The fascinating Gilgit-Baltistan is also known as the Roof of World.
The presence of towering mountain ranges, such as, Himalayas, Karakorum, Hindukush and Pamirs, mighty Indus and valleys bless scenic and historical Gilgit-Baltistan with diverse nature and eye-catching landscape.
This mountainous region is blessed with high peaks with the height of up to 800 meters, thousands of glaciers, hundreds of lakes and hundreds of miles of snow-covered area. Then, there are national parks, game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and several dozens of species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fish, mammals, and forests adding to its charm. Moreover, several historical forts, polo grounds, festivals and dozens of thousands of rock carvings attract a number of visitors. Top of the list, it is the overall hospitable attitude of the population that drives the tourism industry there. All these and several other features make Gilgit-Baltistan a favourite tourist destination, particularly for mountaineers, trekkers, and anglers. Also, business and politics have been adding to its importance for the last two thousand years. Large deposits of precious stone and miners add to its economic importance to the next level.
Gilgit-Baltistan is located in the north of Pakistan at the altitude of about 3000 meters. Its neighbouring countries are Afghanistan, India and China. This mountainous province is accessible by both road and air. Gilgit is its capital while Skardu is its largest city. The ancient city of Gilgit has been housing people for hundreds of years. As regards its administration perspective, it has two divisions and ten districts, which cover the total area of 72,496 square kilometres. Its estimate populace is more than 1.8 million individuals. People speak five different languages here with various dialects. These are, such as Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Khowar, and Wakhi.
Its economy has been trade-oriented since hundreds of years. Now, tourism is gaining its routes. The potential of tourism promises a number of advantages, including the popularity of the province, the fun for tourists, revenue for locals, etc. The enormously rich culture and history of Gilgit-Baltistan is regarded another jewel. The diversity owes to various ages, settlements, developments, legacies, etc., which took place during prehistory, medieval, and modern history. Its breakdown is as in the following. Prehistory features Rock Art People who used to live by hunting. They were followed by Megalith Builders who founded irrigation and livestock. Dardic People laid the foundation of trading and mining. Scytho Parthians fashioned Kharoshti script. The Kushans pioneered gold trade whereas Post Khusans witnessed the growth of Buddhism. Hun invasions were the last development of Prehistory. In medieval age, various dynasties ruled this region. Most notable were Mughal and Dogra. In modern history, the British took over and were followed by the government of Pakistan.