Local SIM Card Guide for Skardu, Baltistan
A comprehensive guide to help tourists stay connected while exploring the beautiful region of Skardu, Baltistan, Pakistan.
Network Overview in Skardu
Skardu, Baltistan is a remote mountainous region in Pakistan where network coverage varies significantly. SCOM (Special Communications Organization) offers the best coverage in this area, followed by other providers. Here’s a quick overview of all available networks:
SCOM
Best coverage in Skardu and remote areas. The local network specifically for Gilgit-Baltistan.
Works in non-PTA approved phones
Best for trekking & remote areas
ZONG
Good coverage in Skardu city and along major roads. Recently expanded network.
Fast 4G in urban areas
Limited connectivity in remote areas
TELENOR
Decent coverage in Skardu city and some surrounding areas. Good value packages.
Affordable packages
Signal drops in valleys
JAZZ
Limited coverage in Skardu city only. Not recommended for treks or remote areas.
Good for urban Skardu
Not suitable for adventures
UFONE
Fair coverage in Skardu city. Offers economical packages but limited rural coverage.
Budget-friendly options
Weak in mountainous terrain
WARID
Limited coverage (now merged with Jazz). Not recommended for Skardu region.
Now operates under Jazz
Not recommended for tourists
Tourist Recommendation
For tourists visiting Skardu and surrounding areas, we recommend:
- Primary SIM: SCOM – Best coverage in remote areas and mountains
- Secondary SIM: Zong or Telenor – For backup and faster data in the city
- Budget Option: Ufone – If you’re staying mostly in urban Skardu
Network Coverage Map
This interactive map shows the coverage strength of different mobile networks in the Skardu region. Toggle between providers to see their specific coverage areas.
Network Comparison Tool
Compare different mobile networks based on your specific needs. Adjust the importance of each factor to find the best network for your trip.
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Recommendation Based on Your Priorities
Based on your priorities, SCOM is the best option for your trip to Skardu, offering excellent coverage in remote areas.
Package Calculator
Calculate the best package for your trip based on your data needs, call requirements, and trip duration.
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Recommended Packages
SCOM Weekly Plus
- 5GB Data
- 120 Minutes
- 100 SMS
- 7 Days Validity
Activation: Dial *123*1# or visit any SCOM franchise
SCOM Weekly Basic
- 2GB Data
- 60 Minutes
- 50 SMS
- 7 Days Validity
Activation: Dial *123*2# or visit any SCOM franchise
SCOM 3-Day Mountain Package
- 1GB Data
- 30 Minutes
- 30 SMS
- 3 Days Validity
Activation: Dial *123*3# or visit any SCOM franchise
Detailed Provider Information
Find detailed information about each mobile network provider operating in Skardu, Baltistan region.
SCOM (Special Communications Organization)
SCOM is a government-owned telecommunications company that provides cellular, landline, and internet services specifically in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir regions. It offers the best network coverage in Skardu and remote mountainous areas.
Key Features
- Best network coverage in remote and mountainous areas of Skardu
- Works with non-PTA approved phones (for tourists)
- 4G service available in Skardu city and surrounding areas
- Special packages designed for tourists and trekkers
- E-SIM options available for compatible devices
Service Locations
- Main Office: NLI Market, Skardu City
- SCOM Franchise: Hussaini Chowk, Skardu
- SCOM Center: Main Bazar, Skardu
- SCOM Service Center: Sadpara Road, Skardu
- Available at Skardu Airport upon arrival
SIM Activation Process for Tourists
- Visit any SCOM franchise or authorized dealer in Skardu
- Provide your passport and a copy of your visa page
- Fill out the required registration form
- Choose your preferred package
- Pay the SIM cost plus package fees (usually between PKR 500-1500)
- The SIM will be activated usually within 1-2 hours
- For E-SIM activation, visit the main SCOM office with your compatible device
Popular Packages
| Package Name | Data | Minutes | SMS | Validity | Price (PKR) | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Light | 500 MB | 20 mins | 20 SMS | 1 day | 80 | *123*1# |
| 3-Day Trekker | 1.5 GB | 60 mins | 60 SMS | 3 days | 200 | *123*3# |
| Weekly Basic | 3 GB | 100 mins | 100 SMS | 7 days | 500 | *123*7# |
| Weekly Premium | 7 GB | 300 mins | 300 SMS | 7 days | 800 | *123*77# |
| Monthly Explorer | 15 GB | 500 mins | 500 SMS | 30 days | 1500 | *123*30# |
| Adventure Max | 30 GB | 1000 mins | 1000 SMS | 30 days | 2500 | *123*300# |
Tourist Tips
- Purchase your SCOM SIM as soon as you arrive in Skardu for the best experience
- Ask for the “Tourist SIM Package” which often includes special rates
- Download maps and essential information when in areas with good coverage
- SCOM SIMs work in non-PTA approved phones, making them ideal for foreign tourists
ZONG 4G
Zong 4G is Pakistan’s first and largest 4G network, owned by China Mobile. In recent years, Zong has significantly expanded its coverage in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, including Skardu. It offers good coverage in Skardu city and along major roads.
Key Features
- Excellent 4G speed in Skardu city
- Good coverage along major roads and tourist spots
- Recently expanded network in Gilgit-Baltistan
- Limited coverage in remote trekking areas
- Value-for-money data packages
Service Locations
- Zong Customer Service Center: Main Bazar, Skardu
- Zong Franchise: Satellite Town, Skardu
- Authorized Retailers throughout Skardu city
SIM Activation Process for Tourists
- Visit any Zong Customer Service Center or franchise in Skardu
- Provide your passport and a copy of your visa page
- Fill out the subscriber agreement form
- Have your photo taken at the service center
- Pay the SIM cost plus package fees (around PKR 500-1000)
- SIM activation usually takes 2-4 hours
Popular Packages
| Package Name | Data | Minutes | SMS | Validity | Price (PKR) | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Basic | 1 GB | 30 mins | 30 SMS | 1 day | 75 | *6464# |
| 3-Day Bundle | 3 GB | 100 mins | 100 SMS | 3 days | 185 | *6464# |
| Weekly Standard | 6 GB | 200 mins | 200 SMS | 7 days | 350 | *6464# |
| Weekly Premium | 15 GB | 700 mins | 700 SMS | 7 days | 500 | *6464# |
| Monthly Basic | 15 GB | 1000 mins | 1000 SMS | 30 days | 1100 | *6464# |
| Monthly Super | 30 GB | 3000 mins | 3000 SMS | 30 days | 1500 | *6464# |
Tourist Tips
- Zong offers excellent data speeds in Skardu city, making it good for video calls and social media
- Consider Zong as a secondary SIM if you’re planning to trek to remote areas
- Zong has recently expanded coverage to include Shigar, Khaplu, and parts of Deosai Plains
- Phones must be PTA approved to use Zong SIMs (unlike SCOM)
TELENOR
Telenor Pakistan is a major telecommunications provider with decent coverage in Skardu city and some surrounding areas. Known for economical packages and good value for money.
JAZZ
Jazz is Pakistan’s largest mobile network operator. In Skardu, coverage is limited mostly to the city center and is not recommended for travelers venturing into remote areas.
UFONE
Ufone provides fair coverage in Skardu city with very economical packages. Coverage is limited in outlying areas, making it suitable primarily for urban stays.
WARID
Warid has merged with Jazz and now operates under the Jazz network. Coverage in Skardu is limited and not recommended for tourists visiting the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
For tourists visiting Skardu and surrounding areas, SCOM is highly recommended as the primary SIM card due to its superior coverage in remote and mountainous regions. If you’re planning to trek or visit locations outside the city, SCOM will provide the most reliable connection. For those staying primarily in Skardu city, Zong or Telenor can also be good options with faster data speeds in urban areas.
Most Pakistani networks require PTA-approved phones (phones that are registered with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). However, SCOM SIMs are an exception and work with non-PTA approved phones, making them ideal for foreign tourists. If you’re using other networks like Zong, Jazz, Telenor, or Ufone, your phone should be PTA-approved or you’ll need to register it upon arrival in Pakistan.
SIM card prices vary by provider, but generally range from PKR 100-300 for the SIM itself. Package costs are additional and depend on your data and call requirements. Tourist packages typically range from PKR 500-2500, offering various combinations of data, calls, and SMS with validities from 7 to 30 days. SCOM offers specific tourist packages that are slightly more expensive but provide better coverage in remote areas.
To purchase a SIM card in Skardu as a tourist, you’ll need:
- Your original passport
- A photocopy of your passport’s information page
- A photocopy of your visa page
- One passport-sized photograph (some providers may take your photo at their service center)
SIM activation times vary by provider:
- SCOM: Usually 1-2 hours
- Zong: Typically 2-4 hours
- Telenor: Around 2-4 hours
- Jazz/Warid: Approximately 2-4 hours
- Ufone: Usually 2-3 hours
It’s recommended to purchase your SIM card early in the day to ensure it’s activated before evening.
Mobile internet reliability in Skardu varies by location:
- Skardu City: Good 4G coverage with most providers
- Popular Tourist Spots: Decent 3G/4G coverage with SCOM and Zong
- Trekking Routes: Limited coverage, SCOM provides the best connectivity
- Remote Areas: Very limited coverage, often only SCOM with 2G/Edge connectivity
It’s advisable to download maps, guides, and important information while in areas with good connectivity before venturing into remote locations.
Yes, there are several options for recharging your SIM card in Skardu:
- Mobile apps (JazzCash, EasyPaisa, etc.) if you have a local bank account
- Local convenience stores and mobile shops throughout Skardu sell recharge cards
- Service centers of respective mobile operators
- Some hotels and tourist facilities offer recharge services
For SCOM, recharge cards are widely available in Skardu city and even in some smaller towns in the region.
Traveler Experiences
Alex from Canada
“I used SCOM during my trek to K2 Base Camp and was amazed at how well it worked even in remote areas. Had signal at most campsites which was crucial for updates and weather checks. Highly recommend for serious trekkers.”
Emma from UK
“Used Zong in Skardu city and it was perfect for social media updates and video calls. However, once we ventured to Shigar Valley, the signal became spotty. Would recommend getting both Zong and SCOM for complete coverage.”
Michael from Germany
“Ufone had good deals but very limited coverage outside Skardu. SCOM was more expensive but worth every rupee for our trip to Deosai Plains where it was the only network with signal. If you’re on a budget and staying in the city, Ufone is fine.”
Emergency & Contact Information
Emergency Contacts
-
Medical
Emergency Medical Services
1122
-
Police
Skardu Police
15
-
Fire
Fire Emergency
16
-
Rescue
Mountain Rescue Service
+92 5815 55960
Network Customer Support
-
SC SCOM
SCOM Customer Support
1250 (from SCOM number)
+92 5819 20000
-
ZG ZONG
Zong Customer Support
310 (from Zong number)
+92 310 000310
-
TN TELENOR
Telenor Customer Support
345 (from Telenor number)
+92 345 6000345
-
JZ JAZZ
Jazz Customer Support
300 (from Jazz number)
+92 300 0300300