GILGIT: A 56-member delegation of Buddhist pilgrims from Korea visited the holy sites in Gilgit-Baltistan and performed religious rituals on Wednesday.

According to a source, two different delegations arrived in Gilgit on Tuesday and visited different historical sites in Gilgit, Nagar and Hunza districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to historians, GB remained centre of Buddhism and from Tibet to Diamer district there are many remains of the religion.

Every year a large number of tourists from Japan, China and Korea visit the region to perform rituals at their religious sites, but it was first time that a religious delegation visited the region.

During the visit the monks paid homage to the 7th century Buddhist monument which is located 10 kilometers from Gilgit in Kargha Nullah.

The delegation members wearing local traditional dress and cap visited the historical Silk Route in Hunza and Nagar districts along KKH, Rakaposhi view point, Duikar view point, Altit and Baltit Forts, Haldeikish sacred rock site, Attababad lake and Passu cones.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman hosted a reception in honour of the visiting pilgrims in Gilgit on Tuesday evening, according to a statement. The chief minister presented gifts to the delegation members.

TROPHY HUNTING: The Gilgit-Baltistan wildlife department on Wednesday auctioned 124 permits for hunting of rare species, including markhor, for trophy hunting programme 2019-20.

Hunting permits for four Astor markhors were auctioned for $83,000, 20 blue sheep for $8,900 and 100 Himalayan ibex for Rs800,000. Last year, licence for hunting Astor markhor was auctioned for $100,000. The hunting season in the region begins in November and ends in April.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2019