BALTISTAN

Land of the High Mountains

Baltistan is home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including K2, the second-highest peak on Earth. This breathtaking area is not only a haven for mountaineers and adventurers but also a place where rich traditions and warm hospitality thrive.

Basho Valley

TREKKING

Deosai Plateaus

Accommodation

Balti is spoken in Baltistan by balti people, it is archaic Tibetan.

Greeting

As salaam alay kum

Waalay kum es salaam

How are you?

Yang chinay yud

I am well

Nga liachmayud

What is your name?

Ya ree mintakhpo cheein?

I don’t know

Ngla stakhpa met

Thank you

Azhu

How much is this?

Rinpa tsaam tsay?

Can you do it?

Yang la diu bya ya ne ta?

Where is Hassan?

Hussain gar yut?

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Mini guide for your trip to Baltistan, a quick to do things so you get the most out of your trip no matter how short it maybe.

Getting Here

Road trip to Skardu is not to be missed. There are NATCO buses that operate to and from Islamabad and Gilgit for Skardu, along with other private bus services. Skardu is also connected to the rest of the country by daily PIA flights from Islamabad and international, private cars and other vehicles run for Skardu from Islamabad and Gilgit, an alternate route is from Astore via Deosai possible in summers only.

Where To Go

Kahrpucho Fort in Skardu town, Shigar Fort and Khanqahs in Shigar and Khaplu Palace and Chakhchan Khanqah in Khaplu are worth a visit. Askoli the last village before venturing out into the ice world is also worth a visit for the traditional Balti lifestyle that still exists, and a small house museum. Archeological sites in Sadpara and Shigar are highly admirable.

Where To Eat

Basic meals are available almost anywhere in restaurants catering mainly to tourists and locals. In Skardu town there are cafes and fast food corners, unlike Gilgit, market and restaurants are open late till night. Traditional food is prepared in big hotels, many will also prepare Chinese and European food on order.

Where To Shop

It is best to shop from Skardu town, there are a number of reputed gift shops dealing in handicrafts, dry fruits, gem stones and other souvenirs.

Where To Stay

Number of hotels in all the major destinations such as Skardu town, Khaplu, Shigar. The former forts of Shigar and Khaplu are now hotels run by Serena and are worth spending a night in.

TREK ACROSS DEOSAI PLATEAU ON THE ROAD TO CHILAM AND ASTORE

The jeep road across the centre of the Deosai from Skardu to Chilam is sometimes blocked by landslides, snow or broken bridges but is an easy three day walk or horse ride. Horses are available in Skardu.

GONDOGORO PASS - BALTORO GLACIER - CHARAKSA AND CHOGOLISA CONCORDIA AND K2 GLACIERS

Gondogoro Pass has not been measured accurately yet. It is also an alternative route to k2 base camp. Gondogoro is the most used Pass in the Karakoram.

Trekking Advice It is advised that all the Treks in Baltistan must be accompanied by a local guide, as it can be hard to differentiate between open and restricted zones. Trekking season in Gilgit-Baltistan is usually May to September. Most of the high passes are still covered in snow during early August and open in late August. High Altitude areas start receiving their share of snow from late October. Summer is an ideal time to trek high pastures, spring and autumn are good for walking around villages. Timings of specific trek have been mentioned along with the treks, however make sure to ask around about the conditions of the trek before leaving, your local guide/porters will have the best knowledge about it.