DISTRICTS OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Northern areas is consits of six districts i.e. Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche and Ghizer. Here is a brief about these districts:-
DISTRICT DIAMER: Chilas is Distrit headquarter of Diamer, Chilas is situated along the Karakoram Highway 150 Km. short of Gilgit. There are hundreds of ancient rock carvings and inscriptions in and around Chilas, which depict its cultural and strategic importance even in pre-Buddhist period. One of these rock carvings is down a jeep trek on the south bank of the Indus River. Another group of these rocks are near Thalpan Bridge, past Chilas. A jeep trek connects Chilas with Kaghan Valley via Babusar Pass some 4,173 meter above.
DISTRICT ASTORE: Newely created district Astore was the only route for both trade and military movement between Gilgit and Srinagar in ancient times. It is now approachable from Gilgit by road some 110 Kms. Rama Lake (3,150 meters) can be reached from Astore via 6 Km. trek. Alpine pasture and forests surrounds the lake, which reflects the image of Nanga Parbat. It is an excellent place for trekking and to enjoy the wild nature. It is 5 hours drive from Gilgit.There is a PTDC Motel with restaurant and camping facilities and a Forest Rest House.
RupalValley: Tarashing village is 28 kms. south of Astore. From here, one can start the trek around the south side of Nanga Parbat up to Rupal Valley.
Deosai Plain: From Astore, another jeep trek takes to Skardu via Deosai Plains, situated at a height of 4,000 meters. Deosai is designated as national park. Besides its unique flora and fauna, it is the habitat of the rare Himalayan Ibex (brown bear) Red Fox, Golden Marmot, Wolf, Griffon Vulture, Laggar Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Indian Sparrowhawk and Snowcock. Best months to visit are July-August.
Naltar Valley: Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link road. Govenment Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Ishkoman, Chalt and Punial valley.
Sher Qilla: It is situated 38 Km. west of Gilgit, along the north bank of the Gilgit River. Sher Qilla (Lion's Fort) was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Punial. It has a Polo ground, an old carved wooden mosque and a 150 years old watchtower, crowned with a pair of IBEX homs. There is a trekking route to Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and nearby small lake.
Singul: About 61 Km. from Gilgit, a trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.
Ishkoman Valley: The valley runs north to south joining Gilgit River at Gahkuch, dividing the Karakoram from the Hindu Kush. Chatorkhand, the main town of the valley is about 100 Kms. from Gilgit and it takes six hours by jeep. Peopole of Ishkoman valley speak Khowar, Shina and Wakhi languages.
Yasin Valley: Yasin, the main town of the valley, lies east of Ishkoman at altitude of 2,750 meters above sea level. People of Yasin speak Brushisky and Khowar languages. Until the 20th century, Yasin was an important kingdom controlling the shortest and easiest route between the Oxus and the Indus rivers.
Phundar: It is about 9 hours drive from Gilgit, and a recommended overnight stop enroute to Chitral. A PTDC Motel is located near Phandar lake. There is another lake called Handrab, further west up a side valley. Both the lakes offer excellent trout fishing opportunties. One can also do white water rafting down the Gilgit river.
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