Skardu

Skardu is a city in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It serves as the administrative center of Skardu District and is the main urban settlement in the Baltistan area. The city lies in the Skardu Valley on the upper Indus River, at an elevation of about 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) above sea level, and acts as a gateway to northern Baltistan and the Karakoram mountains.

The surrounding landscape is mountainous, with glaciers and high passes that attract trekkers and researchers. Skardu experiences a cold, dry climate with long winters and a brief summer season; heavy snowfall is common in winter. The area's geography supports tourism, agriculture, and crafts that sustain the local economy.

Historically, Skardu has been a regional trading hub linking the Tibetan plateau with the subcontinent. It developed under various rulers and is now part of Gilgit-Baltistan within Pakistan. The population is predominantly Balti-speaking and Muslim, with both Sunni and Shia communities.

Economy and transport are dominated by tourism, aided by nearby attractions such as Satpara Lake and Satpara Dam, Shangrila Resort, Skardu Fort, and Shigar Fort. The city is served by Skardu Airport, with domestic flights to and from Islamabad and Gilgit, and is connected by the Karakoram Highway to other parts of Pakistan. The surrounding region supports hydroelectric development, agriculture, and traditional crafts.