Skardu is a town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is the capital of Skardu District and was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh. It is located on the Indus River, at an elevation of 2,438 metres (7,999 ft).
Skardu is the gateway to the eight-thousand meter peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayas. Skardu is also a base for trekkers pursuing the Nanga Parbat Massif.
The town is about 10 kilometres (6 mi) long and 2 kilometres (1 mi) wide. It has a T-shaped layout with the bazaar at the crossroads. The bazaar is connected by a network of narrow alleys to the main streets which run along the river. There are several mosques and a fort in the town.
The climate of Skardu during the summer is temperate, cool and very dry, with a maximum temperature of around 25 °C (77 °F) and a minimum of about 15 °C (59 °F). The winter is severe, with a maximum temperature of about −10 °C (14 °F) and a minimum of about −30 °C (−22 °F).
The snowfall starts in mid-November and continues until the end of March. The average annual rainfall is about 235 millimetres (9.3 in).
The best time to visit Skardu is from April to October, when the weather is most pleasant.
Skardu's history is entwined with that of the Balti people, who have inhabited the region for more than a thousand years. The Balti language is related to Tibetan and is written in the Perso-Arabic script.
The Balti people were Tibetan Buddhists, and there are many gompas, or monasteries, in and around Skardu. Islam arrived in the region in the 16th century, and the majority of the population is now Muslim.
The people of Skardu are friendly and hospitable, and the town is a great place to experience the unique culture of the Balti people.
Skardu is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, which is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The Karakoram Highway, which runs from Islamabad to the Chinese border, passes through Skardu.
The journey from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the most scenic in the world, and the views of the mountains, glaciers and lakes are simply breathtaking.
There are many trekking routes in the area, and mountaineering expeditions are also popular. Skardu is the starting point for trekkers wanting to climb K2, the second highest mountain in the world.
The area around Skardu is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and the four seasons offer something for everyone.
Spring is the best time for trekking, as the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom.
Summer is the ideal time for mountaineering expeditions, as the days are long and the nights are short.
Autumn is the best time to see the autumn colours, and it is also a good time for trekking and mountaineering.
Winter is the best time to ski and to enjoy the snow-covered scenery.
Skardu is a town that has something to offer all year round, and the four seasons are each special in their own way.
