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91-587: The divisional headquarters of the Baltistan Division is the town of Skardu . Since divisions were restored in 2008, the Baltistan Division currently consists of five districts: (km²) (2023) (ppl/km²) (2023) (2023) 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 (PAS) group of Central Superior Services of Pakistan (CSS). The Current Commissioner of Baltistan Division

182-569: A Balti royal house based in Skardu, ruled over the region for around 700 years. The kings of the Maqpon dynasty extended the frontiers of Baltistan to as far as Gilgit Agency , Chitral , and Ladakh . Around the year 1500, Maqpon Bokha was crowned ruler and founded the city of Skardu as his capital. Skardu Fort was established around this time. During his reign, Makpon Bokha imported craftsmen to Skardu from Kashmir and Chilas to help develop

273-520: A dispute over the throne between Adam Khan and his elder brother Abdul Khan. It was only after this point in the rule of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb , that Skardu's ruling family was firmly under Mughal control. The ability of the Mughal crown to fund expeditions to territories of marginal value, such as Baltistan, emphasises the wealth of the Mughal coffers. In 1839, Dogra commander Zorawar Singh Kahluria defeated Balti forces in battles at Wanko Pass and

364-467: A dispute over the throne between Adam Khan and his elder brother Abdul Khan. It was only after this point in the rule of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb , that Skardu's ruling family was firmly under Mughal control. The ability of the Mughal crown to fund expeditions to territories of marginal value, such as Baltistan, emphasises the wealth of the Mughal coffers. In 1839, Dogra commander Zorawar Singh Kahluria defeated Balti forces in battles at Wanko Pass and

455-635: A district of the area. The first mention of Skardu in European literature was made by Frenchman François Bernier (1625–1688), who mentions the city by the name of Eskerdou. After his mention, Skardu was quickly drawn into Asian maps produced in Europe, and was first mentioned as Eskerdow the map "Indiae orientalis nec non insularum adiacentium nova descriptio" publisbed by the Dutch engraver Nicolaes Visscher II between 1680 and 1700. The Skardu Valley , at

546-455: A force of some 600 men from the rebels and local recruits, and launched attacks on the remaining parts of the State under Indian control. Skardu was an important target because Aslam Khan felt that Gilgit could be threatened from there. The Skardu garrison was defended by a contingent of 6th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry under the command of Col. Sher Jung Thapa . The initial attack of the rebels

637-403: A force of some 600 men from the rebels and local recruits, and launched attacks on the remaining parts of the State under Indian control. Skardu was an important target because Aslam Khan felt that Gilgit could be threatened from there. The Skardu garrison was defended by a contingent of 6th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry under the command of Col. Sher Jung Thapa . The initial attack of the rebels

728-429: A prefix has been lost, and the vowel /o/ has turned into /u/, the same as many other dialects of Tibetan. The first mention of Skardu dates to the first half of the 16th century. Mirza Haidar (1499–1551) described Askardu in the 16th-century text Tarikh-i-Rashidi Baltistan as a district of the area. The first mention of Skardu in European literature was made by Frenchman François Bernier (1625–1688), who mentions

819-487: A request to start international operations to and from Skardu airport, which would potentially become the first airline to start international routes from Skardu. The Satpara Dam development project on the Satpara Lake was inaugurated in 2003. It was completed in 2011. It is 6 km (4 mi) south of Skardu city and is at an elevation of 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) above mean sea level. The main source of water

910-427: A request to start international operations to and from Skardu airport, which would potentially become the first airline to start international routes from Skardu. The Satpara Dam development project on the Satpara Lake was inaugurated in 2003. It was completed in 2011. It is 6 km (4 mi) south of Skardu city and is at an elevation of 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) above mean sea level. The main source of water

1001-614: A single district. Ladakh would later be joined to the district, while Skardu would serve as the district's winter capital, with Leh as the summer capital, up until 1947. Under the administration of Mehta Mangal between 1875 and 1885, Skardu's Ranbirgarh was built as his headquarters and residence, as well as a cantonment and various other government buildings. Sikhs from Punjab were also encouraged to migrate to Skardu to set up commercial enterprises during this period. The Sikh population prospered, and continued to grow, eventually also settling in nearby Shigar and Khaplu . After

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1092-614: A single district. Ladakh would later be joined to the district, while Skardu would serve as the district's winter capital, with Leh as the summer capital, up until 1947. Under the administration of Mehta Mangal between 1875 and 1885, Skardu's Ranbirgarh was built as his headquarters and residence, as well as a cantonment and various other government buildings. Sikhs from Punjab were also encouraged to migrate to Skardu to set up commercial enterprises during this period. The Sikh population prospered, and continued to grow, eventually also settling in nearby Shigar and Khaplu . After

1183-485: Is Mr Najeeb Alam (PAS). This Gilgit-Baltistan location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Skardu Skardu ( Urdu : سکردو , romanized :  skardū , Tibetan script : སྦལ་ཏི།, pronounced [skərduː] ) is a city located in Pakistan administered Gilgit-Baltistan in the disputed Kashmir region. Skardu serves as the capital of Skardu District and

1274-585: Is a city located in Pakistan administered Gilgit-Baltistan in the disputed Kashmir region. Skardu serves as the capital of Skardu District and the Baltistan Division . It is situated at an average elevation of nearly 2,500 metres (8,202 feet) above sea level in the Skardu Valley , at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers. It is an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of

1365-519: Is believed to be derived from the Balti word meaning "a lowland between two high places." The two referenced "high places" are Shigar city, and the high-altitude Satpara Lake Local people might tend to write the name as སྐར་དོ་ according to how they pronounce it. But the meaning of which, as stated above, corresponds to the Tibetan word མདོ. In the course of the history of Balti, bilabial sound /m/ as

1456-556: Is believed to be the place where the Guru stayed in Skardu. Following the dissolution of Tibetan suzerainty over Baltistan in the 9th–10th century CE, Baltistan came under control of the local Maqpon dynasty, which, according to local tradition, is said to have been founded after a migrant from Kashmir named Ibrahim Shah married a local princess. In the 14th century, Muslim scholars from Kashmir crossed Baltistan 's mountains to spread Islam. The Noorbakshia Sufi order further propagated

1547-505: Is believed to be the place where the Guru stayed in Skardu. Following the dissolution of Tibetan suzerainty over Baltistan in the 9th–10th century CE, Baltistan came under control of the local Maqpon dynasty, which, according to local tradition, is said to have been founded after a migrant from Kashmir named Ibrahim Shah married a local princess. In the 14th century, Muslim scholars from Kashmir crossed Baltistan 's mountains to spread Islam. The Noorbakshia Sufi order further propagated

1638-590: Is home to the Shangrila Resort hotel complex (possibly the reason for the lake's alternative name), built in a Chinese style and another popular destination for tourists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir . The resort has a unique restaurant, set up inside the fuselage of an aircraft that crashed On 3 October 1953, a DC-3 Aircraft belonging to Orient Airways crashed landed after three minutes of taking off. Although all people on

1729-440: Is home to the Shangrila Resort hotel complex (possibly the reason for the lake's alternative name), built in a Chinese style and another popular destination for tourists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir . The resort has a unique restaurant, set up inside the fuselage of an aircraft that crashed On 3 October 1953, a DC-3 Aircraft belonging to Orient Airways crashed landed after three minutes of taking off. Although all people on

1820-642: Is ice melt from the Deosai plains during the summer season. Now Satpara Dam provides drinking water to the whole city of Skardu and agricultural water to major areas of Skardu, for example, Gayoul, Newrangha, Khlangranga, Shigari Khurd, etc. It is a multipurpose project, which will produce 17.36 megawatts hydro generation, irrigate 15,000 acres (61 km ) of land and provide 13 cusecs drinking water daily to Skardu city. Maqpon Dynasty Skardu ( Urdu : سکردو , romanized :  skardū , Tibetan script : སྦལ་ཏི།, pronounced [skərduː] )

1911-632: Is located in a passive structural element of the Himalayan thrust . The stone in the Skardu region is Katzarah schist , with a radiometric estimated age of 37 to 105 million years. Numerous complex granitic pegmatites and a few alpine-cleft metamorphic rock deposits are found in the Shigar Valley and its tributaries. Shigar Valley contains the Main Karakoram Thrust separating the metasediments (chlorite to amphibolite grade) on

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2002-440: Is located in a passive structural element of the Himalayan thrust . The stone in the Skardu region is Katzarah schist , with a radiometric estimated age of 37 to 105 million years. Numerous complex granitic pegmatites and a few alpine-cleft metamorphic rock deposits are found in the Shigar Valley and its tributaries. Shigar Valley contains the Main Karakoram Thrust separating the metasediments (chlorite to amphibolite grade) on

2093-683: Is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the countryside offering trout fishing and row boating. This lake is the source of Skardu's drinking water. The dam was mostly completed in 2011 and four powerhouse units are operational; the latest started operation in June 2013. The normal road route into Skardu is via the Karakorum Highway and a Skardu Road (S1) into the Skardu Valley from it. Roads once linked Skardu to Srinagar and Leh , though none are open for cross- LoC travel. Skardu's weather can have adverse effects on transport in and out of

2184-565: Is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the countryside offering trout fishing and row boating. This lake is the source of Skardu's drinking water. The dam was mostly completed in 2011 and four powerhouse units are operational; the latest started operation in June 2013. The normal road route into Skardu is via the Karakorum Highway and a Skardu Road (S1) into the Skardu Valley from it. Roads once linked Skardu to Srinagar and Leh , though none are open for cross- LoC travel. Skardu's weather can have adverse effects on transport in and out of

2275-521: The Baltistan Division . It is situated at an average elevation of nearly 2,500 metres (8,202 feet) above sea level in the Skardu Valley , at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers. It is an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of the nearby Karakoram mountain range. The Indus River running through the region separates the Karakoram from the Ladakh Range . The name "Skardu"

2366-594: The Pakistan Administrative service whereas Skardu District is administered by a Deputy Commissioner BPS-19 of the Pakistan Administrative Service . The Current DC Skardu is Karim Dad Chughtai. Skardu's Airport is situated at an elevation of 2,230 metres (7,320 feet) above sea level , though the mountain peaks surrounding Skardu reach elevations of 4,500–5,800 metres (14,800–19,000 feet). Upstream from Skardu are some of

2457-433: The Pakistan Administrative service whereas Skardu District is administered by a Deputy Commissioner BPS-19 of the Pakistan Administrative Service . The Current DC Skardu is Karim Dad Chughtai. Skardu's Airport is situated at an elevation of 2,230 metres (7,320 feet) above sea level , though the mountain peaks surrounding Skardu reach elevations of 4,500–5,800 metres (14,800–19,000 feet). Upstream from Skardu are some of

2548-659: The Partition of British India , on 22 October 1947, Pakistan launched a tribal invasion of Kashmir by Pashtuns leading to the Maharaja Hari Singh acceding to India . The Gilgit Scouts , under the leadership of Major William Brown , mutinied on 1 November 1948, bringing the Gilgit Agency under the control of Pakistan. Major Aslam Khan took over the command of the Gilgit Scouts, organized

2639-407: The Partition of British India , on 22 October 1947, Pakistan launched a tribal invasion of Kashmir by Pashtuns leading to the Maharaja Hari Singh acceding to India . The Gilgit Scouts , under the leadership of Major William Brown , mutinied on 1 November 1948, bringing the Gilgit Agency under the control of Pakistan. Major Aslam Khan took over the command of the Gilgit Scouts, organized

2730-549: The 1586 conquest of Baltistan by the Mughal Emperor Akbar . The local Maqpon rulers pledged allegiance, and from that point onwards, beginning with Ali Sher Khan Anchan , the kings of Skardu were mentioned as rulers of Little Tibet in the historiography of the Mughal Empire . Mughal forces again incurred into the region during the reign of Shah Jahan in 1634-6 under the forces of Zafar Khan, to settle

2821-415: The 1586 conquest of Baltistan by the Mughal Emperor Akbar . The local Maqpon rulers pledged allegiance, and from that point onwards, beginning with Ali Sher Khan Anchan , the kings of Skardu were mentioned as rulers of Little Tibet in the historiography of the Mughal Empire . Mughal forces again incurred into the region during the reign of Shah Jahan in 1634-6 under the forces of Zafar Khan, to settle

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2912-631: The 16th century CE. The fort provides a panoramic view of Skardu town, the Skardu valley and the Indus River . It was built by Maqpon dynasty rulers of Baltistan. It was a seven-storey building. Mostly local people say that Kharphocho is made by a ghost as they were servants of the ruler of that time. Kharphocho (Skardu) fort was built on a design similar to that of Leh Palace and the Potala Palace in Lhasa , Tibet . The name Kharpochhe means

3003-459: The 16th century CE. The fort provides a panoramic view of Skardu town, the Skardu valley and the Indus River . It was built by Maqpon dynasty rulers of Baltistan. It was a seven-storey building. Mostly local people say that Kharphocho is made by a ghost as they were servants of the ruler of that time. Kharphocho (Skardu) fort was built on a design similar to that of Leh Palace and the Potala Palace in Lhasa , Tibet . The name Kharpochhe means

3094-717: The April-to-October tourist season, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) 8 °C (46 °F). Temperatures can drop to below −10 °C (14 °F) in the December-to-January midwinter period. The lowest recorded temperature was −24.1 °C (−11 °F) on 7 January 1995. Skardu, along with Gilgit , is a major tourism, trekking and expedition hub in Gilgit–Baltistan . The mountainous terrain of

3185-466: The April-to-October tourist season, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) 8 °C (46 °F). Temperatures can drop to below −10 °C (14 °F) in the December-to-January midwinter period. The lowest recorded temperature was −24.1 °C (−11 °F) on 7 January 1995. Skardu, along with Gilgit , is a major tourism, trekking and expedition hub in Gilgit–Baltistan . The mountainous terrain of

3276-581: The Asian plate from the southern volcanoclastic rocks of the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc. Skardu features a cold semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification BSk ). The climate of Skardu during the summer is moderated by its mountain setting; the intense heat of lowland Pakistan does not reach it. The mountains block out the summer monsoon , and summer rainfall is thus quite low. However, these mountains result in very severe winter weather. During

3367-464: The Asian plate from the southern volcanoclastic rocks of the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc. Skardu features a cold semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification BSk ). The climate of Skardu during the summer is moderated by its mountain setting; the intense heat of lowland Pakistan does not reach it. The mountains block out the summer monsoon , and summer rainfall is thus quite low. However, these mountains result in very severe winter weather. During

3458-460: The Balti conquest of Laddakh took place in about 1594 A.D. The Raja of Laddakh was ultimately taken prisoner. Then Ali Sher Khan Anchan went to march on Gilgit with an army, and conquered Astore, Gilgit, Hunza , Nagar, and Chilas. From Gilgit he advanced to, and conquered, Chitral and Kafiristan. In 1839, Dogra commander Zorawar Singh Kahluria defeated Balti forces in battles at Wanko Pass and

3549-408: The Balti conquest of Laddakh took place in about 1594 A.D. The Raja of Laddakh was ultimately taken prisoner. Then Ali Sher Khan Anchan went to march on Gilgit with an army, and conquered Astore, Gilgit, Hunza , Nagar, and Chilas. From Gilgit he advanced to, and conquered, Chitral and Kafiristan. In 1839, Dogra commander Zorawar Singh Kahluria defeated Balti forces in battles at Wanko Pass and

3640-584: The Dogra maharaja in Jammu, and also to supply the fort's provisions. Following the Dogra victory, Muhammad Shah was crowned Raja of Skardu in return for his loyalty to the Jammu crown during the rebellion, and was able to exercise some power under the Dogra administration. Military commanders held real governing power in the area until 1851, when Kedaru Thanedar was installed as a civilian administrator of Baltistan. During this time, Skardu and Kargil were governed as

3731-480: The Dogra maharaja in Jammu, and also to supply the fort's provisions. Following the Dogra victory, Muhammad Shah was crowned Raja of Skardu in return for his loyalty to the Jammu crown during the rebellion, and was able to exercise some power under the Dogra administration. Military commanders held real governing power in the area until 1851, when Kedaru Thanedar was installed as a civilian administrator of Baltistan. During this time, Skardu and Kargil were governed as

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3822-420: The Maqpon dynasty extended the frontiers of Baltistan to as far as Gilgit Agency , Chitral , and Ladakh . Around the year 1500, Maqpon Bokha was crowned ruler and founded the city of Skardu as his capital. Skardu Fort was established around this time. During his reign, Makpon Bokha imported craftsmen to Skardu from Kashmir and Chilas to help develop the area's economy. While nearby Gilgit fell out of

3913-613: The Raja of Laddakh , Jamyang Namgyal, attacked the principalities in the district of Purik ( Kargil ), annihilating the Skardu garrison at Kharbu and putting to sword a number of petty Muslim rulers in the Muslim principalities in Purik (Kargil), Ali Sher Khan Anchan left with a strong army by way of Marol and, bypassing the Laddakhi army, occupied Leh , the capital of Laddakh. It appears that

4004-401: The Raja of Laddakh , Jamyang Namgyal, attacked the principalities in the district of Purik ( Kargil ), annihilating the Skardu garrison at Kharbu and putting to sword a number of petty Muslim rulers in the Muslim principalities in Purik (Kargil), Ali Sher Khan Anchan left with a strong army by way of Marol and, bypassing the Laddakhi army, occupied Leh , the capital of Laddakh. It appears that

4095-463: The Raja of Shigar has been transformed into a 20-room heritage guesthouse, with the grand audience hall serving as a museum of Balti culture and featuring select examples of fine wood-carvings, as well as other heritage objects. There are two Kachura lakes in Kachura Valley — the less well-known (Upper) Kachura Lake and the more famous Shangrila Lake ("Lower Kachura Lake"). Shangrila Lake

4186-399: The Raja of Shigar has been transformed into a 20-room heritage guesthouse, with the grand audience hall serving as a museum of Balti culture and featuring select examples of fine wood-carvings, as well as other heritage objects. There are two Kachura lakes in Kachura Valley — the less well-known (Upper) Kachura Lake and the more famous Shangrila Lake ("Lower Kachura Lake"). Shangrila Lake

4277-569: The Thano Kun plains, clearing his path for the invasion of the Skardu valley. He seized Skardu Fort on behalf of the Dogra dynasty based in Jammu, under the suzerainty of the Sikh Empire at that time. Singh's forces massacred a large number of the garrison's defenders, and publicly tortured Kahlon Rahim Khan of Chigtan in front of a crowd of local Baltis and their chiefs. In 1845, the region

4368-402: The Thano Kun plains, clearing his path for the invasion of the Skardu valley. He seized Skardu Fort on behalf of the Dogra dynasty based in Jammu, under the suzerainty of the Sikh Empire at that time. Singh's forces massacred a large number of the garrison's defenders, and publicly tortured Kahlon Rahim Khan of Chigtan in front of a crowd of local Baltis and their chiefs. In 1845, the region

4459-475: The Thano Kun plains, clearing his path to invade the Skardu valley. He seized Skardu Fort on behalf of the Dogra fiefdom of Jammu in the Sikh Empire . Singh's forces massacred a large number of the garrison's defenders, and publicly tortured Kahlon Rahim Khan of Chigtan in front of a crowd of local Baltis and their chiefs. Dogra forces failed in their 1841 attempt to conquer Tibet . Following their defeat, Ladakhis rebelled against Dogra rule. Baltis under

4550-475: The Thano Kun plains, clearing his path to invade the Skardu valley. He seized Skardu Fort on behalf of the Dogra fiefdom of Jammu in the Sikh Empire . Singh's forces massacred a large number of the garrison's defenders, and publicly tortured Kahlon Rahim Khan of Chigtan in front of a crowd of local Baltis and their chiefs. Dogra forces failed in their 1841 attempt to conquer Tibet . Following their defeat, Ladakhis rebelled against Dogra rule. Baltis under

4641-564: The aircraft survived the crash, the plane never saw another day in the sky. Kachura Lake is famous for its deep blue waters. The lakes, at 2,500 meters in elevation. Satpara Lake is Skardu Valley's main lake. In 2002, the Federal Government decided to build a dam on the Satpara Lake allocating $ 10 million to the project, in 2004. Progress has, however, been slow. Satpara Lake is 6 miles (9.7 km) from Skardu. Satpara Lake

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4732-434: The aircraft survived the crash, the plane never saw another day in the sky. Kachura Lake is famous for its deep blue waters. The lakes, at 2,500 meters in elevation. Satpara Lake is Skardu Valley's main lake. In 2002, the Federal Government decided to build a dam on the Satpara Lake allocating $ 10 million to the project, in 2004. Progress has, however, been slow. Satpara Lake is 6 miles (9.7 km) from Skardu. Satpara Lake

4823-508: The area's economy. While nearby Gilgit fell out of the orbit of Tibetan influence, Baltistan region remained connected due to its close proximity to Ladakh , the region which the dynasty routinely fought against. In the early 1500s, Sultan Said Khan of the Timurid Yarkent Khanate in what is now Xinjiang province of China, raided Baltistan. Given the threat illustrated by Sultan Said's invasion, Mughal attention

4914-432: The area's economy. While nearby Gilgit fell out of the orbit of Tibetan influence, Baltistan region remained connected due to its close proximity to Ladakh , the region which the dynasty routinely fought against. In the early 1500s, Sultan Said Khan of the Timurid Yarkent Khanate in what is now Xinjiang province of China, raided Baltistan. Given the threat illustrated by Sultan Said's invasion, Mughal attention

5005-459: The area's economy. While nearby Gilgit fell out of the orbit of Tibetan influence, Skardu's Baltistan region remained connected due to its close proximity to Ladakh , the region against which Skardu and neighbouring Khaplu routinely fought. Sikhs traditionally believe that Guru Nanak , the founder of Sikhism , visited Skardu during his second udasi journey between 1510 and 1515. Gurudwara Chota Nana Kiana, locally known as Asthan Nanak Peer,

5096-467: The city by the name of Eskerdou. After his mention, Skardu was quickly drawn into Asian maps produced in Europe, and was first mentioned as Eskerdow the map "Indiae orientalis nec non insularum adiacentium nova descriptio" publisbed by the Dutch engraver Nicolaes Visscher II between 1680 and 1700. The Skardu Valley , at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers , is 10 kilometres (6 miles) wide by 40 kilometres (25 miles) long. Active erosion in

5187-549: The confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers , is 10 kilometres (6 miles) wide by 40 kilometres (25 miles) long. Active erosion in the nearby Karakoram Mountains has resulted in enormous deposits of sediment throughout the Skardu valley. Glaciers from the Indus and Shigar valleys broadened the Skardu valley between 3.2 million years ago up to the Holocene approximately 11,700 years ago by scientists estimate. The Skardu region

5278-486: The dissolution of Tibetan suzerainty over Baltistan around the 9th–10th century CE, Baltistan came under the control of the local Maqpon Dynasty , a dynasty of Turkic extraction, which according to local tradition, is said to have been founded after a migrant from Kashmir named Ibrahim Shah married a local princess. The Maqpon kingdom ( Balti : དམག་པོན་རྒྱལ་པོ ) was located in Baltistan . The Maqpon dynasty ,

5369-502: 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. Around the year 1500, Maqpon Bokha was crowned ruler, and founded the city of Skardu as his capital. The Skardu Fort was established around this time. During his reign, King Makpon Bokha imported craftsmen from Kashmir and Chilas to help develop

5460-445: 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. Around the year 1500, Maqpon Bokha was crowned ruler, and founded the city of Skardu as his capital. The Skardu Fort was established around this time. During his reign, King Makpon Bokha imported craftsmen from Kashmir and Chilas to help develop

5551-514: The great fort — Khar in Tibetan means castle or fort and Chhe means great. Located on the route to the world's second highest mountain, K-2 is Shigar Fort. It is also known as Fong-Khar, which in the local language means the "Palace on the Rock". The complex at Shigar comprises the 400-year-old fort/palace and two more recent buildings: the "Old House" and the "Garden House". The former palace of

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5642-409: The great fort — Khar in Tibetan means castle or fort and Chhe means great. Located on the route to the world's second highest mountain, K-2 is Shigar Fort. It is also known as Fong-Khar, which in the local language means the "Palace on the Rock". The complex at Shigar comprises the 400-year-old fort/palace and two more recent buildings: the "Old House" and the "Garden House". The former palace of

5733-482: The largest glaciers in the world, including the Baltoro Glacier , Biafo Glacier , and Chogo Lungma Glacier . Some of the surrounding glaciers are surrounded by some of the world's tallest mountains, including K2 , the world's second tallest mountain at 8,611 metres (28,251 feet), Gasherbrum at 8,068 metres (26,470 feet), and Masherbrum at 7,821 metres (25,659 feet), these are some of the highest peaks in

5824-418: The largest glaciers in the world, including the Baltoro Glacier , Biafo Glacier , and Chogo Lungma Glacier . Some of the surrounding glaciers are surrounded by some of the world's tallest mountains, including K2 , the world's second tallest mountain at 8,611 metres (28,251 feet), Gasherbrum at 8,068 metres (26,470 feet), and Masherbrum at 7,821 metres (25,659 feet), these are some of the highest peaks in

5915-505: The leadership of Raja Ahmed Shah soon also rebelled against the Dogras, so Maharaja Gulab Singh dispatched his commander Wazir Lakhpat to recapture Skardu. His forces were able to convince a guard to betray the garrison by leaving a gate unlocked, thereby allowing Dogra forces to recapture the fort and massacre its Balti defenders. The raja of the Baltis was forced to pay an annual tribute to

6006-399: The leadership of Raja Ahmed Shah soon also rebelled against the Dogras, so Maharaja Gulab Singh dispatched his commander Wazir Lakhpat to recapture Skardu. His forces were able to convince a guard to betray the garrison by leaving a gate unlocked, thereby allowing Dogra forces to recapture the fort and massacre its Balti defenders. The raja of the Baltis was forced to pay an annual tribute to

6097-406: The local Maqpon Dynasty , a dynasty of Turkic extraction, which according to local tradition, is said to have been founded after a migrant from Kashmir named Ibrahim Shah married a local princess. The Maqpon kingdom ( Balti : དམག་པོན་རྒྱལ་པོ ) was located in Baltistan . The Maqpon dynasty , a Balti royal house based in Skardu, ruled over the region for around 700 years. The kings of

6188-424: The meaning of which, as stated above, corresponds to the Tibetan word མདོ. In the course of the history of Balti, bilabial sound /m/ as a prefix has been lost, and the vowel /o/ has turned into /u/, the same as many other dialects of Tibetan. The first mention of Skardu dates to the first half of the 16th century. Mirza Haidar (1499–1551) described Askardu in the 16th-century text Tarikh-i-Rashidi Baltistan as

6279-402: The mid 7th-century CE. Tibetan tantric scriptures were found all over Baltistan until about the 9th century. Given the region's close proximity, Skardu remained in contact with tribes near Kashgar , in what is now China 's westernmost province of Xinjiang . Following the dissolution of Tibetan suzerainty over Baltistan around the 9th–10th century CE, Baltistan came under the control of

6370-563: The nearby Askole and Hushe are the main gateways to the snow-covered 8,000-metre (26,000- foot ) peaks including K2 , the Gasherbrums , Broad Peak , and the Trango Towers , and to the huge glaciers of Baltoro , Biafo and Trango . This makes Skardu the main tourist and mountaineering base in the area, which has led to the development of a reasonably extensive tourist infrastructure including shops and hotels. The popularity of

6461-442: The nearby Askole and Hushe are the main gateways to the snow-covered 8,000-metre (26,000- foot ) peaks including K2 , the Gasherbrums , Broad Peak , and the Trango Towers , and to the huge glaciers of Baltoro , Biafo and Trango . This makes Skardu the main tourist and mountaineering base in the area, which has led to the development of a reasonably extensive tourist infrastructure including shops and hotels. The popularity of

6552-428: The nearby Karakoram mountain range. The Indus River running through the region separates the Karakoram from the Ladakh Range . The name "Skardu" is believed to be derived from the Balti word meaning "a lowland between two high places." The two referenced "high places" are Shigar city, and the high-altitude Satpara Lake Local people might tend to write the name as སྐར་དོ་ according to how they pronounce it. But

6643-497: The nearby Karakoram Mountains has resulted in enormous deposits of sediment throughout the Skardu valley. Glaciers from the Indus and Shigar valleys broadened the Skardu valley between 3.2 million years ago up to the Holocene approximately 11,700 years ago by scientists estimate. The Skardu region was part of the cultural sphere of Buddhist Tibet as early as the founding of the Tibetan Empire under Songtsen Gampo in

6734-404: The orbit of Tibetan influence, Skardu's Baltistan region remained connected due to its close proximity to Ladakh , the region against which Skardu and neighbouring Khaplu routinely fought. Sikhs traditionally believe that Guru Nanak , the founder of Sikhism , visited Skardu during his second udasi journey between 1510 and 1515. Gurudwara Chota Nana Kiana, locally known as Asthan Nanak Peer,

6825-463: The plains extend all the way to Ladakh and provide a habitat for snow leopards , ibex , Tibetan blue bears and wild horses. Skardu Fort or Kharphocho Fort lies on the eastern face of the Khardrong or Mindoq-Khar ("Castle of Queen Mindoq") hill 15 metres (49 feet) above Skardu town. The fort dates from the 8th century CE and contains an old mosque probably dating back to the arrival of Islam in

6916-406: The plains extend all the way to Ladakh and provide a habitat for snow leopards , ibex , Tibetan blue bears and wild horses. Skardu Fort or Kharphocho Fort lies on the eastern face of the Khardrong or Mindoq-Khar ("Castle of Queen Mindoq") hill 15 metres (49 feet) above Skardu town. The fort dates from the 8th century CE and contains an old mosque probably dating back to the arrival of Islam in

7007-703: The region results in high prices, especially during the main trekking season. Treks to the Deosai National Park and the Deosai Plains, the second highest in the world at 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, after the Chang Tang in Tibet , either start from or end at Skardu. In the local Balti language , Deosai is called Byarsa བྱིར་ས , meaning 'summer place'. With an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 sq mi),

7098-460: The region results in high prices, especially during the main trekking season. Treks to the Deosai National Park and the Deosai Plains, the second highest in the world at 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, after the Chang Tang in Tibet , either start from or end at Skardu. In the local Balti language , Deosai is called Byarsa བྱིར་ས , meaning 'summer place'. With an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 sq mi),

7189-518: The region, as Skardu is often snowbound during the winter months. Roads in and out of Skardu can be blocked for extended periods of time, sometimes leaving air travel as the only feasible alternative. On 2 December 2021, the Skardu International Airport was designated and re-inaugurated as an international airport after providing upgrades to the airport to become a tourism hub for Gilgit-Baltistan . Flydubai has submitted

7280-436: The region, as Skardu is often snowbound during the winter months. Roads in and out of Skardu can be blocked for extended periods of time, sometimes leaving air travel as the only feasible alternative. On 2 December 2021, the Skardu International Airport was designated and re-inaugurated as an international airport after providing upgrades to the airport to become a tourism hub for Gilgit-Baltistan . Flydubai has submitted

7371-500: The region, which includes four of the world's 14 Eight-thousander peaks, attracts tourists, trekkers and mountaineers from around the world . The main tourist season is from April to October; at other times of the year, the area can be cut off for extended periods by the snowy, freezing winter weather. Skardu now has a scenic airport which is now open for international flights courtesy of companies who relentless lobbied to facilitate international tourist. Accessible from Skardu by road,

7462-500: The region, which includes four of the world's 14 Eight-thousander peaks, attracts tourists, trekkers and mountaineers from around the world . The main tourist season is from April to October; at other times of the year, the area can be cut off for extended periods by the snowy, freezing winter weather. Skardu now has a scenic airport which is now open for international flights courtesy of companies who relentless lobbied to facilitate international tourist. Accessible from Skardu by road,

7553-599: The world. The Deosai National Park , the world's second highest alpine plain, is located upstream of Skardu as well. Downstream from Skardu is located the Nanga Parbat mountain at 8,126 metres (26,660 feet). Skardu is located along the Kohistan-Ladakh terrane , formed as a magmatic arch over a Tethyan subduction zone that was later accreted onto the Eurasian Plate . The region has low seismic activity compared to surrounding regions, suggesting that Skardu

7644-476: The world. The Deosai National Park , the world's second highest alpine plain, is located upstream of Skardu as well. Downstream from Skardu is located the Nanga Parbat mountain at 8,126 metres (26,660 feet). Skardu is located along the Kohistan-Ladakh terrane , formed as a magmatic arch over a Tethyan subduction zone that was later accreted onto the Eurasian Plate . The region has low seismic activity compared to surrounding regions, suggesting that Skardu

7735-479: Was completely subjugated by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir . and the last Maqpon King was taken as prisoner. Genealogy of Maqpon rulers: (May 1840 Dogra invasion ) In the early 1500s, Sultan Said Khan of the Timurid Yarkent Khanate , of what is now Xinjiang , raided Skardu and Baltistan. Given the threat illustrated by Sultan Said's invasion, Mughal attention was aroused, prompting

7826-404: Was completely subjugated by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir . and the last Maqpon King was taken as prisoner. Genealogy of Maqpon rulers: (May 1840 Dogra invasion ) In the early 1500s, Sultan Said Khan of the Timurid Yarkent Khanate , of what is now Xinjiang , raided Skardu and Baltistan. Given the threat illustrated by Sultan Said's invasion, Mughal attention was aroused, prompting

7917-407: Was part of the cultural sphere of Buddhist Tibet as early as the founding of the Tibetan Empire under Songtsen Gampo in the mid 7th-century CE. Tibetan tantric scriptures were found all over Baltistan until about the 9th century. Given the region's close proximity, Skardu remained in contact with tribes near Kashgar , in what is now China 's westernmost province of Xinjiang . Following

8008-512: Was repulsed, but the city fell into the rebel hands, cutting off supplies to the garrison. After holding the garrison for 6 months and 3 days, Thapa and his forces surrendered on 14 August 1948. The city of Skardu constitutes a tehsil within Skardu District. Skardu District itself is the part of the larger Baltistan Division . The Skardu city being a tehsil/taluka is administered by an Assistant Commissioner of BPS-17 belonging to

8099-447: Was repulsed, but the city fell into the rebel hands, cutting off supplies to the garrison. After holding the garrison for 6 months and 3 days, Thapa and his forces surrendered on 14 August 1948. The city of Skardu constitutes a tehsil within Skardu District. Skardu District itself is the part of the larger Baltistan Division . The Skardu city being a tehsil/taluka is administered by an Assistant Commissioner of BPS-17 belonging to

8190-437: Was roused, prompting the 1586 conquest of Baltistan by the Mughal Emperor Akbar . The local Maqpon rulers pledged allegiance, and from that point onwards, beginning with Ali Sher Khan Anchan , the kings of Skardu were mentioned as rulers of Little Tibet in the historiography of the Mughal Empire . In 1580, Ali Sher Khan Anchan became the Maqpon king. He expanded the borders of the kingdom from Gilgit to Ladakh . When

8281-437: Was roused, prompting the 1586 conquest of Baltistan by the Mughal Emperor Akbar . The local Maqpon rulers pledged allegiance, and from that point onwards, beginning with Ali Sher Khan Anchan , the kings of Skardu were mentioned as rulers of Little Tibet in the historiography of the Mughal Empire . In 1580, Ali Sher Khan Anchan became the Maqpon king. He expanded the borders of the kingdom from Gilgit to Ladakh . When

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