Siksa Valley — The Serene Cradle of the Shyok River
Siksa Valley is a small village in the Ghanche district of Gilgit-Baltistan which is situated on the banks of Shyok River. This village is famous for its beautiful valleys, mountains and traditional Balti culture. The altitude of Siksa is approximately 2700 meters and this area is famous for agriculture and fruit orchards. Siksa Valley is very close to the Pakistan-India border, due to which it is considered a slightly sensitive area and security clearance is required to go there. Due to snowfall in winters, this village becomes isolated for a few months.
Life of Siksa Village
The people of Siksa earn their livelihood mostly from farming. In summers, the farmers here cultivate beans, maize, wheat and potatoes. The people of the village live a very simple life and follow old traditions. The traditional Balti culture is still alive here, in which people take care of their language, clothes and customs with great care. Everyone gathers at the time of starting farming and celebrates it in a traditional way.They uses horses and donkeys for transporting luggage especially to mountains.
Siksa Valley for Adventure and Trekking
Siksa Valley is a great place for those who like both adventure and nature. You can go on many trekking routes from here:
1. Chorbat La Pass is a historic and beautiful trek which earlier connected Baltistan to Ladakh.
2. One can easily reach from here via Deosai National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife and open air.
3. One can also explore the beauty of Shyok Valley from here.
In these journeys, you get a chance to understand the local culture along with the real beauty of nature.
Siksa’s weather and travel
Siksa Valley’s weather is usually cold, especially in winters the temperature drops very low. Due to snowfall, the village remains closed for many months, and travel becomes difficult. For this reason, most travelers consider June to September the best time to visit Siksa, when the weather is mild and the roads are clear
You can reach Siksa via Shyok Valley road from Skardu or Khaplu. But it is important to check the weather and road conditions before travelling because landslides and rains sometimes close the roads.
Importance of Siksa Valley
Siksa Valley is famous for its natural beauty as well as for its hospitality to its people and rich culture. This area also holds importance due to its proximity to the border of Pakistan. People here live their lives while maintaining old traditions, which are a part of the cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Final Words
If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the peace of nature, peace and a little adventure together, then Siksa Valley is the best choice for you. The beauty and local culture of this place will give you a memorable journey.
And if you are planning a trip to Siksa Valley or any other beautiful area of Gilgit-Baltistan, do not forget to contact Skardu Trekkers, where you will get expert guidance and local support which will make your trip safe and memorable.
