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Baltistan, is a region in northern Pakistan which forms Gilgit–Baltistan, bordering the Xinjiang of China. It is situated in the Karakoram mountains just to the south of K2, the world’s second highest mountain. It is an extremely mountainous region, with an average altitude of over 3,350 m (11,000 ft). It is inhabited principally by the Balti people of Tibetan descent.
Baltistan consisted of small independent valley states that were connected to each other through blood relationships of the rulers, called rajas, trade, common beliefs and strong cultural and language bonds. These states were subjugated by force by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the nineteenth century. In 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence, Baltistan was still part of Kashmir. The people of Baltistan being predominantly Muslims revolted against the Dogra rulers and after a struggle lasting a year became independent. Along with Gilgit, it is now administered by Pakistan as the region of Gilgit–Baltistan. Its links with Kashmir as a subjugated people today continue to be an impediment in granting its population citizenship of Pakistan. The Kargil district of this region is located in the north of Jammu and Kashmir, while the districts of Skardu and Ganche, whose main town is Skardu, are located in the Gilgit–Baltistan region. The region has the highest peaks of the Karakoram, including K2, Broad Peak, Gashabrum-I, Gashabrum-II and many other famous peaks.
Islamabad-Skardu Baltistan
Arrival at Islamabad International airport, transfer to hotel, after taking some rest we drive to Taxila,25 km and about 45 min drive from Islamabad, Taxila was from the ancient Neolithic of saraikala to the ramparts of Sirkap (2nd century B.C)and the City of Sirsukh (1st century A.D)Taxila illustrate the different stages in the development of a City on Indus that was influenced by Persia, Greece and Central Asia and which, from the 5th century B.C to the 2nd century A.D. was an important Buddhist Centre of learning. After sightseeing at Taxila we do our lunch at local restaurant, drive back to old City of Rawalpindi, We will visit colorful bazaar in Rawalpindi, and the new City of Islamabad, Visit Shakar Pariyaan Garden, Daman-e-koh, and Faisal Mosque, evening back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Besham, 267km and it will take 6-7 hours, Besham is the largest town and commercial centre of the Shangla District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. we do our lunch at Abbottabad on the way to Besham., after our arrival at Besham, transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast we drive to Gilgit via mighty Karakuram highway,332km about 7-8 hours drive, On the way we will stop at Shatiyal ,visit Shatiyal rock carvings, take some photos, proceed to Chilas for lunch, after lunch further drive to Gilgit, transfer to hotel, afternoon we will visit Gilgit bazaar, Gilgit was an important city on ancient silk route which was famous passage from China to other countries of the World. The region has been under the great influence of Buddhism and a large number of Buddhist texts have been found at various places. Gilgit was ruled for centuries by the local Trakhane dynasty, which came to an end in about 1810, followed by the rule of Sikhs and then finally got independence in 1947. Evening back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at hotel in Gilgit, we drive to Kargha known for its beautiful figure of Lord Buddha, dating back to 7th-8th Century AD which is a fine piece of craft standing on the high rock away from the reach of human beings, it is just amazing, A few hundred meters upstream of Buddha, there are the remains of an excavated monastery and stupas with several texts in Sanskrit. Proceed to Skardu, 171km drive from Gilgit, on the way to Skardu we do our lunch at Stak Nala, after arrival at Skardu, transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight at Skardu.
After breakfast at hotel, Explore around Skardu, know as Baltistan, total area of 27400km2,Tibetan Khampa and Dardic tribes came to Baltistan (called Baltiyul by locals) prior to Civilization, and these groups eventually settled down, creating the Balti people. Baltistan came under the control of Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, Islam was first introduced to Balti people in the 16th century with the Conversion of Balti Prince Gyalbu Rinchen. We will visit local bazaar at Skardu, visit some lakes around Skardu, evening back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at hotel we drive to Khaplu, about 3-4 hours’ drive, visit Khaplu bazaar, some walk around Khaplu village, visit some old traditional local houses, meet local people, see the Balti Culture, evening back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After taking our breakfast we drive towards Hushe, One of the highest Village in the once extremely remote and impoverished Valley, at an Elevation of 3,050m.The Hushe Valley runs from Masherbrum Mountain, at Elevation of 7,821m 24th highest Mountain in the world, We do some hiking around Hushe, Visit the village, see the Culture and living style, lunch at Hushe, evening back to Khaplu, or we can also overnight at Hushe, there is a good hotel run by Spanish people, dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast in hotel,we drive to Borit Lake. A beautiful lake in the middle of Borit village. We do some walk and hike, do our lunch at Borit lake with some stunning view of beautiful mountains around the lake. Afternoon back to Gulmit. Dinner and overnight in gulmit.
After breakfast we drive to Hoper Valley, some hike to hoper Glacier, Lunch at Hoper, proceed to Karimabad ,transfer to hotel, afternoon visit local bazaar ,dinner at local Restaurant, overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, we Visit Hunza Carpet house,where local Woman,s and Mens making local carpets, we also visit some old traditional houses at Hunza and meet local people, see the famous Culture of Hunzakuz ,after Lunch proceed to Gilgit. 1-2 hrs drive. Transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight in hotel.
We drive to Besham via Karakoram highway,331km almost 8-9 hrs. en route lunch at Dassu, proceed to Besham, overnight in hotel.
Breakfast in hotel, drive to Islamabad,267km almost 6-7 hrs drive, on the way we stop for lunch at Abbott abad,a nice planed City, further drive to Islamabad ,overnight in hotel.
Transfer to the Islamabad International air port for destination flight. End of services.
We drive to Khewra Salt mine, Salt was Discovered from Khewra about 326 BC, when a War began between Alexander the Great and King Poras on the bank of Jehlum River, Alexander horses were found licking stones’ which gave hint about the presence of Salt in Khewra, afternoon back to Islamabad, transfer to hotel, early dinner while taking some sleep, midnight we will transfer you to the Islamabad International airport, Fly back homeland.
