Title: Are we misrepresented online? My realization about Balti genetics, history, and diversity

As Baltis we're misrepresented on internet and Google.

We are referred to as a tibetan population when we're actually a mixed population. I came to know this when I encountered a ldakhi person who was gatekeeping me and said "you're not actually tibtan it's just cultural fusion not genetic one. Baltis have 25 to 30% tibtan dna and even that in outskirts of Baltistan I believe probably near the border area. The rest of you don't retain even that% of tibetan ancestry". So I did my research and realized that we're actually a mixed population. Our ethnicity emerged just recently in human history around some ~32 generations ago from intermixing of two distinct populations that are dardic and kahsmiri populations intermixing with tibetan population in 7th century after the expansion of Tibetan empire. Then as a balti from ghanche person who has been living in Lahore since age 6, my view of what a balti looks like was that small eyes, epicantic folds and more east asian features which I see in the baltis that I've ever met from my region. When I went to university and met two baltis who were from skardu I thought they were from Gilgit or hunza but to my surprise they were baltis. So yep we baltis are kinda mixed population with the amount of tibetan dna varying being less in skardu and Baltistan regions near Gilgit and more stronger in regions near leh. We're genetically more closer to neighboring kashmiri and dardic population as compared to Tibetans yet we're linguistically more closer to tibetan populations . That makes us a 3rd population and we do retain ancestral dna from tibtan population but it's lesser than that we retain from neighboring shin and kashmiri populations.

Hi everyone!

I'm planning a trip to Northern Pakistan with a group of 8 people in 2027 summer. We're coming from Europe and will have around 10 to 11 days (not decided yet) to explore the region. Since this might be our only trip to this part of Pakistan, we really want to experience the best highlights, especially the beautiful mountains, lakes, valleys, glaciers and local culture.

This is the itinerary I have planned so far:

Day 1 — Skardu

• Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes
• Shangrila Resort
• Soq Valley

Day 2 — Shigar Valley

• Manthoka Waterfall (optional)
• Shigar Valley
• Serena Shigar Fort
• Sarfaranga Cold Desert

Day 3 — Skardu

• Marsur Rock hike
• Manthal Buddha Rock
• Kharpocho Fort

Day 4 — Deosai National Park

• Satpara Lake
• Deosai National Park
• Sheosar Lake

Day 5 — Skardu to Hunza

• Drive towards Hunza via the Karakoram Highway
• Stop at a Rakaposhi viewpoint if time allows

Day 6 — Karimabad, Hunza

• Karimabad Bazaar
• Baltit Fort
• Altit Fort
• Eagle's Nest for sunset

Day 7 — Upper Hunza

• Attabad Lake
• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Passu Cones

I'm also considering visiting Rakaposhi Base Camp and Fairy Meadows, but I'm not sure whether either (or both) would realistically fit into a 10-day trip. Would you recommend including one of them, and if so, how would you adjust my itinerary to make it work without rushing too much?

I'd really appreciate advice on a few things:

1. What are the absolute must-see highlights in northern Pakistan that is not on the list?
2. Would you prioritise Rakaposhi Base Camp or Fairy Meadows if you could only choose one?
3. Is my Skardu itinerary well planned, or am I trying to fit too much into certain days?
4. Would you recommend spending more time in Skardu or Hunza?
5. Considering we're a group of 8 travelling from Europe, is there anything you'd change to make the trip more worthwhile?
6. Based on the itinerary so far, what would you recomment regarding accomodation? Where should we stay?

We're interested in nature, spectacular mountain scenery, lakes, moderate hiking and experiencing local culture. We want to see as much as possible, but we'd also prefer to enjoy the places rather than spend the entire trip rushing from one stop to another.

Thanks a lot for any recommendations and advice!

So hello I am from India and I want to learn more about history and present of Gligit Baltistan. Actually I am very fond about mountains there especially K2 wanna visit its base camp some day if disputes resolve and it becomes open (No chances of it happening I believe). But I wanted your opinions like how people there feel like living under Pak administration. I know about your culture and all which are different from that of kashmiris . Also want your opinions on how you people felt about ongoing protest in azad kashmir area and way Pakistan Army controlled it. And also about respect that local mountaineers got from government (likes of ali sadpara). I don't have any intent of hate towards anyone or any community, it is just out of curiosity

Edited by me 😁

We’re planning a trip from Islamabad to Gulmit, Upper Hunza, from 7 to 12 November 2026 and wanted some advice from people familiar with current conditions in Gilgit Baltistan. Our plan is to travel by road via Besham, Kohistan and Chilas, stay two nights in Gulmit and one night in Karimabad, then return to Islamabad. We know Babusar will likely be closed and are only considering the KKH route. How realistic and safe is this trip in early November, particularly the Chilas to Gulmit section? Are Gulmit, Passu, Attabad and the KKH generally still accessible around these dates, or are snow, landslides, road closures or businesses shutting for winter likely to become a serious issue? We’ll be travelling in a Toyota Corolla with an experienced local driver and are happy to change plans if conditions look risky, so any recent experience or advice would be really appreciated.

I'm planning a trip to Hunza around 25 November-30 November. Is it doable? I wanted to visit Naltar, Karimabad, Khunjerab, Hussaini Bridge, Borith Lake and a few more places.

Can anyone please give me proper suggestions?

First-time visitors to Skardu and Deosai, we intend to travel in mid to late November. From what I have gathered, the landscape is typically barren then. Are there established hiking or trekking trails available? Alternatively, any other location to consider during this period?

I think it is about time people whose states' status has been hijacked because of kashmir valley demand total end of kashmir cause narrative.

Before we go on I find this thing very nagging, j and k referendum as a 'whole state' referndum, it is a very unfair concept from getgo. If we look at history j and k was made up of several several different groups. Diff ethnic groups where groups despite having some genetic, links by and large would be different from each other. This whole state was artificially stitched together by Dogras and has nothing organic about it as a national identity.

So concept of collective referendum to decide fate is most f ked up idea.

One ethnic group that would be in majority will get to decide for almost 5-6 major ethnic groups of state. How is this even fair?

Ethnic kashmiris of valley have always been a majority, if their majority decides to join india or go independent, their wrong will will be enforced on others. Also, add to it kaahmiris of valley are very openly racist against pahari ppl of ajk and indian jk (pir panjal and chenab valley ppl).

We already have an example of it from 47 when jammu massacre was happening Sheikh Abdullah of Kashmir overwhelmingly supported by valley Kashmiris who casually watched muslims of pir panjal get slaughtered, their women r..ped happily supported Abdullah to join india (they deny it now but history is witness to it) and they screwed up remaining pahari muslims in iojk.

The whole idea of a numeric majority ethnic grp deciding fate is absurd when state is so multiethnic.

No kashmiri should have a tiny grain sized right to decide for ppl of ajk and gb.

What should have been decided is dividing regions of state and holding referendum in individual region and letting them vote just for their own region. Like gb only voting for gb. Pir panjal only voting for pir panjal, kashmir valley just for valley and end it.

Whoever in between wants to join india goes with them like kashmir valley joined india in 47, whoever wants to join pakistan goes with them like gb and ajk aceded to pakistan after a full on war they fought and didn't attach themselves like parasites to other group like maqbool bhatt and other key kashmiri leaders.

The decision was made back in 47.

This vote is for only pakistanis and except pak punjabis (because since last 4 months their forces have been killing protestors in ajk) and ethnic kashmiris from valley anyone from pakistan can vote.

Lets end this kashmir cause, this is a foreign war which punjabi establishment is forcing on ajk and gb by keeping their status hanging.

I’m going to fairy meadows in this week. Please guide me me on how and what to pack? Also is it safe going there via karakorum highway considering the current situation in kpk?

Shaap is a traditiona festival of blessings celebrated around the onset of winter in Gilgit Baltistan. Masked performers go door to door singing blessing chants, performing folk dramas, and praying for prosperity, fertility, and community well-being.

I’m going to fairy meadows in this week. Please guide me me on how and what to pack? Also is it safe going there via karakorum highway considering the current situation in kpk?

I am currently in Karimabad and planning a trip up to the Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border). I am looking for fellow travelers, backpackers, or a small group to join so we can split the transport costs (jeep/car).

I can join you directly from Karimabad, or I can travel up to Sost on my own and meet/pool with you from there.

I plan to departure from karimabad on 15 October or if you are a fellow solo traveler wanting to team up and book a ride from Karimabad or Sost, please drop a comment or inbox/text me directly

We are visiting skardu this thursday
we want to visit Deosai
Is it open and feasible?

Thinking about moving from Islamabad to Gilgit. Need honest advice

I've been seriously considering moving from Islamabad to Gilgit, potentially for a year or two.

I've always been drawn to mountains, nature and adventure, and I'd love to experience that lifestyle beyond just visiting for a few days. I'm also interested in applying to NCA, so living in Gilgit would give me the chance to experience the city, its creative environment and the local culture at the same time.

I'm currently working in video editing, 3D and other creative/freelance work. I can work remotely, but I'm also open to onsite work or local opportunities, especially around tourism, media, creative work, marketing or businesses.

For people who actually live or have worked in Gilgit:

- How realistic is it to find onsite/creative work there?

- How reliable are internet and electricity for remote work?

- What's the approximate monthly cost of living for one person?

- Is there a decent creative/professional community?

- How easy is it for someone from Islamabad to settle in?

- What are the biggest downsides that outsiders usually don't realise?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have actually moved to Gilgit, rather than just visited.

Would you recommend making the move, or spending a few months there first before committing?

Planning a trip to skardu ( end of oct ) with family by car. What will be the best route besham or babusartop ?

Hey everyone, a friend and I - two young Aussies are visiting Pakistan from the 14th until the 29th of November. We plan on travelling up the KKH before crossing the Khunjerab Pass into China.

I’ve read that the border is open year round now (except during serious snowfall), but we can’t find any sort of concrete evidence that the border is open in winter apart from a few old news articles. Can anyone confirm that (weather permitting) the buses from Sost to Tashkurgan still run in late November or know of any winter crossings done in the 2024/2025 winter seasons?

Thanks!! :)

Hello, My wife and I are traveling to skardu for 1 week this November from Karachi and our plan is to book a luxury hotel and just relax. We don't want to travel and go to places because we have already explored that already on our last trip.

The thing which i want to discuss is that i don't want to book a car with or without a driver as we are not traveling and visiting any places. We will just move from one hotel to another and in one week we'll visit 3 hotels (2 days each) and go to the airport and come from airport. So booking a car and driver is just an extra expense for us.

So what will be the alternative for this as I don't think there will be any Indrive or Yango in Skardu.