Wadi-e-Karakoram (Gilgit-Baltistan)

Wadi-e-Karakoram: The Hidden Paradise of Gilgit-Baltistan

Wadi-e-Karakoram might be one of the most spectacular yet lesser-known valleys in Pakistan. It lies in the middle of breathtaking mountainous scenery of Gilgit-Baltistan within the magnificent Karakoram Range, therefore, providing a glimpse of nature still unspoiled by man itself in its white peaks, clean rivers, grassy meadows, and antiquity of old culture. A lesser-known valley, hidden behind the famous Hunza and Skardu valleys, is now slowly opening up as an adventure destination for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture vultures alike.

The Karakoram Range is a wonder of geology, which houses some of the world’s highest peaks, like K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. This great mountain range has in the center, placed the valley of Wadi-e-Karakoram, which, on one hand, claims to have some of the world’s tallest peaks, such as Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and many more, which gives a lot of this unique topography to the region. Wadi-e-Karakoram is far less commercialized than the rest of the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, and may offer an unworldly serenity way from the hustle of life in these days.

### Geography and Natural Beauty of Wadi-e-Karakoram

A strech along foothills of this range of Karkoram stretches Wadi-e-Karakoram, making this one of the most spectacular and natural regions worldwide. Rugged terrain gives character to this region; such deep gorges and fast rivers come forth from the heights of the peak of mountains covered in a sheet of snow at their top. It is so mesmerizing with that magnificence at the hands of nature such that depicts Wadi-e-Karakoram to be breathtaking beautiful.

Among many features of the valley, one catches the eye of a visitor: the magnificent river. The Gilgit River brings water to the lush green and serenity to any visitor visiting the region-so crystal clear and manifestly majestic in their way of moving through the valley. No wildflowers and trees stand by the bank during camping or hiking or sitting by the serene waters.

The towering peaks of Karakoram Range also lure mountaineers and trekkers. However, it cannot be reached through the same track as other sectors of Gilgit-Baltistan. But being part of a journey to see Wadi-e-Karakoram is a virtue in itself, and there stands the view of towering glaciers-there’s that of Biafo Glacier-a glacier that surpasses most lengths of glaciers the world over out of the two polar regions-the one to glance at while landing in this tourist destination. Well, one can trek through this land and savour gazing views of these glaciers along with rugged mountains that accompany the glaciers. Seriously, a haven for adventure junkies as much as photographers also.

### Wadi-e-Karakoram – A Sojourn through this excursion to Valleys

There are several small sub-valleys in Wadi-e-Karamoram, every one of these having its specific aesthetic beauty plus social experiences as well. Smaller villages sit here, taking along with it an ambience where communities thrive and survive among the nature that lies all around. The communities hold a glorious and warm hospitality in these villages and their continuation in age-old traditions. On the historical date, various such landmarks dot this valley and form ancient forts, shrines, and ancient remnants of the religion of the Buddhist faith. #### Gojal Valley **1.
Perhaps the most visited region in Wadi-e-Karakoram is the Gojal Valley along the borders of China and Afghanistan.

Gojal is a high altitude place surrounded by snow-crowned peaks. It is a great destination for trekking and mountaineering purposes. The Attabad Lake, which was created due to the massive landslide in 2010, is a scenic wonder. Attabad Lake offers blue-colored, sightseeing boat tours inside the water of the lake. They encircle the mountains’ valley during their journey whereas the surroundings along with lush green nature. 2. Hunza River and its tributaries :

The wonders of rivers are not restricted only to Wadi-e-Karakoram alone because one of the most magnificent rivers is the Hunza River, whose sources throw open in glaciers in the range of Karakoram. For example, it waters and irrigates the fertile land behind it with each twist and turn as it winds its way through the valley, where it waters many orchids laden with juicy fruits, cherries, apricots, apples, and almonds. Naltar and Khunjerab are surrounded by beautiful valleys of terraced fields, small farming communities, and enchanting vistas of snow-capped peaks.

**3. Khunjerab Pass**

Wadi-e-Karakoram also has the Khunjerab Pass that separates Pakistan from China.

The pass stands at a height of more than 4,700 meters above sea level. The Khunjerab Pass is the world’s highest international paved border crossing. It has great scenic mountain and strategic importance because it has been standing along the silk road for thousands of years through the Silk road. Being a stop over, though during your visits to one and only two endangered species available exclusively in the khunjerab national park found nowhere else the snow leopard along with Marco polo sheep ### **Deep rich culture and history**

This is yet another thing: rich cultural heritage that Wadi-e-Karakoram possesses. Hunzakuts are natives of the region and hence very attached to their land and tradition. The people converse in Burushaski, the language spoken by no one in the world save in the region, and there is a way of life in Hunza unchanged from the ages.

The Hunza Valley is also much renowned for very lively culture. Other than the music, dance, and folk shows, many ancient festivals are hosted here. In addition, the place is well-known for centuries-old forts and historical sites offering a view of history and royalty heritage of this place, for example, Hunza’s Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, which is centuries old.

Wadi-e-Karakoram also hosts various religious places in the shape of old Buddhist stupas and mosques, which project the diversified religious powers ruling the region for centuries. The second reason this valley is a place of interest for enthusiasts of history and anthropology is the cultural diversity of Wadi-e-Karakoram.

### Adventure and Trekking in Wadi-e-Karakoram

Wadi-e-Karakoram has been a favorite destination for trekking and mountaineering for long. The rugged terrain, big glaciers, and towering peaks make the place quite ideal for trekking expeditions. Two of the most famous treks include Rakaposhi base camp, the world’s 27th highest mountain, and Biafo Glacier, the world’s longest glacier trek.

This route passes through Wadi-e-Karakoram connecting Pakistan with China, thereby also allowing an extremely beautiful and panoramic route to the tourists, traveling while having a view of the stunning landscape of this range. This highway has also famously been referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” with breath-taking panoramic views of the Karakoram Range and its glaciers.

Other adventures for the more adventurous include mountain biking, climbing, and trekking in tented camps into some of the last pristine and uninhabited parts of the high mountains. All this makes a haven for fans of the outside and nature and the peaceful climate and dramatic scenes.

### Challenges and Preservation of Wadi-e-Karakoram

Wadi-e-Karakoram is one gem for travelers, but a few preservation and development issues exist.

It is pretty far-flung and out-of-the-way, and developing any infrastructure is arduous to say the least. Construction of roads and accommodations in an inhospitable environment poses tremendous challenges for environmental sensitivity. Mass tourism will eventually mar even that fragile ecological entity of a valley, making environmentally friendly travels of great necessity as well as proper tourism promotion an imperative for developing this location into a desirable getaway. The climate change, now rapidly increasing, also poses problems to the region. Long-term impacts from the melting glaciers and weather change can affect local communities and the natural environment.

### Conclusion

Wadi-e-Karakoram is one of the most interesting and less-explored areas of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. This place is heaven for nature lovers, trekkers, and those looking for a way out from the modern world. It has towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and verdant valleys. Rich in cultural heritage and warm hospitality of its people, Wadi-e-Karakoram makes an unforgettable destination.

As this wonder is fast being approached for tourism, so it has to be promoted taking care that this tourism growth also follows the cause of conservation because an ecosystem forms the core and everything has to go around the protection of its grandeur; all this must remain intact to make this stunning culture thrive with full beauty. Wadi-e-Karakoram is an evidence of the raw, untamed north extremity of Pakistan along with being one of the highly serene getaways in case of seeking a distance from the world.