SKARDU:

LOCATION:
Skardu is located in the 10 kilometres (6 miles) wide by 40 kilometres (25 miles) long Skardu
Valley, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers at an elevation of nearly 2,500 metres
(8,202 feet). The city is an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of the nearby Karakoram
Mountain range. The town is located on the Indus river, which separates the Karakoram Range
from the Himalayas.

CLIMATE:
The climate in Skardu is referred to as a local steppe climate i.e. features a cold semi-arid
climate (Köppen climate classification BSk). There is little rainfall throughout the year. The
temperature here averages 10.3 °C.

The climate of Skardu during the summer is moderated by its mountain setting; the intense heat
of lowland Pakistan does not reach it. The mountains block out the summer monsoon, and
summer rainfall is thus quite low. The average annual rainfall is 202 mm.

However, these mountains result in very severe winter weather. During the April-to-October
tourist season, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in
October) 8 °C (46 °F).

Temperatures can drop to below −10 °C (14 °F) in the December-to-January midwinter period.
The lowest recorded temperature was −24.1 °C (−11 °F) on 7 January 1995.
Average Temperature:

Average Rainfall:
Average snowfall amount (cm) & Snow Days
Average UV Index:

Average Daylight:

CULTURE OF GILGIT BALTISTAN (SKARDU)

Languages:
Official languages: Urdu and English
Sub languages: Balti, Shina, Khowar (chitrali), Brushaski, Wakhi, Doomaki.

Family System:
There is mostly joint family system, which signifies their deep love for family’s solidarity and
welfare.

Festivals:
Religious: Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, Eid Milad un Nabi.
Cultural: Jashn e Baharan, Shandoor polo festival, Babusar polo festival.

Dress:
Men: Shalwar, kameez with Gilgit cap.
Women: Loose Shalwar Kameez, Cap with silver touch, Silver jewelry with antique touch.

Dance:
Sword dance, Cow boy Dance.

Music:
Alghani, Ajoli, Souse, Dani

Food:
Marzan, Kiseer, Hrsapkhur, Drum fiti, Prapo, Namkeen tea, Balay, Rgearatee roti.

Sports:
Polo, Neza Bazi, Tapoo, IP IP.

Architecture of Gilgit Baltistan:

 The architecture of Baltistan resemble with the architecture of Kashmir.
 Mostly timber, stone and mud bricks are used in its construction.
 Unique continuity of design, usually with one central room built around hearth.
 The room is laid out on raised platforms at different heights, with five symbolic pillars
and diamond shape hole in roof for smoke and light.
 Traditional Wakhi houses are single storey and made from mud and stone.
 Floor is made with mud, carpets or with animal skin and the doors, roof-holes, pillars
and platforms are made of wood.
 In older houses outside door is about 1.5m tall to preserve heat.
 Light comes from skylights, doors, oil lamps.
 The pillars have peculiar four spiral device with a fifth spike, said to represent fingers of
hand and five holy personalities of Islam.
 The rich carvings on the window frames, door frames, at the arches and panels of
verandahs which the top horizontal panels show all geometric designs.
 Some buildings have inscriptions fixed over the doorway. They are mostly historic in
content.
 The verandah arches which are trefoil and stilted have scroll designs at the tympanums.