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Skardu, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1831 ,

Nomad Score: 49%

Essentials

🏙️ City Skardu is a beautiful city located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, known for its stunning landscapes, trekking opportunities, and cultural heritage.
👥 Population Approximately 32,000 as of the latest estimates.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speeds range around 15-20 Mbps; however, this can vary significantly depending on the location.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 PKR ≈ 0.0036 USD; Cash is widely used, but exchange services are available in major markets.
🚰 Tap Water Generally, tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity operates at 230V, 50Hz. Power outages can be common.
📶 SIM Card Major providers include Mobilink (Jazz), Telenor, and Zong. Local SIM cards are available in Gilgit and Skardu.
💳 Banking for Expats ATMs are available in Skardu, with some accepting international cards. However, cash is preferred.
🛌 Accommodation Various options including hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings are available. Prices vary based on season and demand.
💳 Cashless Friendly Not widely cashless; local businesses prefer cash payments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term stays.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostels like 'Skardu Backpackers' offer budget-friendly stays starting around 1,500 PKR per night.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Skardu city center is recommended for its accessibility to markets and services.
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Upper Kachura and Shigar are quieter areas with good views and accommodation options for longer stays.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes with good views and Wi-Fi are available.
Best Cafe for Work The 'Chashma cafe' offers a serene environment with decent Wi-Fi and great views.
💼 Networking Events Occasional tourism or adventure meetups are organized, primarily for travelers.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Local cultural events and fairs in Skardu provide opportunities for socializing.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are available, but ride apps like Careem operate in some areas.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bikes can be rented from local shops, especially near popular tourist spots.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby There are no beaches, but stunning lakes like Shangrila Lake provide picturesque views.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights to and from Skardu.
✈️ Top International Airline Several international airlines connect through Islamabad; onward travel to Skardu is by PIA.
🛣️ Highway Access Skardu is accessible by the N-15 highway, connecting to Gilgit and beyond.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There are no train services directly to Skardu; road transport is the primary means.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local buses operate between cities, but there are no formal public transport passes.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses and vans run between Skardu and major cities in the region such as Gilgit.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Skardu District Hospital is the main healthcare facility available for basic health needs.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; some local centers offer wellness activities.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Basic fitness centers are available, but more options are in larger cities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundry services are available, but quality may vary.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App There are limited delivery options; 'Foodpanda' may deliver from larger restaurants in Gilgit.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try 'Dum Pukht' (slow-cooked meat) and local trout, which is freshly caught.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Local dhabas (roadside eateries) provide vegetarian options, though variety may be limited.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local markets offer traditional sweets, such as 'Mithai' (sugar desserts).
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Visit the local bazaar for affordable groceries and handicrafts.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Local e-commerce sites are limited; most shopping is done in markets.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Currently unavailable; shopping must be done in-person.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife; most socializing occurs in cafes and restaurants.
🍻 Local Brewery No breweries; alcohol is generally not available due to local regulations.
🍷 Wine Bars Not available; cultural norms limit alcohol consumption.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Local street foods include 'Samosas' and 'Pakoras', available in markets.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine There are a few places offering Chinese and fast food, mainly in the city center.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit the stunning Sheosar Lake and Khaplu Fort for breathtaking views.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Skardu Museum showcases local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites The ancient Baltoro Fort is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
🕍 Religious Sites Shigar Fort and various Buddhist stupas in the area reflect cultural heritage.
🎉 Annual Events The Skardu Boat Race in summer is a highlight cultural event.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore the Skardu bazaars for a local atmosphere and crafts.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited theater presence, community performances occasionally take place.
🛍️ Local Markets The Skardu Bazaar is the main market for local goods and handicrafts.
🎼 Music Scene Traditional folk music can be found at local events.
🎨 Street Art Limited; nature and scenic views are the main attractions.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Limited options, but some locals offer traditional cooking experiences.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited presence; local crafts can be found in shops.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Architectural sites include Skardu Fort and Chaqchan Mosque.
🏴 Local Heritage Skardu is rich in cultural heritage, particularly Tibetan influences.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Explore the surrounding valleys, including the Satpara and Shangrila valleys.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby K2 National Park, home to significant trekking routes and natural beauty.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Numerous paths are available for hiking and trekking, but cycling is limited.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Visit the cliff edges near the Kachura Lakes for panoramic photographic spots.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The region is rich in birdlife, particularly near the lakes.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Bonfires are allowed in designated camping areas in national parks.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local postal service available; international shipping may be limited.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited tech repair services available; consider larger cities for better options.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots No specific table tennis spots; some hotels might have recreational facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Limited language classes are available; private tutors may offer Urdu and Balti.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Local libraries are available but may have limited selections.
🏘️ Community Centers Community centers are mainly focused on cultural events and gatherings.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited options; gaming is mainly done at home or in local cafes.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos or gaming halls due to local regulations.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 2,500,000 PKR per m², making a 40 m² studio approximately 100,000 PKR.
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 2,000,000 PKR per m², with a 40 m² studio costing about 80,000 PKR.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 3,000,000 PKR per m²; a 60 m² unit is around 180,000 PKR.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 2,500,000 PKR per m²; a 60 m² unit is about 150,000 PKR.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 3,500,000 PKR per m²; an 80 m² apartment is around 280,000 PKR.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 2,800,000 PKR per m²; an 80 m² apartment costs about 224,000 PKR.
💼 Corporate Tax Corporate tax rate is approximately 29%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 15% on dividends.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 35%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT rate is 17%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations in place.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax is based on assessed value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Standard rate is 2% on property purchases.
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Foreign income is not taxed for foreign residents who work remotely.

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