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Gilgit
Baltistan
of Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region
of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic
beauty. Here world’s three mightiest mountain
ranges: the Karakoram, the Handukuch and the
Himalayas – meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan
is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers
and anglers. The region has a rich cultural
heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora.
Historically, the area ha remained a flash point
of political and military rivalries amongst the
Russian, British and Chinese empires.
Immediately after the end of British rule in the
sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region
decided to join Pakistan through a popular local
revolt against the government of Maharaja of
Kashmir.
Five out of the fourteen mountain peaks with height of over
8000 meters including the K-2 (world’s second
heights peak) and some of the largest glaciers
outside polar regions are located in Gilgit
Baltistan. Acknowledging the vast potential of
tourism and its effects on downstream
industries, the Government of Pakistan as well
as the Gilgit Baltistan Administration are
focusing on tourism for creation of employment
opportunities, achieving higher economic growth
and to introduce to the outside world, “the
hidden treasures” of Gilgit Baltistan.
Beautiful landscape, unique cultural heritage and rich
biological diversity given the Gilgit Baltistan
a competitive advantage in attracting tourists
from all over the world.
The number of tourists visiting Gilgit Baltistan
has steadily increased over the years,
not-withstanding the dip-in figures immediately
following 9/11. However, the challenge ahead is
not merely to increase the number of tourists
visiting Gilgit Baltistan but also to consider
how tourism can be better promoted without
affecting the natural and cultural heritage of
the area, while also improving the quality of
life of people to the desired levels.
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