Kharfaque

Kharfaq::

kharfaq is a small village with a population of about 2,000 people in Ghanche district of Baltistan,an autonomous region that is considered part of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. kharfaq is situated adjacent to the geographically important village which boasts of a high-altitude mountain lake, Lake Kharfak. Khaplu which is Ghanche district's administrative capital lies a further 24 km away from kharfaq. The average altitude of the area is around 4600m above sea level.The main attraction of this area is beautiful valies, wild animals, lakes and rare birds.

Language::

Balti(Tibetan)is a language spoken in Kharfaq of Pakistan and adjoining parts of Ladakh. Baltistan, before 1948, was part of Ladakh province. The Balti language is a dialect of the Ladakhi language, a form of Tibetan. It is mutually intelligible with Ladakhi proper and Burig. Many of the written consonants that are silent in Standard Tibetan are pronounced in the Balti language.

Kharfaq lake

Kharfaq Lake is situated about 3 K ms above Kharfaq village and gives an inspiring view while traveling by road to Khaplu. At the height of 13000 ft The climb is quite tough, you will fine a beautiful lake The fresh and crystal water lake is famous for trout fish and attractive location for camping and linking with other places. The lake is stocked with trout. Over 10 lb trout can be found in this lake fish and one has to walk about 2 -3 hours to reach the lake. The colour of the water is the most striking feature of this lake that catches the first glance of one’s eyes, especially towards evening, when it is of rich deep blue, over the whole expanse which turns completely light blue at morning time. The water of the Lake is not that salty as sea water but it’s as cold as ice. A jeep road is under construction.

Great pictures of Kharfaq::

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kharfaqi/

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/45622009

       By Habib Shakir

This user is from Baltistan.