1. DISTRICT
GILGIT
Gilgit is the Capital of
Gilgit-Baltistan. This is the provincial head quarters and hub of all over
Gilgit-Baltistan. Strategically, it is located at the convergence routes for
trade and conquest. It thus becomes a melting pot of different cultures and
races. The area is watered by the Ghizer/Gilgit, Hunza and Indus rivers and
several of their tributaries.
Gilgit has been an important city on
the Silk Road through which religions were spread to and from the region. At
one time the region was under the influence of Buddhism and a large number of Buddhist
texts have been found at various places. A good account of the region is found
from the writings of Fa Hsien and Hsuan Tsang, ancient travelers along the Silk
Road. There has been found Dardic influence as well. Gilgit was ruled from
centuries by the local Trakhane Dynasty which came to an end in 1810 and was
followed by the rule of Sikhs and the British before declaring independence in
1947 and becoming part of Pakistan in 1948.
The most
scenic and touristic places in this district is Naltar, 35 km from Gilgit and picturesque
grassland surrounded by high peaks with accessible glacial lakes. In the winter
there is a private ski resort run under the auspices of the Pakistan Air Force.
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.
2. DISTRICT
ASTORE
Astore is newly established as
independent District of Gilgit-Batistan. The Astore district comprises of
numerous valleys and villages prominently, Rama, Gorikot, Rebmanpur, Rattu,
Bunji, Dashkin and Chilim, amongst others. Of particular mention in the
District are the Nanga Parbat ( Rupal Face) and Rama lake.
The main language spoken in the
valley is Shina while Urdu is the langua franca of the district.
3. DISTRICT
HUNZA-NAGAR.
Hunza valley is the most spectacular
and scenic part for the tourists with particular sceneries of the surrounding
mountains. A view of four 7000 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 frtuts, terraced fields, land mark monuments and also for its
changing colours in various seasons. Burushaski and Wakhi are spoken languages
of Hunza-Nagar region but English and Urdu are widely used for communication with
visitors.
Nagar has been a state of equal
atatus 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, Husainabad, Sikandarabad, Nilt and Gulmit are
the major villages in Nagar to include in travel plan.
4. GHIZER
VALLEY
Ghizer is the most scenic and attractive
district of Gilgit-Baltistan. It comprises of several independent and isolated
valleys including Punial, Gupis, Phander, Yasin and Ishkoman as distinct
feature of each. Mainly two languages i.e. Khowar and Wakhi are spoken in this
district while Urdu and English is spoken for the communication with visitors. The
district is unique because of its geographical spread and connectivity as well
as cultural diversity. Traditions, norms and values enrich the beauty of this
district. Trout fishing and angling is the most common attraction in the
district. The most touristic places are Sherqilla, Chatorkhand, Khalti, Phander,
Hundarap Shonji Lake and Shandur. The significance of the district is
quadrupled by the Shandur Pass over which the historical and traditional Polo
festival is played between arch rival teams of Gilgit and Chitral.
5. DIAMER
VALLEY
Diamer
district is the archeologically rich and traditional part of Gilgit-Batistan. It
is the gateway of Gilgit Baltistan, chilas is its headquarters. Local laungage
is shina but English and Urdu languages are used for communication with
outsiders. Be it the Karakuram Highway or the Kaghan Naran road, enter into
Diamer valley first to give passage to whole of Gilgit Baltistan. The District
manifests pre-historic traces of human pace and advancement in the shape of
rock carvings, rock inscriptions and petro glyphs etc. these features place
this district at a distinct position as more than 35000 such inscriptions and
carvings are available here. The important valleys in Diamer are Tangir, Darel,
Chilas, Bunar Das, Gonar Farm and Raikot. On particular note in this district
are Nanga Parbat (8125 m) Raikot face and Fairy Meadows, some of the most
picturesque places on the earth.
6. SKURDU
VALLEY
Skurdu
district has a unique for expedition and its is located at the confluence of
river Indus and the Shyok river and make the base camp for leading tourist
destination in Gilgit Baltistan including K-2. The district is the best
manifestation of hospitality and respect to tourists. People of Skurdu can
speak English and Urdu but their mother tongue is Balti. Of particular note,
Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Rock, (Buddah Rock), Sadpar and Kachura lake, exquisite
Shangrila lake and the most famous Deosai plateau. Shigar fort renovated on
scientific lines while preserving the cultural and architectural values, presents
a thorough learning of the history and culture on one hand while offers a
comfortable stay in traditional rooms/suites on the other hand with continental
and local food varieties.
7. GANCHE
VALLEY
Ganche valley has two sub-divisions,
Khaplu and Mashebrum. Hushe, under the shadow of Mashebrum peak, is the gateway
to various important peaks and glaciers. A 102 km drive from Skurdu mostly
along the Shyok river takes to Khaplu. The district headquarters of Ganche. Khaplu
Fort Palace ad Chaqchan Mosque are the interesting places to visit. The mosque
built around 1500 AC is the oldest mosque in Baltistan. The Building shows
Buddhist influence and Tibtan architecture. Ghondoghoro Pass at 5650 m is one of
the most popular and challenging trekking routes in the world. Other places to
trek with relative ease are the base camp of Mashebrum Peak and Thalle La.
Balti is local language while Urdu and English is widely spoken in Ganche
distric.
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