Baltistan also known as Baltiyul or Little Tibet , is a mountainous region in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It is located near the Karakoram mountains just south of K2 (the world’s second-highest mountain), and borders Gilgit to the west, China’s Xinjiang to the north, Ladakh to the southeast, and the Kashmir Valley to the southwest. Its average altitude is over 3,350 meters (10,990 ft. ).
Earlier to 1947, Baltistan was part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, having been conquered by Raja Gulab Singh’s armies in 1840.
Historical Places
Kharpocho Fort is located on a hill near the main Skardu city and whole of the city can be seen from the fort. There has been a contradiction about who has built this fort. Some believe that it was built by Maqpon Bugha whereas others believe that Ali Sher Khan Anchan laid its foundation. The Raja of Skardu’s house is situated near the main bazaar, although the condition of the original house is not very pleasing but still the descendant has tried his best to keep the originality of the place.
The famous Shigar Fort is located at a distance of 32 km from Skardu city. It was built around 400 years ago. This particular fort is well kept and is the center of tourist attraction. Half of the fort has been converted into a motel, where one can stay and experience the royalty.
Glaciers
Baltistan is a rocky wilderness of around 70,000 square kilometers (27,000 sq. mi), with the largest cluster of mountains in the world and the biggest glaciers outside the polar regions.
People
Balti’s are known to be hard working. They work hard for a living. The female members of the family take the responsibility of planting and harvesting vegetables for daily use.
Culture
Skardu is known as the capital of Baltistan. It is home to a number of people from different cultural backgrounds. These regions are greatly influenced by the Buddha as you can see a variety of Buddha inscriptions and remnants.
Food
The traditional Balti food is not very spicy and is mostly made up of flour. The Kashmiri Tea, ‘Namkeen chaaye’, is very popular. Balti people use country-made butter oil (desi ghee). Other famous Balti foods are ‘azokh’ and ‘thaltak’. These are made up of flour and yeast and are eaten with ‘Namkeen chaaye’. Other famous Balti dishes include ‘Tarespi Balay’, ‘Parappu’ and ‘Mamtu’.
‘Zaan’ is very popular in Khaplu. It is made up of flour cooked in country-made butter oil and served with it.
Sports
Polo is the favorite sport played widely in Baltistan. It is said to be the birth place of this game. Polo, known as the game of kings and the king of games is still played in its original form. Other than polo, hunting has also been a favorite sport of the kings and Baltistan supports this game well. Fishing is also famous near the banks of Indus River. Some of the very renowned fish species are found in Deosai plains, Kachura and Sadpara lakes.
