture.
Music is an integral part of the culture. In Baltistan, Islamic teachings deepen in the early days, eradicating a significant portion of cultural music. Balti musical culture had 17 different poetry lyrics. Each lyric has a unique meaning. It was used to communicate between Balti states. These are now only available in books.
Languages
Balti
The majority of people in Baltistan speak Balti. In
Gilgit-Baltistan, Balti is primarily spoken in Skardu, Shigar, Gultari,
Ghanche, Roundu, and Kharmang.
Shina
China is the second most commonly spoken language in Skardu.
Shina is mainly spoken in Skardu, Kharmang, and Roundup.
Life Style in Skardu
Skardu's way of life is well-known for its simplicity. Some
of Buddha's teachings on helping others are still practiced in the region.
Skardu's people are incredibly hospitable, kind, and helpful.
Baltistan's traditional foods are straightforward. In
addition, organic ingredients are used in all cultural foods. As a result, most
locals are unaware of significant health issues such as obesity, heart disease,
and digestion problems.
Demography
The Shia sect of Islam is practiced by 97% of the people in
the Skardu District, with the Noorbakshi sect accounting for 2% and the Sunni
sect for 1%.
Architecture
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