Shigar
Shigar is a town in Gilgit, Baltistan, Pakistan, and the capital
of the Baltistan division's Shigar district. It is 2230 meters (7320 ft.)
above sea level, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers in the Shigar
district, against the majestic Karakoram Mountain. Shigar is home to dazzling
lakes, massive mountains such as K2 and fourteen 8000 meters, stunning
waterfalls, pleasant meadows, and a gateway to an arena for the world's highest
peaks and mesmerizing glaciers such as the Baltoro glaciers.
The Balti people of Tibetan descent live almost entirely in the
town.
Tourists’ attractions
Shigar Fort
Shigar's Fong Khar, or The Fort on
Rock, is a historic fort that once belonged to Pakistan and Baltistan. The Raja
of the Amacha Dynasty of Shigar constructed it in the seventeenth century.
AKCSP-P Aga Khan Cultural Service
Pakistan AKCSP-P, the Pakistani division of the Aga Khan Historic Cities
Program, has repaired the fort. During the renovation, Serena Hotel transformed
the Fort into a museum and opulent hotel. Between 1999 and 2004, the
restoration project cost about US$1.4 million.
Amburiq Mosque
A mosque in the Pakistani city of
Shigar, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, is known locally as Bhodhishagran. One
of Baltistan's oldest mosques is this one. The mosque was built by Sayed Ali
Hamdani and is a well-known landmark in Baltistan.
The restoration was finished
between 1998 and 2000. The Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad and the neighborhood
where the AKCSP offered technical support and oversaw the project covered the
cost of the mosque renovation.
Hashu
pi Bhagh
Hashu
pi Bhagh A garden with hundreds of varieties of flowers and fruit, including
cherries and apples, can be found there.
Choutran
(Garam Chasma)
A
hot spring called Choutran (Garam Chasma) is reported to treat a variety of
illnesses with simply a bath.
Askole
Another
settlement that leads hikers on hikes in many directions is Askole; a Jeep can
reach it in about 5 hours.
Hushe to Skardu
The
journey by Jeep to Hushe Village, the starting point for various treks, takes
about 6 hours.
K2
After Mount Everest, at 8850 meters above sea level,
K2 is the second-highest summit at 8611 meters (28,251 feet). It is the head of
the Godwin Austin Glacier and the tallest peak in the Karakoram Range. K2 has
been referred to as Savage Mountain since 1950 due to its terrible reputation.
While higher than Mount Everest, it is riskier, particularly during the winter.
At most, 377 persons had successfully ascended to K2 as of February 2021. Ninety-one
people have died while attempting climbs.
Route to Shigar
The valley is a 170-kilometer-long
administrative district located 52 kilometers from Skardu. A jeep journey via
the Shigar route from Skardu takes one hour and thirty minutes. Skardu, Skardu,
is reachable from Islamabad by car or bus. You'll arrive at the KKH after the
journey (Karakoram Highway). Six hundred thirty-seven kilometers separate from Skardu
from Islamabad, and travel there takes 14 to 20 hours. Every day, Pakistan
International Airlines flies out of Islamabad. However, because the pilots fly
by sight and do not utilize electronic navigation, the flight is only feasible
on clear days. Nevertheless,
the flight is thrilling and might be considered the trip’s highlight because
you will see K2, the second-highest peak in the world, and Nanga Parbat, the
ninth-highest mountain. The jet follows the same routes that connect Gilgit
city to Islamabad/Rawalpindi before turning right and flying over the Indus
River canyon.
Rural and somewhat
inaccessible settlements make up Shigar Valley, with Askole as the valley's
final town. Expeditions to climb K-2 "Godwin Austen" depart from
Askole, the penultimate village before the mountain. The "Gateway to the
World's 14 Highest Peaks in Eight Thousand" is another name for it (above
8,000m). Reaching Concordia, the base camp, requires a 3–4 day hike from Askole
through perilous narrow lanes, wooden bridges, rocky outcrops, and glaciers.
A paradise for climbers and trekkers
Four of the world's tallest peaks—Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II,
Broadpeak, and K-2—can be found in Shigar. Three well-known ranges in the globe
around the Shigar. With hundreds of unclimbed peaks testing climbers worldwide,
it is home to the most spectacular and fascinating mountainous region on the
entire planet. To cross off more summits on their bucket lists, climbers and
trekkers worldwide race to travel via some of these enormous peaks. Hiking
among them is unforgettable, but visiting the surrounding slopes and learning
about the local way of life is incredibly rewarding. For both domestic and
foreign visitors, Shigar continues to be brilliant.
Demography
The population is entirely Muslim, with nearly 65% adhering
to the Shia sect, 26% adhering to the Noorbakshi sect, and 9% adhering to the
Sunni sect. The inhabitants of Shigar were converted to Islam by Syed Ali
Hamadan, who, according to history, arrived in Shigar in the late 14th century.
He formed the Noorbakshi sect, which still has mosques and changes in the area.
Culture
Skardu is
a multicultural individual. Baltistan is a distinctive nation. Tibetan culture
today predominates in Baltistan, with Islamic and Persian holidays thrown in
for good measure. The Balti language and culture include the words may-fang,
rXrub laa, Lchangra, and others. Noroz adopts Islamic principles and
assimilates into Balti culture.
Culture
cannot exist without music. Early Islamic teachings in Baltistan deepen, wiping
out a significant chunk of the local music. There were 17 different types of
poetic lyrics in Balti music. Every line conveys a special message. The Balti
states communicated with one another using it. They are only still accessible
in books now.
Languages
Balti
Shina
In Shigar, Shina is the second most widely used language. Immigrants mostly speak Shina from Gilgit Baltistan's Astore area.
Architecture
There are numerous enigmatic architectural aspects in the
Baltistan Division. Balti is a cultural architect who combines Tibetan,
Persian, and Arab ideas. Tibet, an architect's motherland, is where their
essence is born. Crafting and cosmetic goods are more influenced by Persian
culture. Islam's teachings brought the civilizations of Iran and the Arab world
to this region. Therefore, every architectural spirit contains significant
Tibetan ideas. The dry climate's freezing winters and strong winds are incompatible
with Persian and Arab building techniques. This is why the region still employs
its 2,000-year-old sciences. Before the 15th century, this region operated as a
commerce route linking Russia, China, and India. One of the key reasons for its
variety of architectural styles is this. The forts of Shigar, Skardu, and
Khaplu illustrate Baltistan's architectural artistry.
Weather
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