 Skardu,
the capital of
Baltistan, is
situated on the
banks of the mighty
river Indus, just 8
km above its
confluence with the
river Shigar. Around
it are high peaks,
deep gorges and some
of the most
beautiful mountain
scenery on the
planet.
During the summer,
Skardu attracts a
large number of
trekkers and
mountaineers from
all parts of the
world. In fact, the
entire region is
known as
mountaineers'
paradise. Nowhere in
the world does one
find such a large
collection of lofty
peaks, including K-2
the world's second
highest peak, and
huge glaciers like
Baltoro, Biafo and
Siachen, some of the
largest in the world
outside the Polar
region, as in this
16,283 square km
(10,118 square
miles) of
wonderland.
There are five main
valleys in the
district Baltistan,
Shigar, Khaplu,
Rondu, Skardu and
Kharmang. All of
them produce
apricots, peaches,
pears and apples in
such profusion that
this region is known
as the land of
apricots and apples.
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