Things to do in Baltistan
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United Bakery
United Bakery has baked goods of questionable freshness, but also plenty of packaged groceries, drinks etc.
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Karpochu
Ali Sher Khan probably built the fort on the east end of this rock in the 17th century, but the Dogras trashed and rebuilt it. It's a half-hour climb to the partly reconstructed fort, from where there are fine valley views. The path starts beside the Hilton International Hotel. From the polo ground, there is a track around the base of the rock. Knock and yell for assistance if the fort door is closed.
You can get to the summit (and the ruins of more fortifications, and amazing views) by a steep, dry, three-hour scramble up the west end of the rock from near the Hotel Sadpara International. Take care, as this route has some false paths taking you near unprotected and dange…
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Fong Khar
The main landmark in Shigar village is Fong Khar, the former Raja of Shigar's fort-palace, now a luxury hotel and museum showcasing the impressive rustic architecture and the fascinating lifestyle of Shigar's rich and famous. The timber-and-stone palace has natural rock foundations and merges almost seamlessly into the mountainside, on top of which are the ruins of an earlier fort, Sinigma Khar. It's a five-minute walk from the road, up the left side of the stream, and has a lovely restaurant worth investigating even if you're not staying the night.
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Buddha Relief
Across Hargisar Nala from the track is a Buddha Relief carved on a rock in about the 7th century. About 200m beyond the Baltoro resthouse turning and a cluster of government offices, and just past an Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) office, turn right on a small path. Near the end of this is a footbridge across the nala, and a track up to the Buddha. There and back is a detour of about an hour.
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Qatal Gah
The brightly painted complex behind the Baltistan Tourist Cottage includes a mosque, an imam barga (a hall used during Shiite festivals of Ashura and Chelum) and a huge graveyard. It's said to be a little replica of one in Iraq. Except during the two festivals, foreigners can visit if they're conservatively dressed.
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Khaplu Palace
Uphill from polo ground is the Khaplu Palace, currently under restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. If you get lost, the local word for it is khar, or try 'Raja palace'. The restoration plan includes the provision of quality accommodation and a museum, similar to Shigar's former fort-palace.
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Italian K2 Museum
The huge tent in the garden of the PTDC K2 Motel was set up in 2004 to commemorate the first successful summiting of K2 by an Italian expedition in 1954. There are numerous interesting photos documenting this expedition as well as previous expeditions into remote Baltistan. Well worth a look.
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Khurpa Care
Trekkers and climbers should avail themselves of the organisation dedicated to the welfare of the Balti porters, known as khurpas (Balti for carrier). Pick up tips on how to hire khurpas responsibly, or ensure your trekking company does likewise, as well as donate equipment or money.
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Mosques
Visitors should find the time to stroll around the peaceful and attractive village to meet the locals and view the beautiful wooden Mosques: Khilingrong beside Fong Khar, the larger Khanqa-e-Moallah and 14th-century Amburiq.
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Adventure Travel
Organises numerous treks, including fixed departures (check the website), and has a relaxing 'base camp' at Kachura Lake. The office is on the main road near the entrance to Mashabrum Hotel.
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Buddhist Ruins
Along the Shigar Valley wall, downriver of Bauma Lungma, are recently excavated Buddhist Ruins, including monastery foundations and rock inscriptions from as early as the 5th century.
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Fishing Gear Hire
Fishing gear is cheap to hire, but the cost of a fishing licence (which can be arranged by hotel management) is US$10 for foreigners.
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Ali Haider Sadpara
A small operation for budget travellers with gear available for hire. Make inquiries at the Baltistan Tourist Cottage.
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Travel Walji's
Virtually a branch of the Gilgit office, this is a good place to inquire about jeep safaris across the Deosai Plains.
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Longlife Mountaineering Equipment
For last minute equipment sales and hire, but don't expect top-shelf gear.
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