The Central Karakorum region was once the most remote and almost inaccessible area of the sub-continent, but at the same time, it was also strongly connected to the main communication networks of the Central Asia. The movements of population, travelling traders and religious missionaries, treading along the extra regional connection of the Indus Valley and through the seasonal routes crossing Karakoram Range, have left deep impressions on the cultural evolution of the entire region. The evolved imprints are still clearly visible on the local heritage and also on the socio-cultural traditions of the area. The traces have evolved over the centuries in each singular valley due to fusion with other ethnic groups, influx of different languages and religions, trade of material goods and mobility of ideas.
As a result, the region shows a rich historical and cultural heritage which ranges from ancient petroglyphs, rock carvings and ruins of Buddhist stupas and monasteries of the pre-Islamic period, to ancient forts, palaces, religious buildings, villages, dwellings and ceremonial open spaces that are still in use by local communities.
