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LOCATION: PTDC’s
Motel at Khaplu is situated at a distance of 103 Kilometers
from Skardu involving about 4 hours traveling time. It lies
in the beautiful valley of the Shyok river. Many famous
mountains such as Masher brum, Saltoro, Sia Gangri, K-6
and K-7 are located here. PIA operates a daily flight from
Islamabad to Skardu (all flights are subject to weather).
From Skardu jeeps are conveniently available on hire.
ACCOMMODATION:
The motel has 16 rooms, restaurant offering local and continental
food, Satellite TV and Resnt-a-Jeep facilities.
GENERAL
INFORMATION: Baltistan is known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd"
or Little Tibet since its life-style reflects that of the
roof of the World and Land of Lamas.It borders on the Chinese
province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir. The tourist
season is from April to October. The maximum temperature
is 27C and the minimum (October) 8C.
The whole of Northern Pakistan has come to be known as a
paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers and hikers.
While visiting Baltistan, you cannot afford to miss Khaplu
and the grandeur of lofty mountains surrounding this splendid
tourist destination, otherwise you might have missed much
in life!
WHAT
TO SEE?Apart
from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers
Baltistan’s five valleys- Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu
and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots,
apples and pears. Shigar valley, 32 kms. by jeep from Skardu
is the gateway to the mountain peaks of the Karakorams.
Skardu has a historic Fort atop a ridge known as the Mindoq-Khar
or Castle of Queen Mindoq and three lovely lakes. The two-
Kachura Lake 29 kms. and Stapra Lake 8 kms. from Sakrdu-
are ideal for fishing.
WILD
FLOWERS AND BROWN BEARS OF DEOSAI : The
Deosai Plains are 32 km south of Skardu. This plateau is the
habitat of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and
many other wild animals. At an average elevation of 3500 metres,
Deosai is now a National Park and protected area for wildlife.
The
rolling grassland here supports no trees or shrubs and the
area is snow covered for seven months of the year. Spring
comes to Deosai in August when millions of wild flowers
begin to bloom all over the lush green grassland. This is
a time when Deosai looks like a paradise with a landscape
full of wild flowers on green rolling hills and crystal
clear water streams with snow covered peaks in the background.
An
adventure jeep safari will take you right across the beautiful
mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling
on KKH, you will enjoy the most spectacular scenery on earth.
Before reaching Deosai, you will also witness the magical
views of Nanaga Parbat (8126 m), the ninth highest peak
of the world. At Deosai, you first stop will be at Sheosar
Lake. This place offers beautiful views of south fact of
Nanga Parbat and a panoramic view of Deosai Plains. At Bara
Pani, you can spend one day and visit the core of the National
Park for Bear watching or you may enjoy fishing in the cold
waters or Barwai Stream. From Deosai, you can travel back
via Skardu and Gilgit to enjoy the most thrilling drive
along the Indus River..
PERMISSIONS:
Permission for mountaineering and
trekking is issued by the Tourism Division, Government of
Pakistan, Opp: Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway
(Abpara), Islamabad. (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing
permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit
and Skardu.
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Pakistan Motels
