The cultural patterns in this region are as varied and interesting as its topography. In the northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, icy peaks stretch above the Hunza River. Situated on the riverbank and surrounded by glaciers and gorges, the town of Hunza traditionally served as a resting place for travelers descending the Hindu Kush mountains into the Vale of Kashmir. The valley is home to snow leopards, markhors, ibexes, and red-striped foxes. Nestled in the Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake's vibrant turquoise waters cut through the rocky terrain. Though beautiful, the serene landscape has a violent origin story. The lake was formed in January 2010, when a massive landslide at Attabad Village flooded nearby towns, blocked the flow of the Hunza River, and displaced thousands of people. Today, it is a popular stop for tourists who can take boats out on the water.
Known as "Land of the Giants," a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains rises from the alpine plateau of Deosai National Park. Each spring, the lush valley is swept by wildflowers and rare butterflies, earning the name "Summer's Palace" by locals, who enjoy the wildlife after winter's thaw. This biodiversity hot spot is home to the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan red fox, and golden marmots, but the government granted the park protected status in 1993 with the goal of safeguarding the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear. The park was also nominated for World Heritage status in 2016.
Question 1: What is the significance of the town of Hunza mentioned in the paragraph?
Answer: The town of Hunza traditionally served as a resting place for travelers descending the Hindu Kush mountains into the Vale of Kashmir and is surrounded by glaciers and gorges.
Question 2: What animals are native to the Hunza Valley?
Answer: The Hunza Valley is home to snow leopards, markhors, ibexes, and red-striped foxes.
Question 3: What is the origin story of Attabad Lake mentioned in the paragraph?
Answer: Attabad Lake was formed in January 2010 due to a massive landslide at Attabad Village, which flooded nearby towns, blocked the flow of the Hunza River, and displaced thousands of people.
Question 4: Why is Deosai National Park referred to as the "Land of the Giants"?
Answer: Deosai National Park is referred to as the "Land of the Giants" because of its backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and the presence of large wildlife species like the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan red fox, and golden marmots.
Question 5: What is the significance of the title "Summer's Palace" in the paragraph?
Answer: The title "Summer's Palace" is given to Deosai National Park by locals because each spring, the lush valley is swept by wildflowers and rare butterflies after winter's thaw, creating a picturesque landscape.
Question 6: What actions have been taken to protect the biodiversity of Deosai National Park?
Answer: The government granted Deosai National Park protected status in 1993 with the goal of safeguarding the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear, and it was also nominated for World Heritage status in 2016.