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Home , Askole, Astore (city), Astore Valley, Babusar Pass, Bagrot Valley, Baintha Brakk

HeavenlyHeavenly blessedblessed landland GILGITGILGIT -- BALTISTANBALTISTAN

Tourism Department -

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 ; the confluence of and Godwin Austen Glacier). Most of the highest peaks in Pakistan lie in 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 DISTANCES

Where Great Ranges Meet 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 – 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, Gilgit, Ghizer, / 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 mountain (8126 m), the endowed with most unique geographical Hidden Peak, I (8068 m), the feature in the world. (8047 m) and the Gasherbrum II (8035 m). This enormous mountain wealth In an area of about 500 kms in width and makes Pakistan an important mountain 350 kms in depth, is found the most dense country, offering great opportunities for collection of some of the highest and and mountain related precipitous peaks in the world, boasting adventure activities. The area is aptly called more than 700 peaks above 6000 meters, a paradise for mountaineers, adventure and more than 160 peaks above 7000 seekers and nature lovers. The compelling meters. charm of these high, challenging, endless sea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure These include five out of the total fourteen large- number of climbers, adventure above eight thousand meter high peaks on seekers and nature lovers from across the earth, namely the second highest rock five continents to the Gilgit-Baltistan and pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer , each year.

5

Rock Inscriptions Astore is the recently established

Bunji district headquarters at Gilgit-

Dashkin Baltistan with its district

ASTORE Eid Gah Gurikot headquarters at Eidgah. The Raikot 7074 Chongra Nanga Parbat 6828 8125

Astore Valley is comprised of Tarashing

Chilam Chauki

Rupal numerous valleys and villages 5584 Chachor Pass 4266

Mir Malik where the prominent ones are

Rama, Gorikot, Rehmanpur,

Rattu. Bunji, and Chilim,

among others. Of particular note

in the District are Parbat (Rupal

Face) and Rama Lake.

6 DIAMIR VALLEY

The is the gateway to the Gilgit-Baltistan if driving from via the Karkorum Highway (KKH) or 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 Jaglot

Tangir River

Darel River Thalechi region. The important places in Shatial Rock Nanga Parbat viewpoint Diamer District are Tangir, Darel,

Khanbari River

Hudor River

Thalpan Rivr Raikot Bridge Chiias, Bunar Das, Gonar Farm Thor Gunar Muthat Pass 4964 Chilas Bunar Jail Tato TDO Rock Jilipur and Raikot. Of particular note Thor River Diarmori 5245 Fairy Thak Meadows Buldar Jilipur 5602 Thak River Zangot Pass in this District are Nanga Parbat Kachal 4837 Pass

Buto Gah River 4400 Ganalo Buto Gan 6608 Pass 4100 Babusar (8,125m) Raikot Face and Fairy 4173 Meadows, some of the most picturesque places in the world.

7 Gilgit strategically the most GILGIT VALLEY important region in the and the trade centre of the region for 327 centuries, is the capital town 4600 Daintar Pass 4636 and administrative centre of

Naltar Lake Chalt the Federally Administered Naltar

Punial Gilgit-Baltistan. The area is 7266 Rash Peak 7788 Hinarchi Gl 5098 Normal watered by the Ghizer/Gilgit, Bulchi

DanyorKarakoram Highway Chirah GILGIT Hunza and Indus rivers and

Kutwal Sassi Lake several of their tributaries. Pari Mani Glacier

Gasho Gilgit was an important city Pahot Alam Bridge Lake Unique Point 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 .

8 GHIZER VALLEY

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

Karambar An 4188 connected by metalled road to Gilgit. A leisure day at Phander Thui 1 Darkot Pass Kyoyo Zoom 6660 6872 Chillinji Pass with fishing in the lake is ideal for 4575 5291 Darkot holiday makers. ShandurPass, the Thui An Pass Ishkuman 4499 Pass 4587 Ishkuman bordering plateau between Gilgit

Imit Asumbar and Chitral is more famous for its Pass Pakora 4400 Nazbar Pass Yasin 4977 Chatorkhand annual tournament and gala.

Zagar Pass Khalti Lake Gupis It offers superb panorama as the Chamurkhan Pass 5008 Phander Lake Teru vast plateau fills with alpine flowers GHAKUCH Bubar Langar Handrab Sher Qila Handrab Lake Singal and the lake on the pass makes it 3734 Gulapur To Chitral more picturesque. Kargah 9 Dadarilli An 4941 DIR CHITRAL

Mintaka Pass

Karakoram Highway To Kashgar HUNZA / Ziarat Baba Ghundi Khunjerab Misgar River Kuksil Zero 4733 m Chepursan Viewpoint Dhee Ghujerab River Lupghar Chapchingol Pass 5150 Sost

Khaibar Dutt Ziarat Batura 7785 Pass Glacier Shimshal River 4735 Hunza ValleyPassu 7478 Borit Lake Shimshal Ultar Passu Shuwart Ghulkin Glacier Hussaini Chikar 7388 Ghulkin Daintar Pass Gulmit Glacier 4636 Karimabad Gulmit Shishkat Bridge Braldu Glacier Nazimabad 5790 7885 Khurdopin Ultar Viewpoint Kanjut Sar Aliabad Sacred Rock Pass Ghulmat Ghanish 7760 Sikandar Minapin Nagar Abad Nilt Barpu Gl Hopar Gl Pakaposhi Rash Lake Glacier Viewpoint Golden Peak (Spantily) 7027 is the prime attraction for tourists as the spectacular scenery of the surrounding 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 VALLEY

Skardu town is located near the confluence of 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 5151

Hispar Pass 7285 provisions required by trekking and

Latok 7145 climbing parties. Chogo Lungma Gl 8611

Haramosh Passs 4800 Arandu Mustagh Broad Peak 8047 7284 Paiyu Uli Cathedral Gasherbrum 4 Haramosh Biaho Trango 7929 7409 Tower Godwin Austen Gl Godwin Gasherbrum 2 BashaRiver Braldu River Baltoro Glacier

Dassu Dumordo River Paiyu Shengus Baltoro GlacierConcordia 8035 Thongal Gasherbrum 1 Of particular interest in this district are: Stak Urdukas Korophon Milre 8068 6010 Hyderabad Braldu River (K1) GhondoghoroVigne Gl Pass 5650 Indus River Dambudas 7821 Khorpocho Fort, Manthal Rock Skoro La 5073 DalsangpaGhondoghoro Gl Snow Dome 7150 7150 7668 Rondu Baghicha (Buddhist carving), Sadpara and K7 Thalle La 4572 6934 Basho Shigar Thalle River Kachura Lakes (including the upscale Masjid Upper Kachura Kande 7281 Lake Khurposhe Kachura Fort Ranak Pass Lake Doghoni resort of Shangrila while so 3 full day 4964 Manthal Buddha Satpara SKARDU Kiris Lake TDO excursions are a visit to Deosai Plains

Burjl La Gol 4815 Katicho Indus River Ali Malik Pass Mehdiabad (the second highest plateau in the 4588 Ganse Pass 5030 Chilam Chauki Bara PaniDeosai National Park world), and the with an

Kharmang impressive renovated fort and fruit

Olding orchards. 11 Hushe River Hushe Hulde Saltoro River

GHANCHE VALLEY Ghanche has two major divisions, Masjid Fort Khaplu and Mc'herbrum. Hushe, under the shadow of Masherbrum Lunkha 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. 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.

12 GILGIT - BALTISTAN

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

13 The main crops include Maize, Wheat, Barley, Blue Sheep, Flying Squirrel, Mouse Hare, Wolf, MOUNTAINS RANGES AND PEAKS Millet, Potato, Peas, Beans, various fruits and Fox, Golden , Wild Asses, Yak, and Karakoram, Himalayas and along nut trees, while livestock comprises of Sheep, . The birds are Grebes and with Pamirs are the famous mountain ranges, Goat, Cow, Horse and Yak. Waterfowl, Teal, Falcon, Herons and Gulls, with several prominent peaks of world ranking. Wood Sandpiper, Pigeons, Turtle Dove, Owl, The region has the greatest cluster of peaks FLORA & FAUNA Nightjar, Cuckoos, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Larks, above 7000 meters while five out of fourteen The alpine flowers of the region are, Aster, Swallows & Swifts, Wagtails, Redstarts, 8000 meters high peaks in the world are also Potentillas, Delphinium, Daffodil, Daisy, Wheatears, Thrushes, Warblers, Buntings, located in GB ( detail in box ). Apart from Parsley / Rosemary, Mustard, Honeysuckle, Rose finches, Crows and Magpies, Songbirds, these giants, there are few important peaks Carnation, Gentian, Geranium, Mint, Peas, Chakor, Ram Chakor, Snow Partridge, like Gasherbrum-IV, Mustagh Tower, Lilly, Evening Primrose, Poppy, Plantain, Sea Pheasants, Golden Eagle, Vulture and Hawk Chogolisa, Masherbrum (K1), , Lavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees are etc. Distaghil Sar, Rakaposhi, Diran, , Ultar of Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza, and Haramosh etc. Chir, Blue Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak and ROCK ART AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES Sycamore. Common bushes and shrubs The present GB region was dominated by Peaks above 8000 meters include, Ephedra, Rose, Tamarisk, Viburnum Buddhism, which left various rock inscribed World Mountain Other First Country Climber(s) and Artemisia. writings and pictures dating back between 5000 Ranking and Height Name Climbed /Team BC to 8th. Century AD. Some 20000 points are K2 Chogori Lino Lacedelli 2 8611 m 31.07.54 The animals include Brown and Black Bear, found but the important places are Chilas Rock 9 Nanga Parbat Naked 03.06.53 Austro Grey Goral, Lynx, Laddakh Urial, Himalayan Inscriptions, Manthal rock carved figure of 8125 m Mountain German Herman Buhl Hidden Ibex, , Musk Deer, Marco Polo Sheep, Buddha, Kargah Buddha, Rock and 11 Gasherbrum 1 07.07.58 America Peter Schoening 8068 m Peak Andy Kaufmann the Sacred Rocks of Ghanish etc. Herman Buhl 12 Broad Peak Falcon 09.06.57 Austria Marks Schmitt 8047 m Kangri Fritz Winterseller Kurt Diemburger

Fritz Moravec 13 Gasherbrum 2 08.07.56 Austria Joseph Larch 8035 m 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. 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

l Shandur Polo l Babusar Polo l Spring Blossom l Ginami Festival l International l Silk Route Festival Festival Cup Tournament Festival Pamir Festival (7th-9 th July) (5th-7th Aug) (21st Mar -21nd Apr) (20th-24th June) (15th - 20th Jul) (15th Sep-15th Oct)

15 Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

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

Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1 Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1 Fax: +92 5811 920689 Fax: +92 5811 920689 www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk [email protected]