Heavenly blessed landGILGIT - BALTISTAN

Heavenly blessed landGILGIT - BALTISTAN

Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

Where Great Mountain Ranges Meet

Where Great Mountain Ranges Meet

Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000meters and probably as many peaks above6,000 m. There is no count of the peaksabove 5,000 and 4,000 m. Five of the 14highest independent peaks in the world(the eight-thousanders) are in Pakistan(four of which lie in the surroundings ofConcordia; the confluence of BaltoroGlacier and Godwin Austen Glacier). Mostof the highest peaks in Pakistan lie inKarakoram range (which lies almost entirelyin the Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, but somepeaks above 7,000 m are included in theHimalayan and Hindukush ranges

PAK

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ND

ISTA

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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.

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Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan which isendowed with most unique geographical

feature in the world.

In an area of about 500 kms in width and350 kms in depth, is found the most dense

collection of some of the highest andprecipitous 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 fourteenabove eight thousand meter high peaks on

earth, namely the second highest rockpyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer

CAPITAL

AREA

POPULATION

Gilgit

72,496 km²

870,347

DISTRICTS

TIME ZONE

LANGUAGES

Diamer, AstoreGilgit, Ghizer, Hunza/NagarBaltistan, Ghanche

PST, GMT +5

Shina, Balti, WakhiKhowar, Brushaski

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mountain Nanga Parbat (8126 m), theHidden Peak, Gasherbrum I (8068 m), theBroad Peak (8047 m) and the GasherbrumII (8035 m). This enormous mountain wealthmakes Pakistan an important mountaincountry, offering great opportunities formountaineering and mountain related

adventure activities. The area is aptly calleda paradise for mountaineers, adventure

seekers and nature lovers. The compellingcharm of these high, challenging, endlesssea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure

large- number of climbers, adventureseekers and nature lovers from across thefive continents to the Gilgit-Baltistan and

Chitral, each year.

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

Rama, Gorikot, Rehmanpur,

Rattu. Bunji, Dashkin and Chilim,

among others. Of particular note

in the District are Parbat (Rupal

Face) and Rama Lake.

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Raikot7074

Astore River

Bunji

Dashkin

Gudai

Rama Lake

Chachor Pass4266

Nanga Parbat8125

Chilam Chauki

ASTOREEid GahGurikot

Chongra6828

Tarashing

Rupal5584

Rattu

Mir Malik

RockInscriptions

DIAMIR VALLEYThe Diamer District is the

gateway to the Gilgit-Baltistanif driving from Islamabad via theKarkorum Highway (KKH) or

Kaghan Valley through Babusaror Butogah passes. The areahas been important since the

pre-historic period andnumerous traces of ancient rockcarvings ore found in different

shapes, especially rockinscribed pictures and writingswhich are spread all around theregion. The important places inDiamer District are Tangir, Darel,Chiias, Bunar Das, Gonar Farmand Raikot. Of particular notein this District are Nanga Parbat(8,125m) Raikot Face and FairyMeadows, some of the most

picturesque places in the world.

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Jaglot

Thalechi

Nanga Parbatviewpoint

Raikot Bridge

GunarBunarThor

Thak

ChilasRock

Diarmori

ZangotKachalPass4400

Babusar

Babusar Pass4173

Ganalo6608

Buldar5602

FairyMeadows

JilipurPass4837

Jilipur5245

Jail Tato

Karakoram Highway

Shatial Rock

TDOCHILAS

Muthat Pass 4964

Buto GanPass 4100

Thor

Riv

er

But

o G

ah R

iver

Thak River

Thal

pan

Riv

r

Hud

or R

iver

Kha

nbar

i Riv

erDar

el R

iver

Tangir River

Indus River

GILGIT VALLEY

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Gilgit strategically the mostimportant region in theKarakorams and the tradecentre of the region forcenturies, is the capital townand administrative centre ofthe Federally AdministeredGilgit-Baltistan. The area iswatered by the Ghizer/Gilgit,Hunza and Indus rivers andseveral of their tributaries.Gilgit was an important cityon the Silk Road throughwhich religions were spreadto and from the region.

Of particular note in this district areNaltar, 35 km from Gilgit and apicturesque grassland surrounded byhigh peaks with accessible glacial lakes.Near to Gilgit there is the KargahBuddha, a rock-wall carved Buddhadating back to the 8th century AD whilea little further on is the ruins of aBuddhist monastery and stupa.

327

Naltar Pass4600

Daintar Pass4636

NaltarLake

Chalt

Naltar

Punial

Normal

Danyor Chirah

Bulchi

Rakaposhi7788 Hinarchi GlBagrot Valley

Alam Bridge

Sassi

Mani Glacier

KutwalLake

Rash Peak5098

Diran7266

Unique Point

GILGIT

Pari

GashoPahotLake

Kara

kora

m H

ighw

ay

GHIZER VALLEYThe major places are Punial which

is a former small kingdom andSherqilla which has a wood carved

mosque and 150 year oldwatchtower. Fishing is anotheractivity in the villages.Yasin is a

green and picturesque region. TheIshkoman valley is another

beautiful region in Ghizer. Phanderis one of the most interestingplaces in the district. It is wellconnected by metalled road toGilgit. A leisure day at Phander

with fishing in the lake is ideal forholiday makers. ShandurPass, thebordering plateau between Gilgitand Chitral is more famous for itsannual polo tournament and gala.It offers superb panorama as thevast plateau fills with alpine flowersand the lake on the pass makes it

more picturesque.

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Darkot

Darkot Pass4575

Thui 16660 Kyoyo Zoom

6872

Thui An Pass4499

IshkumanPass 4587

Ishkuman

AsumbarPass4400

YasinNazbar Pass4977

Chillinji Pass5291

Imit

Pakora

Chatorkhand

Bubar

Gulapur

Kargah

Singal

GHAKUCH

GupisKhalti Lake

Phander Lake

Karambar An4188

Zagar Pass5008Chamurkhan Pass

Teru

HandrabLangar

Shandur Pass3734

HandrabLake

To Chitral

DI

R

C

HI

TR

AL

Dadarilli An4941

Sher Qila

HUNZA /NAGAR VALLEY

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Kilik Pass

Mintaka Pass

ZiaratBaba Ghundi

Chepursan

Misgar

Khunjerab National Park

Kuksil

KhunjerabRiver

Ghujerab River

DheeChepursan

Lupghar

Batura 7785

Khaibar

Sost

Dutt Ziarat

Daintar Pass4636

HussainiGhulkin

GulmitShishkat Bridge

Nazimabad

Karimabad

Passu Glacier

Batura Glacier

Borit LakeGhulkin GlacierGulmit Glacier

Hunza Valley

Hunza River

GhulmatSikandarAbad Nilt

Baltit FortAltit Fort

Ultar ViewpointSacred RockAliabad

Minapin

Barpu GlHopar Gl Rash LakePak

aposh

i

Viewpoint

GhanishNagar

Ultar7388

Passu 7478

Golden Peak(Spantily)

7027

Hispar Glacier

Distaghil Sar7885

Kanjut Sar7760

5790Khurdopin

Pass

Passu

Shimshal RiverShimshal

ZeroViewpoint

Karakoram Highway

ChapchingolPass5150

Khunjerab Pass4733 m

To Kashgar

Shimshal Pass4735

ShuwartChikar

Braldu G

lacier

Braldu River

Hunza valley is the prime attraction for tourists as thespectacular 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 itsdelicious fruits, terraced fields, and also for its changing

colours in various seasons.

Nagar has been a state of equal status and importanceas that of Hunza. Although the valley is spread in a vastregion, however the main village of Nagar is just oppositeto Karimabad, across the Hunza River. Bar, Jaffarabad,Husanabad, Sikandarabad, Nilt and Ghulmit are the major

villages in Nagar.

SKARDU VALLEYSkardu town is located near the

confluence of Shigar and Indus rivers,and is watered by the stream flowing

down the Sadpara Lake. AlthoughSkardu is the base camp for the routesto some of the world's highest peaks,low altitude mountains surround the

town. The old bazaar has a fewmountaineering equipment (second

hand) shops and others provide basicprovisions required by trekking and

climbing parties.

Of particular interest in this district are:Khorpocho Fort, Manthal Rock

(Buddhist carving), Sadpara andKachura Lakes (including the upscaleresort of Shangrila while so 3 full dayexcursions are a visit to Deosai Plains

(the second highest plateau in theworld), and the Shigar valley with animpressive renovated fort and fruit

orchards. 11

TDO

5151

His

par

Pass

Snow

Lak

e

Baintha Brakk7285

Latok 7145

AranduBiafo Glacier

Dassu

Hyderabad

Chogo Lungma Gl

Stak Thongal

AskoleThowar

DambudasSkoro La 5073

Rondu Baghicha

BashoThalle La 4572

ShigarMasjid

KhurposheFort

Paiyu UliBiaho Trango

TowerCathedral

Mustagh7284

Baltoro GlacierConcordia

Baltoro Glacier

God

win

Aus

ten

Gl

Paiyu

Urdukas Milre6010

Vig

ne G

l

GhondoghoroPass 5650

Gho

ndog

horo

Gl

Dalsangpa

Chogolisa7668

Snow Dome7150

Baltoro Kangri7150

Masherbrum (K1)7821

Hushe K76934

K67281Kande

Doghoni

Korophon

Kiris

GansePass5030

Mehdiabad

SatparaLake

KatichoPass4588

Burjl La4815Ali Malik

Upper KachuraLake

KachuraLake

Sheosar Lake

Deosai National Park

Bara Pani

Kharmang

Olding

Indus River

Thalle River

Shigar River

BashaR

iver

Braldu River

Braldu River

Du

mo

rdo

Riv

er

Indus River

SKARDUManthalBuddha

Gol

Chilam Chauki

Ranak Pass4964

Shengus

Haramosh7409

HaramoshPasss 4800 Broad Peak 8047

Gasherbrum 47929

Gasherbrum 28035

Gasherbrum 18068

K28611

GHANCHE VALLEY

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Ghanche has two major divisions,Khaplu and Mc'herbrum. Hushe,under the shadow of MasherbrumPeak, is the gateway to variousimportant peaks and glaciers. A102 km drive mostly along the

Shyok river takes to Khaplu, thedistrict headquarters of Ghanche. Khaplu Palace and

Chaqchan Mosque are the interesting places to visit. Thepalace 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 Buddhistinfluence and Tibetan architecture. Ghondoghoro Pass at5,650 m is one of the most popular and challenging trekkingroutes in the world. Other places to trek to with relative ease

are the base camp of Masherburm Peak and Thalle La.

Frano

PiunLunkha

Masjid Fort

Thagas

Hulde

KHAPLU

Salto

ro R

iver

Hus

he R

iver

Shyok River

GILGIT - BALTISTANHISTORY & PEOPLEThe region has a rich history andwas previously ruled by severalsmall states, like Hunza, Gilgit,Punial, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigarand Khaplu. The part of theregion has been governed underKashmir as wel l . I t wascommonly believed that peopleof Hunza were descendants ofthe Greeks who came as thesoldiers of Alexander; however,recent research says that mostof the population belongs tovarious aboriginal people and arethe descendants of Indo-Iraniantribes.

LANGUAGE & RELIGIONThe population consists of manydiverse linguistic, ethnic andreligious groups. The mostfamous languages of the region

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are Shina, Brushaski, Wakhi,Khowar and Balti. Most of thelanguages are considered tobelong the Dardic group, a blendof indigenous languages withthose of the Aryans. Baltilanguage has more influencefrom Tibet. Urdu is widely spoken,while English is understood inmajor towns and at the places oftourism activities. The people areMuslim following various sectslike Sunni, Shia, Ismaili andNurbakshi etc.

FRUIT - CROPS - LIVESTOCKThe GB produce high qualitydelicious fruits like Cherry,Apricot, Mulberry, Plum, Peach,Apple, Pomegranate and Grapeetc. Apricot of Hunza and Shigaris believed to be the mostdelicious and of very high quality.

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

FLORA & FAUNAThe 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, SeaLavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees areof Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza,Chir, Blue Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak andSycamore. Common bushes and shrubsinclude, Ephedra, Rose, Tamarisk, Viburnumand Artemisia.

The animals include Brown and Black Bear,Grey Goral, Lynx, Laddakh Urial, HimalayanIbex, Markhor, Musk Deer, Marco Polo Sheep,

Blue Sheep, Flying Squirrel, Mouse Hare, Wolf,Fox, Golden Marmot, Wild Asses, Yak, andSnow Leopard. The birds are Grebes andWaterfowl, 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 Hawketc.

ROCK ART AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITESThe present GB region was dominated byBuddhism, which left various rock inscribedwritings and pictures dating back between 5000BC to 8th. Century AD. Some 20000 points arefound but the important places are Chilas RockInscriptions, Manthal rock carved figure ofBuddha, Kargah Buddha, Danyor Rock andthe Sacred Rocks of Ghanish etc.

MOUNTAINS RANGES AND PEAKSKarakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush alongwith Pamirs are the famous mountain ranges,with several prominent peaks of world ranking.The region has the greatest cluster of peaksabove 7000 meters while five out of fourteen8000 meters high peaks in the world are alsolocated in GB ( detail in box ). Apart fromthese giants, there are few important peakslike Gasherbrum-IV, Mustagh Tower,Chogolisa, Masherbrum (K1), Trango Towers,Distaghil Sar, Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, Ultarand Haramosh etc.

Mountainand Height

K28611 m

Nanga Parbat8125 m

Gasherbrum 18068 m

Broad Peak8047 m

Gasherbrum 28035 m

OtherName

Chogori

NakedMountain

HiddenPeak

FalconKangri

WorldRanking

2

9

11

12

13

Lino LacedelliAchille Compagnoni

Herman Buhl

Peter SchoeningAndy Kaufmann

Herman BuhlMarks SchmittFritz WintersellerKurt Diemburger

Fritz MoravecJoseph LarchHans Willenpart

Climber(s)FirstClimbed

31.07.54

03.06.53

07.07.58

09.06.57

08.07.56

Country/Team

Italy

AustroGerman

America

Austria

Austria

Peaks above 8000 meters

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CALENDAR OF EVENTSl Shandur Polo

Festival(7th-9 th July)

l Babusar PoloCup Tournament

(5th-7th Aug)

l Spring BlossomFestival

(21st Mar -21nd Apr)

l Ginami Festival

(20th-24th June)

l Silk Route Festival

(15th Sep-15th Oct)

l InternationalPamir Festival

(15th - 20th Jul)

Visit our website:www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pkIt is only a mouse click away. You can find out everything youneed to know about your travel destinations. We are offeringthe following areas of tourism:

1. Adventure Holidays2. Cultural Holidays3. Expeditions4. Trekking Trips5. Safaris6. Mountain Biking7. Hunting Trips8. Rafting9. Skiing10. Eco Tours11. Filming Trips12. Family Trips

For further details and assistance please contact:

Tourism SecretariatKhomer Chowk, Shahrah-e-Qaid-e-Azam,

Near Rupal Inn,Khomer, Gilgit.

Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1Fax: +92 5811 920689

Tourism DirectorateCheeta Colony, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam,

Near General Bus Stand, Jutial, Gilgit

Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1Fax: +92 5811 920689

www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk info@visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk

Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan