Tourist Detail
Saspolo Apple
The Kharmang Pari valley is renowned for its orchards, especially the unique Saspolo Apple, named after Saspolo village in Kargil, India. The valley's distinct climate and soil conditions create an ideal environment for these apples to thrive. Locals in the valley grow Saspolo Apples using traditional methods without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. They ensure the highest quality, resulting in delicious, healthy apples free from harmful chemicals. Each fall, Saspolo Apples are hand-harvested, carefully picked at perfect ripeness. They are then sorted, packaged, and shipped to markets and restaurants across Pakistan. Tourist visiting the area during apple season can enjoy the unique experience of biting into a freshly picked, sun-warmed apple bursting with flavor. Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region produces 14 types of apples, yielding about 24,000 tons annually. However, the Saspolo variety is unique to Kharmang's Pari valley, where 90% of the 6,000 residents are involved in apple farming. To promote this indigenous variety of apple and support local growers, the Agriculture Department of Gilgit-Baltistan organizes an annual Saspolo Festival. The festival attracts hundreds with the apples' exquisite color, taste, and aroma.