Gupis Valley, Khalty Rock Carvings site

It is situated in District Ghizir and one of the most attractive places in Gupis valley. It is on the crossroad to the famous Shandur pass which links the Gilgit-Baltistan region to Chitral in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The hall mark of Khalti is the stunning lake; famous for trout fish introduced by a British in 1914. Gupis has a historical significance as it was the route of early Buddhist pilgrims who used to travel from China to Gandhara, Swat and other pilgrimage sites in South Asia. The existence of historical significance of this area and makes it unique even today mainly from the perspective of historian, archaeologist and visitors. Rock Carvings are found in Khalty attracted to general visitors as well as the scholars and researchers. The engravings of different animals made on stones remind us of the artistic nature and aesthetic sense of the people who lived in these mountainous areas thousand years ago. The petroglyphs are made in animal figures, standing male figures and hunting scene. Near the bank of the Lake on Jendrote side, below the PTDC motel, some boulders are also found rock Carvings of animals. Besides, the Rock Carvings, Megalithic circles enrich the archaeological heritage of Khalty area as well as the entire Gupis valley. In Gupis valley, another group of rock carvings is found at Matujlasht, Rahimabad Das, Thurjal, Payukush, where, drawings of ibexes, Markhors, hunting scenes and human figures were noted. Demon horse riders are also found.