Bhudda rock skardu
Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Ancient Ruin
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
1 to 2 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Buddha Rock in Skardu is an old rock carving that shows a meditating Buddha. This carving dates back to the 7th or 8th century AD. It tells us about a time when Buddhism was common in this area of Gilgit-Baltistan before Islam arrived. The carving is found on a large rock face right next to Satpara Road, making it easy to see. It is an important historical and religious site for understanding the region's past.
What To Do
- Look closely at the ancient Buddha carving and its details.
- Take pictures of the historical rock and the surrounding scenery.
- Think about the history of Buddhism in this region of Pakistan.
- Enjoy the views of the Indus River and the mountains from the site.
- Learn about the local history and culture related to the carving.
What To Buy
- Handicrafts: Look for handmade items like wooden carvings or woven goods at Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Local Dry Fruits: Buy dried apricots, walnuts, and almonds from shops in Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Pashmina Shawls: Find soft shawls made from local wool, available at local stores near Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Gemstones: Skardu is known for semi-precious stones; look for them in specialty shops around the city center. Get Directions
- Traditional Clothing: Purchase local caps or embroidered clothes from various shops in the main market area. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Respect the historical nature of the carving. Do not touch or try to clean the rock.
- Keep the area clean by not littering.
- Photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors.
- There is no specific dress code, but modest clothing is always advised when traveling in Pakistan.
Health & Safety
- The Buddha Rock is next to a road, so watch out for traffic.
- The ground around the rock may be uneven, so wear comfortable and sturdy shoes.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- If you are new to high altitudes, take it easy on your first day to adjust.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: (April to May): The weather is cool and pleasant, with trees and flowers blooming. It’s a good time for outdoor sightseeing without much heat or cold.
Summer: (June to August): Days are warm and sunny, making it ideal for travel and exploring. This is the busiest time for tourists, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy (July to September - limited impact): Skardu gets less heavy rain compared to other parts of Pakistan. There might be light showers, but overall weather is still good for visiting. Roads can sometimes be affected by landslides during heavier rains.
Autumn: (September to November): The weather is crisp and cool, and the trees turn beautiful colors of red and gold. It's a peaceful time to visit with fewer crowds.
Winter: (December to March): It gets very cold and snowy. Many roads can be closed, and temperatures drop below freezing. Travel can be difficult, but the snowy landscapes are very beautiful for those who like winter. Many places might be closed.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Skardu International Airport (SKZ), located about 15-20 minutes drive from the main city. Flights are available from Islamabad.
- By Road: You can reach Skardu by road from Islamabad or Gilgit via the Karakoram Highway and then the Skardu Road. The journey from Islamabad takes about 20-24 hours. The Buddha Rock is on Satpara Road, easily accessible from Skardu city.
- By Train: Skardu is not connected by train. The nearest major active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP), located in Rawalpindi. From Rawalpindi, you would need to travel by road to Skardu, which is a long journey of over 600 kilometers.
- By Public Transport: From Skardu city, you can take a local taxi or a shared jeep to reach Buddha Rock. It is located on Satpara Road, which is a main route from Skardu city towards Satpara Lake.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Dewan-e-Khas Restaurant: Located near Yadgar Chowk, Skardu. Contact: +92 344 5556677. Get Directions
- The Hunza Inn Restaurant: Found on Hospital Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 346 9516709. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Serena Hotel Skardu: Situated on K-2 Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 5815 450146. Website: serenahotels.com Get Directions
- The Guest House Skardu: Located on Hussain Abad Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 345 5005051. Website: theguesthouseskardu.com Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital Skardu, Hospital Road, Skardu. Phone: +92 5815 920202. Get Directions
- Ambulances: 1122 (Official emergency number for Pakistan)
- Police Station: City Police Station Skardu, K-2 Road, Skardu. Phone: +92 5815 920211. Get Directions
