Hlticks Plateau: The unexplored land of Lakes and Minerals
Hlticks Plateau is located in the Union Council Katisho of the Kharmang district in Baltistan. Hlticks is the name of the Plateau in the Balti language. Hlticks Plateau is the component of Deosai Plateau on the left side but it is very far from Deosai Plains.
There are several hidden and unexplored lakes, gigantic mountains and huge glaciers in Katisho Baltistan. Below is comprehensive detail about Hlticks plateau.
Hlticks Plateau: The Land of Glaciers
First of all, I would like to thank those people who have visited the high altitude place and explored the beauty, yet they have not attempted to bring information with details to the world without the consultation of the local community living over there for decades.
Well, I think that if you’re attempting to discover a mysterious destination, the local tourist must be involved.
The day before I saw some glimpses of pictures and sorts of different local tourists and they were talking about the Hlticks Plateau with less information so, I decided to bring the reality of this hidden and unexplored Plateau.
It is a natural and permanent plateau and the pasture of the Chatpa Valley in Union Council Katisho. From July through September, they have been feeding their livestock out there for decades.
Herbs and medicinal plants in Hlticks Plateau
Hlticks Plateau is the land of medicinal plants such as Kamar, Tumburuk, Shamdun, Guzuru Mindoq, Mokhoting, Lonzey Mindoq, Khakol and Khalshopetc. (These are native titles of these herbs in Balti Language).
These herbs can also be used to treat various health issues such as Dysentery, Headache, Pain, Fever, Small Injuries and other multiple diseases as well.
How many lakes are in the Hlticks Plateau?
Well, there are more than five lakes but the two lakes are beautiful and famous in this region. These lakes have their own specific names and characteristics.
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Chogo Xo (Big Lake)
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Khola Xo (Brown Lake)
The said lakes are very large in size and eye-catching. Particularly, The Chogo Xo (Big Lake) is very beautiful.
These lakes are unique because both sides of the lakes are covered with glaciers which make them unique from other lakes located in Gilgit Baltistan.
This plateau has not only lakes but also minerals of large glaciers and wild animals, particularly brown bears, deer and markhor as well.
The fisheries department of Gilgit Baltistan visited here nearly five years ago and they showed their interest in breeding the trout fishes in these huge lakes.
How to celebrate the Tour?
You can celebrate the tour in different ways such as
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Exploring medicinal roots
- Climbing
- Exploring natural Beauty
- Discovering huge glaciers and minerals
- Observing Wild Animals
- Skiing
Where is exactly the Hlticks Plateau and Lakes?
First of all, you have to hire a jeep from Skardu City to Dapa Valley. After traveling consecutively for more than three hours you will reach Dapa Valley which will be your last stop and trekking base.
Then you have to trek for nearly 3 hours on foot to get to your destination.
From Dapa Valley to Helticks Plateau, you have to trek to reach over there as there is no road for any type of vehicle from Dapa valley to Helticks Plateau. Dapa Valley is the last valley of Katisho Baltistan.
Hire a local Guide
You must hire a local guide because you have to walk almost 3 to 4 hours consecutively on huge stones to reach Hilticks Pleatu. So, it’s necessary to involve a local guide otherwise you may miss the proper way to get there.
Packing List
Proper trekking shoes, sleeping bags, torchlight, a high-quality camera, trekking pole and other necessary equipment are required if you wish to stay over there. The best time to visit the Plateau is from mid-April to mid-September
Due to the high altitude, there would be less amount of oxygen; you have to bring dry wood to cook food and heat. Gas cylinders shall not be enough to cook food and Heat in case of harsh weather conditions.
Abbas Kamil Chatpa: The writer is a student of Political Science at Baltistan Univesity, Skardu.
