Gilgit Baltistan is a region with a rich cultural and historical heritage, with a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. Here are the top 5 historical sites located in Gilgit Baltistan:
- Kargah Buddha
- Altit Fort
- Baltit Fort
- Shigar Fort
- Gilgit Rock Carvings
Kargah Buddha
The Kargah Buddha is a rock-carved statue of Buddha that dates back to the 7th century CE. It is located on the Karakoram Highway near the town of Gilgit and is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the region.
The Kargah Buddha is a rock carving of Buddha, which is situated on a large boulder that overlooks the Kargah River. The carving is approximately 14 feet high and 9 feet wide, and is considered to be one of the largest rock carvings of Buddha in the world.
The carving is believed to have been created during the time when Buddhism was flourishing in the region. It is also thought that the carving was made by artists who were influenced by the Gandhara art style, which was prevalent in the region at that time.
The Kargah Buddha is considered to be an important symbol of religious harmony in the region. While Buddhism was the predominant religion in the area at the time the carving was made, the region is now predominantly Muslim. Despite this, the carving is still respected and revered by people of all faiths in the area.
Today, the Kargah Buddha is a popular tourist attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan, and attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in the region’s rich religious and cultural history.
Altit Fort
The Altit Fort is a 900-year-old fort located in the Hunza Valley. It was the seat of power of the Hunza Kingdom and is a fine example of traditional Balti architecture.
The fort has a long and rich history, including its involvement in several wars and conflicts over the centuries.
One of the most significant conflicts in which Altit Fort played a role was the invasion of the Hunza valley by the Mir of Nagar in the 16th century. The Mir of Nagar was a powerful ruler who sought to extend his influence over neighboring territories, including Hunza. The invasion led to a protracted war between the two kingdoms, with Altit Fort serving as a strategic stronghold for the Hunza defenders. The fort was eventually captured by the Mir of Nagar, but the Hunza rulers were able to regain control of the region after several years of conflict.
Another notable conflict in which Altit Fort played a role was the rebellion of the Hunza valley against the British colonial authorities in the late 19th century. The Hunza rulers, who had long maintained their independence from outside powers, were reluctant to accept British rule and resisted British attempts to establish control over the region. The fort served as a rallying point for the Hunza rebels, who were able to hold off British forces for several years before ultimately surrendering in 1892.
Throughout its history, Altit Fort has been a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Hunza people. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the fort’s ancient architecture and learn about its rich history, including its role in the region’s many conflicts and wars.
Baltit Fort
The Baltit Fort is a 700-year-old fort located in the Hunza Valley. It was the seat of power of the Hunza Kingdom and is a fine example of traditional Hunza architecture.
Shigar Fort
The Shigar Fort is a 17th-century fort located in the Shigar Valley. It was the seat of power of the Raja of Shigar and is one of the most impressive examples of traditional Balti architecture in the region.
The fort has a long and rich history, including its involvement in several wars and conflicts over the centuries.
One of the most significant conflicts in which Shigar Fort played a role was the invasion of Baltistan by the Dogra forces of Jammu in the 19th century. The Dogra rulers, who were allies of the British, sought to expand their influence over the Himalayan region and had set their sights on Baltistan. The Balti rulers resisted Dogra rule and fought a long and bitter war against the invaders. Shigar Fort served as a strategic stronghold for the Balti defenders and played a crucial role in repelling Dogra attacks. Despite the fort’s strong defenses, the Balti rulers were eventually defeated and forced to accept Dogra rule over their kingdom.
Another notable conflict in which Shigar Fort played a role was the rebellion of the Hunza valley against the British colonial authorities in the late 19th century. The Shigar Fort served as a rallying point for the Hunza rebels, who were able to hold off British forces for several years before ultimately surrendering in 1892.
Throughout its history, Shigar Fort has been a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Balti people. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and has been restored as a heritage hotel. Visitors can explore the fort’s ancient architecture and learn about its rich history, including its role in the region’s many conflicts and wars.
Gilgit Rock Carvings
The Gilgit Rock Carvings are a series of rock carvings that date back to between 500 BCE and 500 CE. They are located on the Karakoram Highway near the town of Gilgit and provide valuable insights into the ancient history and culture of the region.
The carvings depict a variety of Buddhist symbols and figures, including images of the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other religious figures. The carvings also include inscriptions in Kharosthi, a script used in ancient Gandhara.
The Gilgit Rock Carvings are thought to have been created by artists who were influenced by the Gandharan art style, which was prevalent in the region at the time. The carvings are believed to have been made during the time when Buddhism was flourishing in the region, and were likely created as part of religious or ceremonial activities.
Over the centuries, the carvings were exposed to the elements and gradually became covered in dirt and debris. In recent years, however, efforts have been made to preserve and protect the carvings, and they have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, the Gilgit Rock Carvings are a popular tourist attraction and are visited by thousands of people each year. Visitors can explore the site and view the ancient carvings, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.
