Khaplu
In north Pakistan, Khaplu is the
administrative center of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan. It was the
second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan under the Yabgo dynasty, located 103
kilometers east of Skardu.
Khaplu is the hub for exploring
various noteworthy lakes, hiking paths, and the entrance to Hushe valley, which
leads to several notable peaks and glaciers. Various important lakes, hiking
trails, and access to Hushe valley, which leads to several unique mountains and
glaciers, can all be explored from Khaplu.
The administrative center of the
Ghanche district is Khaplu, commonly known as "Shyok Valley" and
"Little Tibet" in Balti and Urdu. The valley is located 112
kilometers to the east of Skardu. The valley stretches alongside the old trade
route to Ladakh and the River Shyok, a tributary of the River Indus.
Population 175,000
Weather
When to visit khaplu?
Khaplu Valley is open in the fall,
summer, winter, and spring. However, the summer, spring, and fall are the
finest times to visit Khaplu. When the hues of all the trees turned red, brown,
and yellow during the fall season in Khaplu, one cannot fathom the romantic
scene. At the Khaplu Valley, one can thoroughly enjoy the charming fall season.
Apricot, almond, apple, and cherry trees bloom in the spring. The lovely spring
season has emotions and viewpoints that are difficult to describe. The beauty
of the summer is how the entire valley appears to be in a tropical paradise.
Route to khaplu
By airplane
Daily flights are offered by Pakistan International Airlines
from Islamabad. The flight is only feasible on clear days, though, as the
pilots fly by sight and do not utilize computer navigation. Nevertheless, the
flight is thrilling and may be regarded as the trip's high point. You might see
Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world, and K2, the
second-highest peak. The plane turns right and flies over the Indus River
canyon while traveling along the same air path that links Gilgit with
Islamabad/Rawalpindi. From Skardu Airport, it will be 2 hour’s journey to
Khaplu.
By Road
Khaplu is accessible from Islamabad by bus or car. The journey
takes you to the KKH (Karakoram Highway).
Skardu is 740 kilometers from Islamabad and
takes 24 to 60 hours to reach.
Accommodation
Khaplu Valley is open in the fall, summer, winter, and spring. However, the summer, spring, and fall are the finest times to visit Khaplu. When the hues of all the trees turned red, brown, and yellow during the fall season in Khaplu, one cannot fathom the romantic scene. At the Khaplu Valley, one can thoroughly enjoy the charming fall season. Apricot, almond, apple, and cherry trees bloom in the spring. The lovely spring season has emotions and viewpoints that are difficult to describe. The beauty of the summer is how the entire valley appears to be in a tropical paradise.
Destinations for tourists in khaplu
It is a beautiful valley close to
Skardu that is used as a starting point for hikes to Mashebrum Peak, Gondogoro
Peak, Chogolisa, K-6, and K-7. The main features in Khaplu, the Mashebrum
glacier, Saraksa glacier, Daholi Lake, Machlu Broq, Ghanche Lake, and Bara
Lake, are accessible from Khaplu for hikers and mountaineers.
Khaplu is beautiful, with rich
culture, history, and traditions. In the Khaplu Valley, numerous ancient
structures date from 1200 to 1300 AD. One of the earliest kingdoms in Baltistan
was Khaplu Valley. Yabgo dynasty governed it during that time.
Khaplu Fort
A historical fort and palace in
Khaplu are known locally as Yabgo Khar. The palace was constructed in the
middle of the 19th century to replace a nearby fort from a previous era. It is
now recognized as an important architectural heritage monument and a popular
tourist destination. The Raja of Khaplu used it as his regal home.
The Aga Khan Trust for the Culture
restored Khaplu Palace from 2005 to 2011 as part of the Aga Khan Historic
Cities Program. The palace is currently home to a hotel run by Serena Hotels and
a museum showcasing Baltistan's history and culture.
Chaqchan Mosque
When first discovered, the Chaqchan
was known as "Ju-Khang" by the Bonpos. As soon as the entire
population, including the monarchs, converted to Buddhism, the name of this
place was changed to hLa-khang. When the Noorbakhshi Sufi Muslim priest Mir
Syed Ali Hamadani reached Baltistan and spread Islam, this monastery was
rebuilt and converted into a Jami-Masjid around the 7th century.
The mosque is one of the oldest in
the area and stems from a period when the local population underwent a
widespread conversion from Buddhism to Islam in 1370.
Culture
Khaplu 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
The majority of people in Baltistan
speak Balti. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Balti is primarily spoken in khaplu, Skardu, Shigar, Gultari, Roundu, and
Kharmang.
Khaplu's way of life
The simplicity of Skardu's way of
life is well-known. Some of Buddha's teachings on charitable giving are still
practiced in the area. The inhabitants of Skardu are exceedingly friendly, helpful,
and hospitable.
Baltistan's traditional cuisine is
simple. In addition, all meals from different cultures contain organic
elements. As a result, most residents are ignorant about serious health
problems like obesity, heart disease, and digestive disorders.
Architecture
Baltistan is home to several
architectural mysteries. The cultural architect Balti synthesizes Iranian,
Tibetan, and Arab influences. An architect's soul is born in Tibet, its
motherland. Iranian culture has a more significant impact on crafting and
beauty products. Islam's teachings introduced Iranian and Arab cultures to this
area. There are profound Tibetan insights in every architectural soul. Unfortunately,
Persian and Arab building methods are incompatible with the arid climate's icy
winters and strong winds. For this reason, the area continues to practice its
2,000-year-old sciences. In addition, this area served as a commercial route
connecting India, China, and Russia before the 15th century. This is one of the
causes of its diverse architectural styles. The forts of Skardu, Shigar, and
Khaplu are fine examples of Baltistan's architectural craftsmanship.
Demography
The Shia sect of Islam is practiced
by 59% of the people in the Ghanche District, with the Noorbakshi sect
accounting for 29% and the Sunni sect for 12%.
0 Comments