The astonishing/vertiginous/stark/dramatic local landscapes are not the only reason that most visitors to northernmost Pakistan fall in love with Gilgit-Baltistan.
The unspoilt local humans are special, too.
Terrain and climate are extreme, the region remote, population density low, and the living is very far from easy.
Nonetheless, local literacy levels are higher than the national average.
Local people generally look very healthy, very “present”.
Their behaviour is typically very courteous – in relation to each other, and to visiting strangers.
Genuine friendliness abounds.
Evident avarice, indifference, hostility, wheedling and boorishness are all in uncommonly short supply.
(photo of young students ©️ Doug Spencer, taken at 10.06 am on 18 May 2024, whilst strolling through Markunja – one of several villages which comprise the “town” of Shigar)