Skardu
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 meters above sea level in
the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram. Balti people are a
mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Baltic, an ancient form
of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and
architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd"
(Little Tibet). 
Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks
and glaciers Baltistan's five valleys - Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu
and Kharmang are also noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples
and pears.
The Deosai National Park is located in the Skardu District of
Gilgit-Baltistan province. Deosai means 'the land of Giants'. The park
is located on the Deosai Plains of the Gilgit Baltistan geographic
region. Deosai is a tourist attraction and many tourists who visit
Baltistan go to Deosai as well. Deosai Plateau is the second highest
plateau in the world after the ChangTang in Tibet. The Deosai National
Park was established in 1993 to protect the survival of the Himalayan
Brown Bear and its habitat.