GHANCHE & KHARMANG - Village Mehdiabad - Keris - Sailing And Machlo - Chhorbat - Hushay - Kanday - Thalay

VILLAGE : 3 | GHANCHE & KHARMANG

MEHDIABAD

It is a large and important village and gateway of Kharmang valley on the left bank of the Indus, which was called “Parkuta” in past. It was a mini state during the regime of local rajas dependent on Skardu. Independent state, and when raja was removed by the Sikhs. Mehdiabad has a rock carving and stone pasting of Buddhist remains. It also has a Nallah that leads to Deosai Plateau via Katisho, Dapa and Chhadpa. Mamba oul and Chhatpa. This area are lush green scenic beauties.

KERIS

Keris is the first and an important village of Ghanche District. The River Indus and Shayok meet here at a distance of one hour drive from Skardu. It has historical a separate entity ruled by small chieftains was of the Yabgo Dynasty. The Raja’s Palace and Tomb of Mir Mukhtar Akhyar are the historical sites to attract the visitors to this place.

SAILING AND MACHLO

Saling village is just across the Shayok River in front of Khaplu where a camping hotel has been established with indigenous environment around the spring. Tourists can enjoy fishing ancient house here.

Machulu is another village 15 kms away from Khaplo where Mountaineering School created by an NGO is worth mentioning. The aim of this school is to train and equip porters for future requirements as the portering and expedition guidance are the main sources of income besides farming for this village.

The historical Khanqah of Machulo attributed to Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamdani is also a historical heritage for interest of tourist.

CHHORBAT

Chhorbat is an important defence area of Pakistan in Ghanche District. It has a colorful culture influenced by Ladakh. The two small lakes and waterfalls in Siksa and Chhuwar area of this village/place are major attractions for tourists.

The ruins of old defence forts such as Chhorbat Khar, Apo Khar, Khache Khar, Dongs Khar and Frano Khar etc witness the historical importance of Chhorbat. Among the passes of Baltistan, Chhorbat La is an ancient famous trekking rout. However the foreigners are prohibited to visit Chhorbat due to defence issues/protocol.

HUSHAY

Hushay, just under the shadows of Mashabrum Peak, is the gateway to various important peaks and glaciers, with Saltoro Gangri being highest in the region. The Hushay valley has the attraction of Trophy Hunting as it is the home to some of the rare species of wild life like Markhor and Ibex.

KANDAY

It is a far flung village in Ghanche District and offers the attractive Nangma valley for the tourists. The peaks situated in this valley called K-6 (7600 m), Amin Braq (5858 m), Changi Tower (5500m), Great Tower (6200 m), Braq Bzang (5450 m), Iqbal Top (6200), Cigarette Peak (6500 m) and Majrooh Peak (6100 m) invite the climbers from all around the world and is an open zone for the foreign tourists as well.

THALAY

Thalay is a lush green valley of Ghanche District spreading from Doghoni to Thalay Broq and is a picnic spot. It has a 2-3 hours jeep track from Skardu. Visitors can also, take a 3 days trek to Shigar through Thalay Pass. Thalay shows still in practice of traditional thrashing system.