OnTheRoad

Skardu is located in some of the most mountainous territory in Pakistan, the middle of Baltistan. The trip across here from Gilgit is impresive, blasted through a steep gorge along the edge of the Indus river, which roars and tumbles along below like a mad beast.

The town itself is not impressive; like any larger Pakistani town, it's loud, dirty and dusty.

The Baltistan Tourist Cottage is highly recommended by the guidebook, but it must only be in comparison to the other places around. At 100 rupees for a dorm without it's own bathroom, it represents quite bad value for the north of Pakistan. That said, the manager is friendly and helpful, and they will hook you up with a shower in one of the single or double rooms if you need one.