Written by: Zainab Naseem
Posted on: March 09, 2022 | 
| 中文
Punial Valley
Gilgit Baltistan (GB) is known for its lush green fields, lakes, glaciers and mountains. It has a number of stunning valleys and grasslands that will transport you to another world. A mainland Pakistani can wax poetic about the beauty that can be seen in those beautiful valleys. It also is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and religions. One of these beautiful districts is Ghizer, located in the western-most portion of Gilgit Baltistan, it is one of the valleys still undiscovered in GB. Situated in the geographically important Wakhan region, Ghizer district shares borders with China (on the north), Afghanistan (on the northwest), Chitral on the west, Gilgit on the east and Diamer district to its south.
Phander Valley
Ghizer derived from 'Gherz,' which in ‘Khowar’ (a local language) means 'refugees.' Ghizer district is primarily inhabited by migrants from war-torn Afghanistan and Central Asia. Later, migrants from Chitral and other regions also made Ghizer their homeland. Historically, Ghizer has been under various dynasties, including the Katur dynasty, the Yashkun tribes, the Mehtar (ruler) of Chitral and the Maharaja of Kashmir. It remained under direct British rule from 1895 to 1947. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made Ghizer a district in 1972, comprising of Phander, Ishkoman, Gahkuch, Gupis, Sherqilla and Yaseen, after abolishing FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) and the Rajgi system. Before 1972, the Ghizer valley was nominally led by a local Raja, but the region was under the FCR laws, a set of rules enacted by the British that deprived the subjects of their inalienable rights, including the right of legal representation and to challenge a conviction.
Phander Valley (Credits to C Tour Rangers)
Ghizer is a rich multi-ethnic district where three languages, Shina, Khowar and Burushaski, are spoken widely. In Ishkoman, there are also Tajik speakers. Ghizer valley residents are calm, hospitable, educated and courteous. The Khoi and the Shokah are two historically significant features of Ghizer’s folk attire. The Khoi is a hat made of homespun woollen cloth, whereas the Shokah is a cloak made of homespun woollen cloth that reaches to the ankles and has long sleeves.
A man wearing traditional Shokah in Ghizer
Koyo Zom (6,871 m), which sits on the border of Ghizer and Chitral, is the highest peak in the Ghizer District. The Qurumber pass via Ishkoman/Darkut Yasin (which are accessed via Shandur Pass) is also a crossroad to Tajikistan. The Ghizer valley lies between two of the world's most famous mountain ranges, the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram.
Ishkoman Valley
The region is well-known for its lakes and scenic views. Koh-i-Ghizer, Golaghmuli Valley, Ishkoman and Yasin valleys are some of the district's most important locations. Gupis, Chatorkhand, Imit, Pingal, Shahmaran and Utz are amongst the other localities.
Gupis Valley, one of the beautiful valleys of Ghizer, is a crossroad between Gilgit and Chitral via the Shandur Pass. Gupis Fort, Khalti Lake, megalithic stone circles and Shingalote village are all popular tourist destinations. Gupis valley is around 20–30-minutes’ drive from the famous Khalti Lake. This lake is well-known for competitions of winter sports and for being a rich source of trout fish. The Gupis fort was originally utilized by the military for security. Khowar and Shina are the two main languages spoken in Gupis. Yungal, Sumal, Hakkis, Jindrote, Dahimal, Pingaal and Khasundar are a few of the communities in the Gupis Valley.
Punial lake
Another eye-catching valley in Ghizer is Punial valley, which is known for sumptuous grapes in the region. Gulapur, Sherqilla, Ghakuch Bala, Ghakuch Pine, Silpi, Hopper, Hatton, Hasis, Damas and Bubur are the villages in the Punial valley. Shina is spoken in this valley.
Phandar Valley
Phander Valley is known for its trout fish. People are drawn to Phander because of the natural beauty of its various locations. In this place, the Gilgit River boasts lovely turquoise blue water. The surrounding mountains are very tall. There are four lakes, the most popular is Phander Lake. As the river enters the valley, it is split into various sections before merging as it exits from the valley. The Phander valley's population speaks Khowar is their predominant language.
It is located north of Ghizer and shares a border with Afghanistan, as well as the Pamir Wakhan Corridor. It's a picturesque valley with mountains and glaciers. It's also known for its trout. Ishkoman has more than 30 villages, including Chatorkhand and Ghotolti. Wakhi, Khowar, Shina, and Burushaski are the four major languages spoken here.
Ishkoman Valley (Credits to Pak Adventures)
Yasin Valley, located in the northern part of the district, is also known as the Land of Martyrs. Hawaldar Lalak Jan, who received Nishan-e-Haider for his gallantry in the Kargil war, belonged to the Hundur valley in Yasin. This Brushishki and Khowar speaking region is connected to Chitral and Wakhan by the Darkot Pass.
Phandar Valley
Gindai, Bajyot, Manich, Taus, Sultanabad, Huwalti, Thoi, Barkolti, Sandi, Darkot, Hundur, Qurqalti and Gojalti are the villages in the Yasin Valley. Points like Mudori Fort, Darkut and Makkoli are popular tourist destinations. Yasin Valley is filled with apricots, cherries and apples. The majority of the residents belong to the ‘Brushos’, but there are migrants from all across the country.
Kids in Ghizer valley in the traditional coat, known as Shokah (Courtesy, Pamir Times)
Ghizer is a peaceful, lovely and picturesque valley with some of the most magnificent sights in the world. It has blue lakes, lush green fields, humongous mountains and above all, hospitable people. The valley has the potential to become a world-famous tourist site, able to compete with Switzerland or Austria. However, serious effort would have to be made to develop the infrastructure of the area, but at the same time ensuring that it natural beauty is not wrecked by crass development and litter.
Bazar in Ghakuch, the district headquarters
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