A small introduction of Machulo
Valley , Baltistan Khaplu.
Nature is “essential qualities or innate disposition”. The lashing valleys
beyond High Mountains by the edge of Karakoram with the greenery of landscapes,
the most beautiful and historical place named Baltistan. This Division has two
districts (Skardu and Ghanche). These area considered as essential means for
Pakistan economy by Tourism and mining as well as agricultural by earning.
Ghance district is 100 km drive from Skarud. Ghanche has called many names like
“shyok Valley”’, “Khaplu” and “Little “Tibet”. This is the coldest place within
Pakistan also called the “Third Pole” with temperatures reaching below -20
degree in the winter. Khaplu and Machulo Valleys(hushe valley) form the gateway
for the great Baltoro glacier, the sub range of Karakoram that includes the
mighty peaks of K2(8,611m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gashabrums (8,000+m) and
Mashabrum (7,821m). Khaplu is a well known of Balti culture and Heritage in
Baltistan and most peaceful area in the world. Machulo Valley is one of the most
famous and essential area for tourism. It is located north from Khaplu on the
distance of 15km. It include some large scale populated area and some low scale.
The district Ganche has its own history and identity by having;
CHAQCHAN MOSQUE (foundation stone laid by Mir Syed Ali Hamdani in 1381 AD Build
by Yabgo Raja “Daulat Ali Khan” in 1840
Machulo Valley does not require too much introduction, particularly talking
about adventure tourism and people’s unity; it is a big reference among the
great mountain ranges of KKH and Hindukush. In this remote village of Baltistan,
most of the youth work with trekking and expedition groups as guide, cook, low
and high altitude porters. Several of them have already been on the tops of the
K-2, Nanga parbat, Broad peak and Gashabrums. As a recognition their sincerity
and hardworking, expeditions not only prefer to hire them again and again but
they do run projects for the welfare of the entire mass and the mountain
communities in the region. “Felix Foundation Baltistan” a non-profit NGO is a
huge resource for the development of education, agriculture and tourism based at
mahculo Valley, which is funded by a group of Basque Mountaineers from Spain.
Here the people of machulo get pleasures from them and the local members of that
organization. The great mountain ranges, beautiful Valleys, old & new colorful
culture and unique lifestyles of the people of our community are also putting
crucial aspects in the beauty of this valley. Residences of Machulo Valley are
mostly illiterate and jobless. The resting population is looking towards someone
help for quality & comprehensive education system. Though there are private and
government schools but having less staff and some others particular hurdles. The
entire valley facing many other problems but they have potentials too. The young
generation is migrated to cities for quality and further education. They are
getting satisfied jobs and positions by themselves. This valley have religious
scholars whereas saint people too. The earlier preacher of Islaam in Baltistan,
Syed Ali Hamdaani R.A has put his best effort in this valley, for promoting the
historical constructions and Islamic education. In late 60 s, there were some
religious scholars and preachers. In 1990, people demonstrated their valuable
religious perspectives within the society. They found and recognized many good
and new things about their religion. Since that, this valley has stopped to
produce or we can say reduced the numbers of scholars. The female educations
that are schooling in this valley are too much downscale while not much the male
ratio. This valley renown for tourism related activities. Their economic source
is 40% by tourism, 30% by agriculture and 30% by govt and private jobs and
business.
People always live together with peace and harmony. The loyalty and hospitality
are seems to observable. The guests and outsider, who visits to this valley,
will not miss their home environment and their lovely ones. The visitors leave
comments as “they were spectacular, amazing society, loyal habitation, peaceful
residence, and home-like environment”, many more appreciations. This valley has
unique culture and same religious perspectives. Their morning starts with
whistling of beautiful sparrows and cuckoos. The clean and pure stream-water
sounds flow the morning beauty. The children prepare for school early soon after
their traditional breakfast. Mothers pack lunch for those who have to pass
nearly 1 km to reach school on time. Their morning starts with hustle and
bustle. Some women catch figure the stubborn students for send them to school.
The most of the learners are male but not less now the female ratio. The women
workers take animals to grass fields while skilled men start their chores. The
students return to home round about 2:00 pm. The whole village gets silence for
three hours from morning to till back of children. Soon after lunch and prayers
they rest a while but some get back to their resting works. The evening of
children is in the grounds and some for Holy Quraan lessons to Makaatib. Their
nights get too long dark in winter while short in summer days. They have special
customs to invite relatives. When death or get marriage in their homes, the
other relative invite whole family with the concept of reduce the sorrows and to
involve in their happiness. This valley has some crucial places by which the
residence are hope to earn. They have a panoramic view place of K-2 from Machulo
La (Machulo Mountain). This place is the key interest of many Pakistani and
foreign visitors. It is now becoming most popular place for easy access to see
K2 with spending too short time and financial resource. This place is famous
because, we can see not only K-2 but also Nanga Parbat, G-i, G-ii, G-ii, G-iv,
Chongo Lingsa and many other snow covered mountains. In summer the tourists walk
towards Machulo La the residence get earning from them.
The valley needs honest, loyal, educated, sincere and skilled people to enhance
economy and remain their beauty and charms. O Allah!!! Keep maintain peace there
and more chances to grow up their beauty of loyalty and sincerity. AAMEEN