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Draft:Braldo Valley

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A wide mountain valley with a winding river, surrounded by green slopes and snow-covered peaks.
Braldo Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Braldu Valley
Floor elevation3300 m
Length78 km
Geography
LocationGilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Coordinates35°41′N 75°49′E / 35.683°N 75.817°E / 35.683; 75.817
RiverBraldu River
Map

Braldu Valley (also spelled Braldo Valley) is a remote and scenic valley located in the Shigar District of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. It runs along the

Braldu River, originating from the glaciers of the Karakoram Range, and is known for its access to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, Masherbrum, and the Trango Towers.

Geography

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The Braldu River begins at the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and Biafo Glacier and flows eastward through steep mountainous terrain. It eventually joins the Shigar River. The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, glacial systems, and rugged landscapes that are among the most dramatic in the Karakoram.

Villages

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Braldu Valley consists of approximately 19 villages, each showcasing Balti culture and traditional lifestyles. From east to west, the main villages include:

  • Tiston
  • Dassu
  • Nid
  • Bangsa
  • Apo Ali Gon
  • Hoo
  • Chaqpo
  • Kunar
  • Xaidar
  • Pakora
  • Hoto
  • Sino
  • Chongo
  • Thongal
  • Surango
  • Askole
  • Korphy
  • Monjing
  • Testay

Testay and Askole is the last settlements of Braldu Valley and serves as a major gateway to the Baltoro Glacier, Biafo Glacier, K2 Base Camp, and the Gondogoro La pass. Askole is another notable village, often recognized as the final accessible point by road for mountaineering expeditions heading toward Concordia.

Glaciers and Peaks

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Braldu Valley offers access to several important glaciers and peaks:

History

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In ancient times, Braldu Valley was connected to Yarkand in China via the historic Mustagh Pass (Mushtaq route). This route formed part of the old trans-Himalayan trade networks, allowing the exchange of goods and cultural contact between Baltistan and Central Asia. Over time, due to glaciation and political boundaries, this route became defunct.

Culture

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The people of Braldu Valley are predominantly Balti and speak the Balti language. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and mountaineering services form the core of the local economy. Cultural traditions such as religious events, dress, and hospitality have been preserved across generations.

Tourism

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Braldu Valley is an important region for trekking and climbing tourism. It serves as the launching point for expeditions to K2, Snow Lake, and the Hispar-Biafo glacial traverse. Tourists generally reach the valley via Skardu, followed by road travel through Shigar and the lower Braldu settlements.

See also

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References

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1.[1][circular reference]

2.[2]

3.[3]

4.[4]

5.[5]

6.[6]

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Category:Valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan Category:Karakoram Category:Glaciers of Pakistan Category:Tourist attractions in Gilgit-Baltistan Category:Mountain valleys

  1. ^ "Braldu River". Wikipedia. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  2. ^ "Mindat.org - Braldu Fluorite". Mindat.org. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  3. ^ "Braldu Fluorite". Gem Adventurer. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  4. ^ Seong, Yeong Bae; Bishop, Michael P.; Bush, Andrew; Clendon, Penny; Copland, Luke; Finkel, Robert C.; Kamp, Ulrich; Owen, Lewis A.; Shroder, John F. (15 January 2009). "Fluorite mineralization in the Skardu Basin, northern Pakistan". Journal of Geochemical Exploration. Mountain glaciation and landscape evolution. 103 (2): 251–267. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.04.026. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  5. ^ "Braldu Valley road bridges". DangerousRoads.org. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  6. ^ Callieri, P.F.; Colliva, L., ed. (2007). "Dwellings in the Snow: Living Traditions in the Braldu Valley, Baltistan". South Asian Archaeology 2007, Vol. II. BAR International Series. pp. 307–314. Retrieved 14 April 2025.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)