Gilgit Baltistan (The Land of Heaven in Pakistan)
(Ghulam Hasnain, Islamabad)
Shingerlla Resort
Pakistan is a God gifted land;
it abounds in natural treasures and breathtaking landscapes. Gilgit Baltistan,
the most beautiful region of Pakistan situated in northern area. It is known for
its natural beauty and geographical importance around the world. Being the
native of Gilgit Baltistan Let’s explore the importance of Gilgit Baltistan and
its natural eye catching beauty.This land consist of sparkling three mountains
ranges Himalayas, Karakorum and Hind Kush which great each other.
There will be about seven lakes located in Gilgit Baltistan. Out of the highest
seventeen peaks eight peaks are located in Gilgit Baltistan. Fairy meadow is the
point where this can be sighted. The beautiful valleys and the dazzling lakes,
three of the world seven’s Glaciers the snow-covered mountain makes the region a
popular tourist destination. It’s the paradiseparagladar, mountaineers which
attract the tourist from all over the world. Many of expedition are arranged
both locally and internationally. The KKH (Karakorum Highway) the eighth wonder
in the world bring you towards the heaven pass through the mountains and
valleys. Its ones of the spectacular road connecting Pakistan with China through
world highest road pass Silk Road “Shahrah-e-Reshim”.
Due to snowfall the highway is closed for traffic in the winter season. Pakistan
International Airlines offers a safari over the Gilgit and Skardu city due to
its beauty and tourists can view the whole city few minutes before the plane
lands.Other than its natural beauty, the region has rich in unique cultural
heritage and numerical language. Because of the multicultural and multi lingual
aspects people also have a beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes. These
range from the typical people tending to preserve the traditions and culture to
the modern people somehow influenced by other cultures, media and education.
That makes a pluralistic society having a range of people with various
backgrounds and living together with peace and tranquility.
Moveover there is abundance of natural resources including the gem stones, gold,
copper,uranium are founded there. Historically it’s remaining the flash point of
political activities during Russian and British ruler. After the end of British
rule in subcontinent in 1947. The people of the region decided to join Pakistan
fighting against the dogar raja of Kashmir at that time. Moreover the region is
also famous for the people humour and simplicity which added the importance of
the beauty in that area .the region was given names as Asia’s wonderland, Rood
of the world, Jewel of Pakistan. The region has some of finest tourism
attraction in the world like K-2 the second highest peak on earth after Mount
Everest, Deosai Plain the longest widest and highest plateau in the world the
fast flowing river Indus.
Shingeralla the beautiful park which is 15 Km away from Skardu also Known as
“Heaven” on earth nestled among some of the world highest peak. It’s a heart
shape from and eyes. The simplicity of the province is a treat for mind and
soul. The region is also famous for the different types of dry fruits including
apricot, almond wallnat, salageet.
Acknowledge the vast potential of tourism and its effects, the Government of
Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan Administration should focus on tourism for
creation of employment opportunities which higher economic growth and to
introduce the outside world the hidden treasures of Gilgit Baltistan. The number
of tourist increases steadily over the years, the challenges is to merely to
increase the tourist but also to consider how tourism can be promoted without
affecting the natural and cultural beauty of region by improving the quality of
the region by improving the quality of life of people living there.
A local famous poet well said,
Pahari Silsilay Charon Taraf Aur Bech Ma Hum Ha
Misaal Gohar Nayab Ke Hum Pathar Ma Rahty Ha