Balghar Valley, situated in the Ghanche district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a vibrant community nestled along the banks of the Shewak River. This valley encompasses fifteen distinct neighborhoods, each contributing to the unique character of the region. These neighborhoods include Gond Bulgar, Chen Gond Bulgar, Chopia, Rotaka, Ongbo, Marmong Bulgar, Loda Bulgar, Khanka Grung Bulgar, Khodha Bulgar, Garipa Bulgar, Croating Bulgar, Khashu Bulgar, Yom, and Zhob Bulgar. The valley is geographically defined by House Valley to the east, Caris Valley to the west, Sugar Valley to the north, and Daguni,The inhabitants of Balghar Valley predominantly adhere to Islam. The majority, comprising 77% of the population, follows the Sufi Noorbakhshiya sect. Adherents of Ahle Hadith constitute 20%, while the remaining 3% practice other Shia Islamic traditions, such as Jaffaria jurisprudence.Education has long been a valued principle in Balghar. Historically, Islamic schools provided the primary form of education. Following 1945, a growing number of families began sending their children to formal schools. A prominent figure in Balghar's educational development is Syed Muhammad Shah from Chogo Balghar. His personal success story underscores the importance of familial support, especially the encouragement he received from his mother, who, despite being uneducated, recognized the value of education. Syed Muhammad Shah's later efforts were instrumental in establishing formal educational institutions within the valley, addressing the community's need for accessible learning opportunities. Balghar Valley is located 50 kilometers northwest of the Ghanche district capital and 110 kilometers from Skardu city. Situated at an elevation of 2,635 meters above sea level, the valley falls within a single harvesting zone. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture. The Shewak River converges with the Indus River approximately 30 kilometers west of Balghar. The Thale River bisects the valley, dividing it into two distinct sections: Chogo Bulgar, the larger portion comprising fifteen neighborhoods, and Cho Fog, the smaller section consisting of five neighborhoods. Balghar's population is estimated to be around 20,000. The valley, particularly the Ranga Gond neighborhood, which covers a significant area, is a popular tourist destination during the summer months. The Zouk and Gond neighborhoods are located to the north, while the Gamba Bardas valley extends southward near the Thale River.
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