Situated in the north of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan is a land of picturesque landscapes, ancient history and diverse ethno-cultural heritage. Gilgit-Baltistan is an enigma of a region – with its towering mountains, verdant valleys, centuries-old culture and geo-political significance. Whether its the mighty mountains of the Karakoram range or the cultural jewels like Hunza and Skardu, all can have us, tourists, history enthusiats and adventures alike, queue up at their door step!
This guide aims to provide a more in-depth introduction to Gilgit-Baltistan; to try to answer questions on, say, the region’s history, where it fits into local and regional politics, its natural splendors. If you have any interest in travel or in the region(40), I like writing about it, the culture, the socio-political dynamics, the people then this is your amor.
What Is Gilgit-Baltistan Famous For?
Gilgit-Baltistan is a place of stunning beauty. It is a (very) literal goldmine of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet. Home to towering mountain ranges, rugged valleys, pristine rivers and glaciers dating back to ancient times, Gilgit-Baltistan is still a ‘jannat’ on earth for nature lovers, trekkers and adventure seekers.
The Mighty Mountains and Glaciers
The region contains five of the 14 mountain peaks on the planet that are above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. At 8611m, K2 dwarfs and is described as a ‘beautiful climber’s peak’; Everest, on the other hand, is a ‘cakewalk’. And just across the region are other summits Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), Rakaposhi (7,788 meters), Broad Peak (8,051 meters), every one more gobsmacking than the next.
For me, Gilgit-Baltistan has several giant glaciers, e.g., Biafo, Baltoro, Siachen and others. We have some of the most beautiful glaciers, and water sources, around us.
Valleys of Solace and Adventure
Valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan are sohing to die for, each and every valley has something special in its core. Hunza Valley’s emerald-green lakes provide a suitably scenic, fairy-tale-perfect stage with highbrow snowcapped mountains behind, and you can see why this region is nicknamed ‘paradise on earth’. The valley is also visited by many tourists due to the blossom of apricot in spring, the weather of the valley remains really moderate in this season, it has rich culture history and the beauty of surrounding the mountains which are covered with snow, the valley becomes very difficult but most of the difficult time it presents panoramic and stunning views.
Another traveller’s crown jewel is Skardu, the capital of Skardu District, and the pristine terrains with cool crystal blue lakes, Shangrila Resort, Sheosar Lake, and Deosai National Park – the world’s second highest plateaus on the planet – aspires one to visit and revisit. Trekking routes, including those from to Fairy Meadows and a close view of Nanga Parbat reach up to Skardu.
Another interesting attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan is Naltar Valley, which is known for being beautiful and vibrant in color. The valley is also a large ski region in the winter months.
Cultural Heritage and History
Gilgit-Baltistan is not just natural splendour; this region has a lot of history and culture. It was once the residence of multiple empires and ethnic races including the Hunza Nagar, the Gilgits, and the Shin tribes. They have left a culturally rich legacy like that of music, dance, architecture, crafts among others.
Nestled in the lap of the historic trade routes connecting India and the Gates of Alexander, the Ghorid dynasty had access to the riches of the Indian Subcontinent and cashed in on these to launch a number of raids into the subcontinent over the span of 200 years. The Baltit Fort of Hunza and the Khaplu Fort of Skardu are such ancient forts, which have lived through centuries, and witnessed to region’s history with their cold eyes.
Gilgit-Baltistan Weather: Weather for Every Visitor
The climate of Gilgit-Baltistan varies hugely by elevantion and season. Creating Gilgit-Baltistan an extraordinary destination for diversified travels.
Summer: A Pleasant Escape
The summers are amongst the coolest in the country with most areas averaging under 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F). Here the valleys explode with wildflowers, the rivers gush and the hills turn green. Between May and September, the region is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and valley exploration.
That sun-tanning trip to Fairy Meadows in Summer,that bus ride up Khunjerab Pass (on the 10th highest paved international road in the world, the Karakoram Highway), they’re all worth it.
Snow and Fun Winter Wonderland
Winter (cold and harsh, but great for fans of snow sports as it reaches freezing point) turns the city freezing, also especially the rest of hilly suburbs. In winter they may fall below freezing, as long as there is enough snow. Book: 40 Places for Snow Lovers. For snow-sports fans Naltar Valley, home to the region’s only ski resort, is the place. The snow blanketed mountains, peaceful quiet, and serene landscape outside make winter the best time for a restless traveler, particularly if you want to get away from it all.
The best time to visit is in spring or autumn (though it makes a pleasant place to visit at any time of year, as it never gets too hot or too cold).
If you prefer a moderate weather then visit Gilgit from Spring ( March- June) to Autumn (September- November). Coiled in bloom, the fields are spread With flowery carpets in the spring, With gold and red the autumn yields. These shoulder months provide a happy middle ground for hiking and sightseeing, without the overheated highs and the overly snowy lows of summer and winter.
Governance and Leadership in Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is a northern Pakistan territory and is itself a developed governing system. Political: There is also what is known as the political component, which is about political changes that have occurred and led to the present system of government.
The CMs of Gilgit-Baltistan In Focus
The political past of Gilgit-Baltistan is largely script of struggle for its governance. The region was originally a British protectorate between 1947 and 1963 and a British colony between 1963 and 1965, with a governor, and had the status of a chief commissioner’s province between 1963 and 1964.
On 29 August 2009, it was upgraded to the status of a self-governing province upon the introduction of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009, with Gilgit as the capital of the new administrative unit.
The first ever Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan was Syed Mehdi Shah; he held the position from 2009 to December 2014. His reign marked the beginning of the political revolution of the region, as the area slowly became more independent.
Current Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan
Khalid Khurshid is the current Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, in office since 2020. Khurshid belongs to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and has focused on infrastructure, education, and health in the region. He also advocated promoting eco-tourism and environmentally protection for the preservation of the fragile ecosystem of Gilgit Baltistan. Now Haji Gulbar is the current Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan.
The Position of Governor Gilgit-Baltistan
But Gilgit Baltistan Governor is symbolic and embodiment of Federation of Pakistan. The position of the governor is almost completely ceremonial.”Keep track of federal decisions and policy getting implemented in the territory.
What Is Gilgit-Baltistan? And What Does India Have to Do With It?
Q: Is It True That People From Pakistana Are Prohibited From Purchasing Land in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Yes, people from other provinces of Pakistan may buy land in Gilgitbaltistan but with restrictions. Noncitizens are not allowed to own land. But Pakistanis should have clearance from concerned authorities before finalizing sale purchase of the land deal.
Q: What Was the Previous Name of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Earlier known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan, it was renamed to Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009. Renaming was one of the reforms to establish greater autonomy of the region.
Q: Pakistan occupied gilgit in which year?
Pakistan occupied Gilgit in October 1947, after the partition of India. The region had been a part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, and after a ruler of the region ceded the territory to Pakistan following the ratification of a statute by Pakistan’s assembly, it became a de facto disputed territory administered by Pakistan as part of its entity of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Q: Who Is the 1st CM of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Syed Mehdi Shah became the first Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009 under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order.
Q: Who is the Current CM of Gilgit-Baltistan?
The current Chief Minister is Khalid Khurshid (Assumed office in 2020). cvtColor. He is working to build infrastructure, education, and health care in the region and to bring attention to sustainable tourism.
Q: What Is Gilgit-Baltistan’s Political Status?
Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Pakistan but has a special political status. It is not a full province and it is controlled by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan. The territory has its own Chief Minister and a Legislative Assembly, but the freedom is not same as that of a Pakistani province. In regard with disputed Kashmir, its political status is often a matter of dispute.
Q: Can Foreigners Visit Gilgit-Baltistan?
Yes you can, although for some specific places within the near LOC or sensitive zones you may need to get a NOC if you are a foreigner. Destinations such as Hunza, Nagar, Skardu and Fairy Meadows remain open to foreign tourists without permits in the normal course.
Q: What are the primary languages spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan?
The official national language, Urdu, and other related languages including Shina, Burushaski, Khwar, Domaki and Balti are spoken by the local population in different regions. The languages reflect the ethnic diversity of the region.
Conclusion
Gilgit-Baltistan is not just a tourist destination, it is a rich and vibrant history, strategically important, culturally rich way of life. From the magnificent K2 to colorful Hunza & Skardu valleys, you have it all, for every traveler to instantaneously fall in love with. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, history enthusiast or simply want to visit one of the most stunning parts of the country, Gilgit-Baltistan has it all.
Now, with tourism, infrastructure and world focus on the rise, there is no better time to travel and experience the ‘everything and more’ that this region of Gilgit-Baltistan has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Get set to make memories and partake in all that the land of mountains has to give.
