Northern Areas of Pakistan

Enchanting Gilgit: Exploring the Jewel of the Northern Areas

2023-09-21T14:27:00.005+05:00

Nestled in the heart of the mighty Himalayas and Karakoram Range, Gilgit stands as a testament to Pakistan's northern wonder. This region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, rich culture, and warm hospitality, is a true gem waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we embark on a virtual journey through Gilgit, unveiling the beauty and charm that make it a must-visit destination for travelers and adventurers alike.

A Tapestry of Natural Beauty:
Gilgit is renowned for its diverse and captivating landscapes. The lush green valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and awe-inspiring mountains create a landscape that seems straight out of a dream. Every turn in Gilgit offers a new visual delight, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture the essence of untouched beauty.
Majestic Peaks and Adventure:
The crown jewels of Gilgit are its towering peaks, including the legendary K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi. Adventure seekers from around the globe flock to Gilgit for thrilling mountaineering expeditions and trekking experiences. The challenging yet exhilarating trails offer an adrenaline rush like no other, surrounded by stunning vistas at every step.
Cultural Tapestry:
Gilgit is a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures and traditions. The warm and welcoming locals celebrate their rich cultural heritage through vibrant festivals, traditional music, dance, and elaborate handicrafts. Travelers have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this cultural tapestry, gaining a deeper understanding of the region's history and customs.
Glistening Lakes and Serene Rivers:
Gilgit is blessed with picturesque lakes and rivers that add to its allure. The stunning turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, formed after a landslide in 2010, leave visitors in awe. The peacefulness of the Satpara Lake and the adventurous spirit of the Gilgit River provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and soulful contemplation amidst nature.
Gateway to Unforgettable Journeys:
Gilgit serves as the gateway to various other captivating destinations in the Northern Areas, such as Hunza, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows. Each of these places has its own unique charm, offering a rich blend of history, adventure, and spirituality.

Conclusion:

Gilgit, with its natural grandeur and cultural richness, is a true gem waiting to be explored. It beckons travelers to embrace its beauty, venture into the unknown, and immerse themselves in the warmth of its people. A visit to Gilgit promises an unforgettable experience, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to tread its remarkable terrain.

Gilgit Baltistan

2022-06-24T11:37:00.000+05:00

Gilgit Baltistan was formerly known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan, is located in northern Pakistan. Gilgit Baltistan borders Afghanistan to the north, China to the northeast, the Pakistani administrated state of Azad, Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to the south, and the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast. The territory of Gilgit-Baltistan consists of seven districts namely Gilgit, Ghezir, Hunza Nagar, Diamar, Astore, Baltistan (Skardu) and Ghanche.

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is a very sparsely populated high-mountain area in the north of Pakistan. Its natural environment is usually described with superlatives – the longest glaciers outside of the polar region, home of the world’s second highest peak (K2) and four more eight-thousands. GB is largely a high-mountain desert; geologically, it spreads over three high mountain systems: Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindukush. The society of GB is diverse in terms of language, religion and ethnicity.

Ultar Sar (Urdu: آلتر سار‎) (also Ultar, Ultar II, Bojohagur Duanasir II) is the southeastern most major peak of the Batura Muztagh, a subrange of the Karakoram range. It lies about 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of the Karimabad, a town on the Karakoram Highway in the Hunza Valley, part of the Gilgit District of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Hunza is the Shimshal Lake in Hunza. At approximately 13000 meters above sea level lies Shimshal village in Hunza which is considered to be the highest village of the region. The water from melted glaciers accumulates water in the lake through seasonal streams. Running along the Chinese border, Shimshal lake Hunza is at a distance of just 40 kilometers from Xinjiang China. The beauty of this place attracts a large number of tourists every year and if you search for pictures on the internet, your eyes would not believe that the lake is situated somewhere in Pakistan! Shimshal village is well-known for producing great mountaineers including Samina Baig who was titled as the first women to climb mount Everest.

Chapursan (Wakhi: چپورسن) is a valley containing some eight scattered villages within the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is the most Northern part of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan and China. Majority of the people in the valley speak the Wakhi Language, but the villagers of Raminj town speak Burushaski language. Chipurson Valley hosts over 500 households with 3000 population. The chipurson valley is above 3000 meter from sealevel and the villages are Yarzerech, Raminj, Kirmin, Kil, Reshit, Shehr-e-subz Ispenj, Shitmerg and ZuwudKhoon (also spelt Zood Khun . Khudayarabad).

The valley is full of peaks and passes. Passes include Irshad Pass between Pakistan and Afghanistan and Lupghar Pir Pass between Yeshkuk and Raminj village. Peaks include Sakar Sar, Kumpire Dior, Pumir Sar, Sarmaya Sar, Kuksar, and Lupghar Sar.Chapursan Valley (Chipurson) also Chipursan is situated in Gojal Hunza(upper Hunza), it starts from Sost and ends on Irshod Pass. It is almost 4 hour tough jeep ride from Sost to Zood Khun Village (first house) which is the last inhabited village of Chapursan Valley.

Sikandarabad (Urdu: سکندر آباد‎) is a village located in the Nagar District of Gilgit–Baltistan in Pakistan. It is the headquarter of district "Nagar "tehsil. "Sikandarabad" is located on "Karakoram Highway(KKH)"."Sikandarabad" is a mountainous area. It is along the "Karakoram range". It is near base camp of "Rakaposhi" mountain. around "Skandarabad" there are the great "karakoram range"mountains. people cultivate many fruit trees and also vegetables, for example, cherry, apples, peach, apricot, potatoes, and maize. It also has dry fruits trees, for example, walnut, almond, and dry apricot. its area is about 1.5 sqkm and population upto 5 thousands.

Traveling Pakistan

2017-11-12T16:41:00.002+05:00

Traveling Pakistan

2017-11-12T16:15:00.001+05:00

Traveling Pakistan

2017-11-12T16:10:00.001+05:00

Skardu and Deosai Plains

2012-08-07T12:55:00.002+05:00

Capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram mountain range. Baltistan is known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd" or Little Tibet since its life-style reflects that of the roof of the World and Land of Lamas.It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Places to Visit

Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan's five valleys - Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears. Shigar valley, 32 kms by jeep from Skardu is the gateway to the mountain peaks of the Karakorams. Skardu has a historic Fort atop a ridge known as the Mindoq-Khar or Castle of Queen Mindoq and three lovely lakes. The two - Kachura Lake 29 kms and Stapra Lake 8 kms from Sakrdu are ideal for fishing. See KPK Picture Gallery 2 for some beautiful pictures of Skardu and Satpara Lake.

Deosai Plains

The Deosai Plains are 32 km south of Skardu. This plateau is the habitat of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and many other wild animals. At an average elevation of 3500 metres, Deosai is now a National Park and protected area for wildlife.

The rolling grassland here supports no trees or shrubs and the area is snow covered for seven months of the year. Spring comes to Deosai in August when millions of wild flowers begin to bloom all over the lush green grassland. This is a time when Deosai looks like a paradise with a landscape full of wild flowers on green rolling hills and crystal clear water streams with snow covered peaks in the background.

An adventure jeep safari will take you right across the beautiful mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling on KKH, you will enjoy the most spectacular scenery on earth. Before reaching Deosai, you will also witness the magical views of Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the ninth highest peak of the world. At Deosai, you first stop will be at Sheosar Lake. This place offers beautiful views of south fact of Nanga Parbat and a panoramic view of Deosai Plains.

At Bara Pani, you can spend one day and visit the core of the National Park for Bear watching or you may enjoy fishing in the cold waters or Barwai Stream. From Deosai, you can travel back via Skardu and Gilgit to enjoy the most thrilling drive along the Indus River.

Courtesy By..http://www.itspakistan.net/pakistan/northern-areas.aspx

Swat

2011-08-01T11:56:00.000+05:00

The lush green and historic Swat Valley lies between 34°-40′ to 35° N latitude and 72′ to 74°-6′ E longitude and is part of the Provincially Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The valley is an integral part of the strategic and significant region where three parts of the Asian continent–South Asia, Central Asia and China, meet.

The names found in ancient sources for Swat are Udyana and Suvastu because of the scenic beauty of the valley and the name of the river respectively.The historical and cultural remains of the area provide evidence about human activities covering a large span of time.

Alexander the Great came here in 327 BC en route India and conquered Bazira and Ora. At his departure the inhabitants of the area threw off Greek yoke, and enjoyed either independent or semi-independent status subsequently. In the meantime Buddhism penetrated here and Swat became center of Buddhist/Gandhara civilization. The Turki Shahis incorporated Swat in their kingdom but at the decline of their power it remained exposed to Hindu Shahis’ influence.

In early tenth century CE/AD, the Muslims occupied Swat. Consequently, Afghans from different tribes, commonly called Swati Pukhtun, came and settled here. They remained independent of the neighboring powers.

The Yusufzais conquered Swat in the first quarter of the sixteenth century and emerged and remained dominant segment. Instead of forming a government they lived in the tribal fashion, divided into two dalas (factions) headed by their own tribal chiefs called Khans and Malaks. The Swat Yusufzai enjoyed freedom and neither had paid taxes to Delhi or Kabul not yielded obedience to any foreign law or administrative system. They fought Akbar's mighty arms for years and incurred great losses over them.

for more information visit..http://www.valleyswat.net/

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2011-07-06T11:06:00.000+05:00

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Gilgit Baltistan

2011-05-25T10:43:00.000+05:00

History of Gilgit Baltistan

The isolation associated with the Karakoram mountains ensured that Gilgit-Baltistan, developed and preserved its unique history, cultural values and traditional political identity. Over the centuries, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan came under the control of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan and experienced four centuries of Muslim rule under the Mughals (until 1751) and the Afghan Durranis, who ruled until 1820. Between 1832 and 1860, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan was conquered by the Sikhs and the Dogras who administered the region as part of the Princely State of Kashmir and Jammu under the tutelage of the British Crown. Between 1935 and 1947 the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan was given to the British on lease in order to enable them to keep watch on the developments in Xinjiang and Afghanistan.

When then English returned the Gilgit warrant, the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan became the third "Northern AreaÃ¢â‚¬Â province of Kashmir and Jammu. On 1st November 1947, the local population of Gilgit Baltistan of Gilgit-Baltistan fought the Dogra Raj and joined Pakistan and declared an independent Republic in Gilgit. This Gilgit government, along with similar governments in Muzaffarabad and Sringar, formed the three UN-recognized interim governments in the disputed former state of three provinces. However, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Pakistan occupied the territories to the north and west of the cease-fire line and divided the territory into the Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan) and Azad, Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the south.

On 29 August 2009, the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, was passed by the Pakistani cabinet and later signed by the President. It granted self-rule to the people of the former Northern Areas, now renamed "Gilgit-Baltistan," by creating, among other things, an elected legislative assembly.
In early September 2009, Pakistan signed an agreement with China of a mega energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan which includes the construction of a 7000-megawatt dam at Bunji in the Astore District of the Gilgit-Baltistan.[7] This also resulted in protest from India, however Indian concerns were immediately rejected by Pakistan, saying the Government of India has no locus standi in the matter.[8]
On September 29, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani while addressing a huge gathering at Gilgit-Baltistan announced a multi-billion rupee development package aimed at the socio-economic uplifting people in the area. Development projects will include the areas of education, health, agriculture, tourism and basic needs of life.[9] The Prime Minister further went on to say:
"You are getting your identity today. It is your right and has been your demand, and today we are fulfilling it."

2011-05-17T17:36:00.001+05:00

My Village Harrori Balla

My Village

2011-05-17T17:12:00.000+05:00

Well Come to Pakistan Peaks

2011-05-16T16:07:00.000+05:00

K2 is the highest mountain peak of Pakistan and is second highest peak on earth. Its height is round about 8,611 meter and is located in vast mountain range of Karakoram, northern areas of Pakistan. K2 is very difficult to climb up that many people lost their lives in trying. It is the most dangerous mountain of the world because of the massiveness in its size and in ruff climate. That’s why it is well known as the savage mountain. K2 is also known as “Chogo Ri” which means “The Great Mountain”.There been numerous attempts made on it by many expeditions mostly American but all were remained unsuccessful. K2 has few numbers of tough and fully dangerous routes. As it is on the extreme high altitude resulting into lack of oxygen is one of the difficulties faced by climbers. Second, It have very rough and ever changing weather which mostly remains in the form of dark storms and coldness. Third is the steep, exposed, and committing nature of all routes on the mountain, which makes retreat more difficult, especially during a storm. Despite many tries there has been no successful ascent during the winter.

K2 Summer 2006(8,611 m (28,251 ft))
Ranked 2nd(1st in Pakistan)

Northern Areas of Pakistan: Northern Areas of Pakistan

2011-05-14T12:28:00.000+05:00

Northern Areas of Pakistan: Northern Areas of Pakistan

Northern Areas of Pakistan

2011-05-14T12:24:00.005+05:00

Northern Areas of Pakistan

The Northern Areas of Pakistan, defined in general terms, cover the districts of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Skardu.

Nature has endowed the area with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. K-2 with a height of 8,611 m (28, 416 ft) lies majestically in Skardu district overlooking the Chinese territory. Nanga Parbat, 8, 138 m (26,855 ft) high, is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788 m (25,700 ft) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit. Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 ft high.

Whereas Diamer does not have any glacier worth mentioning, Gilgit, Skardu and Ghanche offer some formidable glaciers like Biafo, Baltoro and Siachin which is 72 km long and the largest in the world outside the poles.

Geopolitically it is the most sensitive area of Pakistan. It touches Sinkiang in the north and Afghanistan in the northwest with Tajikistan close behind. On the southern side there is a stretch of over 300 miles long ceasefire line with Indian-held Kashmir and Ladakh. With the opening of the Karakoram Highway, the Northern Areas have acquired additional strategic and political importance.

The area is spread over 72,496 sq. km., approximately the size of the NWFP, with a present population of nearly 800,000 and a low density of 8 persons per sq. km., living in some 650 small villages.

There are eight ethnic groups, viz; Baltis, Yashkuns, Moghal, Kashmiries, Pathans, Laddakis and Turks speaking eight different languages namely Shina, Balti, Brushiski, Khawar, Wakhi, Urdu, Pushto, and Farsi.

The four major religious sects are Sunnies, Shias, Ismailies and Noorbukshies. Sunnies are mostly in Daimer and Gilgit districts. The majority of Shias are in Skardu and Ghanche districts. The Ismalies are mostly in Ghizer district and in Hunza sub-division of Gilgit district.