The Basha Valley Shigar, with its hot springs, is one of the favorite places to visit. It receives very few foreign visitors each year, with a handful of trekkers and climbers crossing the Haramosh while traversing up the Chomo Lungma (glacier).
A 3-hour drive up from Skardu brings travelers to upper Shigar ValIey Basho Valley. At this point, the Shigar Valley is perhaps 10 or more kilometers across. In the fall season, sometimes nomadic gold miners work at the rivulets. They submerge their hands in the Iess then 0o degree Celsius water and manually pan for gold. Traversing the valley, at the south bank of the Basha River is the extended village Tisar. There is a police checkpoint just before entering Tisar. Only very few foreigners travel up this valley. About 6 kilometers to the northwest and up the river is the small village of Chutran.
The name literally means “hot water” in the local Balti tongue. In Chutran, there is a medicinal hot spring. Over the decades, the spa has become popular with the local people, who are even coming from beyond Hunza (15 hours by road) to soak in the 40-plus degree Celsius water. Nestled at the base of the northeast side of the Haramosh Range, Chutron is partially shaded and thereby relatively cool. Its scalloped terraced wheat fields are intercrossed by footpaths and stone field boundaries, all of which conspire to provide beautifully pastoral views and retain a primitive charm, seemingly stuck in the 19th century.
The village of Hemaesil is about 35 to 45 minutes by Jeep up the Basha River, just across a gushing stream from Chutron. On the opposite side of the river is Dogoro. Just upriver from Niaslo is Doko, where an ancient bridge that is sometimes impassable.
Braldo is one of the isolated and scantily inhabited Valleys. About 40 km North of Shigar valley is the start of Braldo valley, the most isolated of all the trans-Karakoram valleys. Braldo is wrapped in snow-covered peaks and the largest glaciers outside the polar region. But there is nothing comparable to the wonderful view of the glaciers. Braldo has the distinction of being the least interfered with, of all settlements of Baltistan, and one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Baltistan. Virtually untouched by the winds of change and modernization till then, Braldo is now a favorite destination for trekkers and culture lovers.
Braldo is one of the isolated and scantly inhabited Valleys. About 40 km North of Shigar valley is the start of Braldo valley, the most isolated of all the trans-Karakoram valleys. Braldo is wrapped in snow-covered peaks and the largest glaciers outside the polar region.
The Braldo Valley is heavily traveled in the summer mountaineering months. Supplies, food, tea, and sleep facilities are thus readily available. The entire ridgeline from above Yuno northwest to the Braldo River has been worked in places. Previously this area was known as Bangia Bridge, referring to the bridge crossing the main channel of the Braldo River immediately south of the new town. Today, the new village of Haiderabad sits very close to many of the Bangla Bridge. The west side of Buspar Peak, directly above the very small village of Baha near the outlet of the Braldu Valley is currently being worked. To enter the Braldu Valley, one must follow the Jeep trail as it gradually turns north. Nearing Baha, the road was blasted out of a rock face. The road squeezes by the fast-flowing river, passing an exposed pegmatite so closely that it can be easily touched from inside the vehicle. Two to three kilometers past Baha, there is a military checkpoint at which foreigners are asked to register. Another couple of kilometers to the north, there is a 40-year-old bridge with a police checkpoint. The bridge spans the Braldo River leaving travelers on the northwest bank. : The village of Teston is roughly two kilometers north of the bridge and a bit up from the road.
The village of Dassu is actually about 5 I, kilometers upriver around a sharp eastward bend. Near the east end of this small village are several small shops selling food, staples, and basic supplies. Continuing eastward on the north side of the Braldu, travelers encounter a Jeep road that veers off to the left, climbing a very steep zigzag trail that winds up on a small plateau home to the village of Nyet. The sole Jeep trail leading further into the valley at one time clung to the north side of the river until the bridge crossing at Apo Ali Gun. A new road now crosses the Braldu River closer to Byansapi. A walk across the Apo Ali Gun bridge and about5 kilometers north brings travelers to a deep gash known as the Hoh Nala. Just across the bridge that spans HohNala and a few minutes to the south is the village of Chhaqpou. Accessibility: Braldo valley is an extension of Shigar Valley reachable via Skardu, which is accessible by a 22-hour drive along the Karakoram Highway from the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad; Or a 6-hour drive from Gilgit or alternatively by an easy 45 minutes plane flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
Askole:
Askole or Askoly is a small town located in the Braldu Valley in the most remote region of Karakoram Mountains in Northern Areas, Pakistan. It is the last settlement before the wilderness of the Karakoram. Askole is the gateway to four of the world’s fourteen highest peaks known as Eight-thousanders (above 8,000m).
Shigar is a beautiful village just a few miles North of Skardu its a picturesque village with beautiful terraced fields growing all sorts of crops. Shigar was once a small kingdom and the Shigar fort was once the residential fort of the local ruler. Recently the Aga Khan has shown interest in the fort which has now been renovated and is open for tourists. The Shigar fort has been made to be a residential fort once again. The Shigar Valley, 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu and 2 hours by jeep, is watered by the Shigar River. It forms the gateway to the great mountain peaks of Karakoram, including Mount K-2. The valley has an extremely picturesque landscape and abounds in fruit such as grapes, peaches, pears, walnuts, and apricots.
Shigar Fort is at a distance of 32 Km from Skardu. This meticulously restored 400 years old fort is an outstanding example of the wealth of architectural and cultural heritage in Baltistan. One may stay in the restored suites and experience what kings and queens experienced 400 years ago.
Shigar View PointDiscovering Shigar Valley: A Guide to the Baltistan Region of Pakistan
Shigar Valley: Discover the Hidden Gem of Pakistan
Geography and Climate
Shigar Valley is located in the Baltistan region of Pakistan, nestled in the Karakoram mountain range. It is surrounded by towering peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The valley is known for its glaciers, rivers, and lakes, and experiences a temperate climate with cool summers and cold winters.
Culture and History
The Balti people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Shigar Valley, and their culture and traditions are an important part of the region’s identity. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Shigar Fort and various mosques and shrines. Traditional music, dance, and handicrafts are also a significant part of the local culture.
Tourism and Recreation
Shigar Valley is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. Visitors can also explore local villages and learn about traditional ways of life. Accommodation options range from camping to luxury hotels, and local cuisine is a unique blend of Tibetan, Pakistani, and Central Asian flavors.
Conservation and Sustainability
Efforts are underway to protect the natural environment and biodiversity of Shigar Valley, and promote sustainable tourism practices that support local communities and economies. Visitors can learn more about these initiatives and contribute to their success by minimizing their environmental impact, supporting local businesses, and respecting local customs and traditions.
Shigar Valley, situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a place of historical significance, where the remnants of ancient civilizations still stand tall, narrating their tales of glory and defeat. One such story is of the Amacha Dynasty that founded the valley and their remarkable resilience that led to the construction of the magnificent Fong Khar fort.
The Origins of the Amacha Dynasty.
The valley of Shigar is believed to have been inhabited by a community of Dards, who later became known as the Shina-speaking people. In the 11th century, the Amachas, a family of Dards who ruled over a part of the Hunza Valley, migrated to Shigar Valley to escape persecution by Ganesh, the then-ruler of the area.
The Journey to Shigar Valley.
As the Amachas arrived in Shigar, they faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, snowstorms, and the perilous Hispar glacier. However, they managed to overcome these obstacles and built the Khar-i-Dong fort to establish their rule in the valley.
The Mughal Invasion.
Several centuries later, the Mughals invaded the region and uprooted the Amacha Dynasty. The war between the two dynasties lasted for many days, but the Mughals emerged victorious. The Amachas, however, were allowed to continue their reign in the area, as they submitted to the Mughals.
The Rise of Fong Khar Fort.
The 20th ruler of the Amacha Dynasty, Raja Hassan Khan, built the Fong Khar fort on top of an enormous boulder after the former Khar-i-Dong fort was destroyed by the Mughals. The new fort was named “Fong Khar,” which means “The palace on the rock.” It remained the center of power and the Raja’s seat in the area until the 1970s.
Following the merger of all states in the region into one administrative unit, the Rajas of Shigar and the surrounding states lost their status. However, the descendants of the royalties still hold a significant influence over the local populace.
The valley of Shigar is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the Amacha Dynasty. The Fong Khar fort, standing as a witness to the rise and fall of dynasties, is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the region. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists who visit to explore its history and experience its natural wonders.
Accessing Shigar Valley.
The Shigar Valley is located 36 km away from Skardu and is a district that covers an area of 170 km. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive there via the Shigar road in a jeep from Skardu. PIA flights operate from Islamabad International Airport to Skardu Airport, which is a 45-minute drive from Serene hotel Shigar. The hotel also offers access to private and charter helicopters through the helipad at Shigar, which is only a 10-minute drive away.
The valley has many remote and difficult-to-reach villages. Askole is the last town in the Shigar valley and is far from the massif. It is the starting point for mountaineering expeditions to K-2 “Godwin Austen” and is also known as the gateway to the world’s 14 highest peaks known as Eight-thousanders (peaks above 8,000m). From Askole, it takes 3-4 days to trek through dangerous alleyways, rope bridges, moraines, and glaciers to reach Concordia, the base camp.
Top Tourist Attractions and Things to do at Shigar Valley.
If you ever want to visit Concordia and see the amazing cathedral of four 8,000-meter-high peaks all at once, you’ll likely pass through the ancient kingdom of Shigar. While you no longer have to pay taxes to the Raja of Shigar, it’s still worth stopping for a delicious lunch at the grapevine-covered restaurant at the Shigar Palace.
About a half hour’s drive from Skardu, take a left turn and cross the bridge over the wide basin of the Indus River to enter the Shigar Valley. As soon as you cross the bridge, you’ll find yourself in the world’s highest cold desert, locally known as the Sarfranga Desert, which extends on both sides of the Indus and into Ladakh on the other side of the border.
After passing through a few gorges, you’ll enter the lush green oasis of Shigar, an ancient principality on the banks of the Braldu River, which flows straight from the Braldu glacier at the base of the 8,611 meter-high K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. If you continue on the road beyond Shigar, the road becomes a trek along the roaring Braldu River and takes you to the last frontier: Askole, the final village on the trek to K2.
From Askole, you’ll need to start trekking for 3-4 days over dangerous alleys, paths, rope bridges, moraine, and ultimately over glaciers to reach Concordia, where you can see four of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks together: Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and K2.
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