BALTISTAN

geographic region in the Pakistani-held sector of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. Drained by the Indus River and tributaries such as the Shyok River, Baltistan is situated on the high Ladakh Plateau and contains the loftiest peaks of the Karakoram RangeK2 (Mount Godwin Austen; at 28,251 feet the second highest mountain in the world), Gasherbrum I (26,470 feet ), and Broad Peak I (26,401 feet ). Harsh in climate, Baltistan receives an average precipitation of only 6 inches (150 mm) per year, but it contains several glaciers. The valleys lie at elevations of 8,000 to 10,000 feet (2,500 to 3,000 m). The most abundant crops are barley and fruits. Baltistan is chiefly inhabited by Baltis, Muslim tribes of Tibetan origin who eke out a meagre living growing crops.