Kharmang (Gilgit Baltistan)
Kharmang is a district in Gilgit-Baltistan at a distance of 311 km from Gilgit City on the banks of the Indus River along Kargil-Skardu Road. It is located on the Control Line between Pakistan and India, with Kargil district of Indian-Occupied Jumma & Kashmir.
It has boundaries with Ghanche, Skardu, and Astore districts. It also shares its boundary with the Kargil district and Leh district in Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. It can be accessed through Kargil-Skardu Road by turning on the right side along the Indus River after passing Skardu City. The area is strategically important due to the Line of Control and the Kargil war in 1990 between Pakistan and India.
Kharmang valley is located along the right bank of the Indus River and is one of the main valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan. It has a number of attractions due to its beautiful waterfalls, riversides, and lush green orchards of fruits.
Kharmang is also known as the land of waterfalls and forts. There were several forts constructed in the era of Ali Sher Khan Anchan. Kharmang Fort is one the most famous of them in the Gambat Brok town on the left bank of the Indus River. It is an attractive and beautiful old-styled building. It was built in the Maqpon dynasty in the 17th century for defense purposes.
Manthokha Waterfall is situated on the right side of the Indus River on the Kargil-Skardu Road after crossing the Ghasing village in the Kharmang district at a distance of 40 km from Skardu city. It is nearly 180 feet high on the rocky mountains of the Karakorum within the lush green pastures.
Khamosh Waterfall is located near Ahmadabad in the Kharmang district at a distance of 60 km from Skardu city. It has a splendid fall of water between the huge standing rocks. It is one of the most beautiful and natural waterfalls.
Turghanchu Lake, a glacier lake, is situated in a remote area of Kharmang valley. It can be accessed by turning to the right side of Kargil-Skardu Road. A 23 km small trek leads toward the lake. It has a scenic beauty within the snow-covered mountains.
Ghandus Lake is located in Ghandus village on the Gaeche River. It can be accessed via Kargil-Skardu road after crossing the Gamba Paari bridge. You have to trek along the Gaeche River to access this lake, or hire a jeep for Ghandus village and trek toward the lake. It is a beautiful blue water lake within the high mountain standing rocks. It is famous due to the abundant quality of trout fish and other water life in it. The source of water is the snowfall on the surrounding mountains.
Kharmang Rumbukha is a scenic valley in the Kharmang district full of singing streams within the lush green orchards and field.
Tolti Valley is a lush green valley full of green fields due to its fertile land on the left bank of the Indus River. It is also the administrative capital of the Kharmang district. It is located near Kusuru River on Kargil-Skardu Road 35 km after the confluence of the Shayok River with the Indus River. There are numerous scenic views of lush green fields and orchards.
The confluence of the Shayok River and the Indus River is a beautiful point to stay at for awhile. It gives a splendid view of the mixing waters of both rivers.
Kharmang is also famous for several orchards and fields. It produces the best quality fruits such as apple, apricot, and cherry.