Baltistan Cultural Tours
GilgitBaltistan 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 Handukuch and the Himalayas – meet. The whole of GilgitBaltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and anglers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora. Historically, the area ha remained a flash point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires. Immediately after the end of British rule in the sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region decided to join Pakistan through a popular local revolt against the government of Maharaja of Kashmir.
Five out of the fourteen mountain peaks with height of over 8000 meters including the K-2 (world’s second heights peak) and some of the largest glaciers outside polar regions are located in GilgitBaltistan. Acknowledging the vast potential of tourism and its effects on downstream industries, the Government of Pakistan as well as the GilgitBaltistan Administration are focusing on tourism for creation of employment opportunities, achieving higher economic growth and to introduce to the outside world, “the hidden treasures” of GilgitBaltistan. Beautiful landscape, unique cultural heritage and rich biological diversity given the GilgitBaltistan a competitive advantage in attracting tourists from all over the world.
| Itinerary |
: |
| Day 1 |
Arrival in Islamabad. |
| Day 2 |
Fly to Skardu. |
| Day 3 |
Skardu to Khaplu |
| Day 4 |
Khaplu to Hushe Valley &return via picnic spot at the bank of river Shyok ( Salling) Khaplu. |
| Day 5 |
Khaplu to Thalla valley &return back to Khaplu. |
| Day 6 |
Khaplu to Khaplu Brokk &return back to Khaplu. |
| Day 7 |
Khaplu to Skardu via Shiger Valley. |
| Day 8 |
Fly back to Islamabad. |
| Day 9 |
Destination Flight |
Tour To Skardu Baltistan
Introduction:Baltistan, of which Skardu is an important part is also called Tibet-e-Khurd or Little 
Tibet. It is situated in the heart of the great Himalaya and Karakoram ranges and is the source of mighty Indus River that fall into Arabian Sea. Baltistan is located 724 Kms(45 minutes by air) from Islamabad. Situated at a height of 2347m and spread over 26000 Square kilometers, Baltistan is surrounded by Gilgit and Hunza Valleys in the West, Kargil, Ladakh and Kashmir regions in the East/South East, the Chinese province of Xinkiang in the North. Baltistan consists of 6 (six) major valleys Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar, Kharmang, Roundu, Gultari. It is a magical blend of beauty, adventure and thrill, the land of wonders and legends and a place with utmost calm and tranquility offering a variety of attractions for all visitors. Administratively, Skardu is one of the important parts of the Northern Areas. It has remained the part of Ladakh in Indian Jamu and Kashmir before its partition in 1948 when it became part of the Federally Administered Northern Areas of Pakistan. Skardu town is the capital of District Skardu. Skardu is generally called the paradise of mountaineers and every year, a large number of climbers make their way to the wonderful Skardu valley. Skardu is situated at such a place where the Shigar River meets the gorgeous Indus River making its long way to the Arabian Sea in Sindh.
Culture: Baltistan has a rich culture which depicts in the living pattern and social life of people in the region. Skardu and Ghanche were part of Baltistan and now these two are separate districts. Skardu, being the headquarters of the region is home to a variety of people from different cultural backgrounds. The major language of Skardu is Balti with few exceptions of Shina and Brushaski. Baltistan is home to some of the historic places and remnants of old rulers of the area.
Khaplu has called many names like “ Shyok Valley”,” Ghangche” and Little Tibet. Khaplu is Head Quarter of Ghangche District. In Khaplu there are many historical places like Chaqchan Mosque a most beautiful mosque in Asia (700 years old founded by Syed Ali Hamdani, the first Islam preacher in this area), Raja Palace is a beautiful building, is the last &best Tibetan style palace in Pakistan, and Khanqah of Khaplu, is attributed to Syed Muhammad Shah S/O Syed Mukhtar “ Peer Norbaksha “ &was built in 1712 AD / 1124 AH,. and so many other historical and Architectural building placed in Khaplu.
Khaplu Valley:Khaplu is the gateway to Masherbrum Peak, K7, K-6, Namika, Chogolisa for mountaineers and Gondogoro la, Gondogoro Peak, Saraksa Glacier, Gondogoro Glacier, Masherbrum Glacier, Aling Glacier, Kandey Nangma, Machlu Broq, Thaely La, Daholi lake, Kharfaq Lake, Ghangche Lake and Bara Lake for trekkers, Khaplu is a very beautiful place for hiking like Khaplu Braq, Khaplu Thung and Kaldaq. One most grade opportunity for rafting on Shyok River, as well as the rock climbing places like Biamari Thoqsikhar and DowoKraming ( Hot Spring ). At 2555 meters, Khaplu is cooler than Skardu, with the friendly character of the people and superb walks along irrigation channels; Khaplu is well worth visiting and the nicest place to stay in Baltistan.
| Itinerary |
|
| Day 1 |
Arrival in Islamabad. |
| Day 2 |
Fly to Skardu or drive to Chilas in case of flight cancellation. |
| Day 3 |
Free day at Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu. |
| Day 4 |
Drive to Khaplu via Shigar Valley. |
| Day 5 |
Drive to Hushe &back to Khaplu. |
| Day 6 |
Drive back to Skardu. |
| Day 7 |
Excursion Satpara Lake &Deosai Plains. |
| Day 8 |
Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas in case of flight cancellation. |
| Day 9 |
Day free or complete road journey from Chilas to Islamabad. |
| Day 10 |
Destination Flight. |