Gilgit-Baltistan to become 5th Pakistan province
Gilgit-Baltistan (Urdu:گلگت بلتستان) (formerly known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas or FANA) is the northernmost political entity within Pakistan. According to Pakistan’s constitution, Gilgit-Baltistan is a self governing region under Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including five of the eight-thousanders. The main focus of
attention for many travelers is the world’s three highest mountain ranges–the Karakoram, the Himalaya, and the Hindu Kush, with five peaks over 8,000 meters and many peaks over 7,000 meters, and having the largest glaciers in the world (other than those in the polar region). Wild rivers and unique landscapes make this area a “mountain paradise” for mountaineers, trekkers, and tourists.
Regions
Gilgit-Baltistan is administratively divided into three divisions: Baltistan, Diamer and Gilgit,[105] which, in turn, are divided into fourteen districts. The principal administrative centers are the towns of Gilgit and Skardu.
Division District Area (km²) Capital Population (2013)[106] Divisional Capital Baltistan Ghanche 4,052 Khaplu 108,000 Skardu Shigar 8,500 Shigar – Kharmang 5,500 Kharmang – Skardu 8,700 Skardu 305,000* Roundu NA Dambudas NA Gilgit Gilgit 14,672 Gilgit 222,000 Gilgit Ghizer 9,635 Gahkuch 190,000 Hunza 7,900 Aliabad 70,000 (2015)[107] Nagar 5,000 Nagar 51,387 (1998)[106] Gupis–Yasin NA Ishkoman NA Diamer Diamer 10,936 Chilas 214,000 Chilas Astore 5,092 Eidghah 114,000 Darel NA Darel NA Tangir NA Tangir NA
Cities
- Gilgit is the largest town along the Karakoram Highway before entering China.
- Karimabad is supposedly the setting for James Hilton’s book Shangri-La, and the valley lives up to its reputation.
- Skardu is home to some of the world’s highest mountain peaks, glaciers, forts, museums, and resorts.
Other destinations[edit]
- Fairy Meadows is the point where three world-famous mountain ranges meet– the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindukush.
- K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) is the world’s second-highest mountain peak. Visit the K2 Museum located in Skardu near the K2 Motel.
- Shigar Fort [4]
- Rock carvings Dating back to the 8th century A.D., a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometres from Skardu, across Sadpara Nullah on the Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks alongside Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and the diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Nalah are also found.
- Punial Sherqilla is the main village of the picturesque Punial Valley.One of the largest villages in surface area is Hatoon.
- Singal This spot in the Punial valley offers ideal trout-fishing opportunities.
- Rama A lake in this region offers an awe-inspiring view of the eastern side of Nanga Parbat, 8126 meters high. For the adventure-loving tourist, hiker, angler, art lover, mountaineer, or polo enthusiast, there are few places in the world that can compare with Gilgit.
- Himalayas and Hindukush
- Deosai National Park and Khunjerab National Park