Tourist spots in Gilgit District
- History of Gilgit Baltistan Tourist spots in Gilgit District:
Written by Syeda Abeeha Shigri
History of Gilgit Baltistan, Gilgit is one of 14 districts of Gilgit Baltistan, which is the capital city of GB. The area of this district is 38,000 km sqs and the current population is about 330,000. There are three tehsils in Gilgit District which are Danyore Teh, Gilgit Teh, and Jaglot Teh.
Gilgit was once a major center of Buddhism. Buddhism was the main religion in this area. It is a splendid place for tourists and a mountaineering paradise, situated at an altitude of 4800 feet in the southwest of the Karakorum Range.
The attractive spots for tourists in Gilgit District are Kargah Nala or Kargah Buddha, Naltar Valley, Juglot Valley, Danyore Valley, Normal Valley, and Bagrot Valley.
Kargah Nala or Kargah Buddha is located at a distance of 6 miles from Gilgit city along the Punyal road. It is famous for its crystal clear water that runs all year. In this valley, there is an engraved rock of Buddha which is the main source for tourists. This rock is carving is believed to be carved, in the 7th century A.D.
Naltar is another beautiful picnic spot at a distance of 35 Km from Gilgit city. It is a lush green place of grass and flowers of different kinds and lofty peaks which are covered with snow presenting a beautiful view in the summer. Pakistan Air force has made a ski resort in Naltar Valley so tourists can enjoy both in summer and winter seasons. The Valley has a variety of flora and fauna. It has also a beautiful natural garden which is called Halima garden. Naltar Valley is also famous for its lakes, with crystal clear water. These lakes are Satrangi lake, Halima lake, Bado lake, Dhudia lake, Pari lake, and Blue lake.
Jaglot or Juglot is an important Valley of District Gilgit. It is the gateway of Skardu, which is situated at a distance of 45 Km from Gilgit city along KKH. It is the junction of the world’s three famous mountain ranges, the Karakorum range, the Himalayas range, and the Hindukash range. It is also the junction of the Gilgit River and the Indus River. Historically, it was important as it lay along the route linking British India to China via the Kashmir region. The struggles for Kashmir’s independence from the Sikh rulers of Kashmir also originated in Juglot. Today Jaglot serves as one of the most important logistical bases for the Pakistan Army. The beautiful villages of this valley are Domat, Chakarkot, Gasho, Pahote, Manote, and Sabil.
Danyore is also a wonderful place in District Gilgit, which is well known for its greenery and popular trees. It is located at a distance of 9.3 km from Gilgit city. The Shrine of Shah Sultan Ali Arif above the Danyore tunnel, The Chinese Graveyard near KKH, and the Rock inscription in the Chikas locality are famous places for tourism. Besides these, the Danyore Spring under the broken Chinese Bridge is also a tourist place.
Normal is another beautiful valley of District Gilgit, which is located at a distance of 25 km north of Gilgit city. Shina and Brushaski are the languages of peoples in this valley and the villages or sectors of this valley are Sigal, Majini, Jigot, Batot, Kamalabad, Ishphis, Mominabad, Sararuddinabad, Das, and Khaltarot.
Bagrote is also an amazing place in Distt Gilgit, Shina-speaking valley which is located a distance of 34 km from Gilgit city. It is known for its picturesque, beauty, high-altitude mountains, vast glaciers, livestock, forests, meadows, and rich cultural heritage. Hamaran, Sinaker, Batuchic, Bulchi, Chirah, Fartu, Hopay, Ghosonar, Saat, Gargo, and Sililii are the villages of this valley. River Bagrote flows through this by supplying water to Jalalabad and Oshikhandass.
