Rakaposhi facts for kids
Rakaposhi (also spelled Räkapoşi) is a huge mountain in the Karakoram mountain range, located in Pakistan. It stands tall in the Nagar Valley, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the city of Gilgit.
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What Does Rakaposhi Mean?
The name Rakaposhi means "shining wall" in the local language. This is because its steep sides often look bright and shiny, especially when covered in snow or ice. Rakaposhi is also known as Dumani, which means "Mother of Mist."
This amazing mountain is ranked as the 27th highest mountain in the world. It is also the 12th highest mountain in Pakistan.
History of the Nagar Area
Rakaposhi is located in the Nagar Valley. For a long time, Nagar was a special area that governed itself. It worked closely with its neighbor, Hunza.
The British took control of both Nagar and Hunza between 1889 and 1892. Even though the British were in charge, Nagar kept its special status as a 'principality' until 1947. This meant it still had its own local rulers. However, it was also seen as connected to Kashmir, though Kashmir never directly ruled it. The rulers of Nagar would send yearly gifts to the Kashmir leaders until 1947.
In 1947, when Pakistan became an independent country, Nagar joined Pakistan. It continued to be a semi-independent area for some years.
In 1968, a local leader named Syed Yahya Shah asked for more rights for the people of Nagar. Later, in 1974, the government of Pakistan decided to make changes. The special rule by the local leaders (called Mirs) in Hunza and Nagar ended. Both areas then became part of what is now known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Geography of Rakaposhi and Nagar
The Nagar area has very tough, mountainous land. This made it hard for outside groups to invade in the past. The highest point in Nagar is Mount Rakaposhi itself, which is 7,788 meters (25,551 feet) tall. It is located south of the main town of Nagar.
Today, the famous Karakoram Highway goes through Nagar. This road connects Pakistan to China through the Khunjerab Pass. The highway follows the Hunza River for some distance as it passes through Nagar and into the Hunza region.
People of Nagar Valley
About 90,000 people live in the Nagar Valley. The people here belong to two main groups: those who speak Burushaski and those who speak Shina. The older form of the Burushaski language is still spoken in this valley.
Most people in Nagar traditionally follow a branch of Islam called Shia (Jafria). In 2005, different religious groups in the area signed a peace agreement. This agreement helped make sure that everyone could live together peacefully in the city.
Images for kids
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Rakaposhi as viewed from the road across the valley.
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Front view of Rakaposhi Peak from Bagrote Valley, Gilgit
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A view of Diran from Tagaferi Base Camp after Sunrise.
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Incredible beauty of Rakaposhi from Bagrot Valley, Gilgit.
See also
In Spanish: Rakaposhi para niños
