The present day progressive town of Skardu differs from the Skardu of the past. In the past two decades, in the past two decades, Skardu and its vicinity has undergone extensive plantation, resulting in an admirable expanse of greenery. Poplar trees, lined along roads, not only beautify the place but also offer the opportunity of a refreshing stroll.

Walking through the bazaar, you will come across a small traffic island with a memorial to those who laid down their lives for the sake of their country. North from the traffic island is the walled tomb of Abbas Alamdar, a Shiite saint. On the east side of the bazaar is Satellite Town, which extends eastward as far as an aqueduct. This dates back to the fifteenth century, and its base consists of large granite blocks. The Skardu Polo ground and the Kharfocho Fort are to the east of this aqueduct.

Kharfocho Fort

In strategic terms, Skardu is located at the foot of a big rock. On this rock is a relic of history: the Kharfocho Fort, he king of forts, also known as Askandria. This maze of low doors, dark passages and steep wooden steps dates back to the sixteenth century. However, opinions differ regarding the constructor of this fort. Hishatullah has attributed it to Maqpon Bugha (1490 - 1515 AD), the great grandfather of Ali Sher Khan Anchan (1580 - 1625 AD). But Mughal historians and European writers, such as Cunningham, Foso Marine, and G. T. Vagne are positive that the great fort was built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan himself. The location and construction of this fort demonstrates the warfare and architectural genius of its constructor.

Mindoq Khar

Gul Khatoon ordered the construction of this magnificent palace and garden at the foot of Kharfocho Fort. The palace, named after the queen, was called Mindoq Khar, meaning flower palace. When Maharaja Gulab Singh, the Sikh ruler of Kashmir, invaded Skardu in 1840 AD, his troops destroyed this palace. The ruins of this palace can still be seen.

Because this palace and garden were located at a point higher than Skardu, the queen linked this palace to Lake Sadpara, five miles from Skardu, by a canal to bring water to it. Even though four hundred years have passed, the canal is still a witness to the intelligence of this queen.

Hilal Bagh and Chahar Bagh

These royal gardens were laid out on the orders of Gul Khatoon, the wife of Ali Sher Khan Anchan. Hilal Bagh was a terraced garden with fountains built in marble. It spread from Mindoq Khan to the present day bazaar of Skardu, where the road crosses the channel. In its midst stood a marble palace that was destroyed during the great floods after the death of Ali Sher Khan Anchan. Later, a baradari was constructed in its place. Chahar Bagh, the other garden, once stood where is now a Girls College. These gardens were given Persian names because Persian was the mother tongue of the queen.

Buddhist Rock

On Satpara Road in Skardu valley, you will come across the one surviving Buddhist Rock with rock carvings. This tall rock was carved in with an image of a meditating Maitreya Buddha. It has been suggested that these rock carvings and images of Buddha can be placed in the period of Great Tibet Scholars Empire in 900 AD. When the Buddhists of Gandhara migrated from their land, they passed through the present day northern areas of Pakistan, they set up temporary settlements at some places and carved drawings of Stupas, scenes of their experiences, and images of Buddha with texts in Kharoshti language. Either these rocks are lost in the Satpara Lake, or were utilized as building material by Ali Sher Khan Anchan.