Minimarg
Minimarg is a village in the Pakistani-administered Kashmir, on the border of the Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir. It is situated on the bank of the Burzil Nala, approximately south of the Chilam Chowki checkpost and to the north of a border village named Kamri. The village, located south of Astore via the Burzil Pass, has an average elevation of above sea level.
History
Minimarg was a part of the Baramulla district before 1947. During the First [Kashmir War] in 1947–1948, a wing of the combined Gilgit Scouts and renegade 6th Infantry of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, called the 'Tiger Force', took control of Minimarg, and it along with 13 other villages of Baramulla district became part of Pakistan. However, before that the area being an integral part of Gurez valley was known as ‘Gurii’ with respect to Gurez valley. It was also known as ‘Nain’, which means the junction place between Kashmir and Gilgit, and traders used to stay here while travelling to Kashmir and Srinagar. Historically, till 1948, the region had been an ancient trade route between Kashmir valley, and Northern Areas. Moreover, this was the only route through which students and traders used to get access to the Indian side for education and trade. As before 1960s, people of Gilgit had no access to Punjab and other parts of Pakistan, thus they greatly relied on this route.
Etymology
The word "Minimarg" consists of two parts of Kashmiri origin, which means 'frog' and which means meadow, hence the name means 'Meadow of Frogs'.
Language
People living in the region speak the Shina language.
Climate
July is warm with an average temperature of 19.8 °C. January is cold with an average temperature of -26.3 °C.