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The Northern Areas of Pakistan are a rocky wilderness of 27000 Sq.
Miles (about 68000 Sq. Km) containing the biggest cluster of majestic
mountains anywhere in the world and the biggest glaciers anywhere
outside the polar region. The mighty Himalayas come advancing into
this region from India, Tibet and Nepal and north of them spread
the more localized but still majestic Karakoram range, both heading
northwest while in between flows the mighty Indus river. Along the
Indus are many lovely valleys along side the main river and in the
path of its tributaries.
Skardu
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2438 meters above sea level
in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram mountain range.
Skardu is linked to the national capital, Islamabad by PIA which
operates one flight daily. The air journey is full of thrills and
would itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. After following
the same air route which connects Gilgit to Islamabad/Rawalpindi,
the plane turns right and flies over the gorge of the Indus river.
Enormous rock faces rise on either side and at times it seams as
if the wing tips of the plane would almost scrape against them.
They never do. Baltistan is known as the "Tibet -e- Khurd"
or little Tibet since its life style reflects that of the roof of
the world and land of Lamas.
Khaplu
Khaplu (35° 10' 0 N, 76° 19' 60 E, altitude 2,560m) is the
capital town of the Ghangche District of northern Pakistan. Lying
103 km (64 miles) east of Skardu town, it was the second-largest
kingdom in old Baltistan. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along
the Shyok River. Saling the most important and beautiful place of
Whole District Ghanche the Largest Forest plantation of Baltistan
and the Cricket Stadium with side a beautiful Lake, and also you
can find there fruit nursery in the central of Ghanche and many
more................
Gilgit:
At an elevation of 1,454 meters lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint
little town of Gilgit has spectacular science beauty. The peak tourist
season is from May to October though the tourist season is round
the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33oC and minimum 16oC
and in September. Maximum 28oC and minimum 11oC.
10 kms from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving
of Buddha of 7th century A.D. at the mouth of the Kargah Nullah.
A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 kms.
jeep drive from Gilgit town.
The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit river is the largest suspension
bridge in Asia(182 meters long and 2 meters wide) permitting enough
room for one jeep at a time to cross.
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