Mountain town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Skardu
Gateway to K2, the Baltoro Glacier, Shigar valley and the high Deosai Plains, in a remote Balti town. Spectacular and relatively safe, but flights cancel, roads close and services are basic.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$542–903Comfortable, one person · Rs150,000–250,000Details
- Value for money82/100Better value than 81% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 29°CDetails
- Internet18 MbpsFixed broadband, Pakistan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilGlacier-fed streams look clean but can cause stomach trouble.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$1.8–7.2Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundJeep with driverWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashA few ATMs, often empty.Details
Where to stay in Skardu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Skardu town (Bazaar and Hussainabad) | Main base: hotels, shops, trek agents |
| Kachura Lakes | Lakeside stays 20 minutes from town, quieter |
| Shigar | Heritage fort stays and trailheads to K2 |
Apps that work in Skardu
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Arrange jeeps through hotels or trekking agents and confirm the price before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Pakistan.
- Mostly cash A few ATMs, often empty. Bring enough PKR from Islamabad; cards work rarely at larger hotels.
- Currency: Rupee (PKR). US$1 ≈ Rs276.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: HBL, UBL and MCB ATMs take foreign cards in cities; few work reliably in mountain valleys.
- Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added; otherwise leave about 10% in restaurants. Tip drivers and guides, and give hotel staff small change.
- Paying by phone: JazzCash, Easypaisa and Raast QR need local accounts; visitors pay cash, or cards at bigger venues.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply online at visa.nadra.gov.pk well ahead; since January 2026 fees vary by nationality and processing takes about 7–10 working days.
- Areas near borders, former tribal districts and much of Balochistan need a No Objection Certificate or are off-limits to foreigners.
- Carry your passport and visa copies; police and army checkpoints are frequent, and hotels register foreigners with police.
Emergency numbers
Police 15 · Ambulance 1122 · Fire 16
Plugs
Type C, D · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Pakistan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.