Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan: An Odyssey through the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Karakoram
Introduction: Gilgit-Baltistan, where only one language is spoken, and that is the language of love. Nestled in the shadow of towering mountain ranges - the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Karakoram - this reg
ion is not just a part of Pakistan but also a list topper when it comes to some of the most beautiful tourist destinations worldwide. Traveling to this enchanted land is like taking a breath of fresh air that revitalizes the soul.
According to a recent survey, Gilgit-Baltistan
welcomes an annual influx of 5 to 6 million tourists. One of the most
remarkable experiences is a scenic flight from Islamabad International Airport
to Skardu, considered one of the world's most beautiful flights. However, if
you have the luxury of time, the road journey to Gilgit is equally mesmerizing.
The Karakoram Highway: The 8th Wonder of the World
Embarking on the journey from Peshawar to
Gilgit, you'll first arrive in Kaghan after a grueling 119 kilometers from
Manshera. Kaghan serves as a gateway to Babusar Top, situated roughly 65
kilometers beyond Kaghan. Babusar Top is the pass connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
to Gilgit-Baltistan, and it's the gateway to Naran, another popular
destination.
While you could take the Shangla route from
Naran to reach Gilgit, most prefer to avoid it due to the challenging off-road
terrain. Babusar Top offers a warmer climate with normal temperatures around
3°C, going down to -5°C in the colder months. Various vehicles are suitable for
this journey, provided you have a skilled driver.
From Kaghan, the Lulusar Lake comes into view.
It's a beautiful lake, sourced from the Kunhar River, and is situated amidst
lush landscapes. Beyond Lulusar, you'll find Chilas, a region that demands
extra attention due to its dry mountains and sparsely populated areas. Chilas
is an important transit point on your journey, a place where you can bask in
the hospitality of the locals.
Beyond Chilas, you'll head into the desolate
and unpopulated terrain of Chilas, leading you to the mighty Nanga Parbat, the
world's 7th highest peak. This region is home to unexplored treks and potential
marvels, and it's located adjacent to the well-known Shangrila Resort.
Further on your path, you'll reach Gilgit, a
city that still retains its charm as it lays nestled in the embrace of the
mountains. Spend a day or two here to explore the local bazaars, taste the
famous cherries, and appreciate the hospitality of the locals.
Exploring Beyond Gilgit: Tato and Baltit Fort Your journey from Gilgit should lead you to
the beautiful Tato village, a place that paves the way for the wondrous journey
to the Baltit Fort. The Baltit Fort is over 800 years old, and it holds a
unique blend of history and cultural significance. To explore both these forts
in detail, you can find an extended description in the link provided in the
description.
The Journey to Doikar and the Enchanting Hunza Valley From Tato, your route will lead you to Doikar,
where the views of Hunza Valley open up before your eyes. The Hunza Valley is
expansive and rich in beauty, a true gem in the region. It takes some skill and
patience to travel on these roads, but the landscapes make every moment worth
the effort.
The area boasts of Sost Bazaar, situated near
the Khunjerab Pass, the gateway to China. Afterward, Khunjerab National Park
leads you to the China-Pakistan Friendship Tunnel.
As you cross the Khunjerab Pass, you'll be
treated to the sight of Attabad Lake, which came into existence in 2010 due to
a massive landslide. The lake is as mesmerizing as it is expensive, and it
beckons you to explore it with offerings like boating and jet skiing. This area
is pristine, and the locals are extraordinarily helpful.
Exploring Beyond Khunjerab Pass: Sust and Beyond After Khunjerab Pass, the quaint town of Sost
welcomes you. It's the last market before you reach Khunjerab Pass, located
about 90 kilometers from Khunjerab. You should consider doing your grocery
shopping here as Hunza is a significant distance away.
From here, you can proceed to explore the Dry
Khooban area and beyond. Once you're in Chilas, you'll find the gateway to the
dangerous yet fascinating pass of Babusar. This pass connects Kaghan with
Chilas and allows you to explore other attractions such as the Babusar Top and
Lulusar Lake.
The Heart of Hunza Valley: Hunza Village Hunza is undoubtedly the most famous of
Gilgit-Baltistan's destinations. With stunning views and fertile orchards, it's
truly a hidden paradise. With a population that is 90% educated, the people of
Hunza are exceptionally cordial. To delve into Hunza Valley in more depth, you
can find a dedicated blog post linked in the description.
Raka Poshi and Aliabad: Beyond Hunza Village Raka Poshi is a magnificent area and is
associated with several legends and fables. If you desire to witness the
grandeur of the Lady Finger Peak, you can explore the viewpoint from Eagle's
Nest Hotel.
Aliabad is a neighboring area, offering
glimpses of 1,000-year-old Ganish Village and much more. You can explore Ganish
Village extensively by following the provided link. From Aliabad, you can reach
Karimabad, and from there, Rama Lake is accessible. You can also find
information about the lake in the blog linked in the description.
Altit and Baltit Forts: Historical Marvels Two historical fortresses, Altit Fort and
Baltit Fort, offer an intriguing insight into the history and culture of the
region. For a detailed tour of these forts, you can access the extended
description through the link provided.
Beyond Baltit: Journey to Tato and Doikar From Baltit, you will move towards Tato
village, marking the beginning of your journey to Doikar, a region where the
Hunza Valley is unveiled in all its glory. Treks, the Doikar, and the landscape
beyond hold an undiscovered world of potential marvels.
After this, you'll come across Sust, the last
town before Khunjerab Pass. It's also worth stopping in Sust for essentials
before heading to Khunjerab, which is about 90 kilometers away.
Khunjerab Pass: The Gateway to
China Khunjerab Pass offers
a captivating experience as you enter the China-Pakistan Friendship Tunnel. The
tunnel and the area beyond, including Attabad Lake, have
……………………………………
Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan: A Tale of Two Cities
Skardu
is not just the name of a city in Gilgit-Baltistan; rather, it encompasses the
whole region, including the four districts and the district of Shigar, within
the realm of local tourism. Travelers heading to Gilgit-Baltistan either have
Skardu or Gilgit in mind. Consequently, the Gilgit-Baltistan tour is typically
divided into two parts: the Skardu Tour and the Gilgit Tour.
1.
Skardu Tour The Skardu Tour starts from Jaglot
and culminates at Khunjerab Top. On the other hand, the Gilgit Tour commences
in Jaglot and stretches to the Siachen Glacier, passing through Deosai Plateau.
If you opt for air travel to Skardu, various transportation options are
available from Skardu city to all the tourist destinations.
The
Skardu journey begins at Jaglot after departing from Skardu city. A new road is
established for this route, replacing the old Jaglot-Skardu road with a new
name: Jaglot-Skardu Road. After crossing Haramosh Pass, you can reach Turbat
Balamik. From there, you can take a road to the popular tourist destinations,
including Dambudas Bazaar, Rondu, and Torumik Balamik. Continuing from
Dambudas, you can find local cars to travel to Bashu Meadow, which charges
around 10,000 PKR. Further ahead, after crossing Shaeed Pass, it's just a
ten-minute drive to Jaisar from J.S.R. Chowk, leading to Kachura Valley. From
Skardu city, you can also explore Astor, Ganche (Khaplu Valley), Kharmang,
Shigar, and Shigar via various routes.
The
Skardu Tour incorporates the following tourist attractions:
·
District
Skardu: It starts from Rondu Valley and ends at Sarmaq. Skardu city is the
largest city in Gilgit-Baltistan and houses residents from every district of
Gilgit-Baltistan except Ghanche. It is a peaceful abode for people of different
sects, including Shia, Noorbakhshi, Sunni, Ismaili, and Ahle-Hadith. Skardu
serves as the commercial hub for this entire region. The only international
airport in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Skardu Airport, is also located here. Pakistan
International Airlines operates daily flights from Islamabad, Lahore, and
Karachi, and flights from Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan have recently been
initiated. Tourist spots in District Skardu include Deosai National Park,
Khaplu Fort (Historical Fort), Shangrila Resort, Sheosar Lake, Shangrila Lake,
Ghachos Lake, Kachura Lake, Appar Lake, Ghalecho Lake, Parango Lake, Kuchura
Desert, Chunda Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, Chashma-i-Paran, and Kuchura Valley.
2.
District Ganche (Khaplu Valley)
The journey through District Ganche (Khaplu Valley) starts in Keris and ends at
the Siachen Glacier. Ganche District is also referred to as Khaplu Valley. This
district is famous worldwide due to its high mountains and glaciers. The
world's second-highest battlefield, the Siachen, lies within this district.
Moreover, trekkers often use the routes of Gorakh (Upward) and Machlu Broq to
return from K-2.
This
district boasts breathtaking natural beauty, as it's home to some of the
highest peaks like To, Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, Gashaberum, and Mustagh Broq.
The Khaplu Valley has historically been significant, containing numerous
touristic and historical sites like Khaplu Fort, Chaqchan Mosque (700-year-old
Mosque), Thoqsi Khur, Haldi Koon Lake, Hoshay Valley, Ke Siku, Ke Sion,
Masherbrum, and the return route from Chorbat. In addition to these known
spots, there are countless other tourist destinations inaccessible to ordinary
tourists. For shopping, Bazar Chowk in Skardu to Alamdar Chowk, Sher Ali Chowk,
Sher Ali Chowk to Agha Hadi Chowk, and College Road to Jamia Masjid Road are
popular markets.
Skardu,
which is situated in the Diameer Division, primarily relies on Skardu city for
access. For travelers arriving by air, Skardu city is the hub, especially for
those exploring through Chilim Valley. It's feasible for tourists coming from
Skardu to access Chilm Valley through Deosai Top from Skardu. The attractions
in the Skardu Tour are:
·
Rupal
Face of Nanga Parbat
·
Rama
Meadows
·
Trishing
·
Cholma
·
Borit
Lake
·
Dumail
·
Satpara
Lake
·
To
Pokal Chasma
·
Reshun
3.
District Shigar District Shigar lies in the Gilgit
Division and is renowned for its mesmerizing waterfalls and crystal-clear
streams. Tourist spots in Shigar include:
·
Mantoqha
Waterfall
·
Khurpocho
·
Kharfaq
Lake
·
Gondus
Lake (Upper and Lower)
·
Kargil
Border
·
Galtari
Jheel
·
Gichgali
Jheel
·
Satpara
Lake 2
·
Rattu
·
Shunter
·
Darlay
Jheel
4.
District Kharimang Haroonabad is the last stop in
District Shigar and is a junction point. You can explore Shigar, Mial, Thali,
Kirabosh, Dambo Phao, Machulu, Thind Mir Khosa, Dambo Bhao, Basal, Barbato,
Hasini Top, Songo Shigar, Matyal, Thali, Kurabosh, and Ghundos Lake from this
point. Additionally, there are local markets in Haroonabad. For shopping,
Chhotoor to Alamdar Chowk, Shekma, Vato, Sangal, Pasho, Dharale, Bhutta,
Bhurabus, Dimal, Patanu, Korabos, Dambo Bao, Basal, Barbato, Hasni Top, Songo
Shigar, Matyal, Thali, Koorabosh, and Ghandus Lake are popular markets.
5.
District Astore District Astore is situated in the
Diamer Division and offers various tourist attractions:
·
Rupal
Face of Nanga Parbat
·
Rama
Meadows
·
Treshing
·
Cholma
·
Borit
Lake
·
Dumail
·
Satpara
Lake
·
To
Pokal Chasma
·
Reshun
6.
District Store District Store is administratively
located in the Diamer Division, but access to Store can be conveniently made
from Skardu, primarily for travelers arriving by air. The route to Store starts
from Skardu and includes transportation via Deosai Plateau. Travelers coming
from Skardu can reach Store via Chilim Valley from Deosai Top.
Store
offers various tourism spots:
·
Rupal
Face of Nanga Parbat
·
Rama
Meadows
·
Treshing
·
Cholma
·
Borit
Lake
·
Dumail
·
Sat
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