Join me on an intriguing tour of Ganish, a 1,000-year-old fortified village on the Karakoram Highway and a UNESCO award-winning attraction. Discover ancient architecture, including watchtowers where guards once shot arrows to defend the village, and explore religious sites featuring Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Buddhist iconography. See how people lived 1,000 years ago when the area was ruled by multiple warring tribes. We’ll uncover hidden stories and experience the timeless beauty of this historic gem, where every stone and alleyway whispers tales of the past. What did you find most interesting in this tour? Let me know in the comments. Don't miss my travel film, how I got here from India: https://youtu.be/cQB0_ZuD0M0. The location is Ganish Village on the Karakoram Highway, just after Karimabad https://maps.app.goo.gl/6dwBpbMR4XwGPDv98. Ganish Village, located in the Hunza District, is renowned for several things: Historical Significance: Ganish is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Hunza Valley, often cited as the first settlement along the ancient Silk Road in this region. This historical importance is reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. Architectural Heritage: The village is famous for its ancient watchtowers, traditional mosques, and religious centres. Notably, the wood carving work in the Imambargah of Ganish is celebrated for its beauty. The village also includes structures like the Ali Gohar House, which showcases the living heritage of the area. Cultural and Religious Heritage: Ganish has been a melting pot of cultures due to its position on the Silk Road, leading to a rich tapestry of traditions. The village has ancient mosques built by leading families when Islam spread in the region, indicating its religious significance. The majority of its inhabitants follow the Twelver branch of Shia Islam, contributing to its unique cultural practices. Educational Institutions: Ganish hosts several educational institutions like FG Boys Middle School and Aga Khan Diamond School, reflecting its commitment to education, which is a broader characteristic of the Hunza Valley known for its high literacy rates. UNESCO Recognition: Ganish Village's restoration efforts, particularly its historic structures, have been recognized with a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award. This recognition highlights its value not just as a historical site but as a model for preservation and conservation. Natural Beauty and Strategic Location: Situated along the Karakoram Highway, Ganish offers stunning views and is strategically located near significant natural landmarks and historical sites within Hunza, making it a point of interest for travellers and historians alike. Community and Lifestyle: Despite its historical and touristic value, Ganish remains a living village, not just a museum of the past. This aspect is highlighted by ongoing community life, including new constructions like the Imamia complex, showing that Ganish is a village where tradition meets modernity. Ganish Village stands out for its blend of history, architecture, cultural richness, and its role as a living testament to the ancient Silk Road's influence on local life and heritage. 00:00 1000-year-old village 00:33 Price 00:58 Where are we? 01:45 Natural fridges 04:33 Why this area is popular for travellers 06:16 What will we see inside the village? 06:46 Fortifications 09:27 Silk Route hospitality 11:18 The main gate 13:00 Religious carvings 17:51 Homes & the extreme cold 20:49 Residents today 21:21 Animals 22:05 4 Mosques 22:33 Village name origin & Hindu link 23:53 Ionian art & Alexander the Great 26:25 Floods 29:00 UNESCO awards 30:38 Watchtower 31:43 Dangers of watchtowers 33:49 The British 34:46 The pond 36:32 Tourist behaviour 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 1) SUBSCRIBE! ✔ Click https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlRock/?sub_confirmation=1 Then smash the BELL ICON so you don't miss a 🔴live stream or video. 2) SUPPORT MY CONTENT & GET SPECIAL BENEFITS 🙏🏻❤️ Press the blue JOIN button or https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlRock/join. 3) WANT TO TRAVEL TO INDIA? Read my quick-start safety guide at https://blog.karlrock.com/india-survival-guide/. 4) WANT TO LEARN HINDI हिन्दी? Learn Hindi Faster Than I Did! is free at https://blog.karlrock.com/how-to-learn-hindi-faster-than-i-did/. 5) LET'S CONNECT 👋🏻 https://www.instagram.com/iamkarlrock/ https://www.facebook.com/iamkarlrock #village #travel #walkingtour #guidedtour #history #ganish #karokaram #gilgitbaltistan #karimabad #india #pakistan #ladakh