Baltistan

Region of Pakistani-administered Kashmir

Not to be confused with Baltic states.

Region in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan

Baltistan

بلتستان
སྦལ་ཏི་སྟཱན་།

Region in Gilgit-Baltistan

A map of the disputed Kashmir region showing the Pakistani administered region of Baltistan, a part of Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan

Coordinates: 35°18′N 75°37′E﻿ / ﻿35.300°N 75.617°E﻿ / 35.300; 75.617
Administering Country| Pakistan
Territory| Gilgit-Baltistan
Government

• Type| Divisional Administration
• Commissioner| Shuja Alam (PAS)
• Deputy Inspector General (DIG)| Cap. (R) Liaquat Ali Malik (PSP)
Area

[1]

• Total

| 30,000 km2 (10,000 sq mi)
Population

(2022)[2]

• Total

| 637,450
Languages|

* Official:
English, Urdu
* Spoken:
Balti, Purgi, Changthang, Shina and Brokskat[3]

Baltistan (/ˌbɔːltɪˈstɑːn/);[4] also known as Baltiyul or Little Tibet, is a mountainous region in the Pakistani-administered territory of Gilgit-Baltistan and constitutes a northern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. It is located near the Karakoram (south of K2) and borders Gilgit to the west, China's Xinjiang to the north, Indian-administered Ladakh to the southeast, and the Indian-administered Kashmir Valley to the southwest.[5][6] The average altitude of the region is over 3,350 metres (10,990 ft). Baltistan is largely administered under the Baltistan Division.

Prior to the partition of British India in 1947, Baltistan was part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, having been conquered by Gulab Singh's armies in 1840.[7] Baltistan and Ladakh were administered jointly under one wazarat (district) of the state. The region retained its identity in this setup as the Skardu tehsil, with Kargil and Leh being the other two tehsils of the district.[8] After Hari Singh, the last maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, acceded to the Dominion of India in 1947, his local governor in Gilgit was overthrown by the Gilgit Scouts, who then took the entire region for Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948. The Gilgit Agency and Skardu tehsil, as well as a portion of Kargil tehsil,[note 1] have since been under Pakistani governance[13] while the Kashmir Valley as well as Leh tehsil and most of the Kargil tehsil remain under Indian governance. The Chorbat Valley, geographically in the Baltistan region, was de-facto partitioned when its four villages (with one Bogdang already under Indian control since 1947) were captured by India during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and were incorporated into the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (now in Ladakh).[14][15]

The region is inhabited primarily by the Balti people, a largely Muslim ethnic group of Tibetan descent. Baltistan is strategically significant to both Pakistan and India; the Siachen conflict and the Kargil War took place in this region alongside others.

## Etymology

[edit]

Like other Islamic regions near the Indian subcontinent, the name Baltistan is likely created by adding the Persian suffix -istan to the name of the Balti people, who lived here before the Islamic conquests.[16]

## Geography

[edit]

Baltistan division, in dark green, Gilgit Baltistan Skardu, capital of Baltistan

The 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica characterises Baltistan as the western extremity of Tibet,[17] whose natural limits are the Indus River from its abrupt southward bend around the map point 35°52′N 74°43′E﻿ / ﻿35.86°N 74.72°E﻿ / 35.86; 74.72﻿ (Bend in the Indus course) and the mountains to the north and west. These features separate a comparatively peaceful Tibetan population from the Indo-Aryan tribes to the west. Muslim writers around the 16th century speak of Baltistan as the "Little Tibet", and of Ladakh as the "Great Tibet", emphasising their ethnological similarity.[17] According to Ahmad Hassan Dani, Baltistan spreads upwards from the Indus river and is separated from Ladakh by the Siachen Glacier.[18] It includes the Indus valley and the lower valley of the Shyok river.[19]

Baltistan is a rocky mass of lofty mountains, the prevailing formation being gneiss. In the north is the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar regions, 56 kilometres (35 mi) long, contained between two ridges whose highest peaks to the south are 7,600 m (25,000 ft) and to the north 8,615 m (28,265 ft).[17]

The Indus river runs in a narrow gorge, widening after receiving the Shyok river at 35°14′N 75°55′E﻿ / ﻿35.23°N 75.92°E﻿ / 35.23; 75.92﻿ (Shyok joins Indus). It then forms a 32-kilometre (20 mi) crescent-shaped plain varying between 2 and 8 kilometres (1 and 5 mi) in width.[20] The main inhabitable valleys of Kharmang, Khaplu, Skardu, Shigar and Roundu are along the routes of these rivers.

The village of Chalunkha, now in Leh district, is traditionally considered the southernmost settlement of Baltistan, delimiting it from the Nubra region of Ladakh.[21] The traditional boundary of Baltistan with Ladakh along Nubra valley was finalised in the early 19th century by the ruler of Khaplu,[22] while that of along Suru valley was demarcated at Ghargurdo, between Ganokh and Garkon, in the 17th century following a battle between the Balti king Ali Sher Anchan and Gyalpo Jamyang Namgyal. Ruins of a series of watchtowers, which were jointly guarded by the both kingdoms, are still found here.[23] A few villages of the Kharmang ilaqa, such as Hardas and Karkichu in the Suru River Valley, remained part of Kargil after the First Kashmir War.[24] They mark the former southern boundary of Baltistan, and are populated by ethnic Baltis till today.[21]

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## Administration

[edit]

The Baltistan is one of three divisions of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Division of Baltistan is administrative under a Commissioner of BPS-20 belonging to Pakistan Administrative Service group of Central Superior Services of Pakistan. The Current Commissioner Baltistan Division is Mr Shula Alam (PAS).

### Valleys and districts

[edit]

Valley  | District  | District Area (km2)  | Population (1998)  | Capital

|
|
|
|

Khaplu
| Ghanche | 8,531 | 88,366 | Khaplu
Skardu
| Skardu | 10,168 | 219,209 | Skardu
Shigar
| Shigar | 4,173 | 60,295 | Center Shigar
Kharmang
| Kharmang | 6,144 | 62,522 | Tolti
Roundu
| Roundu | ... | 80,000 | Dambudas
Chorbat°
| Leh and

Ghanche

| 883

(In Leh)

|  | Turtuk

°*Although part of Baltistan, Chorbat valley has been de-facto partitioned between Pakistan and India, after territorial exchanges during 1972 Simla treaty.

## History

[edit]

### Origins

[edit]

> Tibetan Khampa entered in Khaplu through Chorbat Valley and Dardic tribes came to Baltistan through Roundu Valley from Gilgit prior to civilization, and these groups eventually settled down, resulting in the genesis of the Balti people.[25]

Skardu in 1800

Today, the people of Kharmang and Western Khaplu have Tibetan features and those in Skardu, Shigar and the eastern villages of Khaplu are Dards.[26] It was believed that the Balti people were in the sphere of influence of Zhangzhung. Baltistan was controlled by the Tibetan king in 686. Culturally influenced by Tibet, the Bon and animist Baltis began to adopt Tibetan Buddhism. Religious artifacts such as gompas and stupas were built, and lamas played an important role in Balti life.[27][28][29]

For centuries, Baltistan consisted of small, independent valley states connected by the blood relationships of its rulers (rajas), trade, common beliefs and cultural and linguistic bonds.[30] Baltistan was known as Little Tibet, and the name was extended to include Ladakh.[17] Ladakh later became known as Great Tibet. Locally, Baltistan is known as Baltiyul and Ladakh and Baltistan are known as Maryul ("red country").[31]

### Medieval and Early Modern History

[edit]

Medieval Baltistan was divided into three main kingdoms: Skardu, Shigar, and Khaplu. The Maqpon dynasty, which ruled from Skardu, also later established side branches at Kartaksho and Roundu.[32]: 243

During the 14th century, Muslim scholars from Kashmir crossed Baltistan's mountainous terrain to spread Islam.[33] The Noorbakshia Sufi order further propagated the faith in Baltistan and Islam became dominant by the end of the 17th century. With the passage of time a large number also converted to Shia Islam and a few converted to Sunni Islam.[34]

In 1190, Maqpon dynasty of Skardu was founded by Ibrahim Shah (1190-1220), who was born in Skardu. This royal family ruled over Baltistan for approximately 700 years.[35] The kings of the Maqpon dynasty extended the frontiers of Baltistan to Gilgit Agency,[36] Chitral, and Ladakh.[37] In the late 1500s/early 1600s, the Maqpon rulers of Skardu expanded their kingdom to include Shigar, Astor, Rondu, and Karataksha. The greatest ruler during this period was Alī Sher Khān, known as "Anchan", or "the Great". After the Mughal conquest of Kashmir in 1586, during the reign of Anchan's grandfather Ghāzī Mīr, diplomatic relations developed between the Mughals and the Maqpon rulers of Baltistan. A Balti princess was sent to the Mughal court, and according to local tradition, a Mughal princess was also sent to Skardu and built a Mughal-style fort at Mandok. Around 1595, the Mughal historian Abu'l-Fazl wrote that Kashmir was then importing silkworm eggs (for sericulture) from Gilgit and Baltistan.[32]: 243–4

Typical Balti village

The Kharmang came under the control of the Namgyal royal family and developed a close relationship with Ladakh when the raja of Ladakh, Jamyang Mangyal, attacked the principalities in Kargil. Mangyal annihilated the Skardu garrison at Kharbu and put to the sword a number of petty Muslim rulers in the principalities of Purik (Kargil). Ali Sher Khan Anchan, raja of Khaplu and Shigar, left with a strong army via Marol. Passing the Laddakhi army, he occupied Leh (the capital of Ladakh) and the raja of Ladakh was taken prisoner.[38][39][40]

Ali Sher Khan Anchan included Gilgit and Chitral in his kingdom of Baltistan,[41] reportedly a flourishing country. The valley from Khepchne to Kachura was flat and fertile, with abundant fruit trees; the sandy desert now extending from Sundus to Skardu Airport was a prosperous town. Skardu had hardly recovered from the shock of the death of Anchan when it was flooded.

After the death of Anchan in 1633, the Maqpon polity declined as his three sons fought among themselves. One of them, Adam Khān, had fled to Kashmir and then sought refuge with the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr while Anchan was still alive. In 1637, Adam accompanied a Mughal expedition into Baltistan led by Zafar Khān. Adam's elder brother (and rival) Abdāl was captured, and Zafar Khān announced Mughal suzerainty over Baltistan. However, with winter coming, Zafar hastily withdrew his troops from Baltistan and appointed one of Abdāl's partisans to govern the territory on his behalf, which upset the Mughal emperor Shāh Jahān. Ultimately, though, Adam Khān ended up taking control of Baltistan. Both he and his successor, Murād Khān, acknowledged Mughal suzerainty.[32]: 243–4

The Kingdom of Khaplu probably came into existence around the 10th century following the breakup of the Tibetan Empire. Its ruling dynasty was known as the Yabgu dynasty, after the Turkish title of yabghu. The local population was Buddhist up until around the 14th century, when Sayyid Alī Hamadānī is credited with spreading Islam to the region. Khaplu was conquered by Skardu under Alī Sher Khān Anchan in the early 1600s. From then on, it was administered by a governor, or kharpon, appointed by the ruler in Skardu. The last kharpon was Yulehing Karīm, who governed Khaplu from 1820 to 1840, when the Dogra commander Zorāwar Singh conquered it.[32]: 246

Ahmed Shah, the last Maqpon king before the 1840 Dogra invasion

The official Mughal historian Abdul Hamid Lahori left an account of Baltistan in his entry for the year 1638. He wrote that Baltistan had 22 parganas and 37 forts. Its narrow mountain valleys could support limited cultivation, primarily of wheat and barley; certain fruits also thrived in the local climate. Rather poor-quality gold was collected from river sands in small amounts – only about 2,000 tolas (about 9.5 kg) was collected per year.[32]: 244

In 1840, the region was subjugated by the Dogra rulers of Jammu under the suzerainty of the Sikh Empire.[42][43] On 29 August 2009 the government of Pakistan announced the creation of Gilgit–Baltistan, a provincial autonomous region with Gilgit as its capital and Skardu its largest city.[citation needed]

## Tourism

[edit]

Baltoro Glacier; at 62 km (39 mi) in length, it is one of the longest Alpine glaciers on earth.[citation needed]

Skardu has several tourist resorts and many natural features, including plains, mountains and mountain-valley lakes. The Deosai plain, Satpara Lake and Basho also host tourists. North of Skardu, the Shigar Valley offers plains, hiking tracks, peaks and campsites. Other valleys in Baltistan region are Khaplu, Rondu, Kachura Lake and Kharmang.

### Glaciers

[edit]

Baltistan is a rocky wilderness of around 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 sq mi),[44] with the largest cluster of mountains in the world and the biggest glaciers outside the polar regions. The Himalayas advance into this region from India, Tibet and Nepal, and north of them are the Karakoram range. Both ranges run northwest, separated by the Indus River. Along the Indus and its tributaries are many valleys. Glaciers include Baltoro Glacier, Biafo Glacier, Siachen Glacier, Trango Glacier and Godwin-Austen Glacier.

### Mountaineering

[edit]

Laila Peak, in the Hushe Valley

Baltistan is home to more than 20 peaks of over 6,100 metres (20,000 ft), including K2 (the second-highest mountain on earth.[27] Other well-known peaks include Masherbrum (also known as K1), Broad Peak, Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum IV and Chogolisa (in the Khaplu Valley). The following peaks have been scaled:

Name |  | Height | Date climbed | Location

|
|
|
|

K2 |  | 8,610 m
(28,250 ft) | 31 July 1954 | Shigar District
Gasherbrum I |  | 8,030 m
(26,360 ft) | 7 July 1956 | Ghanche District
Broad Peak |  | 8,090 m
(26,550 ft) | 9 June 1957 | Ghanche District
Muztagh Tower |  | 7,300 m
(23,800 ft) | 6 August 1956 | Ghanche District
Gasherbrum II |  | 7,960 m
(26,120 ft) | 4 July 1958 | Ghanche District
Hidden Peak |  | 8,070 m
(26,470 ft) | 4 July 1957 | Ghanche District
Khunyang Chhish |  | 7,852 m
(25,761 ft) | 4 July 1971 | Skardu District
Masherbrum |  | 7,821 m
(25,659 ft) | 4 August 1960 | Ghanche District
Saltoro Kangri |  | 7,700 m
(25,400 ft) | 4 June 1962 | Ghanche District
Chogolisa |  | 7,665 m
(25,148 ft) | 4 August 1963 | Ghanche District

Panoramic view of Sheosar Lake

## Demographics

[edit]

The region has a population of about 303,214 as of 2017.[45] It is a blend of ethnic groups, predominantly Baltis,[46] and Tibetans. A few Kashmiris settled in Skardu, practicing agriculture and woodcraft.

## Religion

[edit]

Before the arrival of Islam, Tibetan Buddhism and Bön (to a lesser extent) were the main religions in Baltistan. Buddhism can be traced back to before the formation of the Tibetan Empire in the region during the seventh century. The region has a number of surviving Buddhist archaeological sites. These include the Manthal Buddha Rock, a rock relief of the Buddha at the edge of the village (near Skardu) and the Sacred Rock of Hunza. Nearby are former sites of Buddhist shelters.

Islam was brought to Baltistan by Sufi missionaries during the 16th and 17th centuries, and most of the population converted to Noorbakshia Islam. The scholars were followers of the Kubrawiya Sufi order.[47] Most Noorbakhshi Muslims live in Ghanche.[48]

## Fauna

[edit]

Golden marmots in Deosai National Park

Baltistan has been called a living museum for wildlife.[49] Deosai National Park, in the southern part of the region, is habitat for predators since it has an abundant prey population. Domestic animals include yaks (including hybrid yaks), cattle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys. Wild animals include ibex, markhor, musk deer, snow leopards, brown and black bears, jackals, foxes, wolves and marmots.

## Culture

[edit]

### Balti music and art

[edit]

Balti children from the Shigar Valley

According to Balti folklore, Mughal princess Gul Khatoon (known in Baltistan as Mindoq Gialmo—Flower Queen) brought musicians and artisans with her into the region and they propagated Mughal music and art under her patronage.[50] Musical instruments such as the surnai, karnai, dhol and chang were introduced into Baltistan.

#### Dance

[edit]

Classical and other dances are classified as sword dances, broqchhos and Yakkha and ghazal dances.[51] Chhogho Prasul commemorates a victory by the Maqpon rajas. As a mark of respect, the musician who plays the drum (dang) plays for a long time. A Maqpon princess would occasionally dance to this tune. Gasho-Pa, also known as Ghbus-La-Khorba, is a sword dance associated with the Gasho Dynasty of Purik (Kargil). Sneopa, the marriage-procession dance by pachones (twelve wazirs who accompany the bride), is performed at the marriage of a raja.

### Architecture

[edit]

Chaqchan Mosque in Khaplu

Balti architecture has Tibetan and Mughul[52] influences, and its monastic architecture reflects the Buddhist imprint left on the region. Buddhist-style wall paintings can be seen in forts and Noorbakhshi khanqahs, including Chaqchan Mosque in Khaplu, Amburik Mosque in Shigar, Khanqah e Muallah Shigar, Khaplu Fort, Shigar Fort and Skardu Fort.

### Polo

[edit]

Polo match in Skardu around 1820, from Godfrey Vigne's Travels in Kashmir, Ladak, Iskardo, the countries adjoining the mountain-course of the Indus, and the Himalaya, north of the Panjab

Polo is popular in Baltistan, and indigenous to the Karakoram region, having been played there since at least the 15th–16th century.[53] The Maqpon ruler Ali Sher Khan Anchan introduced the game to other valleys during his conquests beyond Gilgit and Chitral.[54] The English word polo derives from the Balti word polo, meaning "the ball used in the game of polo".[55] The game of polo itself is called Hrthapolo means horse riding game in Balti.[56]

## Media

[edit]

The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation[57] has radio and television stations in Khaplu that broadcast local programs, and there are a handful of private news outlets. The Daily K2[58] is an Urdu newspaper published in Skardu serving Gilgit-Baltistan for long time, and it is the pioneer of print media in Gilgit Baltisatn. Bad-e-Shimal claims the largest daily circulation in Gilgit and Baltistan.[59] Nawa-e-Sufia is a monthly magazine covering Baltistan's Nurbakshi sect.[60] 5cntv urdu news web magazine covering Baltistan's.[61]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ According to the 1961 Census of India, 31 complete and 5 partial villages of Kargil came under Pakistani control and subsequently became part of Baltistan, amounting to an area of some 1,567.2 sq mi (4,059 km2).[9] However, all of these villages had belonged to the Kharmang ilaqa of Baltistan, which was transferred from Skardu tehsil to Kargil in 1901.[10][11] A few villages of the Kharmang ilaqa, such as Hardas and Karkichu, remained part of Kargil.[12]

1. ^ Dryland, Estelle (2022). "Can Culture Transcend Religion? The Muslim Bards of Baltistan". In Kapstein, Matthew T.; Ramble, Charles (eds.). The Many Faces of King Gesar: Tibetan and Central Asian Studies in Homage to Rolf A. Stein. Leiden: BRILL. p. 137\. ISBN 978-90-04-50346-5.
2. ^ The total population of five districts of Baltistan Division as per "Gilgit Baltistan at a Glance 2022. Published in 2023" (PDF). Planning & Development Department Statistical & Research Cell (SRC), Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
3. ^ "How Many Languages Are Spoken In Pakistan". economy.pk. 6 September 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
4. ^ Stevenson, Angus (ed.). "Baltistan". Oxford Dictionary of English (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780199571123.001.0001/m_en_gb0058480 (inactive 1 July 2025). Retrieved 16 April 2025.`{{cite encyclopedia}}`: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
5. ^ Schofield, Victoria (2003) [First published in 2000], Kashmir in Conflict, London and New York: I. B. Taurus & Co, p. 8, ISBN 1860648983
6. ^ Cheema, Brig Amar (2015), The Crimson Chinar: The Kashmir Conflict: A Politico Military Perspective, Lancer Publishers, p. 30, ISBN 978-81-7062-301-4
7. ^ Proceedings - Punjab History Conference. Punjabi University. 1968.
8. ^ Kaul, H. N. (1998), Rediscovery of Ladakh, Indus Publishing, p. 88, ISBN 978-81-7387-086-6
9. ^ Census of India 1961. Volume VI: Jammu and Kashmir. PART II-A: GENERAL POPULATION TABLES. Published 1964. pp. 23, 53, 75, 104. Quote: "Thirty-one villages of Tehsil Kargil (Serial Nos. 21–29, 33–53 and 90 of Village Tables of 1941) being on the other side of the cease-fire line."
10. ^ CENSUS OF INDIA, 1911. Volume XX: Kashmir. PART I: REPORT. pp. 52, 63. Published 1912. Quote: "The Kharmang ilaqa from Skardu, and Zanskar from Kishtwar, were included in the newly formed tehsil."
11. ^ Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladak, Calcutta: Superintendent of Government Printing, 1890, p. 495 – via archive.org
12. ^ Gupta, Radhika (2023). "Living on the Edge". Freedom in Captivity: Negotiations of Belonging along Kashmir's Frontier. Cambridge University Press. p. 163\. ISBN 978-1-009-27678-8.
13. ^ Schofield, Victoria (2003) [First published in 2000], Kashmir in Conflict, London and New York: I. B. Taurus & Co, pp. 65–66, ISBN 1860648983
14. ^ Atul Aneja, A 'battle' in the snowy heights[dead link], The Hindu, 11 January 2001.
15. ^ "In pictures: Life in Baltistan". bbc.com. July 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
16. ^ Dani, Ahmad Hasan (1991) [1989]. History of Northern Areas of Pakistan (2nd ed.). Islamabad: National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, Quaid-i-Azam University. pp. 6, 17, 410. ISBN 978-969-415-016-1.
17. ^ a b c d Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Ladakh and Baltistan" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 57–59.
18. ^ Dani 1998, p. 219.
19. ^ Pirumshoev & Dani 2003, p. 243.
20. ^ Karim 2009, p. 62.
21. ^ a b Swift, Hugh (1990). "Chapter 7 Baltistan: Glaciers and Peaked Hats". Trekking in Pakistan and India. London: Hodder & Stoughton. p. 191\. ISBN 978-0-340-51556-3.
22. ^ Dani 1991, p. 235: "He entered into an alliance with the ruler of Ladakh and got his help by redefining territorial boundary between Ladakh and Khaplu. On the left side of Shayok river, i.e. on the side of Khaplu the boundary was fixed at Pari Khanasha, and on the right side of the river at Pari Naulakha and Zilakha. All the area above this line towards Chorbat was to be given to Ladakh.".
23. ^ Vohra, Rohit (1982). "Ethnographic Notes on the Buddhist Dards of Ladakh: The Brog-Pā". Zeitschrift für Ethnologie. 107 (1): 69–94\. ISSN 0044-2666. JSTOR 25841799.
24. ^ Gupta, Radhika (2023). "Living on the Edge". Freedom in Captivity: Negotiations of Belonging along Kashmir's Frontier. Cambridge University Press. p. 163\. ISBN 978-1-009-27678-8.
25. ^ Tarar, Mustansar Hussain (1991), Nanga Parbat (in Urdu)
26. ^ Where Indus is Young
27. ^ a b Afridi, Banat Gul (1988). Baltistan in history. Peshawar, Pakistan: Emjay Books International.
28. ^ Tarekh e jammu, molvi hashmatullah
29. ^ Hussainabadi, Muhammad Yousuf: Baltistan per Aik Nazar 1984
30. ^ "A Socio-Political Study of Gilgit Baltistan Province" (PDF). PJSS. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
31. ^ Yousaf Hussain Abadi, A view on Baltistan
32. ^ a b c d e Dani, Ahmad Hasan (2003). "The Pamirs, Badakhshan and the Trans-Pamir States (Part 2: The Trans-Pamir States)". History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Volume V. Paris: UNESCO Publishing. pp. 235–46\. ISBN 92-3-103876-1. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
33. ^ "Baltistan - North Pakistan". Archived from the original on 15 June 2013.
34. ^ "Little Tibet: Renaissance and Resistance in Baltistan". Himal Southasian. 30 April 1998. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
35. ^ Tareekh e Baltistan.
36. ^ "Baltis". Hindukush Trails.
37. ^ Tikoo, Tej K. (30 June 2012). Kashmir: Its Aborigines and Their Exodus. Amber Books Limited. ISBN 9781935501343.
38. ^ Hussainabadi, Muhammad Yousuf: Tareekh-e-Baltistan 2003
39. ^ Tikoo, Tej K. (2012). Kashmir: Its Aborigines and Their Exodus. Lancer International Incorporated. p. 109\. ISBN 978-1-935501-34-3.
40. ^ Stobdan, P.; Chandran, D. Suba (April 2008). The last colony: Muzaffarabad-Gilgit-Baltistan. India Research Press with Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu. ISBN 9788183860673.
41. ^ Ramble, Charles; Brauen, Martin (1993). Proceedings of the International Seminar on the Anthropology of Tibet and the Himalaya: September 21-28 1990 at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich. Völkerkundemuseum der Universität Zürich. ISBN 978-3-909105-24-3.
42. ^ Ali, Manzoom (12 June 2004). Archaeology of Dardistan.
43. ^ Gertel, Jörg; Richard Le Heron (2011). Economic Spaces of Pastoral Production and Commodity Systems. Ashgate. p. 181\. ISBN 978-1-4094-2531-1.
44. ^ "ABOUT GILGIT-BALTISTAN". Archived from the original on 14 July 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
45. ^ Gilgit-Baltistan, City Population web site, retrieved 12 May 2022.
46. ^ Hussain, Ejaz. "Geography and Demography of Gilgit Baltistan". Gilgit Baltistan Scouts. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
47. ^ "NYF". Archived from the original on 7 March 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
48. ^ "Sofia Imamia Noorbakhshia". Archived from the original on 18 May 2015.
49. ^ "Beautiful Gilgit Baltistan". Archived from the original on 18 October 2012.
50. ^ "BALTI MUSIC AND ART". Archived from the original on 10 February 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
51. ^ Hussainabadi, Muhammad Yousuf: Balti Zaban 1990
52. ^ Wallace, Paul (1996) . A History of Western Himalayas . Penguin Books, London.
53. ^ Malcolm D. Whitman, Tennis: Origins and Mysteries, Published by Courier Dover Publications, 2004, ISBN 0-486-43357-9, p. 98.
54. ^ Dani, Ahmad Hassan: History of Northern Areas of Pakistan, National Institute of Historical Research, Islamabad, 1991.
55. ^ Skeat, Walter William (1898). A Concise Etymological Dictionary of the English Language. Harper. p. 629.
56. ^ Afridi, Banat Gul (1988). Baltistan in history. Peshawar, Pakistan: Emjay Books International. p. 135.
57. ^ "Radio Pakistan".
58. ^ "dailyk2".
59. ^ "Daily Bad e Shimal".
60. ^ "5cntv". Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
61. ^ "5cntv urdu news web".

## Bibliography

[edit]

* Aggarwal, Ravina (2004), Beyond Lines of Control: Performance and Politics on the Disputed Borders of Ladakh, India, Duke University Press, pp. 199–, ISBN 0-8223-3414-3
* Dani, Ahmad Hasan (1998), "The Western Himalayan States", in M. S. Asimov; C. E. Bosworth (eds.), History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. IV, Part 1 – The age of achievement: A.D. 750 to the end of the fifteenth century – The historical, social and economic setting, UNESCO, pp. 215–225, ISBN 978-92-3-103467-1
* Karim, Afsir (2009), "Strategic dimensions of the trans-Himalayan frontiers", in K. Warikoo (ed.), Himalayan Frontiers of India: Historical, Geo-Political and Strategic Perspectives, Routledge, pp. 56–66, ISBN 978-1-134-03294-5
* Pirumshoev, H. S.; Dani, Ahmad Hasan (2003), "The Pamirs, Badakhshan and the Trans-Pamir States", in Chahryar Adle; Irfan Habib (eds.), History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. V – Development in contrast: From the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century, UNESCO, pp. 225–246, ISBN 978-92-3-103876-1

## External links

[edit]

Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article "Baltistan".

* www.pakistantoursguide.pk
* Britannica Baltistan.

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Baltistan

Passes|

* Karakoram Pass
* Gondogoro Pass

Valleys|

* Skardu Valley
* Khaplu Valley
* Kharmang
* Shigar Valley
* Roundu Baltistan
* Gultari

Cities and towns|

* Skardu
* Shigar
* Khaplu
* Kharmang
* Roundu Baltistan
* Balghar
* Barah valley
* Chalunka
* Chorbat Valley
* Ghawari
* Haldi, Baltistan
* Hassanabad, Pakistan
* Hushe Valley
* Keris Valley
* Khane
* Kharfak
* Korphe
* Yugo, Baltistan
* Yugupa

Rivers, glaciers and lakes|

* Baltoro Glacier
* Biafo Glacier
* Bilafond Glacier
* Godwin-Austen Glacier
* Trango Glacier
* Lake Kharfak
* Satpara Lake
* Shangrila Lake
* Shigar River
* Shyok River
* Indus
* Hushe River
* Saltoro River

Architecture|

* Chaqchan Mosque
* Khanqah-e-Mualla Noorbakshia Khaplu Bala
* Khaplu Palace
* Shigar Fort
* Skardu Fort
* Baltit Fort
* Amburiq Mosque

See also|

* Karakoram Highway
* Ladakh
* Line of Control
* Kargil War
* Balti language
* History of Gilgit-Baltistan
* K2
* Balti (food)

* v
* t
* e

Regions and administrative territories of Kashmir

Regions|

* Baltistan
* Balawaristan
* Dardistan
* Kashmir Valley
* Siachen Glacier

Current administrative territories|

| China|

* Hotan County/Rutog County (Aksai Chin)
* Trans-Karakoram Tract

|

India|

* Jammu and Kashmir
* Jammu
* Kashmir
* Ladakh

Pakistan|

* Azad Kashmir
* Mirpur
* Muzaffarabad
* Poonch
* Gilgit-Baltistan

Former administrative territories|

* Gilgit Agency
* Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)
* Jammu and Kashmir (Indian state)

Proposed administrative territories|

* Karakoram Province
* Panun Kashmir

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

35°18′N 75°37′E﻿ / ﻿35.300°N 75.617°E﻿ / 35.300; 75.617
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