Uprising Memorial Gilgit Archives -

Bilchar Dobani sunset view - A tourist attraction in Gilgit

City Breaks, Gilgit-Baltistan, Tourists Destinations in Pakistan

Gilgit Tourist Attractions

admin / February 24, 2023

Exploring the Enchanting Gilgit Tourist Attractions: A Journey Through Time and Beauty Gilgit Tourist Attractions: Unveiling the Treasures Within The Gilgit Tourist Attractions comprise key places of interest with cultural and historical backgrounds or adventurous in nature that visitors consider to experience with a keen interest. Gilgit is a mesmerizing gem nestled amidst the grandeur of majestic mountains. It undoubtedly holds within its heart an array of remarkable landmarks that encapsulate the very essence of history, bravery, and culture. In this captivating voyage, we delve into the core of Gilgit, unveiling its concealed treasures that stand as enduring testaments to the human spirit and legacy. Gilgit Town: A Glimpse into the Past and Present Gilgit Town, the enchanting administrative capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, stands as a living testament to a rich history that traces its origins back to the ancient Silk Route. Perched at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, this charming town rests in close proximity to the merging point of the Gilgit River and the Hunza River. With its historical significance intertwined with breathtaking natural splendor, Gilgit certainly emerges as an irresistible haven for explorers in search of a distinctive and enthralling escapade. In fact,the Gilgit Tourist Attractions are mostly located within the town of Gilgit. The Magnificence of Gilgit’s Historical Heritage Drenched in historical significance and adorned with natural marvels, Gilgit unveils extraordinary stopovers for wanderers dreaming of immersing themselves in its opulent heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes. With a spectrum of places to visit, Gilgit Tourist Attractions leave an unforgettable imprint on travelers. Gilgit undoubtedly stands as an alluring sanctuary that captures the essence of exploration and discovery. Let us embark on a journey to unravel some of the premier Gilgit Tourist Attractions that have forever etched their mark on the tapestry of travel. The Victory Monument of Taj Mughal: Echoes of Achievement The 700-year-old Victory Monument of Taj Mughal stands as a commemorative tower with a guarding view of Gilgit town. It measures an impressive 21 feet and 10 inches in height and 14 feet and 4 inches in width. The monument is located on a mountain slope in Gilgit town with breathtaking views of Gilgit and its surroundings. Basically, it was named after Taj-ud-Din Mughal, an Ismaili ruler from Badakhshan, who arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan during the 13th century AD. Therefore, the monument was erected by his soldiers to celebrate his victorious feats. To witness the breathtaking views of Gilgit city, visitors can access the monument on foot from Jutial, near the Serena Hotel. Uprising Memorial Gilgit: A Chronicle of Courage The Uprising Memorial serves as the final resting place of the local heroes of Gilgit who courageously rose against the Maharaja in 1947. The heroic acts of Mohammed Babar Khan and Safiullah Beg of the Gilgit Scouts, and Mirza Hassan Khan of the Kashmir Infantry eventually emancipated Gilgit-Baltistan through a rebellion that led to the arrest of Governor Ghansara Singh on Nov 01, from the Maharaja of Kashmir. Karga Buddha: Carved in Stone, Shrouded in Mystery The legendary Kargah Buddha is a 7th-century Buddha figure carved deep into the solid rock. The three-meter (ten-foot) high imposing Buddha sculpture is located in Kargah Nullah (ravine) about 10km south of Gilgit town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. In fact, Karga Buddha was discovered along with ruins of a Buddhist monastery and three stupas about 400 meters upriver from the Buddha itself in 1938-39 following the discovery of so-called Gilgit manuscripts in 1931. Generally, Karga Buddha is considered a key tourist attraction in Gilgit and is famous worldwide. Henzal Stupa: A Gateway to Buddhist Legacy Henzal Stupa, a ruin from the Golden Era of Buddhism in Upper Indus during the 7th to 9th century, calls for preservation to uphold its historical significance for tourists and future generations. The Stupa is located in Henzal, right on the Gilgit-Puniyal road. Agortham Boulder: A Tale of Intrigue and Conspiracy The Agortham Boulder, known locally as “Agortham Giri,” is a massive rock located in the middle of the Gilgit River, just under a suspension bridge. Found in the Amphery area, south of Gilgit city, this Boulder carries a traditional history stating that it was once tied to an iron cage where Agor Tham (locally known as Shri Badat) imprisoned his daughter for conspiring against him. In fact, the daughter had secretly married Azur Jamshed, another man aiming to overthrow her father. Konodas Rock Carvings: Echoes of Civilization’s Footprints The Rock Carvings at Konodas, situated within the premises of Karakoram International University near the Bireno Pul (Danyore Suspension Bridge) in Gilgit, hold a historical significance. Named as Konodas Archeological Site, these rock carvings explicitly feature Totemistic and religious symbols, with some carvings believed to be the work of hunters, particularly Ibex shapes. Danyore Suspension Bridge: Weaving Communities, Bridging Hearts The Danyore Suspension Bridge, also known as Bireno Pul, connects Konodas to Danyore, making it a vital historical structure. The 510-foot-long bridge, in fact, one of the oldest suspension bridges in Gilgit-Baltistan, serves as a significant tourist attraction in Gilgit and is dedicated exclusively to pedestrians and motorcyclists, offering a unique travel experience. Danyore Rock Inscription: Living Chronicle The Danyore Rock Inscriptions, with a history dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries A.D., particularly represent an essential archaeological discovery. The inscribed rock is significantly located within the premises of a private house in Danyore, Gilgit-Baltistan, and is locally known as “Likhitu Giri.” Despite being relatively unknown, it certainly holds immense historical value for those related to archaeology and tourism. Chinese Graveyard Danyore: A Tranquil Resting Place The Chinese graveyard, also known as the Memorial Park or China Yadgar, is located in Danyore. The town of Danyore is located on the KKH about 10km across Gilgit. The graveyard basically serves as the final resting place for Chinese engineers and workers. In fact, the Chinese brave workers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the renowned Karakoram Highway (KKH) in the 1960s and 1970s are buried here. This cemetery significantly stands as a testament to

Karakoram Highway Attractions

The Karakoram Highway (KKH): An Engineering Marvel The Karakoram Highway (KKH), N-35, stands as one of the greatest wonders of the modern world. It is an awe-inspiring feat of human determination and ingenuity fondly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. This 887-kilometer highway traverses along the Indus for 310 kilometers. Before meeting the Indus at the confluence of three mighty mountain ranges, it passes through Gilgit, Hunza, and Khunjerab. The highway runs through the Karakoram Range where 12 out of the 30 highest mountains in the world majestically overlook the KKH. Indeed, there is no other highway on earth that can rival the Karakoram Highway’s richness of attractions and breathtaking vistas. Origin and Journey of the Karakoram Highway Spanning an impressive 1300 kilometers (800 miles), the KKH commences its journey from the historic city of Hassan Abdal, approximately 45 kilometers from Islamabad on the Islamabad – Peshawar Highway. Its asphalt ribbon weaves through the cities of Abbottabad and Manshera crosses the majestic River Indus at Thakot, and continues on to Gilgit, meandering through the rugged mountains of Besham, Pattan, Sazin, and Chilas, before gracefully passing through Hunza and Sost. Finally, the highway reaches its zenith at the Khunjerab Pass, standing tall at an astonishing 4,733 meters (15,750 ft) above sea level. This pass, also known as Zero Point, marks the border between Pakistan and China. As the highway continues its journey, it enters the high Central Asian plateau and winds down through the Pamirs until it reaches Kashgar, situated at the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Gilgit-Baltistan is a treasure trove of history and natural wonders. It beckons travelers from all corners of the world to witness its splendor. As you explore this enchanting region, you will undoubtedly be captivated by the stories etched into its landscapes and monuments, a testament to the richness of its cultural heritage and the indomitable spirit of its people. Major Attractions along the Karakoram Highway The Karakoram Highway is undoubtedly crowned with a plethora of attractions, showcasing a harmonious blend of ancient rock carvings, awe-inspiring petroglyphs, mesmerizing natural beauty, and remarkable man-made marvels. Here are some of the major Karakoram Highway attractions that continue to captivate travelers from around the globe: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Section The Karakoram Highway passes through the plains, lush hills, and barren mountains of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before it enters the Himalayan range of Gilgit-Baltistan which boasts the height of the Karakoram Highway Attractions in the region. Mansehra Rock Edicts Ashoka Rocks MansehraLocated on the north side of the town of Mansehra, the Ashoka Rocks bear witness to history with 14 edicts engraved by order of the Mauryan King Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Although the Kharoshti script inscription is fading away, shelters have been built to protect this invaluable relic, making it accessible to visitors. The three granite boulders bearing 14 edicts engraved by order of the Mauryan King Ashoka in the 3rd century BC are located on the north side of the town of Mansehra. The inscription bearing Kharoshti script is fading away and almost impossible to see despite the shelters to protect it. Diamer Section: Threshold to Gilgit-Baltistan The Diamer Section runs in the rugged mountains for about 200km starting from the border between Tangir and Kohistan to Jaglot near the junction point of three great mountain ranges where Gilgit River and Indus converge. Shatial Petroglyphs A treasure trove of Buddhist archaeological wonders, the Shatial Rock Art Carvings or Petroglyphs can be found along the Karakoram Highway, previously known as the Old Silk Route. Carved into large rocks, these petroglyphs depict Jataka tales and Stupas, symbolizing the journeys of monks and pilgrims to Gandhara during the Buddhist era. Sadly, the construction of dams like the Diamer-Basha Dam and Dassu Dam has put these carvings in jeopardy, threatening their existence. Thalpan Petroglyphs The town of Chilas is surrounded by striking petroglyphs, particularly the ‘Chilas I’ site, which features inscriptions on both sides of the KKH and is considered a key Karakoram Highway Attraction spot. One of the most striking carvings here is the depiction of a large stupa with flying banners. Across the river, visitors can marvel at stones bearing art showcasing mythical animals, battle scenes, royal lineages, and Buddhist tales. Another site, ‘Chilas II,’ located near the police check post on the KKH, features a huge rock adorned with hunting and battle scenes, a Buddhist stupa, the long-horned ibex, and symbols of fertility. Nanga Parbat View The Thakot Bridge is the base point for an unforgettable journey to Fairy Meadows and the base camp of Nanga Parbat, famously known as the “Killer Mountain”. The bridge is situated approximately 78 kilometers south of Gilgit. The Thalechi viewpoint offers travelers a perfect spot to pause and admire the sublime beauty of Nanga Parbat. Gems in Gilgit Region Gilgit is the administrative headquarters of Gilgit-Baltistan. The region is enormously blessed with historical monuments and breathtaking natural landscapes. About 90km section of the Karakoram Highway from Jaglot to Guro (Jaglot) passes through the region. Partab Bridge The Partab Bridge is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Gilgit. It played a crucial role in connecting Gilgit with Bunji, Astore, and Kashmir long before the construction of the Karakoram Highway. Built between 1889 and 1893, this suspension bridge served as a vital communication link and facilitated trade. However, during the 1947 revolt when Gilgit gained independence from Dogra Raj, the bridge was burnt down. Despite facing decades of neglect, it was rebuilt after the 2010 floods, standing as a testament to human resilience. Junction Point of Three Great Mountain Ranges Jaglot, a mere 40 kilometers southeast of Gilgit, hosts the Junction Point of the Three Mountain Ranges. Here, the Karakoram, Himalaya, and the Hindukush converge. This unique location also marks the confluence of the Gilgit and Indus Rivers. About 5 km to the north, the Skardu road diverges from the KKH. Standing at the monument, visitors are treated to splendid views of the meeting of these three