Misgar valley Gojal (uppar Hunza)

Introduction:

Misgar Valley the most beautiful and geographically important regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Misgar is home to the Mintika pass that connects Pakistan with China. The historic Kilik pass is also located in Misgar and it leads travelers to Afghanistan country. The historic “Kalam Darchi Fort constructed by the Britishers to keep a watch on Russian and Chinese advances, is also located in Misgar. The fort is in a dilapidated condition and demands the attention of relevant authorities.

Shigar fort (Skardu valley)

Introduction:

Located on the legendry route to the world’s second highest mountain, K-2, and known as Fong-Khar, which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock”, Shigar Fort Residence is a unique 20 room heritage boutique hotel that offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of the 17th Century Raja’s fort palace and previous home of the 20th ruler of the Amacha Dynasty whilst enjoying the modern amenities and services of an up market boutique hotel.Shigar Fort Residence is an award winning heritage conservation project restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan and managed by Serena Hotels, both apart of the Aga Khan Development Network. The project combines the preservation and re-use of a significant historical and architectural site with a commitment to socially responsible tourism promoting economic development in the Shigar Valley.

Silk route festival

Introduction:

Acclaimed as the ‘greatest route in the history of mankind’, the ancient Silk Road formed the first bridge between the East and West and was an important vehicle for trade between the ancient empires of China, India, Persia and Rome. Dating back to 200 BC, the route was a channel for contact between people and cultures, inspiring the exchange of dialogue, art, religion, ideas and technology. With its richly diverse cultural heritage and its wealth of natural tourism attractions spanning across 12,000 kilometers of ancient routes, the modern -day Silk Road offers visitors the opportunity to experience a unique network of destinations, following the footsteps of some of the world’s most acclaimed explorers, such as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.Historically the Gilgit-Baltistan Province of Pakistan had close linkages with the central Asia including Peoples Republic of China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, through different branches of Old Silk Route. Similarly the region was well connected with Ladakh, Tibet and Kashmir. These linkages with the outside regions had lasting impact on communities of Gilgit-Baltistan.. Its unique location – the main trading route between India, China and Central Asia (Silk Route) passed through the area – not only made it a meeting place for traders and pilgrims, but also attracted emperors and conquers from Central Asia and Persia.

The Silk Route Festival focuses its activities on the following objectives:

• The Silk Route will be an established brand, supported by extensive cooperative marketing campaigns
• The Silk Route will stimulate cooperative campaigns and partnerships between public and private sector
• Silk Route tourism will act as a vehicle for fostering peace and cultural understanding
• Governments will value and support the tourism sector and gain significant return for their investment
• Tourism will drive improved cultural and environmental management
• Tourism will generate significant direct and indirect employment
• Silk Road stakeholders will work closely together for mutual benefit.

Shandur Polo festival

Introduction:

Shandur  is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet (38000 meters) above sea level is famous for having the highest polo ground of world. It is sometimes called Roof of the World. It is located in District Ghizer, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. The version of polo game played in Shandur Polo Ground is considered to be the purist of all. It is also called free style polo.Polo is the most favorite game in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, Laspor, Mastoj, Chitral and all other valleys around must have at least one polo ground, where local people can be seen playing polo.Shandur Polo Ground is naturally designed to be a polo ground. Small hills are on all four sides of rectangular ground, where spectators can sit and enjoy the match. The surrounding landscape and Shandur Lake makes it even more beautiful.The beautiful polo ground of Shandur turns into a city of tents each year between 7 and 9 July due to Shandur Polo Festival. A match of polo is held between teams of Gilgit and Chitral. A great number of tourists and spectators from different areas of country especially from Hunza, Skardu and Chitral come to attend this event. Shandur Polo Ground is located at an altitude of 12,200 feet (3,700 meters) and it is very hard to play here due to reduced amount of oxygen. It requires a lot of stamina and players must be physically very strong. The match is always marvelous because cream players from Chitral and Gilgit participate in it.

Polo is the game of kings:

Shandur is the highest polo ground in the world. Here it is still played in its original form, a game as tough rough and hard, on man and horse as the surrounding mountains themselves. A game without rules or empire, a game with only a few agreed convention of play. Polo in Khowar called “Istoorghar” has been the traditional game of Chitral, as our motto is “we play polo the game of king and king of the games”. The game is commonly played to the music band comprising a big drum.Every year, 10.000 people move with their tents to the breathtaking shandur pass, 4300 meters high, to attend the shandur polo festival where the best teams from Gilgit and Chitral come to compete against each other.

History:

Historically, polo being the king of games was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Gilgit and Chitral. From 1936 onwards polo tournaments were held annually on this ground. The three day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. It is attended every year by prominent celebrities, public figures and opinion makers.

How to reach there?

Shandur can be reached from Gilgit and Chitral. It is about 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Gilgit and 147 kilometers (91 miles) from Chitral. When coming from Gilgit to Shandur one can see the charming valleys of Gahkuch, Gupis, Phandar and many beautiful lakes. When coming from Chitral one can see the beauty of Mastuj and Surlasp valleys.

Phander valley Ghizer

Introduction:

Phander Valley in Ghizer District is one of the most scenic valleys with easy access both from Gilgit and Chitral. It takes 5 to 6 hours from Gilgit to reach Phander valley which is commonly called “Little Kashmir”. Phander Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in the entire region. Phander valley was the bread basket for the whole Northern Areas. The name of Ghizer comes from the name of a village ‘Ghizer’ that is situated in the vicinity of Phander. The deep blue lake in Phander offers a magnificent view and is basically the home of trout fish.There is the PTDC Motel and Phander rest house which provide the best serive for the tourists. The people of this valley are simple and hard working.

Khalti lake Gupis valley

Introduction:

Khalti Lake is located in Gupis, District Ghizer, Tehsil Punial. Its is 20-30 minutes drive from Gupis. Gupis Valley is located about 112 kilometers (70 miles) in west of Gilgit on the bank of River Gilgit, in District Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan region, Pakistan. The 35 kilometers (22 miles) road between Gahkuch (capital of District Ghizer) and Gupis Valley is full of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. The turquoise water of river flowing along the road and surrounding fields and forests presents are very charming for tourists.

Khalti Lake is famous for being habitat of trout fish. The lake is formed due to stretch of river near the village of Khalti. The dark blue waters of lake during summer look very charming. The lake usually freezes during winter and villagers of Khalti use to walk on this. There is beautiful restaurant near the Khalti Lake. A PTDC motel is situated nearby to facilitate tourists. Its nice place stay for a overnight in the PTDC. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the lake from the PTDC Motel.

Astore valley

Introduction:

Astore valley is situated at an altitude of 2600meters in the Gilgit-Baltistan of pakistan and is one of the six district of the Gilgit Baltistan province. 120km of this valley is divided in to more than a hundred villages.the whole area comprises lush green pastures,wild forests,tranquil atmosphere  and according to the season, fruits such as apple apricot cherries and almond can also be found in abundance  .Astore valley is accessible  from Gilgit via Joglot in north Skardu from east and Chitral from the south.its access from Skardu remains seasonal as some of the passes are blocked from December to march due to snow fall .The most beautiful and well known villages in Astore are chilim, bubin, eid gah and shina is the local language.The valley of Astore is also consider as trekkers paradise.its offers a wide range of itineraries from easy short walks for beginners and amateurs to strenuous trek for professionals.from here one can go to the worlds secound higest plateau Deosai and to the fairy meadows or the massif of Nanga parbat(the 9th higest peak in the world).further south lies the rama valley and its beautiful lake that a visitor can not afford to miss.surrounded by the majestic peaks like nanga parbat,shaigiri,rupal peak,chongra peak and laila peak.the panorama is simply marvelous.manay wild flowers as well as rare medicinal plants are also found in this valley. Government has declared this valley as a natural park in order to preserve and protect its fauna including the brown bear.its snow usually in January and February and access to Astore valley is often blocked.