Ghanche district is located in the east of Baltistan. Ghanche is a strategically very important district. Ghanche district is bordered by China in the northeast, Indian-occupied Ladakh in the south, Skardu district in the west and Shigar district in the northwest. Ghanche is also called Khaplu valley. Khaplu Ghanche is famous for its apricots, peaches, cherries, apples and pears. The whole valley is full of fruit trees. Apricots are a more common fruit tree and a source of income in this district. For those who are interested in history and culture, Ghanche is the perfect place for them.
Geography of Ghanche District
The word Ghanche is derived from the Balti language which means ‘the land of glaciers. There are thousands of glaciers in the Ghanche district the largest and most famous Siachen glacier is also located in the Ghanche district. Siachen glacier gained popularity in the world due to the conflict between India and Pakistan. Ghanche consists of 3 sub valleys. Hushe valley, Saltoro valley and Chorbat valley. It is located in between the mighty peaks of the Karakoram range. Masherbrum 7821 m is the highest peak. Three major rivers and many streams combinely join into Shyok river which is one of the major tributaries of the Indus river. The Hushe river originates from the Ghondogoro glaciers and joins the Saltoro river at Haldi village. Saltoro river originates from Ali Brangsa Glacier. Kondos river originates from the Kondus glacier and joins the Saltoro river at Dumsum village. These rivers combinedly join the Shyok river at Yuchung.
Also, Read Khaplu Valley Most Romantic Honeymoon Destination in Gilgit Baltistan
History
Historically Ghanche is one of the most important districts in Gilgit Baltistan. The early history of Ghanche is unknown. According to Molvi Hashmatullah, the writer of “Tarikh e Jammu”, the original settlers of Ghanche were Tibetans and Turks. Tibetans migrated from western Tibet and settled in the northern parts of the district. While Yughurs/Turks migrated from Kashghar and settled in Hushe and Saltoro valley. A warrior namely Baig Manthal established a state in Haldi village. He built a fortress on a rock. Later he extended the whole Khaplu valley and became the only ruler of this region. He is believed to be the founder of the Yabgo Dynasty. Yabgo Dynasty once ruled the whole of Baltistan. It was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Gilgit Baltistan. Yabgo Khar also called Khaplu fort is one of the monuments of that era. Khaplu fort has recently been restored by Agha Khan Cultural Foundation.
In the 14th century, a Muslim Sufi missionary Syed Ali Hamadani also called Shah e Hamadan came and inclined people towards Sufi Islam. He founded Chaqchan mosque which is now the oldest mosque in Gilgit Baltistan. Later his disciple Syed Muhammad Noorbakhsh and Mir Shamsuddin also followed him. Today people of this region are followers of the Noorbakhshi Sufi order.
Places to Visit in Ghanche
Ghanche valley is home to some of the highest peaks on earth which are Masherbrum, Sia kangri, Saltoro Kangri, K7, K6, Laila Peak, Naiza peak and Amin Braq. Hushe valley is a hub of adventure tourism in Baltistan. There are many trekking routes in Hushe valley. Hushe is also home to granite towers which makes it a heaven for rock climbers. Other top attractions are :
- Khaplu Fort
- Ghanche Lake
- Chaqchan Mosque
- Hushe Valley
- Nangma Valley
- Thalley Valley
- Hot Springs of Kondus Valley
- Kharfaq Lake
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