Sunday, April 24, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Heaven On Earth
HEAVEN ON EARTH
Northern Areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq. km are as fascinating as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights varying from 1,000 m to 8,000 meters, the regions of Gilgit, Hunza, Baltistan and Shangri-La. The cultural patterns of these regions are as interesting as its geography. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi, provide the traveller an unforgettable experience.
Nature has endowed the area with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. K-2 with a height of 8,611 m (28, 416 ft) lies majestically in Skardu district overlooking the Chinese territory. Nanga Parbat, 8, 138 m (26,855 ft) high, is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788 m (25,700 ft) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit. Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 ft high
The Northern Areas is quite rich in wild fauna. The climate of the Northern Areas is alpine in nature. The winter tends to be cold where as the late summers are very pleasant. The four seasons are distinct in the splendor of their colours.
There is quite a variety in mammals here, fifty four species are recognized, including one endemic (woolly flying squirrel). However, several of the large mammals here are endangered, mainly due to human activities. In the field of avi-fauna, the Northern Areas have one of the most diverse population among mountain regions of the world. About 230 species of birds have been recognized for the region. Some rare species like the lammergeyer and golden eagle also live and breed here. The migratory birds also amount to a good number.
The southern route of the ancient Silk Road passed through these areas, travelled by merchants from many far-off places who stopped here and inter-married with the locals. The relatively fair-skinned and light-haired people of the area are often believed to be the descendants of the Greeks who, beginning with the soldiers of Alexander the Great, and continuing in the Greco-Buddhist period, settled in the region. The population of these areas has links to many diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups. Urdu is the lingua franca of the region, understood by most inhabitants. The "Shina" language is the language of 40% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, throughout Diamer, and some parts of Ghizer. The "Balti" language with a similar accent, is spoken or understood by most of the population of Baltistan. Other rather localised languages include "Wakhi" spoken in upper Hunza, and some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the major language of Ghizer. "Burushaski" is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), some parts of Gilgit and some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans of the region.
K2, 2nd highest of the world at 8,611Metres
Nathiya Galli:
Nathiagali is almost an hour drive from Murree. It is famous for its extravagant beauty and magnificence. Fascinating landscapes, bracing climate, beautiful ridges thickly populated with pines, lush green valleys and foggy views are some of the gifts, nature has bestowed upon this land. Market place in Nathiagali also displays variety of traditional clothing and jewelry. There is a spot on Murree- Nathiagali road called “Bunder Point”. Here you can find number of monkeys along the road sides which are very friendly. People use to stop and feed them with popcorns and bread. They are harmless and a great entertainment, especially for kids.
Charming Daisy,
This photo was taken in Nathya Gali,N.W.F.P, Pakistan. Nathya Gali is 2501m Above the see level. It is full of breathtaking views and different wonderful flowers.
Rakaposhi:
The people of Nagar has dedicated the Rakaposhi range mountain area as a community park. The Minister for Northern Areas inaugurated the park. The Rakaposhi mountain range is the home of endangered species such as Marco Polo sheep, Snow Leopard, brown bear, wolves and many other species.
Neelam Valley:
The picture is being taken from Muzzafarabad District Near to Neelum valley.You can now easily understand why kashmir is called Heaven on earth.
Banjosa is a beautiful lake resort located in Rawalakot Azad Kashmir.
Nestled in the midst of pine, walnut, oak and maple trees.
Broad Peak, 12th highest of the world at 8,047 Metres
Gasherbrum II-IV, 13th-17th highest of the world at 8,035 Metres - 7,932 Metres .
Gasherbrum I, 11th highest of the world at 8,080 Metres .
K2:
Baltoro Concordia Trek has been a highlight for trekkers, and has allowed thousands of the adventure lovers to enjoy the magnificence of the Karakoram. The route follows Braldu River up to Baltoro Glacier, a 65-km long highway of the ice.
Occasionally on and off the Baltoro Glacier itself, we reach Concordia, from where we have the most spectacular view of some of the World's greatest giants like K2 (8616m), Broad Peak (8048m), Gasherbrum II (8035m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), Chogolisa (7665m) and Golden Throne (7240m).
Ascending the glacier we gain unrivalled views of the Karakoram.
Masherbrum (K1), 22nd highest of the world at 7,821 Metres
Nanga Parbat, 9th highest of the world at 8,125 Metres
Shigar:
Shigar is a beautiful village just a few miles North of Skardu its picturesque village with beautiful terraced fields growing all sorts of crops. Shigar was once a small kingdom and the Shigar fort was once residential fort of the local ruler.The fort has now been renovated and is open for tourists.
Skurdu:
Skardu is the main town of Baltistan along the wide bank of the river Indus. Skardu is the largest district of the Northern Areas. Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, Skardu is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who treks to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.
Rakaposhi, 27th highest of the world at 7,788 Metres
Shangrilla:
The idyllic place was called Shangrila,a Chinese word meaning
" HEAVEN ON EARTH".
Shangrila was named after a book titled "LOST HORIZON" by James Hilton. In the book, the author narrates a fictious tale in which an aeroplane crash landed near a riverbed, in the early 1920's.
Shangrila was established in 1983 with the opening of the first Resort Hotel in Skardu, Baltistan.It was named"HEAVEN ON EARTH" because of its spectacular beauty,and breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere.
(Northern Areas Of Pakistan)
Northern Areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq. km are as fascinating as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights varying from 1,000 m to 8,000 meters, the regions of Gilgit, Hunza, Baltistan and Shangri-La. The cultural patterns of these regions are as interesting as its geography. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi, provide the traveller an unforgettable experience.
Nature has endowed the area with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. K-2 with a height of 8,611 m (28, 416 ft) lies majestically in Skardu district overlooking the Chinese territory. Nanga Parbat, 8, 138 m (26,855 ft) high, is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788 m (25,700 ft) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit. Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 ft high
The Northern Areas is quite rich in wild fauna. The climate of the Northern Areas is alpine in nature. The winter tends to be cold where as the late summers are very pleasant. The four seasons are distinct in the splendor of their colours.
There is quite a variety in mammals here, fifty four species are recognized, including one endemic (woolly flying squirrel). However, several of the large mammals here are endangered, mainly due to human activities. In the field of avi-fauna, the Northern Areas have one of the most diverse population among mountain regions of the world. About 230 species of birds have been recognized for the region. Some rare species like the lammergeyer and golden eagle also live and breed here. The migratory birds also amount to a good number.
The southern route of the ancient Silk Road passed through these areas, travelled by merchants from many far-off places who stopped here and inter-married with the locals. The relatively fair-skinned and light-haired people of the area are often believed to be the descendants of the Greeks who, beginning with the soldiers of Alexander the Great, and continuing in the Greco-Buddhist period, settled in the region. The population of these areas has links to many diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups. Urdu is the lingua franca of the region, understood by most inhabitants. The "Shina" language is the language of 40% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, throughout Diamer, and some parts of Ghizer. The "Balti" language with a similar accent, is spoken or understood by most of the population of Baltistan. Other rather localised languages include "Wakhi" spoken in upper Hunza, and some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the major language of Ghizer. "Burushaski" is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), some parts of Gilgit and some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans of the region.
K2, 2nd highest of the world at 8,611Metres
Nathiagali is almost an hour drive from Murree. It is famous for its extravagant beauty and magnificence. Fascinating landscapes, bracing climate, beautiful ridges thickly populated with pines, lush green valleys and foggy views are some of the gifts, nature has bestowed upon this land. Market place in Nathiagali also displays variety of traditional clothing and jewelry. There is a spot on Murree- Nathiagali road called “Bunder Point”. Here you can find number of monkeys along the road sides which are very friendly. People use to stop and feed them with popcorns and bread. They are harmless and a great entertainment, especially for kids.
This photo was taken in Nathya Gali,N.W.F.P, Pakistan. Nathya Gali is 2501m Above the see level. It is full of breathtaking views and different wonderful flowers.
The people of Nagar has dedicated the Rakaposhi range mountain area as a community park. The Minister for Northern Areas inaugurated the park. The Rakaposhi mountain range is the home of endangered species such as Marco Polo sheep, Snow Leopard, brown bear, wolves and many other species.
The picture is being taken from Muzzafarabad District Near to Neelum valley.You can now easily understand why kashmir is called Heaven on earth.
Nestled in the midst of pine, walnut, oak and maple trees.
Gasherbrum I, 11th highest of the world at 8,080 Metres .
Baltoro Concordia Trek has been a highlight for trekkers, and has allowed thousands of the adventure lovers to enjoy the magnificence of the Karakoram. The route follows Braldu River up to Baltoro Glacier, a 65-km long highway of the ice.
Occasionally on and off the Baltoro Glacier itself, we reach Concordia, from where we have the most spectacular view of some of the World's greatest giants like K2 (8616m), Broad Peak (8048m), Gasherbrum II (8035m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), Chogolisa (7665m) and Golden Throne (7240m).
Ascending the glacier we gain unrivalled views of the Karakoram.
Shigar is a beautiful village just a few miles North of Skardu its picturesque village with beautiful terraced fields growing all sorts of crops. Shigar was once a small kingdom and the Shigar fort was once residential fort of the local ruler.The fort has now been renovated and is open for tourists.
Skurdu:
Skardu is the main town of Baltistan along the wide bank of the river Indus. Skardu is the largest district of the Northern Areas. Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, Skardu is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who treks to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.
The idyllic place was called Shangrila,a Chinese word meaning
" HEAVEN ON EARTH".
Shangrila was named after a book titled "LOST HORIZON" by James Hilton. In the book, the author narrates a fictious tale in which an aeroplane crash landed near a riverbed, in the early 1920's.
Shangrila was established in 1983 with the opening of the first Resort Hotel in Skardu, Baltistan.It was named"HEAVEN ON EARTH" because of its spectacular beauty,and breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)