In Search of Heaven on Earth

Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the unique regions of the world. The region is famously known by the world community as roof of the world. The uniqueness of the region is not only its geographic settings and topographic inclinations, but also the emanation of cultural variants among some of the world’s largest mountain series and highest peaks. Geopolitical dynamics of Gilgit-Baltistan has a major impact on its cultural variants owing to external world. The region is located in the extreme north of Pakistan, and India is situated in the south. Among the other neighboring countries of the region are Afghanistan situated in the north-west and western directions respectively and, the long-standing friendly country, the people republic of China in the north-east. These neighboring countries had large influence throughout cultural history of the region in one way or the other.

As regards the subdivisions of the region, there are ten districts spreading over an area of 72,496 square kilometers. The rugged and mountainous topography of the region on the one hand make travelling difficult and, on the other hand panoramic variety of landscape is captivating for the tourists.

It seems, as if, Gilgit-Baltistan is designed uniquely by natures to locate among the three of the largest mountain series and highest mountain ranges, i.e. the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush giant mountain series of the world. On the average the elevation of the region is above 1,200 meters from the sea level. Such extraordinary design possesses huge strength to attract the attention of the national and international researchers to study its rich historic, cultural and archaeological backgrounds. To mention here the archaeological sites and historical monuments are the invaluable cultural heritage for the community of Gilgit-Baltistan. Unfortunately, many such crucially important archaeological sites and historical monuments are damaged or completely destroyed, both intentionally and unintentionally.


Comments