Assalam-o-Alaikum! How are you all? I hope you’re all doing perfectly well and are in good health. ❤️
If you’re someone who loves learning about history and the culture of different regions, I think you might find this blog useful. If you take the time to read it, I’m sure you’ll find it quite interesting and enjoyable.
So, we visited Yousuf Museum in Hussainabad, located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Since coming to Skardu, I’ve noticed that there are two or three museums here that I want to visit. The first one I visited was Yousuf Museum, mainly because it was quite close to my home—only around 3 km away, which was approximately a 10–15 minute drive.
The museum has a relatively small setup. We went inside and bought our tickets, which cost PKR 300 per person. It isn’t a very large museum; there are around four to five sections/compartments, along with a small garden area that also has a pond.
Each section displays different objects from the past.
In one section, there were Buddhist statues and sculptures. Another section had old utensils, pots, and traditional ves
earlier times.
We also saw some beautifully handcrafted architectural models and traditional buildings, which hantion to detail. It was fascinating to see how much effort had gone into recreating these structures.
There was also a collection of cameras from different eras, showing how photography equipment evolved over time.
Another interesting part was seeing how people in earlier times used to keep their water hot or cold. There were traditional stone-made water containers and coolers that were used before modern refrigeration and cooling systems became common.
And there was so much more related to the lifestyle of the people who lived in this region in the past—how they kept themselves warm, what kind of clothing they wore, and what materials they used.
Their traditional clothes and caps were also displayed.
Speaking of the traditional cap, something particularly interesting caught my attention. Between the Kashmir and Gilgit regions, you’ll find a traditional style of cap with a rounded band-like structure at the front.
Historically, that rounded portion reportedly had iron incorporated into it, which provided some protection for the head during times when people fought with swords. Over time, this practical element became part of the region’s traditional attire.
Today, it has become an important part of the local culture. People take great pride in their traditional clothing, caps, and heritage, and these items are still worn today and are also presented to one another as gifts.
Apart from this, the museum also preserved information and objects related to livestock and animals, as well as old doors, windows, and traditional architectural elements from earlier times.
Overall, I found it really interesting because it wasn’t just about looking at old objects—it gave us a glimpse into how people in this region lived, dressed, worked, and built their homes in the past.
If you’re visiting Skardu and have an interest in history, culture, and traditional architecture, I think Yousuf Museum is worth adding to your itinerary. 🏔️🏛️✨
Jinnah Park Hussainabad
Apart from the museum itself, there was also a small garden/park within the museum’s boundary, right beside the main museum area. It had a beautiful tree, lovely scenery, and a small pond that added even more charm to the surroundings.
There wasn’t much else to explore beyond that, so we spent some time taking pictures and enjoying the views before heading back home.
Since our home was quite close, we decided to stop somewhere along the way for a cup of tea before going home. ☕️
My Experience
As for my overall experience, I really enjoyed it! I’ve always been very interested in museums, history, and old artifacts, so this place was particularly fascinating for me.
The museum also had some very old statues and sculptures, including artifacts connected with the ancient cultures and religious traditions that existed in this region before the spread of Islam and before the later Buddhist period. Some of these historical remains have been preserved here to give visitors an idea of the civilizations that once existed in the area.
What I found especially interesting was that different ancient scripts and examples of historical writing were also preserved. They provide a glimpse into the languages and cultures of the people who lived in this region centuries ago.
I’ve often heard that when people travel abroad, one of the things they enjoy most is exploring unfamiliar cultures, learning about history, and discovering things they’ve never seen before. But we have so much history and heritage right here in our own country as well.
So, if you’re interested in learning about the history and culture of Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan, I would definitely recommend doing a little research about this museum before visiting.
And if you’re planning a trip to GB—or you already live here—do consider visiting Yousuf Museum. It’s a small place, but you can come across some really interesting historical artifacts and get a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
For someone like me who enjoys old things and history, it was definitely a worthwhile and interesting experience!