INTRODUCTION OF Skardu
Skardu is a beautiful town in Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan famous for its spectacular views. Natural scenery, heights and as a base for some of the tallest mountain in the world K2. Located in the Karakoram Range , is famous amongst trekkers and mountaineers and other tourist-lovers Skardu nature. This is located at approximately 2,500m ASL at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar riversthe city is bordered. Gigantic mountains, refreshing valleys, and crystal blue water lakes.
Geography and Landscape:
Skardu is the chief town of the Baltistan Division of Pakistan. Which is called ‘Little Tibet’ because of geographical cultural, linguistic, and religious likeness with Tibet. The area is known for containing 8 of the worlds 14 tallest mountains, such as K2, Broad peak. Gasherbrum one and Gasherbrum two in the Karakoram mountain range. It is also a major center for trekkers who first use it in hiking. k2 and other mountains in Gilgit baltistan.
Townsites are located in a valley with scenic views of the great Himalayas and the Karakoram Ranges. These natural sources include Shangrila Resort Lake (Lower Kachura Lake). Which adds more beautification to this town and the Satpara Lake.
Climate:
Skardu town possess a semi arid climate of over head rain and harsh winter temperature and moderately hot summers. Winter is severely cold, with temperatures freezing well below freezing and summer. Relatively moderate being between 15 and 25 degree Celsius (59-77 degree Fahrenheit). The region receives very little precipitation and therefore snow. Winter months transforms the scenery of the region and the surrounding mountains to breathtaking. Skardu ranges in the monsoon zone and it receives scanty rainfall, chilling winter and moderately hot summer. The winter temperatures can be extremely low most of the time resulting to sub – freezing temperatures. While the summer temperatures are normally between 15-25C (59- 77 F). Continued by different types of precipitation such as snow during winter. Makes the environment surrounding the mountains to be beautiful like winter wonderland.
Ethnographical and Past Position:
Skardu has thus a cultural history of the centuries with strong influences. Assimilations from Tibetan, Persian and the Central Asia. It fell as the part of kingdom of Baltistan that emerged under. The reign of Shah Mir and later Balti kings. The area is still culturally dominated by Tibetan influenced Buddhism. Many of the old monasteries and forts around are a testimony.
One of the most important features of the cultural coloration of Skardu is the local Balti culture. Characterized by both the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and Islam.
Famous Attractions in Skardu:
For apart from being one of the most popular treks and climbing destinations. People visit Skardu to enjoy scenery history and culture. Some key attractions include:
- Lower Kachura LakeShangrila Resort: This must probably be the most known beauty spot. It has this fantastic lake and a resort that several tourists visit.
- Upper Kachura Lake : This is another quiet water impoundment located on upper ерk. Than Lower Kachura Lake giving more scenic view of mountains.
- In the admiring nights of satpara lake boy is just to reach up to the lake some minor. Information about satpara lake surrounded by snowy mountain chain.
- Deosai National Park : is one of the highest park that deals with the great meadow. Flowers and wildlife at the top of the Pakistan’s giant mountains.
- Upper Kachura Lake : This is a beautiful quiet water impoundment placed at a higher altitude over
- Deosai National: Park This is one of the highest plateaus for the plateau that covers giant. Meadows, flowers, and wildlife at the top of the Pakistani peaks.
- Shigar Fort A startlingly beautiful Balti structure that was a fort in the past. Artists have converted into both a museum and a hotel.
- Buddha Rock at Manthal : A most impressive rock containing Buddhist incisions and inscriptions that are evidence of this area’s links with the history and early development of Buddhism.
History of Skardu :
Skardu is culturally and historically a very developed city that has been a significant role in the cultural and historical growth of the whole South and Central Himalayan area. It has mainly constituted part of Baltistan but for some ethnological and cultural resemblance with the main Tibet, called ‘Little Tibet’.
Skardu had a history from early beginning when it was a part of Buddhism stronghold in the area. This is evidenced at the Buddhist rock carving in Manthal that has other features of the expansion of Buddhism at that age. These artifacts belong to Skardu through which many facets of the Silk route cultural exchange passed through.
The town of Skardu was occupied in the medieval age by the Balti dynasties for the first time by king Shah Mir who founded the Kingdom of Baltistan. In their reign, the region became very prosperous for commerce, art elicits, and culture.
Sixteen and the Seventeenth century
However this period witnessed political n administrative transformation but the cultural spirit of Skardu did not changed.