Cultural Etiquette Guide For Tourists In Skardu Baltistan

Greet locals with “As-salamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) and a nod or right-hand handshake. Men should wait for women to initiate handshakes. Show respect to elders by standing or offering your seat. Accepting tea or snacks, even a small amount, is a gesture of respect.

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing like shalwar kameez and headscarves at religious sites. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques.

Use only the right hand to eat, as the left is considered less clean. Accept communal meals graciously, as refusing may be impolite. Avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan daylight hours out of respect.

Dress modestly and remove shoes at mosques like Chaqchan Mosque Khaplu, Thoqsikhar Mosque Khaplu and other religious places and mosques. Keep conversations quiet during prayers. At sites like Manthal Buddha Rock, avoid touching artifacts and ask permission before photographing people.

Avoid public displays of affection. Bargain respectfully in markets like Naya Bazaar. Maintain eye contact during conversations to show attentiveness, and always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women.