High Places of the Baltistan

High Places of the Baltistan

Highlights of the Baltistan

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Skardu

Skardu is the center of Baltistan and the largest district of Northern Areas. It is situated on the bank of the Indus River near the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. At an altitude of 2300 meters and lying in a region characterized by mountains that are stark and rise up to 18,000 feet, gorges that are deep and steep, glaciers that are gigantic and imposing, waterfalls that are fast-flowing and noisy, and lakes that are pure and placid, Skardu is marked by a cool and pleasant climate. This truly is, in Fosco Mariani’s words, “The world’s greatest museum of shape and form” and a sight defying imagination.

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Shangrila Resort

Shangrila Resort Skardu, also known as “Heaven on Earth”, is nestled amongst some of the world’s highest peaks. It encircles the heart shaped “Kachura Lake” and is surrounded by fruit laden orchards and flower filled gardens.

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Shigar Valley

Shigar is the gateway to a wonderland for trekkers and mountaineers, where some of the largest glaciers of the world, including the famous Baltoro glacier are situated. Four above 8000 peaks are located at the head of the Baltoro glacier.
Shigar is the most fertile valley in Baltistan. Apples, walnuts, peaches, grapes, pears and apricots are in abundance.
Shigar town has great historical sites to offer.

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Shigar Fort

Shigar Fort Residence is located in the beautiful province of Baltistan in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Its picturesque setting in the Shigar Valley provides the ideal gateway from which to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Here, the magnificent Karakoram and Himalayan ranges meet – an intersection which results in the most extensively glaciated high mountain terrain on the planet. This includes seven of the world’s 25 highest peaks, four of which exceed 8000m, including K-2, the second highest mountain peak in the world at 8611m.

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Khaplu (Ghangche)

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 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.

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Chaqchan Masque Khaplu

It is said that the site of the mosque has always been a place of worship from the very existence of human life in this area. A mosque was built by Amir -e- Kabir Syed Ali Hamdani in the 14th Century AD. The architectural design of the mosque is unique and presents the true picture of ancient Islamic art.

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Khanqah of Khaplu

Khanqah of Khaplu is attributed to Syed Muhammad Shah & was built in 1712 AD / 1124 AH.

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Khaplu Palace

Khaplu Palace is a beautiful historical building of the last & best Tibetan style in Pakistan. This palace was built by the rulers of Khaplu in the middle of 19th century.

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Khaplu Brouq

Khaplu Brouq is a nice and beautiful picnic spot, with lush green fields surrounded by snow clad peaks.

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