Wonderful TRAVEL GUIDE OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan is situated in the western part of India and China while Iran and Afghanistan share their border with Pakistan on the west side. Pakistan, although a very peaceful and very friendly nation has been hit very hard by the infamous war on terrorism by the countries that have always envied the landscape and blessing of the country. The local media war against terrorist leaders have now destroyed peace and quiet in some areas of Pakistan in a game that no one understands. This game is not an old one similar games (Gilgit game, great game) was played on this earth many years ago of similar powers.
This rural Pakistan (the pure land), be it called Pakistan or be it (Sapta Sindu the real India) has probably been the most coveted land in history. From King Darius of Persia, Alexander of Macedonia and many others, marched here in search of that country. There have been many cultural changes in this land.
Today India can boast of being "India of the past" while it was known as Deserta Incognita (Un Known Desert) in the past. Pakistan is the real ancient India, the world would come to see. It is here, Moen Jo Daro of the Indus civilization is that it is here that the mighty Indus river runs, this here, where Buddhism was developed, this is the sanskrit was born, and this is where the Alexander came.
The spectacular views of the mountains, the green plans, colorful deserts and the mighty Indus River are just a few things that this country has been blessed with. We are also blessed with the oldest story in the world. When we look at civilizations as Egypt, Mesopotamia and others, our Indus civilizations look too highly developed and well planned. We are the first urban civilization, where urban planning existed. We are the people who had binary system of weights and the most accurate a 5000 yes 5000 years ago.
Today people talk about taxes and health and organic food and saving nature we have had these thoughts in 2500 BC we had a tax system, democracy and even a system that was most eco-friendly and well aware of nature and had to protect it.
Today when I buy a burger in a so-called developed countries it is wrapped in paper-plastic and foil, trash weighs more than the burger comes to Pakistan, where when I buy a burger my friendly burger cooks it right in front of me, and hand the to me in the most common format with no paper not plastic and no trash.
Pakistan is a paradise, and no super power can destroy it. We are facing a time when people are talking all sorts of sick things about us, but it is only us who see that Pakistan still stands out and boasts of being the most beautiful and most wonderful country in the world.
Today some countries are building the largest shopping malls, high towers and what they do not destroy nature and produce unsightly structures that do nothing but hurt our land, those countries build mountains as K2 can lead to a river so powerful and so legendary as the river Indus.
This is an open invitation for each visit Pakistan does not listen to the media does not listen to warnings the country is full of friendly people flora and fauna. Nature smiles here and the sun bear its first celebration here in Pakistan.

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Pakistan's Most Beautiful Places

The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters.

Administratively divided with five districts, which runs by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary. The chef secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad.

Gilgit the capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the Indo Aryans in 1700 BC.

From the 1^st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the trade center from all places as its now. From 4^th century to 11^th century AD, It was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central Asia-China.

Northern area is associated with air and road with other cities in Pakistan including Islamabad Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It is linked with Karakorum highway through the Indus Valley. 620 km to Gilgit and 832 miles to Skardu. It is a two days drive to reach Gilgit & Skardu.
Northern areas are fairy land, which covers thousands of Squire Kilometers if high snow-capped mountain, surrounded by lashed green valleys, rivers, Glaciers-High meadows, high passes-Pine Dev Dar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, orchards offering spectacular panoramic views of natural disaster . Northern area is a tourist paradise for hikers, climbers-Skiers-Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing, Whitewater Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Road Travelers-Mountain Bike Tours and many many.

Hunza & Nagar Valley:  

Today Hunza & Nagar are  in progress in education agriculture, orchard, business small industries automobile, wooden work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery, Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc.

The actual changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China & Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province, the rapid changes happed in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of people of Hunza.

There are self-help schools in every second village in the valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the reason, why Hunza Nagar people are different from other valleys in North of Pakistan.

The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza Nagar valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza Nagar has been a tourist destination from a long time.

Skardu or Baltistan Valley:

The increase in the Indus stretching down to Baltistan valley from Tibet to Gilgit and down to the Arabian Sea, which cuts the Indian subcontinent from Asia, Baltistan valley called a little Tibet in the north of Pakistan.
Baltistan is situated at the end of the Himalayas since Deosai Plain and Satpara Lake. Baltistan tourist destination Mountains paradise where the world 2: a highest peak is K-2 (8611M) and the other 8000m are broad Peak Gasherbrum I & II, probably 8068 to 8047m and there are many peaks 7750 - 7800m. Its snow-capped peaks, glaciers and Long gives you great views of climbers, hikers and travelers.

Shigar Valley:

The Shigar valley that has a long distance for K-2 base camp on Baltoro Glacier, to Concordia place among the high mountains. The inhabitants of Shigar are the decedents of Kirgis, who migrated from China in the region of Yarkand, when it was possible to travel from Baltistan to the North of China as a Karavan via Sinkiang and Kashmir as a trade route.

Hushe Valley:

A valley the Kings of valleys are situated at the east of Skardu in the foot of Masherbrum Mountains which leads to Ghandogoro La to K-2 Base Camp and the great walls.

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UNIQUE AND DELICIOUS TRAVEL GUIDE OF GILGIT

Gilgit has been mentioned in the annals of history -  has been mentioned as a prosperous trading center, its location on the ancient trade routes and relations with Astor Chila-Kaghan on one side and China on the other through Kilik and Mintaka Short and has remained under constant consideration of major powers as an important strategic point. With the construction of Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Gilgit valleys out has been in the main stream that has attracted visitors from various countries. It can be said that there are few places in the world comparable to this city and its spectacular scenic beauty. Gilgit is the headquarters of the 70,000 square kilometer Federally administered Northern Areas - Fana -. As a city of Gilgit offers nothing but high mountains like Nanga Parbat, K-2 Rakaposhi in the mighty Karakoram, glistening round horizon. In the valley colors vary with the seasons, and in autumn they look magnificent as the leaves of fruit and nut trees, red and yellow. A two-three day stay here promises visitors fun and adventure of mountain climbing, mountain hiking, trout fishing or just rest comfortably basking in the mild sun and cool mountain air - and some interesting shopping for a change.

The Gilgit Valley lies at an altitude of 1453.90 meters and is surrounded by lakes, rivers, glaciers and high mountain ranges. Some of them are the world's largest peaks, such as Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters) and Raka Poshi (7,788 meters) is located here. The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina is urdu and English also spoken and understood. Buddhist petroglyphs carved into the mountain side is worth a visit. It is around 10 km away from Gilgit. The Victory Monument of Taj Mughal was built around 700 years ago and is located at a distance of 11 km from Gilgit.

Besides Hunza Nagar Valley, other minor valleys around Gilgit Punial Valley. Sher Qila is the largest village in the picturesque Punial valley, which lies at a distance of 40 kilometers from Gilgit. Singal in Punial valley offers ideal trout fishing opportunities. It is 56 kilometers away and takes 3 hours to reach there. Yasin valley offer ideal opportunities for hiking and trekking, it lies at a distance of 160 km and the jeep journey requires about 7 hours. The picturesque Phandar lake abounds in trout, located approximately 177 km from Gilgit. The famous  Shangriala andShandur Pass connects Gilgit to Chitral. The pass remains snow-bound during winter. It is 250 kilometers and 15 hours away by jeep. Rama lake in this region offers an awe-inspiring view of the eastern side of Nanga Parbat. It is 120 kilometers away and takes 6 hours to get there. For adventure-loving tourist, hiker angler, art lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast, there are few places in the world, comparable to Gilgit.

Naltar is a beautiful full day outing from Gilgit. About a two hour drive away, it is an area of alpine meadows and pine forests 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level and surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Way up from its normal climbs steeply through a ravine to show up on the lush high-altitude pastures. Those who wish to stay can choose between Public Works Department rest-house, very basic local hotel or camping. Naltar is the perfect base for gentle walks through the woods and up to Naltar Lake, where fishing is excellent. The village is also the starting point for the more energetic tours throughout the 4000 (13,000 feet). Naltar Pass to Ishkoman Valley, or across the 4,800 meters (15,700 feet). Daintar Pass Chalte. Naltar has a ski school, run by the Pakistani air force, but is used for holding national skiing championship as well.

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Fresh and healthy climat Gilgit and Baltistan northern area of Pakistan

Gilgit-Baltistan borders the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan to the north-west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in north-eastern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir to the south and southeast, the Pakistani state under control of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the south, and Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province to the west.

Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the "eight thousanders" and more than fifty peaks over 7000 meters. Gilgit and Skardu are the two main centers for expeditions to the mountains. The region is home to some of the beaches in the world's highest mountain the main ranges are the Karakoram and western Himalayas. Pamir Mountains are north and the Hindu Kush to the west. Among the highest mountains are K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) and Nanga Parbat The latter is one of the most feared mountains in the world.

Three of the world's longest glaciers outside the polar regions are located in Gilgit-Baltistan - Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro Glacier and the Batura Glacier. There are also several mountain lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan:

* Sheosar Lake in Deosai Plains - Astore region

* Satpara Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan

* Katzura Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan

* Zharba Tso Lake in Shigar - Baltistan

* Phoroq Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan

* Bara Tso Lake in Gangche - Baltistan

* Byarsa Tso Lake in Gultari - Baltistan

* Borith Lake in Gojal upper Hunza - Gilgit

* Rama Lake near Astore

* Rush Lake near Nagar - Gilgit

* Kromber Lake In Kromber Pass - Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District

* Barodaroksh lake in Bar valley Nagar

Deosai plains are located above the tree line, and are the second highest plateau in the world at 4,115 meters (14,500 feet) after Tibet. The plateau lies east of Astore, Skardu and south west of Ladakh. The area was declared a national park in 1993. Deosai plains cover an area of nearly 5,000 square kilometers. For more than half of the year (between September and May), is Deosai snow-bound and cut off from the rest of Astore & Baltistan in winters. The village is close Deosai chokki Chilum and is connected with the Kargil district of Ladakh by an all-weather road.

Climate

The climate of Gilgit-Baltistan varies from region to region, the surrounding mountain ranges creates large variations in temperature. The eastern part of the wetland has the western Himalayas, but by going to the Karakoram and Hindu Kush dry climate considerably.

There are towns like Gilgit and Chilas are very hot during the day in summer, but cold at night, and valleys as Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza and Nagar, where temperatures are cold even in summer.

Economy and resources:

The economy of region is basically based on traditional route of trade through Silk Road. China Trade organization was the leading economic forum through which most of barter trade activity made a phenomenal change in the general economical outlook of the area which being the remotest region of Pakistan was neglected for over quarter of century. This forum led the people of the area to actively invest and learn the modern trade know how from its neighbor Xingkiang. The participation of the all ethnic groups and active force behind this activity, legendary economist of the area Ashraf Khan brought a great change in the region. Later the establishment of Chamber of commerce and SOst dry port(in Gojal Hunza) are milestones. Rest of the economy is shouldered by mainly agriculture and tourism. Agriculture such as: wheat, corn (maize), barley, fruits; Tourism is mostly in trekking and mountaineering and this industry is 'growing in importance.

Sports:

Polo is the favourite game of the people of Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Hunza, Nagar and the surrounding areas.Every year, many tourists visit to enjoy polo in Gilgit-Baltistan.Other games such as cricket, Tuksori of Nagar, gulli danda, kabbadi, and volleyball are also played.

Transport:

Prior to 1978, Gilgit-Baltistan was cut off from Pakistan and rest of the world due to the harsh terrain and the lack of accessible roads. All of the roads to the south opened towards the Pakistani-controlled state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AKJ) and to the southeast towards the present-day Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. During the summer, people could walk across the mountain passes to travel to Rawalpindi. The fastest way to travel, however, was by air, but air travel was accessible only to a few privileged local people and to Pakistani military and civilian officials. Then, with the assistance of the Chinese government, Pakistan began construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was completed in 1978. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu, which are the two major hubs for mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey from Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately 20 to 24 hours. Landslides on the Karakoram Highway are very common. The KKH connects Gilgit to Tashkurgan and Kashgar in China via Sust (the customs and health inspection post on the Northern Areas side) and the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres (15,397 feet).

Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) offers bus and jeep transport service to the two hubs and several other popular destinations, lakes, and glaciers in the area.

In March 2006, the respective governments announced that, commencing on June 1, 2006, a thrice-weekly bus service would begin across the boundary from Gilgit to Kashgar, China, and road widening work would begin on 600 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway. There would also be one daily bus in each direction between the Sust and Tashkurgan border areas of the two political entities.

Pakistan International Airlines used to fly a Fokker F27 daily between Gilgit Airport and Islamabad International Airport. Flying time is approximately 50 minutes, Dand the flight was one of the most scenic flights in the world, as his route passed through the mountain Nanga Parbat summit which was greater than the cruising altitude the plane. PIA also offers regular flights of Boeing 737 between Skardu and Islamabad. However, the Fokker F27 aircraft was retired after a crash at Multan in 2006. Currently, flights are operated by PIA Gilgit on the ATR42-500 aircraft while nine, which was purchased in 2006. With the new aircraft, cancellation of flights is much less than it was the Fokker aircraft. All flights, however, are subject to the conditions of leave, and in winter, flights are often delayed by several days.

Demographics:

The population consists of many diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious groups, due in part to the many isolated valleys separated by some of the world's highest mountains. The population of this area is a mixture of many ethnic groups such as Shins, Yashkuns, Kashmiris, Kashgaris, Pathans,and Kohistanis. Ismailism is present here, unlike in the rest of Pakistan.Urdu is the lingua franca of the region, understood by most of the inhabitants. The Shina language (with several dialects like Asturjaa, Kharuchaa, chilasi) is the language of 60% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, Astore throughout Diamer, and in some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of the Tibetan languages group, is spoken by the entire population of Baltistan. Minor languages spoken in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the language of Ghizer. Burushaski is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans in the region. A small minority of people also speak Pashto.

Despite being referred to as part of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan has few remnants of Kashmiri. At the last census (1998), the population of Gilgit and Baltistan was 870,347. Approximately 14% of the population was urban.

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