Baltistan facts for kids
Baltistan (Urdu: بلتستان), also known as Baltiyul in the local Balti language, is a beautiful mountain region in northern Pakistan. It shares a border with Xinjiang, an autonomous region of China. This area is part of the mighty Karakoram mountains. It is located just south of K2, which is the second-highest mountain in the world! Baltistan is very high up, with an average height of over 3,350 meters (about 11,000 feet) above sea level. Most people living here are Balti Shi'a Muslims. They are of Tibetan background and changed from Tibetan Buddhism to Islam before the 16th century.
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A Look at Baltistan's History
Baltistan was once an independent state, meaning it ruled itself. However, in the 1800s, the King (Raja) of Kashmir took control of it. When India and Pakistan became independent countries in 1947, Baltistan was still part of Kashmir. Today, the region is divided between Pakistan and India.
Modern Changes and Democracy
A big change happened in Baltistan on November 12, 2009. Elections were held, which was a major step for the region. Before this, Baltistan was ruled by a feudal Raja (a powerful local king) and then by the Pakistani military. Many people believe that having democracy will help Baltistan grow. It is hoped that it will bring more economic development and give local people more power over their own lives.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Karakoram Highway and the Indus River in Baltistan.
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A map showing the disputed region of Baltistan.
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Dark blue shows Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, and Kharmang districts; light blue shows Kargil.
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Skardu, the capital city of Baltistan.
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Baltistan division, shown in dark green, within Gilgit Baltistan.
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Skardu in the 1800s.
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Ahmed Shah, the last Maqpon king before the 1840 Dogra invasion.
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The Baltoro Glacier; at 62 kilometers (39 miles) long, it is one of the longest Alpine glaciers on Earth.
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Laila Peak, located in the Hushe Valley.
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Golden marmots in Deosai National Park.
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Balti children from the Shigar Valley.
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The Chaqchan Mosque in Khaplu.
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A polo match in Skardu around 1820, from Godfrey Vigne's Travels in Kashmir, Ladak, Iskardo, the countries adjoining the mountain-course of the Indus, and the Himalaya, north of the Panjab.
See also
In Spanish: Baltistán para niños
