About
The name Kharmang comes from the Balti words for fort and abundant, meaning the valley of forts. It was given in the era of Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the famous ruler of Baltistan, who built many forts here because of the valley's strategic importance on the Indus route. Kharmang Khas, on the right bank of the Indus, is the main historic settlement, and Kharmang Fort stands in this valley. The area also contains old shrines and other fortified sites, and the local people still keep strong traditions of Balti culture. For travellers interested in history, it offers a glimpse of Baltistan's past as part of the old trade and travel route between Skardu and Ladakh.