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Skardu, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1831
,
Nomad Score:
48%
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. |