Heavenly blessed land GILGIT - BALTISTAN. Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

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1 Heavenly blessed land GILGIT - BALTISTAN Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

3 Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000 meters and probably as many peaks above 6,000 m. There is no count of the peaks above 5,000 and 4,000 m. Five of the 14 highest independent peaks in the world (the eight-thousanders) are in Pakistan (four of which lie in the surroundings of Concordia; the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Godwin Austen Glacier). Most of the highest peaks in Pakistan lie in Karakoram range (which lies almost entirely in the Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, but some peaks above 7,000 m are included in the Himalayan and Hindukush ranges PAKISTAN DISTANCES Where Great Mountain Ranges Meet

Gilgit Baltistan of PAKISTAN Gilgit Baltistan is,

terms of its geography and scenic beauty.

Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas meet.

4 Gilgit Baltistan of PAKISTAN Gilgit Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Here world s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and anglers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora. 4

CAPITAL Gilgit DISTRICTS Diamer, Astore Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza/Nagar Baltistan, Ghanche AREA 72,496 km² TIME ZONE PST, GMT +5 POPULATION 870,347 LANGUAGES Shina, Balti, Wakhi Khowar, Brushaski

In an area of about 500 kms in width and 350 kms in depth, is found the most dense collection of some of the highest and precipitous peaks in the world, boasting more than 700 peaks above 6000

These include five out of the total fourteen above eight thousand meter high peaks on earth, namely the second highest rock pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer mountain Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the

5 CAPITAL Gilgit DISTRICTS Diamer, Astore Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza/Nagar Baltistan, Ghanche AREA 72,496 km² TIME ZONE PST, GMT +5 POPULATION 870,347 LANGUAGES Shina, Balti, Wakhi Khowar, Brushaski Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan which is endowed with most unique geographical feature in the world. In an area of about 500 kms in width and 350 kms in depth, is found the most dense collection of some of the highest and precipitous peaks in the world, boasting more than 700 peaks above 6000 meters, and more than 160 peaks above 7000 meters. These include five out of the total fourteen above eight thousand meter high peaks on earth, namely the second highest rock pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer mountain Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum I (8068 m), the Broad Peak (8047 m) and the Gasherbrum II (8035 m). This enormous mountain wealth makes Pakistan an important mountain country, offering great opportunities for mountaineering and mountain related adventure activities. The area is aptly called a paradise for mountaineers, adventure seekers and nature lovers. The compelling charm of these high, challenging, endless sea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure large- number of climbers, adventure seekers and nature lovers from across the five continents to the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, each year. 5

ASTORE VALLEY Astore is the recently established district headquarters

The Astore Valley is comprised of numerous valleys and villages where

Rama Lake Chongra Nanga Parbat 6828 8125 Rupal 5584 Tarashing Dashkin

6 ASTORE VALLEY Astore is the recently established district headquarters at Gilgit- Baltistan with its district headquarters at Eidgah. The Astore Valley is comprised of numerous valleys and villages where the prominent ones are Rock Inscriptions Bunji Raikot 7074 Astore River Rama Lake Chongra Nanga Parbat Rupal 5584 Tarashing Dashkin ASTORE Eid Gah Gurikot Rattu Mir Malik Gudai Chachor Pass 4266 Chilam Chauki Rama, Gorikot, Rehmanpur, Rattu. Bunji, Dashkin and Chilim, among others. Of particular note in the District are Parbat (Rupal Face) and Rama Lake. 6

DIAMIR VALLEY Tangir River Darel River Shatial Rock Karakoram Highway Thor River Khanbari River Thor Buto

Thak River Indus River Zangot Kachal Pass 4400 Babusar Pass 4173 Jaglot Thalechi Nanga Parbat viewpoint

Buldar 5602 The Diamer District is the gateway to the Gilgit-Baltistan if driving from Islamabad via the

The area has been important since the pre-historic period and numerous traces of ancient rock carvings ore

7 DIAMIR VALLEY Tangir River Darel River Shatial Rock Karakoram Highway Thor River Khanbari River Thor Buto Gah River Buto Gan Pass 4100 Hudor River CHILAS Thalpan Rivr TDO Thak Babusar Chilas Bunar Rock Diarmori Thak River Indus River Zangot Kachal Pass 4400 Babusar Pass 4173 Jaglot Thalechi Nanga Parbat viewpoint Gunar Ganalo 6608 Raikot Bridge Jail Jilipur 5245 Fairy Meadows Jilipur Pass 4837 Muthat Pass 4964 Tato Buldar 5602 The Diamer District is the gateway to the Gilgit-Baltistan if driving from Islamabad via the Karkorum Highway (KKH) or Kaghan Valley through Babusar or Butogah passes. The area has been important since the pre-historic period and numerous traces of ancient rock carvings ore found in different shapes, especially rock inscribed pictures and writings which are spread all around the region. The important places in Diamer District are Tangir, Darel, Chiias, Bunar Das, Gonar Farm and Raikot. Of particular note in this District are Nanga Parbat (8,125m) Raikot Face and Fairy Meadows, some of the most picturesque places in the world. 7

GILGIT VALLEY Naltar Pass 4600 Naltar Lake 327 Daintar Pass 4636 Naltar Punial Chalt Normal GILGIT Karakoram Highway Danyor Pari

Kutwal Lake Mani Glacier Gilgit strategically the most important region in the Karakorams and the trade centre of the region for

The area is watered by the Ghizer/Gilgit, Hunza and Indus rivers and several of their tributaries.

Of particular note in this district are Naltar, 35 km from Gilgit and a picturesque grassland surrounded by high peaks with

8 GILGIT VALLEY Naltar Pass 4600 Naltar Lake 327 Daintar Pass 4636 Naltar Punial Chalt Normal GILGIT Karakoram Highway Danyor Pari Bulchi Bagrot Valley Chirah Gasho Pahot Alam Bridge Lake Unique Point Diran Rakaposhi Hinarchi Gl Sassi Rash Peak 5098 Kutwal Lake Mani Glacier Gilgit strategically the most important region in the Karakorams and the trade centre of the region for centuries, is the capital town and administrative centre of the Federally Administered Gilgit-Baltistan. The area is watered by the Ghizer/Gilgit, Hunza and Indus rivers and several of their tributaries. Gilgit was an important city on the Silk Road through which religions were spread to and from the region. Of particular note in this district are Naltar, 35 km from Gilgit and a picturesque grassland surrounded by high peaks with accessible glacial lakes. Near to Gilgit there is the Kargah Buddha, a rock-wall carved Buddha dating back to the 8th century AD while a little further on is the ruins of a Buddhist monastery and stupa. 8

GHIZER VALLEY DIR CHITRAL To Chitral Dadarilli An 4941 Zagar Pass Chamurkhan Pass 5008 Teru Langar Handrab Shandur Pass 3734 Handrab Lake

4400 Ishkuman Pass 4587 Ishkuman GHAKUCH Karambar An 4188 Imit Pakora Chatorkhand Singal Bubar Chillinji Pass 5291 Sher Qila Gulapur Kargah

Fishing is another activity in the villages.yasin is a green and picturesque region.

It is well connected by metalled road to Gilgit. A leisure day at Phander with fishing in the lake is ideal for holiday makers.

9 GHIZER VALLEY DIR CHITRAL To Chitral Dadarilli An 4941 Zagar Pass Chamurkhan Pass 5008 Teru Langar Handrab Shandur Pass 3734 Handrab Lake Nazbar Pass 4977 Darkot Pass 4575 Thui An Pass 4499 Thui Yasin Khalti Lake Gupis Phander Lake Kyoyo Zoom 6872 Darkot Asumbar Pass 4400 Ishkuman Pass 4587 Ishkuman GHAKUCH Karambar An 4188 Imit Pakora Chatorkhand Singal Bubar Chillinji Pass 5291 Sher Qila Gulapur Kargah The major places are Punial which is a former small kingdom and Sherqilla which has a wood carved mosque and 150 year old watchtower. Fishing is another activity in the villages.yasin is a green and picturesque region. The Ishkoman valley is another beautiful region in Ghizer. Phander is one of the most interesting places in the district. It is well connected by metalled road to Gilgit. A leisure day at Phander with fishing in the lake is ideal for holiday makers. ShandurPass, the bordering plateau between Gilgit and Chitral is more famous for its annual polo tournament and gala. It offers superb panorama as the vast plateau fills with alpine flowers and the lake on the pass makes it more picturesque. 9

Kilik Pass HUNZA /NAGAR VALLEY Ziarat Baba Ghundi Chepursan Lupghar Misgar Dhee Mintaka Pass Sost Khunjerab River Khunjerab National Park Ghujerab River Karakoram Highway Kuksil Zero

Ultar 7388 Karimabad Batura Glacier Passu Glacier Borit Lake Ghulkin Glacier Gulmit Glacier Baltit Fort Altit Fort Aliabad Minapin Dutt Ziarat Shimshal River Shimshal Passu Hussaini

Sar Pass 7760 Shuwart Braldu Glacier Braldu River Chikar Golden Peak (Spantily) 7027 Hunza valley is the prime attraction for tourists as the spectacular scenery of the surrounding

The valley is known for its delicious fruits, terraced fields, and also for its changing colours in various seasons.

10 Kilik Pass HUNZA /NAGAR VALLEY Ziarat Baba Ghundi Chepursan Lupghar Misgar Dhee Mintaka Pass Sost Khunjerab River Khunjerab National Park Ghujerab River Karakoram Highway Kuksil Zero Viewpoint Chapchingol Pass 5150 To Kashgar Khunjerab Pass 4733 m Daintar Pass 4636 Sikandar Abad Batura 7785 Hunza River Hunza Valley Nilt Passu 7478 Ghulmat Pakaposhi Viewpoint Khaibar Ultar 7388 Karimabad Batura Glacier Passu Glacier Borit Lake Ghulkin Glacier Gulmit Glacier Baltit Fort Altit Fort Aliabad Minapin Dutt Ziarat Shimshal River Shimshal Passu Hussaini Ghulkin Gulmit Shishkat Bridge Nazimabad Ultar Viewpoint Sacred Rock Ghanish Nagar Barpu Gl Hopar Gl Rash Lake Hispar Glacier Shimshal Pass Khurdopin Distaghil Sar Kanjut Sar Pass 7760 Shuwart Braldu Glacier Braldu River Chikar Golden Peak (Spantily) 7027 Hunza valley is the prime attraction for tourists as the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains is overwhelming. A view of four 7,000 m high peaks, i.e., Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden and Ultar, from various points of Hunza makes it unique. The valley is known for its delicious fruits, terraced fields, and also for its changing colours in various seasons. Nagar has been a state of equal status and importance as that of Hunza. Although the valley is spread in a vast region, however the main village of Nagar is just opposite to Karimabad, across the Hunza River. Bar, Jaffarabad, Husanabad, Sikandarabad, Nilt and Ghulmit are the major villages in Nagar. 10

SKARDU VALLEY Shengus Indus River Chogo Lungma Gl Haramosh Passs 4800 Haramosh 7409 Stak 5151 Hispar Pass Arandu Snow Lake Dassu Baintha Brakk 7285 Hyderabad TDO Latok 7145 Biafo Glacier Thongal

Buddha Satpara Lake Braldu River Khurposhe Fort Shigar Masjid SKARDU Katicho Pass 4588 Deosai National Park Mehdiabad Korophon Paiyu Thalle La 4572 Kiris Gol Dumordo River Braldu River Uli Biaho

5030 Kande K2 8611 Hushe Milre 6010 Baltoro Glacier Vigne Gl Ghondoghoro Pass 5650 Chogolisa 7668 Broad Peak 8047 Gasherbrum 4 7929 Baltoro Kangri Snow Dome 7150 7150 K7 6934 K6 7281 Gasherbrum 2

11 SKARDU VALLEY Shengus Indus River Chogo Lungma Gl Haramosh Passs 4800 Haramosh 7409 Stak 5151 Hispar Pass Arandu Snow Lake Dassu Baintha Brakk 7285 Hyderabad TDO Latok 7145 Biafo Glacier Thongal Askole Thowar Dambudas Skoro La 5073 Rondu Ranak Pass 4964 Chilam Chauki Basho BashaRiver Baghicha Upper Kachura Lake Kachura Lake Sheosar Lake Burjl La 4815 Ali Malik Bara Pani Shigar River Manthal Buddha Satpara Lake Braldu River Khurposhe Fort Shigar Masjid SKARDU Katicho Pass 4588 Deosai National Park Mehdiabad Korophon Paiyu Thalle La 4572 Kiris Gol Dumordo River Braldu River Uli Biaho Paiyu Doghoni Indus River Kharmang Olding Trango Cathedral Tower Baltoro Glacier Urdukas Mustagh 7284 Godwin Austen Gl Concordia Ghondoghoro Gl Masherbrum (K1) 7821 Dalsangpa Thalle River Ganse Pass 5030 Kande K Hushe Milre 6010 Baltoro Glacier Vigne Gl Ghondoghoro Pass 5650 Chogolisa 7668 Broad Peak 8047 Gasherbrum Baltoro Kangri Snow Dome K K Gasherbrum Gasherbrum Skardu town is located near the confluence of Shigar and Indus rivers, and is watered by the stream flowing down the Sadpara Lake. Although Skardu is the base camp for the routes to some of the world's highest peaks, low altitude mountains surround the town. The old bazaar has a few mountaineering equipment (second hand) shops and others provide basic provisions required by trekking and climbing parties. Of particular interest in this district are: Khorpocho Fort, Manthal Rock (Buddhist carving), Sadpara and Kachura Lakes (including the upscale resort of Shangrila while so 3 full day excursions are a visit to Deosai Plains (the second highest plateau in the world), and the Shigar valley with an impressive renovated fort and fruit orchards. 11

GHANCHE VALLEY KHAPLU Hushe River Hulde Thagas Saltoro River Ghanche has two major divisions, Masjid

Hushe, Lunkha under the shadow of Masherbrum Piun Peak, is the gateway to various Frano important peaks

A 102 km drive mostly along the Shyok river takes to Khaplu, the district headquarters of Ghanche.

The palace was the summer residence of the ex-ruler s family.

12 GHANCHE VALLEY KHAPLU Hushe River Hulde Thagas Saltoro River Ghanche has two major divisions, Masjid Fort Khaplu and Mc'herbrum. Hushe, Lunkha under the shadow of Masherbrum Piun Peak, is the gateway to various Frano important peaks and glaciers. A 102 km drive mostly along the Shyok river takes to Khaplu, the district headquarters of Ghanche. Khaplu Palace and Chaqchan Mosque are the interesting places to visit. The palace was the summer residence of the ex-ruler s family. The mosque was built around 1500 AC and boasts to be the oldest mosque in Baltistan. The building shows Buddhist influence and Tibetan architecture. Ghondoghoro Pass at 5,650 m is one of the most popular and challenging trekking routes in the world. Other places to trek to with relative ease are the base camp of Masherburm Peak and Thalle La. Shyok River 12

GILGIT - BALTISTAN HISTORY & PEOPLE The region has a rich history and was previously ruled by several small states, like Hunza, Gilgit, Punial, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu.

It was commonly believed that people of Hunza were descendants of the Greeks who came as the soldiers of Alexander; however, recent research says that most of the population belongs to various

The most famous languages of the region are Shina, Brushaski, Wakhi, Khowar and Balti.

13 GILGIT - BALTISTAN HISTORY & PEOPLE The region has a rich history and was previously ruled by several small states, like Hunza, Gilgit, Punial, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu. The part of the region has been governed under Kashmir as well. It was commonly believed that people of Hunza were descendants of the Greeks who came as the soldiers of Alexander; however, recent research says that most of the population belongs to various aboriginal people and are the descendants of Indo-Iranian tribes. LANGUAGE & RELIGION The population consists of many diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups. The most famous languages of the region are Shina, Brushaski, Wakhi, Khowar and Balti. Most of the languages are considered to belong the Dardic group, a blend of indigenous languages with those of the Aryans. Balti language has more influence from Tibet. Urdu is widely spoken, while English is understood in major towns and at the places of tourism activities. The people are Muslim following various sects like Sunni, Shia, Ismaili and Nurbakshi etc. FRUIT - CROPS - LIVESTOCK The GB produce high quality delicious fruits like Cherry, Apricot, Mulberry, Plum, Peach, Apple, Pomegranate and Grape etc. Apricot of Hunza and Shigar is believed to be the most delicious and of very high quality. 13

The main crops include Maize, Wheat, Barley, Millet, Potato, Peas, Beans, various fruits and nut trees, while livestock comprises of Sheep, Goat, Cow, Horse and Yak.

Primrose, Poppy, Plantain, Sea Lavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees are of Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza, Chir, Blue Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak and Sycamore.

The animals include Brown and Black Bear, Grey Goral, Lynx, Laddakh Urial, Himalayan Ibex, Markhor, Musk Deer, Marco Polo Sheep, Blue Sheep, Flying Squirrel, Mouse Hare, Wolf, Fox, Golden Marmot,

14 The main crops include Maize, Wheat, Barley, Millet, Potato, Peas, Beans, various fruits and nut trees, while livestock comprises of Sheep, Goat, Cow, Horse and Yak. FLORA & FAUNA The alpine flowers of the region are, Aster, Potentillas, Delphinium, Daffodil, Daisy, Parsley / Rosemary, Mustard, Honeysuckle, Carnation, Gentian, Geranium, Mint, Peas, Lilly, Evening Primrose, Poppy, Plantain, Sea Lavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees are of Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza, Chir, Blue Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak and Sycamore. Common bushes and shrubs include, Ephedra, Rose, Tamarisk, Viburnum and Artemisia. The animals include Brown and Black Bear, Grey Goral, Lynx, Laddakh Urial, Himalayan Ibex, Markhor, Musk Deer, Marco Polo Sheep, Blue Sheep, Flying Squirrel, Mouse Hare, Wolf, Fox, Golden Marmot, Wild Asses, Yak, and Snow Leopard. The birds are Grebes and Waterfowl, Teal, Falcon, Herons and Gulls, Wood Sandpiper, Pigeons, Turtle Dove, Owl, Nightjar, Cuckoos, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Larks, Swallows & Swifts, Wagtails, Redstarts, Wheatears, Thrushes, Warblers, Buntings, Rose finches, Crows and Magpies, Songbirds, Chakor, Ram Chakor, Snow Partridge, Pheasants, Golden Eagle, Vulture and Hawk etc. ROCK ART AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES The present GB region was dominated by Buddhism, which left various rock inscribed writings and pictures dating back between 5000 BC to 8th. Century AD. Some points are found but the important places are Chilas Rock Inscriptions, Manthal rock carved figure of Buddha, Kargah Buddha, Danyor Rock and the Sacred Rocks of Ghanish etc. MOUNTAINS RANGES AND PEAKS Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush along with Pamirs are the famous mountain ranges, with several prominent peaks of world ranking. The region has the greatest cluster of peaks above 7000 meters while five out of fourteen 8000 meters high peaks in the world are also located in GB ( detail in box ). Apart from these giants, there are few important peaks like Gasherbrum-IV, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa, Masherbrum (K1), Trango Towers, Distaghil Sar, Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, Ultar and Haramosh etc. World Ranking Mountain and Height K m Nanga Parbat 8125 m Gasherbrum m Broad Peak 8047 m Peaks above 8000 meters Other Name Chogori Naked Mountain Hidden Peak Falcon Kangri First Climbed Country /Team Italy Austro German America Austria Climber(s) Lino Lacedelli Achille Compagnoni Herman Buhl Peter Schoening Andy Kaufmann Herman Buhl Marks Schmitt Fritz Winterseller Kurt Diemburger 13 Gasherbrum m Austria Fritz Moravec Joseph Larch Hans Willenpart 14

Visit our website: www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk It is only a mouse click away. You can find out everything you need to know about your travel destinations.

15 Visit our website: It is only a mouse click away. You can find out everything you need to know about your travel destinations. We are offering the following areas of tourism: 1. Adventure Holidays 2. Cultural Holidays 3. Expeditions 4. Trekking Trips 5. Safaris 6. Mountain Biking 7. Hunting Trips 8. Rafting 9. Skiing 10. Eco Tours 11. Filming Trips 12. Family Trips CALENDAR OF EVENTS Shandur Polo Festival (7th-9 th July) Babusar Polo Cup Tournament (5th-7th Aug) Spring Blossom Festival (21st Mar -21nd Apr) Ginami Festival (20th-24th June) International Pamir Festival (15th - 20th Jul) Silk Route Festival (15th Sep-15th Oct) 15

Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan For further details and assistance please contact: Tourism Secretariat Khomer Chowk, Shahrah-e-Qaid-e-Azam, Near Rupal Inn,Khomer, Gilgit.

16 Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan For further details and assistance please contact: Tourism Secretariat Khomer Chowk, Shahrah-e-Qaid-e-Azam, Near Rupal Inn,Khomer, Gilgit. Tourism Directorate Cheeta Colony, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Near General Bus Stand, Jutial, Gilgit Ph: /920573/ Fax: Ph: /920573/ Fax:

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