Gilgit-Baltistan, formerly known as the Northern Areas, is a region administered by Pakistan as an autonomous territory, and constituting the northern portion of the larger Kashmir region. It borders Azad Kashmir to the south, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north, the Xinjiang region of China, to the east and northeast, and the Indian-administered union territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the southeast. The region, together with Azad Kashmir in the southwest, is grouped and referred to by the United Nations and other international organisations as “Pakistan-administered Kashmir”. Gilgit-Baltistan is six times larger than Azad Kashmir in terms of geographical area.
cultural of gilgit baltistan
The region has vibrant traditions
Gilgit-Baltistan is a culturally rich and diverse region shaped by various ethnic and linguistic influences. Predominantly the region is Islamic, it also has significant Christian and Sikh minorities. The region’s unique history and traditions make it a melting pot of different cultures. Gilgit-Baltistan has rich language and literature, with Shina, Balti, and Burushaski as the main languages. Shina is spoken by the majority of the population.
Cricket Stadium
World’s Highest Natural Cricket Stadium
Cricket Stadium is within walking distance of 1 hour from Pissan main Bazar. It is around 1.5 km above the Main Bazar. Stadium is located under the shoulder of the ferocious snow-covered Rakaposhi and Diran peaks. These treasures make this stadium more distinctive and stand out from the others. The Pisan Stadium catches huge fans within a moment of days. The reason is its natural aesthetical gifts. It has a lush green carpet under the mountain nest. This stadium is among the areas of tourism-boosting projects in GB. Cricket in highly favorable weather (20°C) in peak summer when the rest of the country faces scorching heat. This can only be possible in Natural Stadium Nagar. The weather of this area remains pleasant during summer and the temperature never spikes above 25°C.
Shandur Polo Festival
cultural festival
Shandur polo festival is an amazing festival celebrated by the tribes of Gilgit and Chitral in the northern areas of Pakistan. The tribes from the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral meet at the Shandur pass every summer. The pass has a beautiful polo ground where a unique wild free-style polo is played between different teams of the region. Shandur polo ground is considered to be the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700meter. The polo ground is adjacent to Shandur lake. The festival provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges.
Phandar Valley
attractive valleys, lush green fields
Phander Valley is located in District Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan at 1,454ft above sea level. Phander Valley is famous for its most beautiful and attractive valleys, lush green fields, deep blue lakes, and the river flowing across it; which is commonly called “Little Kashmir”. Phandar Valley is easily accessible from both from Gilgit and Chitral sides. It takes 5 to 6 hours from the main city Gilgit to reach Phander Valley. Phander Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in the entire region. The name of Ghizer also comes from the name of a village ‘Ghizer’ which is situated in the locality of Phander. The deep blue Phandar Lake is beautifully landscaped and is primarily a habitat for trout fish. The people of Phander Valley are simple, peaceful, and hospitable. The people of the valley speak Khowar language. A large number of tourists visit Phandar Valley every year to enjoy the beautiful view of nature. PTDC, Phandar Rest Rest House, and various other hotels are existed here to provide accommodation facilities to visiting tourists.
