Yasin Valley facts for kids
The Yasin Valley is a beautiful mountain valley located in the Hindu Kush mountains. You can find it in the northwest part of Gilgit, which is in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. A tall mountain pass separates Yasin from the Ishkoman Valley. To get to Yasin, you travel north on the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad. Then, you turn left to reach Gupis in Ghizar, and continue northwest to arrive at the amazing Yasin Valley.
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A Look at Yasin Valley's Past
Yasin Valley has a long and interesting history.
Early Rulers of Yasin
Long ago, the Yasin Valley was controlled by a group called the Khushwakhte Dynasty. They were related to the Katur Dynasty from a place called Chitral. The leaders of Yasin were known as brave fighters. They fought against groups like the Sikhs and the Dogras from Kashmir. Over time, the Khushwakhte rulers lost their power. Yasin Valley then changed hands many times. Sometimes it was ruled by the Mehtar of Chitral, and other times by the Maharaja of Kashmir.
Yasin's Importance During British Times
Even though not many people lived in Yasin, it was very important because of its location. It had a high mountain pass that led to Yarkhun in Chitral. From there, you could reach the Broghol Pass, the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan, and even Tajikistan. Because of this, people thought Yasin could be a way for Czarist Russia to enter British India.
People and Languages of Yasin
The people of Yasin Valley have a rich culture and speak different languages.
Main Languages Spoken
The main language spoken in Yasin Valley is called the Burushaski language. You will also hear people speaking the Khowar language there.
Faith and Heritage
Most people in Yasin are Ismailies. They follow Islamic principles guided by their spiritual leader, known as the Imam of the time. Currently, Prince Karim Aga Khan is the Imam and spiritual leader for Ismailies around the world. Other groups of Muslims, like Sunni and Shia, also live in Yasin.
Most of the people in Yasin are from a group called Brosho. However, some people have moved there from other parts of the country, especially from Chitral. Some have even come from places outside Pakistan, like Central Asia.
Mountain Passes Connecting Yasin
Yasin Valley is connected to other areas by several mountain passes.
Key Mountain Routes
The Darkut Pass connects Yasin with the Broghol Pass and Chitral. The Thoi Pass links Yasin to Yarkhun Chitral. Another pass, the Asumber Pass, connects Yasin to Ishkomen. The Darkot Pass is a very old and important pass. It used to be the shortest way to travel between the Oxus and Indus regions (www.yasinvalley.com). Both local people and tourists enjoy hiking along the Assumbur Pass to the Ishkomen Valley.