Skardu, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1831
35.286372, 75.640074
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Skardu is a city located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 5-10 Mbps (limited connectivity in some areas) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0044 USD; Major bank branches include Habib Bank Limited and National Bank of Pakistan. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobilink (Jazz) and Telenor are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign cards are accepted at select ATMs; local banks are available for account opening. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Choices range from guesthouses to hotels; Airbnb is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is primarily used; limited acceptance of cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via local guesthouses and smaller hotels. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Skardu View Hotel, around PKR 3,000 per night for a double room. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently no dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes or hotels is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Deosai Cafe located near the main bazaar. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited networking events; informal meetups at cafes available. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | No formal social events; local interactions can be found in the bazaar. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major apps; local taxis or rickshaws are commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rentals; scooters can be rented locally. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, Kachura Lake is nearby for water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights from Islamabad. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | PIA and Emirates for international connections via Islamabad. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Karakoram Highway (N-35) connecting to Gilgit and Islamabad. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses are available from larger cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; buses are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses or vans from Gilgit and Islamabad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Skardu District Hospital, offering basic healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels may offer wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gym facilities available in larger hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; ask in hotels for services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; local restaurants offer dine-in. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chapshuro (meat-filled baked bread) and Pulao. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local eateries serve vegetarian options like lentil curries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets like Sheermal. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Skardu Bazaar for local produce and handmade goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; local markets are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; groceries can be easily sourced from local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some hotels have small bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Not available; local drinks mainly include traditional beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No wine bars; alcohol consumption is limited due to cultural norms. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available in the market; try Chaat and Samosas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited international options; some places serve Chinese and Pakistani dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Shigar Fort, Kachura Lake, and Deosai National Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Skardu Museum showcasing local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qutaub Mosque and Skardu Fort. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Buddhist stupas and ancient monasteries, including the Skardu Buddha. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shigar Festival in August celebrated with local music and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Skardu Bazaar for crafts and local interactions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater; performances mostly during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Skardu Bazaar for handicrafts and local food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances during local events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local artworks available in markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available in select guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local artisans showcase work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient forts and local houses showcasing traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural heritage influenced by Tibetan and local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Deosai National Park offers breathtaking views and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Deosai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited trails; walking paths by Kachura Lake. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kachura Lake and Shangrila Resort offer stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Deosai National Park is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some campsites around Kachura Lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; local courier options available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics repair shops in the bazaar. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; some hotels may offer recreational activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offering Urdu and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; some hotels and cafes may provide a quiet place. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers are limited; interactions in local areas available. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; local gaming in cafes is common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Skardu; local play areas are seldom found. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29% for corporations in Pakistan |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for high-income individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Pakistan has specific CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system based on local assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 2% of the transaction value. |