Gahkuch (Gilgit Baltistan)

 

Gahkuch is the capital of Ghizer at the distance of 72km from Gilgit City on Shandur Gilgit Road. It is surrounded by mountains on the bank of the Gilgit River. There are all types of accommodations including PTDC hotel for tourists. It is a lush green valley with high mountains. The view of the Gilgit River in Gahkuch is very of beauty due to the wideness of the river in this area. Another wonderful view is the confluence of the Gilgit River and the Ishkoman River.

About Ghizer

Ghizer district is located along the Gilgit River on the west of the Gilgit River. It is the most beautiful and attractive valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. It has a number of colorful valleys with singing streams within the green fields. It is the gateway to Chitral from the Gilgit side via Shandur Pass.

Ghizer is located at a distance of 90 km from Gilgit City. It includes Ishkoman and Punial valleys. It is bounded by Gilgit, Nagar, Tangir, Darel, and Gupis Yasin. It is also attached to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.

Punial Valley is the most favorite tourist place in the Ghizer district. It is situated in high mountains with elevations of 5,000 to 6,000 feet along the Gilgit River. Gahkuch is the capital of Ghizer and the most attractive place to visit due to its spectacular scenic views. There are several accommodations including PTDC hotel for tourists. The Gilgit River has a wider bed near Gahkuch, so it gives a magnificent view of the Gilgit River.

Kanchey Bridge Gahkuch is a famous bridge used to cross the Gilgit River. It was built in 1994. It is used to cross the Gilgit River to access the Chitral-Gilgit Road from the Punial Road.

Sher Qilla is the village on the opposite side of the Gilgit River. It is situated at a distance of 40 km from Gahkuch on the south of Bichhar Pass. A wooden bridge is used to cross the river to access the village. It has a number of colorful and attractive valleys.

Nalter Pass is located between Naltar and Ghizer, to the north of Shani Peak in Nalter Valley. Bichhar Pass, at an elevation of 14,869 feet, is situated between Gilgit and Ghizer districts. Another pass, named Chillinji Pass, is located near the Koz Sar Peak on the boundary of Ishkoman Ghizer and Chapursan Valley in Upper Hunza, Gojal. Ishkoman River or Karambar River flows from here and merges with the Ghizer River at Gahkuch.

Ishkoman Valley is a high mountain valley at an elevation between 7,000 and 12,000 feet above sea level and located in the Ghizer district at a distance of 52 km. From Gahkuch take the next right turn along the Ishkoman River on Ishkoman Valley Road. It has a common border with Pamir Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. Ishkoman valley is just located in front of Shiniki Peak. There are famous treks toward the passes from the Ishkoman. One can start from Asumbar village in Ishkoman. To trek these passes, one must have camps, other necessary equipment, and a local guide.

Chatorkhand is a beautiful village in the passage toward Ishkoman. It is vast land along the Ishkoman River with a lush green meadow with a large number of trees. These trees give a very fantastic view of the valley. It is a place to stay for two to three hours, or one can stay there for a night to enjoy the singing river with cool and pleasant weather. Shani Peak is clearly visible on the right side of the Chatorkhand village. Different streams, Phakor and Hayul Gol, merge into the Ishkoman River, also known as the Karamber River

The Chiantar Sar is the highest peak at an elevation of 21,050 feet, in Ghizer district in the Hindukush Range on the boundary of Ghizer and Afghanistan.