Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan)

Gilgit-Baltistan formerly known as the Northern Areas,is a region administered

by Pakistan as an administrative territory and constituting the northern portion
of the larger Kashmir region which has been the subject of a dispute between
India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China from somewhat
later.
Gilgit-Baltis
• Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the northern region of Pakistan, experiences a mixture of weather conditions due
to its varying altitude and terrain. Generally, the region experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer,
autumn, and winter.
• Spring (March to May): The weather during spring is generally moderate and pleasant. The temperature
ranges from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) during daytime, with colder nights. This season sees moderate
rainfall and melting of snow from the mountains, leading to greener valleys.

• Summer (June to August): The summer season brings warm and sunny weather. The temperature hovers
between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) during daytime, with cooler nights. This is the peak tourist season, as
the valleys are green, covered with flowers, and the weather is generally stable.

• Autumn (September to November): The weather becomes cooler and more unpredictable during autumn.
The temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during daytime, with colder nights. The
leaves change to different shades of orange, red, and yellow, making this a beautiful season.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Gilgit-Baltistan can be very cold and harsh, especially in higher
altitudes. The temperature can drop to -15°C (5°F) or colder during the night, while daytime temperatures
can range between -2°C to 10°C (28°F to 50°F). Heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides are common
during this time, making transportation difficult.
Annual temperature

• Gilgit-Baltistan is located in northern Pakistan and experiences a cold, semi-arid mountainous

climate. The temperature varies greatly in this area depending on the altitude, but here's a general
overview of the annual temperature in each month for Gilgit-Baltistan:
35

30
july; Temprature(max); 30
june; Temprature(max);
29 august; Temprature(max);
25 may; Temprature(max); 26 28
september; Tempra-
ture(max); 25
20 april; Temprature(max);
21 october;
july; Temprature(min);
august; Temprature(min);
17 Temprature(max); 19
15
march; Temprature(max);
june; Temprature(min); 15 17
15
september; Tempra- november; Tempra-
10 may; Temprature(min); 11 ture(min); 12 ture(max); 12
feburary; Tempra-
april;
ture(max); 8 Temprature(min); 7 december; Tempra-
5 January; Tempra- october; Temprature(min); ture(max); 7
ture(max); 6 6
march;
feburary; Temprature(min);
Tempra- december; Tempra-
January; Tempra-
ture(min); -1 3 ture(min); -1
0 november; Tem-
ture(min); -2
prature(min); 1

-5

Temprature(min) Temprature(max)
Relative humidity in monthly

• Gilgit-Baltistan, situated in northern Pakistan, has 70

semi-arid to temperate climate zones. The average
annual relative humidity in the region varies 60
january; humidity(max); 60
throughout the year, but generally, it is lower during
january; humidity(min); 55 december; humidity(max);
the winter months and moderately high in the summer 50 55
february; humidity(max); 50
months.
february; humidity(min); 45 november; humidity(max);
• Here is a breakdown of the average relative humidity 40
march; humidity(max);
april; humidity(max);
40 40
45
november; humidity(min);
levels throughout the year: march; humidity(min);
april; humidity(min);
may;35humidity(max);
35 july; humidity(max);
35 35
40
october; humidity(max); 35
30
may; humidity(min);
june; july;
humidity(max);
30
humidity(min);
august;30september;
humidity(max);
30october;
humidity(max);
humidity(min);
30 30
30
june; humidity(min);
august;25
september;
humidity(min);
humidity(min);
25
20 25

10

0 december; humidity(min); -1

-10

humidity(min) humidity(max)
Cloud condition

• Gilgit-Baltistan, in northern Pakistan, has a semi-arid to cold desert climate. The precipitation levels tend to
vary depending on altitude and location in the region. The cloud condition also changes throughout the year.
Here are monthly estimates for cloud conditions :
1. January: Sky remains partly cloudy with occasional rainfall or snowfall at higher elevations.
2. February: Partly cloudy to clear skies with occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
3. March: Clear skies with little to no clouds; precipitation is minimum in this month.
4. April: Clear skies with some clouds and slightly higher chances of precipitation.
5. May: Mostly clear skies with occasional clouds and chances of precipitation.
6. June: Clear skies with more chances of clouds and rain as the monsoon season approaches.
7. July: Skies become partly to mostly cloudy due to the monsoon season, leading to increased
rainfall.
8. August: Mostly cloudy skies with frequent rainfall because of the monsoon season.
9. September: Skies start clearing; clouds decrease with occasional rainfall.
10. October: Skies are clearer with only a few clouds and lower chances of precipitation.
11. November: Clear skies with some clouds and occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
12. December: Partly to mostly cloudy skies with occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
cloud condition graph
cloud condition
50

January;
45 cloud condition; 44
december; cloud condition; 42
feburary; cloud condition; 41 august; cloud condition; 41
40 july; cloud condition; 39
september; cloud condition;
36
35 march; cloud condition; 34 november; cloud condition; 34
april; cloud condition; 32
october; cloud condition; 31
30 may; cloud condition; 29
june; cloud condition; 27
cloud condition
25

20

15

10

0
January feburary march april may june july august september october november december
Pricipitation

• Gilgit-Baltistan, situated in the northern

region of Pakistan, experiences a cold
desert climate with varying temperatures
precipitation
and precipitation levels throughout the
year.
• Here are the approximate average January

precipitation (rainfall and snowfall) levels december;

november;
January;precipitation;
precipitation;
october; precipitation;
15;-1;
4%0%
precipitation;
feburary
march
30; 8% precipitation;
feburary;
for each month in Gilgit-Baltistan: 30; 8%
september; precipita-
25; 7%
april
may
tion; 30; 8% march; precipitation; 30;
june
8%
july
august
august; precipitation; april; precipitation; 45;
55; 14% september
12%
october
november
july; precipitation; 45; precipitation; 50;
may; december
12% precipitation;13%
june; 25;
7%
 Wind direction

• Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is located in a

mountainous region and generally experiences a
cold, arid climate. The wind direction varies by
month:
• 1. January - North to North-East
• 2. February - North to North-East
• 3. March - East to South-East
• 4. April - East to South-East
• 5. May - East to South-East
• 6. June - South-East to South
• 7. July - South to South-West
• 8. August - South to South-West
• 9. September - West to South-West
• 10. October - West to North-West
• 11. November - North-West to North
• 12. December - North to North-East
Wind speed
• The region features considerable variations in
wind speed depending on the specific location
and terrain. It is difficult to provide an accurate
monthly breakdown of wind speeds, as these wind speed(km/h)
can vary greatly. However, here are the average 12

wind speeds for some locations in Gilgit- june; wind speed(km/h);

10
Baltistan: 10
may; windjuly;
speed(km/h);
wind speed(km/h);
9 9
august; wind december; wind
8 april; wind speed(km/h); 8
speed(km/h); 8 speed(km/h); 8

march; wind speed(km/h); september; wind

6
6 speed(km/h); 6
october; windwind speed(km/h)
speed(km/h); 5
January;
feburary;
wind wind november; wind
4
speed(km/h);
speed(km/h);
4 4 speed(km/h); 4

0
y y h il y e ly t r r r r
uar rar arc apr ma jun ju gus mbe tobe mbe mbe
u
n
Ja fe
b m au pte oc ve ce
se no de

month
Solar radiation

• Gilgit-Baltistan, situated in northern

Pakistan, falls under the cold and arid
climate zone. The solar radiation varies solar radiation (min) solar radiation(max)

because this region has diverse climatic 9

jun; solar radiation(max);
8
conditions due to its diverse topography, 8
may; solar radiation(max);
7.5
april; solar radiation(max);
july; solar radiation(max);
which includes high-altitude mountains, 7
7jun; solar radiation (min);
7
august; solar radi-
march; may; solar radiation (min); ation(max);
solar ra- 6.5 september;6.5 solar radia-
valleys, and plateaus. 6
diation(max);
april; 6
solar radiation 6(min); tion(max); 6
july; solar radiation (min);
5.5 5.5 solar radiation
august; october; solar
march; solar radiation september; solar radiation 5
(min); 5 radiation(max);
5
february;(min);
solar4.5 (min); 4.5solarnovember;
october; radiation solar
january;radiation(max);
february;
solar
solar 4
ra- radiation (min);
radiation(max);
4 december;4 solar
4
diation(max);
(min);3.5
3.5 radiation(max);
november; solar radiation 3.5
january; solar radiation (min); 3
december; solar radiation
3
(min); 2.5 (min); 2.5

0
 Sunshine condition
• Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan is a mountainous
region that receives a high amount of
sunshine throughout the year. Here is a sunshine
general overview of the sunshine sunshine
conditions in each month: 14
june; sunshine;
july; sunshine;
13 13
12 may; sunshine; 12 august; sunshine; 12
april; sunshine; 11 september; sunshine; 11
10 march; sunshine; 10 october; sunshine; 10
feburary; sunshine; 9 november; sunshine; 9
January;
8 sunshine; 8 december; sunshine; 8

in hour per day

6

month
Air quality
• The climate zone in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan is categorized as a cold semi-arid climate.
Gilgit-Baltistan's air quality varies depending on the season and is influenced by factors
such as dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. On average, the air quality
remains relatively clean compared to heavily populated cities like Lahore and Karachi
due to its geographical location and the absence of industrialization in the region.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that data on air quality in Gilgit-Baltistan is limited.
• Here is an estimated overview of the air quality in Gilgit-Baltistan for each month:
January - march:- the air quality is Good to moderate air quality.
Apirl- September:- the air quality is Good.
October- December:- the air quality is Good to moderate air quality.
Sky condition annual

• Gilgit-Baltistan, situated in northern Pakistan, experiences a diverse climate featuring elements

of alpine, cold desert, and semi-arid climate zones. Here's an overview of the sky conditions
and climate throughout a year:
Month Sky condition
January Mostly cloudy with sunshine on some days

Feburary Partly cloudy with more sunny day

March Partly cloudy with increased sunshine
Apirl Partly cloudy to mostly clear skies
May Mostly clear skies with some cloud cover
June Partly cloudy with longer sunshine hours
July Partly cloudy with occasional heavy cloud cover
August Partly cloudy with occasional heavy cloud cover
September Partly cloudy with increasing sunshine
October Mostly clear skies with some cloud cover
November Partly cloudy with decreasing sunshine
December Mostly cloudy with sunshine on some days
• 1. High Mountain Zone: This zone is situated above 3500 meters and consists of snow-
covered peaks and icy terrain. The temperature here remains freezing throughout the
year.
• 2. Transitional Zone: Located between altitudes of 2000 to 3500 meters, this zone has a
temperate climate. The summers are mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and
25°C, while the winters are cold with temperatures dropping down to -5°C to -15°C.
• 3. Lowland Zone: Situated below 2000 meters of altitude, this zone experiences a semi-
arid climate. The summers are hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C, and
winters are moderately cold with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C.
Vegetation

The vegetation in Gilgit-Baltistan is diverse due to its

varied climate and altitude levels. Some key features of
vegetation in this region are:
1. Alpine and Sub alpine Vegetation: Found in the high
mountain zone, the vegetation mainly includes shrubs,
herbs, and grasses. Some common plant species in this
zone are juniper, wild rose, and various types of grasses.
2. Temperate Forests: The transitional zone is home to
mixed temperate forests comprising deciduous and
evergreen species. Typical tree species include pine,
deodar, fir, willow, and birch. These forests serve as the
habitat for a variety of animal species such as snow
leopards, lynx, black bears, and ibex.
3. Dry Woodlands and Shrub lands: In the lowland zone,
the vegetation consists of dry woodlands and shrub lands
dominated by thorny bushes, acacias, and other drought-
tolerant plant species. There are also areas of fertile land
along riverbanks where agriculture is practiced.
Water bodies
• Three of the world's longest glaciers outside the
polar regions are found in Gilgit-Baltistan:
the Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro Glacier, and
the Batura Glacier. There are, in addition,
several high-altitude lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan:
• Naltar lakes in the Naltar Valley, Gilgit
• Satpara Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan
• Katzura Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan
• Zharba Tso Lake in Shigar, Baltistan
• Phoroq Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan
• Lake Kharfak in Gangche, Baltistan
• Borith Lake in Gojal, upper Hunza, Gilgit
• Rush Lake near Nagar, Gilgit
Architecture of Gilgit-Baltistan
• Gilgit-Baltistan is a mountainous region
with a diverse landscape, and the types of
houses constructed in the area depend on
a variety of factors, including the climate,
local materials, and cultural traditions.
Here are some of the common types of
houses constructed in Gilgit-Baltistan:
• Balti-style house: This type of house is
common in the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan,
such as Skardu, Khaplu, and Ghanche.
Balti-style houses are typically made of
stone, mud, and wood and feature flat
roofs that can be used for drying crops or
as living space during the summer months.
• Wooden house: Wooden houses are
common in the central valleys of Gilgit-
Baltistan, such as Hunza and Nagar.
These houses are made entirely of wood
and are designed to withstand the region's
severe weather conditions.
• Mud houses: Mud houses are common in the lower valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, such as
Astore and Gupis. These houses are made entirely of mud and are designed to keep
the interior cool during the hot summer months.
• Stone houses: Stone houses are common in the upper valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, such
as Yasin and Ishkoman. These houses are made entirely of stone and are designed to
withstand the harsh winter conditions in the region.
The Walls and outside
• The out side is very simple. The walls of old house are built with stone and mud. The walls
are very wide and thick as compared to the modern houses.
• The wide walls provide good insulation both against hot and cold. Usually there is a small
courtyard outside the house.
• A veranda covers the front side of the house. In old houses there are no windows on the
outer wall, instead there is a beautifully designed square skylight called (sagam, som,sum,
komal, eyechan)in different regional langauges . This opening acts as a window for light and
air, and exhaust for the smoke.
• Because the opening lies horizontally and there is layer of warm air below the opening, cold
air hardly reaches inside the house. The warm air from inside pushes the cold air up and out.
• This design is extremely energy efficient.
The door

• The doors of traditional houses are

relatively shorter to preserve heat.
Woodcarving is found on the doors of the
old houses.
Pillars
• The structure of traditional house basically
stands on four main wooden pillars plus
one to three additional small pillars.
• These pillars are made of juniper, apricot,
walnut or other locally available wood.
These pillars are often covered by
geometric patterned woodcarvings.
• The traditional geometric designs on these
pillars are inherited over centuries.
• Because of its unique wooden frame the
house is earthquake resistant.
• If even the walls were peeled outward
during an earth quack the frame would
remain standing, protecting the main
structure.
 Roof
• The roof is made of several groups of wooden
beams of different sizes.
• Each group has their specific sizes and specific
names and number.
• The two longest beams (laid over the two main
pillars on each side are called sanjeer in some
areas.
• Three to four thick but short beams ( patari)are
laid diagonally on the main long beams. The
skylight or the open space in center of the roof
is designed with four square layers of small
beams laid one above other.
• The squares are diagonally placed and the size
of squares gradually decreases as it rises up
towards the final opening. The opening is
located exactly above the fireplace.
• Because of this shape of the roof snow does
not stay longer on the rooftop and there is less
chances of leakage during rainy season.
Floor plan
Traditional Hunza House.
Hunza is a valley located in the Gilgit-baltisian region
The typical Hunza house follows simple building
construction techniques. It has simple load bearing walls
with a complex roof structure resting on four timber posts
placed around the central core which is HA. Stone, soil
and wood are the major construction material used for its
construction. There is an inherent understanding of three
local buildings. Traditional Hunza house has typically three
floor, in which winter living is on the ground floor and is
enclosed from all sides with minimal openings, summer
living is on the upper floor. Upper floor is the more open
and has the large opening on the floor for maximum air
circulation and direct access to the roof. Some time the
upper floor only comprises of a Baldi with an open terrace.
Following drawings and its description will shed some light
on the spaces of Hunza house briefly.

Ground Floor Plan

Upper Floor Plans
Section and
3d View of Typical Hunza House
Construction Techniques in Hunza:
There are two ways of construction in Hunza,
Load bearing wall structures. Cator and Cribbage
structures.
Load bearing wall structures.
Most of the vernacular residential buildings in Hunza
have a two storey structure to avoid wall deformation due
to wall construction. Small stones are used for its
construction therefore its corners are sub rounded and
irregular which bolsters the corners to obsorb any
movement in the building. Wall construction of these
buildings is mostly single wall with simple beam system
and offers possibilities to use the roof terrace for summer
outdoor living. The use of timber provides a degree of
ductility; belong to strap the wall fabric together and able
to accept large deformation strains. In a better built
structures roof timbers sit on and are pegged to timber
wall plates. This means the roof structure can work
Traditional HA of typical hunza
monolithically gaining strength from a shear plate
house
configuration.
• Large stones are used for the inside and
outside wall faces. These stones are adjusted
by internal wedges to give a vertical face. There
is also frequent change of stone sizes up a wall;
as the wall approaches shoulder height the
stones get smaller because they are manually
lifted. The internal core of the wall is
progressively in filled with small loose rubble,
stone chips discarded from knapping, and
leftover mortar. In domestic buildings through
stones and long "quoins are only occasionally
used

View of upper floor-Agon

Cator and Cribbage Structure.

Most of the historic Forts, palaces, Khanqahs, mosques, and shrines were
constructed with the timber cage technique or also called Cator and cribbage
construction technique. Timber lacing or the combination of captor and cribbage
is a most sophisticated earthquake resistance technique used in the Gilgit-
Baltistan region. Here the walls of a structure are horizontally strapped with
beams locally known as cators. The timber is generally of 50 to 120mm square
section and horizontal beams are placed into the inside and outside wall faces at
0.3 to 1.3m vertical intervals.

3d view of cribbage structure

In less well-built walls, the timber is infrequent
and may only be reinforcing corners. Often the
timber lengths are not jointed or nailed
together. In better constructed walls the face
timbers are tied together through the wall
thickness with joined/nailed cross pieces at 1
to 4m intervals. Where the beam is of
insufficient length for the whole length of the
wall, two or more pieces are connected with
tension resisting scarf joints. The beams at the
corners are also jointed so that the whole
building is strapped together. Breaks in the
integrity of the 'ring beam may occur at doors
and windows.

Altit fort best example

3d view of cribbage structure

Historical building of
Baltistan built with cator
and cribbage construction
technique