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TOURIST
CORNER
Introduction
| The Area
| Gilgit
| Hunza
| Skardu
| Picture
Gallery
Introduction
The Northern Areas are one of the main tourism destinations in
Pakistan both for foreign and domestic tourists. The natural beauty,
some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, the largest glaciers
outside the polar region, the rich cultural heritage, the remnants
of the long history in the form of archaeological sites are the
main tourism assets of the area. Several mountaineering and trekking
expeditions visit the area every year. The Northern Areas have
a rich and diverse cultural heritage in the form of arts and crafts,
built and archaeological heritage, an indication of the various
influences that the area received during its long and turbulent
history. The world famous rock carving and inscriptions discovered
in the area – from prehistoric to the modern – times
have helped in reconstructing the history of this region.
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The Area and Mountains
Northern Areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq. km are as fascinating
as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights
varying from 1,000 meters to 8, 000 meters, the regions of Gilgit,
Hunza and Baltistan recall Shangri-La. The cultural patterns of
these regions are as interesting as its geography. The people
with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo,
provide the travelers an unforgettable experience. Nowhere is
the world is such a great concentration of high mountains, peaks,
glaciers and passes except Pakistan. Of the 14 over 8,000 meters
high peaks on earth, 04 occupy an amphitheater at the head of
Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range. These are; K-2 (8,611
m, world’s second highest), Gasherbrum-I (8,068 m), Broad
Peak (8,047 m) and Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m). There is yet another
which is equally great, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), located at the
western most end of the Himalayas. In addition to that, there
are 68 peaks over 7,000 m and hundreds others over 6,000 meters.
The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside
Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Hispar (61 km), Biafo (60 km),
Baltoro (60 km) and Batura (64 km).
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Important Tourist’s
Points
Gilgit
At an elevation of 1,454 meters lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint
little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak
tourist season is from May to mid-October though the tourist season
is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and
the minimum 16 C and in September Maximum 28 C and minimum 11C.
10 Kms. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha
of 7th century A.D.at the mouth of the Kargah Nallah. A victory
monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 kms. Jeep drive
from Gilgit town.
The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit river is the largest suspension
bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting
enough room for one jeep at a time to cross. More
Information please visit: http://www.tourism.gov.pk
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Hunza
The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the
fragrant breeze signing through graceful poplar trees and the
velvet-like green carpet of wheat fields, set against the background
of snow-covered mountains.
Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza valley’s
tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May
is maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C. The October temperatures are:
maximum 10 C and minimum 0 C.
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of
His Highness the Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski, Urdu
and English are also understood by a number of people.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view
of Rakaposhi (7,788 metres). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in
the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hunza
landmark built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its
wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was
used as the residence of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers
of Hunza). More Information please visit: http://www.tourism.gov.pk
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Skardu
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 meters 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. The tourist season is
from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27C and the
minimum (October) 8C.
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. For More
Information please visit: http://www.tourism.gov.pk
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