Chorbat Valley : Where Ladakh Gives Way to Baltistan

September 25, 2021 Prashant Mathawan

So where exactly does Baltistan begin and Ladakh end ? Well to be honest there is no such defined physical feature but most consider the Chorbat Valley as a part of Baltistan rather than Ladakh. In the pre-partition days Chorbat was an “Ilakka” in the Baltistan Wazarat. Geographically the Chorbat Valley starts at the point where the Shyok Valley narrows and becomes a Gorge before the Village of Bogdang. Bogdang is considered the first Village of the Chorbat Valley and hence the first Village of Baltistan. Technically it lies sandwiched between the Ladakh Range and the Karakorams.

Gold Prospecting in the Riyasat e Jammu and Kashmir 1890

May 16, 2020 Prashant Mathawan

A Man Sand Washing for Gold somewhere in Baltistan

The Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh of 1890 is a treasure trove of information regarding various aspects in the state. This is the small little Chapter in the Gazetteer which talks of Gold prospecting in the Riyasat. And of course it talks of some Gold mining in Baltistan.

Historical Map of the Dogra Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir

October 15, 2019 Prashant Mathawan

The State of Jammu and Kashmir as it was at its largest extent under the rule of the Dogras. This Map helps people understand the complicated Geography and Diversity of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indigenous People of Jammu and Kashmir

September 11, 2019 Prashant Mathawan

The erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was one of the most diverse State in the country in Ethnic, Religious and Lingual dimensions. The main "People" of Jammu and Kashmir and its different regions are briefly described in this Article.

The Illustrated Mountain Geography of Ladakh

April 24, 2019 Prashant Mathawan

The mighty Nun Peak of the Great Himalayan Range at 7135 m its the highest Himalayan Peak in Jammu ans Kashmir (not including the areas under occupation). On the side is the Saddle Peak.

The Mountain Geography of Ladakh makes for interesting reading situated as it is between the Great Himalayan Range and the Karakoram Range. Also running within Ladakh are the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range but most people do not have a clear idea as to which Pass co-relates to which Pass.