This document provides a geological field report from a student's field trip through northern Pakistan. The student visited areas from Muslimabad to Hunza over 6 days, observing and documenting different rock types. Key stops included Besham, Kohistan, Gilgit, and Hunza. Rocks observed included basalts, andesites, metasedimentary rocks, diorites, dunites, gabbro, basalt, gabbro norites and pyroxenites. The report includes an introduction, literature review on the geology of the areas visited, and detailed documentation of stops made each day, including observations of rock types and structures.

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Kohistan-Gilgit Baltistan
GEOLOGICAL
FIELD REPORT

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Geological Field Report
Kohistan-Gilgit Baltistan
Submitted To:
Sir Salman Ahmad Khattak
Submitted By/Roll No:
Samiullah/5208
Semester:
6th
Department:
Geology
University Of Haripur

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Samiullah

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Dedication:
“This is presented as a work of Fiction and Dedicated to our
Beloved and Respectable Parents and Teachers”

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Acknowledgement:
All acclamation and appreciation are for almighty “Allah” The Magnificent, The Merciful and
His Holy prophet Muhammad (P B U H) who is forever a torch of guidance and knowledge for
humanity. All Praise to All Mighty Allah Who gave us knowledge, education and learning to
work to the best of our abilities, courage and patience to obligation. This Field work could not
have been possible without the generous support and guidance of our teachers, We are grateful to
our respectable teachers Sir Salman Ahmad Khattak And Sir Azeem Shah Lecturers
Department of Geology, University of Haripur for their unforgettable Sympathetic behavior,
helping attitude, hard work and guidance throughout the entire field. We have learned so much
from them and without their efforts; this amazing field would not have been possible.
Last but not the least, any acknowledgement could never adequately express our obligation to
our loving friends for, their motivation, support and for memorable time we spent together.
Thanks are also extended to all our friends especially to Mr.Afaq Ahmad Zaman, Mr. Roman
Khan, Mr.Ahzaz Ahsan, Mr. Ibrahim Khan, Mr. Ahzaz Khan, and Mr.Yousaf for their nice
and helpful company during our entire field.
Samiullah

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Table of Contents:
S.No Contents Page. No
1 Dedication
2 Acknowledge
3 1. Introduction
4 1.1 Aim of study
5 1.2 Physiography
6 2. Literature review
7 2.1. GeologyofNorthern areas ofPakistan
8 2.2. Karakorum Plates
9 2.3. Northern suture zone
10 2.4. Kohistan island arc
11 2.5. Beshamgroup
12 2.6. Brief description of rocks
13 3. Field Observation
14 3.1. Day# 1) UOH to Besham
15 3.1.1. Stop# 1) Muslimabad
16 3.1.2. Stop# 2) Mansehra start
17 3.1.3. Stop# 3) NearAhal village
18 3.1.4. Stop# 4)NearAhal village
19 3.1.5. Stop# 5)NearChattar plane
20 3.1.6. Stop# 6)SoraiPul Batagram
21 3.1.7. Stop# 7) Way to Besham
22 3.2. Day# 2) Beshamto Chilas
23 3.2.1. Stop#1)Beshambridge, Besham
24 3.2.2. Stop# 2) Munji NearBeshamcity
25 3.2.3. Stop# 3) Lahor nala
26 3.2.4. Stop# 5) ChikaiBankal, Kohistan
27 3.2.5. Stop# 6) Dubair
28 3.2.6. Stop# 7) Jijal
29 3.2.7. Stop# 8) Galozebanda
30 3.2.8. Stop# 9) Nearpattan, Kohistan
31 3.2.9. Stop# 9) Pattan, Kohistan
32 3.2.10. Stop# 10) Kayal turn
33 3.2.11. Stop# 11) Qasoorabad

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34 3.2.12. Stop# 12) Dasudam project
35 3.3. Day# 3) Chilas to Gilgit
36 3.3.1. Stop# 1) Chilas city
37 3.3.2. Stop# 2) NearChilas
38 3.3.3. Stop# 4) BabusarChowk
39 3.3.4. Stop# 5) RaikotNearbridge
40 3.3.5. Stop# 5) Thilchi
41 3.3.6. Stop# 6) Nearthilchi
42 3.3.7. Stop# 7) Bunji- Jaglot
43 3.3.8. Stop# 8) Junction points of rivers and
mountain
44 3.4. Day# 4) Gilgit to Hunza
45 3.4.1. Stop# 1) Jutal
46 3.4.2. Stop# 2) NearNommal
47 3.4.3. Stop# 3) Plate collisional point
48 3.4.4. Stop# 4) Chalt village
49 3.5. Day# 5) Gilgit to Besham
50 3.6. Day# 6) Beshamto UOH
51 3.6.1. Stop# 1) B/W Shangla and Thakot
52 Reference

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1) Introduction:
The field trip provides a geological cross-section in Northern Pakistan
from the margin of the Indian Plate to the Hindu Kush terrine, through the Kohistan Island Arc
and the Karakoram Range. The area includes Muslimabad (Abbottabad) to Gilgit crossing
Kohistan. Geologically it is located in south of northern suture zone, a mega trust separating the
rocks of Karakorum late from Kohistan island arc. The rocks exposed in this area are mainly
basalts andesite sheet dominant volcanic and igneous rocks, and in some places there are
metasedimentary rocks.
This field trip compromises of 6 days start from 2nd-7th May, 2016. We
started our trip from university and first stop is at Muslimabad where we observed angular
unconformity Hazara slates and Thanaki conglomerates. We studied different types of
metamorphic and igneous rocks from Besham to Hunza including the areas of Kohistan and
Gilgit. These rocks are diorites, dunites, gabbro .basalt, gabbro norites, Pyroxinites.
Aim of Study:
1.1
The geological Fieldwork and report writing is an essential
requirement for BS degree in Geology .Students of BS semester VI have done field work for
one weeks in areas of Mansehra, Besham, Kohistan ,Gilgit and Hunza, Which was carried out In
the month of May 2nd, 2016. The main purpose of field is:
 Identifications of different types of rocks
 Regional geology of the area
 Geomorphology of an area
 Geological mapping
 Visit to different Dam Sites.

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1.2) Physiography:
1.2.1) Relief:
The Mapped Area lies between the Muslimabad (Abbottabad) to Hunza.
The highest elevation from sea level is 1833 feet in Hunza.
The lowest elevation from sea level is 617 near Besham.
1.2.2) Climate:
The Climate of Gilgit varies from region to region; surrounding mountain
ranges creates sharp variations in weather. The eastern part has the moist zone of the western
Himalayas, but going towards Karakoram and Hindu Kush the climate dries considerably. Gilgit
is hot during the day in summer yet cold at night and valleys like Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza
and Nagar where the temperature is cold even during the summer.
1.2.3) Vegetation covers:
In northern areas of Pakistan mostly area is barren. There is no vegetation on
mountain due to lack of rains.in some areas of Kohistan and Hunza there is some vegetation
cover which conceals the geology of different areas. There are different types of herb and herbs
are found in it.
1.2.4) Weathering:
Weathering is the total effect of all the various sub aerial processes that
cooperate in bringing about the decay and disintegration of the rocks. Weathering of rocks
depends upon following factors,
 Mineral composition and structure of the rock

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 Climatic condition
 Presence and absence of vegetation
 Topography of the area
 Weathering is of three types
 Mechanical or Physical Weathering
 Chemical Weathering
 Biological Weathering

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2) Literature review:
2.1 Geology of Northern Pakistan:
Gilgit-Baltistan covering the most area of Northern Pakistan. The northern
area of Pakistan mainly compromises of three tectonics plates. These plates are Karakorum Plate,
Kohistan Island Arc and Indo-Pakistan Plate. Kohistan Island Arc is sandwiched between
Karakorum plate and Indo-Pakistan Plate by having two main trusts the NSZ or MKT in the
north and Indian suture zone ISZ or main mantle thrust MMT in the south. The region of GB is
mainly composed of rocks of Karakorum plates (i.e. metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks),
northern suture zones (i.e. Ophiolites mélanges) and Kohistan Island Arc (i.e. mafic-ultramafic
complex and Batholith plutons).The crystalline basement of Karakoram consists of low-grade
quartzite and migmatites, which are in turn intruded by a granodiorite.
The quartzite (Chikar quartzite) consists of darkgrey siltstones and
quartzite, largely derived from green schist-facies metamorphism of poorly sorted sub arkoses.
This metaterrigenous unit forms km wide open folds, and is transformed into hard spotted schist
and massive hornfels-like rocks close to the contact with the granodiorite. Granitic dikes intrude
the met sediments.
The migmatites occur to the SE of Chikar, and up the right bank of the
Darkot Pass glacier, where the met sediments become increasingly intruded by granitic dikes. In
a few km, the injected met sediments seem to gradually give way to migmatites, and into
anatectic granite engulfing masses of nebulitic gneisses and agmatitic amphibolite.
The granodiorites occur in apophyges 4-5 km wide (Kishmanja,
Ishkarwaz) and in thrusted sheets and slices, 4 to 10 km long (in front of Kan Khun). The Granite
bears biotite and frequent amphibole, almost totally altered.
2.2) Karakorum Plates:
Karakorum plates represent the northern most part of Pakistan and it is
located on the northern side of NSZ or MKT. The rock body exposed here are highly deformed
sedimentary, metasedimentary, and igneous assemblages and they are ranges in age of Jurassic to

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late Cretaceous and formed as a result of collision between KIA with Eurasian plate along NSZ
or MKT. The Karakorum plate is divides into;
I. The Northern Sedimentary Belt
II. The Karakorum Axial Batholith
III. The Southern Metamorphic Belt
2.2.1) The Northern Sedimentary Belt;
The northern sedimentary belt is northern most unit of Karakorum block
and is mainly consisting of up to 7km thick belt which is transgressive on a pre-Ordovician
crystalline basement rocks. The sedimentary belt is further divided into thrust sheet in Chitral
and Hunza Valley along the western and eastern margin of Karakorum block. The rock body
present in this block ranges in age from Permian to Paleozoic and most of the succession with
the eastern Karakorum along Hunza valley are of Permian age. The Hunza include calc-alkaline
granodiorite which has both biotite and hornblende minerals.
2.2.2) The Karakorum Axial Batholith;
It is a large body of igneous rocks intrudes in different times and the
earliest magmatic episode is recorded earlier than 100 Ma and can be correlated with the initial

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stages of intra-oceanic subduction. The extension of this batholith is up to Ladakh in the east and
across into Afghanistan in west. The northern sedimentary belt in the northern of Karakorum
plates is separated from the marginal mass present in the southern part of the Karakorum plate by
this axial batholith in the Hindukush and Karakorum ranges. The dominant rocks phases of this
batholith are granodiorites, granites and pegmatite’s which are readily intruded by the sills and
dykes mostly basic in nature.
At least three major tectonics episodes of magmatic intrusion were
identified in the magma axial batholith. The earliest episode was in the mid –Cretaceous and
mainly consisting of sub alkaline and calc-alkaline intrusion. The second phase of intrusion
consists of sub-alkaline granites of Eocene age having mainly biotite, amphiboles and
andalusites. The last episode occurred in Miocene and is represented by leucogrsnites sheets and
intrusion of batholithic dimensions.
A linear batholithic body, about 20 km wide and 150 km long,
occupies higher peaks of the Eastern Karakoram and Pangong Mountain in Ladakh. This
batholith extends into the western
Karakoram across the Baura range. Hispar, Biafo to the west of
Baltoro and is known as Karakoram axial batholith. In general, the Karakoram batholith is
porphyritic in texture and pink in color but in western Karakoram homogeneous and fine grained
with occasional coarse grained varieties are also reported. The belt occurs as an elongated
arcuate composite body comprising different sub-alkaline and calc-alkaline unit

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Simplify Ed structural map of North-West Pakistan. (Modify end from Gaetano 1997)
2.2.3) The Southern Metamorphic Belt
The southern metamorphic belt of the Karakorum plates is developed
as a hanging wall along the NSZ or MKT. the difference group is included in this belt are
variously named as we move from the western to the eastern margins (i.e. chitral slate in Hindu
Kush, Darkot group in the Yasin valley, Baltit group and Damurdu Formation in the Hunza
valley and Shigar group in the Baltistan group). The low grade metamorphic rock in this belt are
biotite schist ,chlorites schist ,quartz schist ,while the high grade metamorphism is demarcated
by kyanites and illuminates schist’s.
2.3) Northern Suture Zones or Main Karakorum
Thrust (MKT);
Main Karakorum Thrust is a fault contact which separates the
rocks of Eurasian plates from that of KIA. This suture zones is formed as a result of collision of

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KIA with Eurasian plates. NSZ is a compromise of ophiolites mélange containing rocks like’s
serpentines, volcanic and marine.
Sediments in a slate. The different types of sedimentary volcanic
present on the northern sides of KIA are separated from the slates and quartzite of the Eurasian
plates by this mélange. The rock body are present along this thick mélange are limestone’s,
quartz, volcanic greenstones and altered rocks like serpentine in a slates matrix.
2.4) Kohistan Island Arc:
Kohistan island arc is formed as a result of intra oceanic
subduction of neo Tethys beneath Eurasian plate in late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous times and
covering an area of about 3600 km2. KIA is separated from the Indian plates by MMT or ISZ in
the south while its northern boundary is marked by MKT or NSZ which separate it from the
Eurasian volcanic rocks .KIA consist of associated volcanic rocks. KIA consists of the following
geological bodies of rocks as we move from north to south.
1. Yasin Group Sediments
2. Chalt Volcanic Group
3. Kohistan batholith
4. Chilas complex
5. Jijal complex
2.4.1) Yasin group Sediment:
Yasin sedimentary group represent the northern part of KIA and
they are youngest Tethyan remains comprised of mainly sedimentary and volcanic clastic rocks.
The volcanic rocks are metamorphosed to green schist facies due to volcanic collision of two
plates. This group show variable lithology along different part of the NSZ.in the Eastern part
along Hunza Valley ,this group contain volcano clastic , terrigenious slate , silty quartzite and
pebble conglomerates while limestone unit is absent .

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2.4.2) Chalt volcanic group:
The rocks of the chalt volcanic group are exposed in the south of
NSZ. Chalt volcanic group is composed of basalt rhydacites and andesite and are generally
metamorphosed to green schist facies. The volcanic rock present in the zone are highly deformed
and shows metamorphic grade from green schist in the West to amphibolite facies in the south.
The volcanic or Meta volcanic present in this group are divided on the basis of their geochemical
contents,
 One group is having MgO contents between 15 and 6% while
 Second group is having less than 6 %
2.4.3) Kohistan Batholith:
The presence of major belt of granitic rocks in the northern part
of KIA were first described but Tahir kheli and Jan .These were later on named as Kohistan
batholith by Peterson and Windley . The major components of KIA are represented by Kohistan
batholith. The area covered by this series along E-W direction is 300 Km and along N-S
direction is 60Km.Different rock bodies present in tis batholith are; granodiorite, diorite,
hornblende, hornblende, gabbro and lecogranites. Kohistan batholith is formed as a result of
three stages of magmatic intrusion .the geochemistry of first stage is recognized by two Magma
types. The first type of magma is represented by medium to high potassium diorite, the second is
low potassium trondhjemites. The second type of the rock present in the first stage has unique
feature having a lack of enrichment in LREE relative to HREE.stage three pluton present within
the Kohistan island arc forms the minor part of the batholith. The age assigned to this group is 30
Ma.
2.4.4) Chilas Complex:

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Chilas complex is representing the southern part of KIA and
consisting mainly of pyroxene-diorites and gabbro norites with the minor amount of gabbro,
anthracite, troctolites, peridotites and the mafic dyke .in the southern part of KIA .this group is
extending 300 Km along the E-W and 40 Km along the N-S, the rock group present in this
complex are in the age from late Jurassic to Cretaceous .IN southern part, Chilas complex has a
Tectonic contact with Kamila amphibolite.
2.4.5) Kamila Amphibolite:
It lies in the south of Chilas Complex and mainly consist of two
varieties of Amphibolite .one variety is medium to coarse grained Amphibolite while, the other is
fined grained banded or homogeneous amphibolite. Width of the Kamila Amphibolite is 10 to 40
Km and is present all along the southern Kohistan batholith. Structural data and there age suggest
that the deformation and metamorphism occurred before the collision of KIA with Indian Plate.
The rock shows very close resemblance with the chilas complex Gabbronorite and suggesting the
same origin.
2.4.6) Jijal Complex:
Jijal complex having basal cumulates, layered gabbro and ultra-
mafic rock lies in the southern part of KIA consisting of about 150 Km2 and represent the deepest
part of the arc. Two distinct units in the complex are;
 Ultramafic rocks ,consisting of dunites, harzburgites ,websterities and clino pyroxinites
 Garnet granulite.
The granulite present in this complex are of two types, on having plagioclase and other is
free of plagioclase. The plagioclase free variety I ultrabasic to basic and other variety
having plagioclase is basic to intermediate in nature. The lithology exposed in this group
is granulite and ultramafic rocks.

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2.5) Besham Group:
The Besham Group comprises a heterogeneous mixture of biotitic
gneisses and schists (most of uncertain paragenesis), granitic gneisses, metapsammites,
amphibolites, blue-quartz pegmatites and other pegmatites, weakly deformed hornblende-
granodiorite, mylonites, phyllonites and undeformed microgranites. The gneisses are medium to
coarse grained. The metapsarnmites are often fine grained with a granoblastic texture, e.g. the
top of each of the thrust slices west of Besham (where biotite is an essential phase), but are
coarse grained and more arkosic in other areas. Lead-zinc sulphide deposits occur within the
metasediments of the Besham Group in several areas, the largest being at Lahor and Pazang on
the west and east banks of the Indus, respectively. The deposits occur in folded stratigraphically
controlled lodes which have been extensively remobilised during Himalayan shearing and later
faulting so that they are now also partly structurally controlled. The gneissic textures and fabrics
with a quartz, feldspar, muscovite, biotite, and garnet and hornblendic-amphibole mineralogy are
the products of the pre-Himalayan high-grade deformation and metamorphism with its associated
granite and pegmatite intrusion.
2.6) Brief Description of Rock:
2.6.1) Diorite:
1) Diorite is an intrusive igneous rock composed principally of the silicate
minerals plagioclase feldspar ,biotite, hornblende, pyroxene.
2) The chemical composition of diorite is intermediate, between that
of mafic gabbro and felsic granite.
3) Diorite is usually grey to dark-grey in color, but it can also be black or
bluish-grey, and frequently has a greenish cast.
4) Diorite may contain small amounts of quartz, microcline, and olivine.
Zircon, apatite, titanite, magnetite, ilmenite, and sulfides occur as accessory minerals. Minor
amounts of muscovite may also be present.
2.6.2) Dunite:

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1)Dunite (also known as olivinite) not to be is an igneous, plutonic rock, of
ultramafic composition, with coarse-grained or phaneritic texture.
2) The mineral assemblage is greater than 90% olivine, with minor amounts
of other minerals such as pyroxene, chromite, magnetite, and pyrope.
3) Dunite typically undergoes retrograde metamorphism in near-surface
environments and is altered to serpentinite and soapstone.
2.6.3) Gabbro:
1) Gabbro mafic intrusive igneous rocks chemically equivalent to basalt.
2) Gabbro is dense, greenish or dark-colored and contains pyroxene,
plagioclase, and minor amounts of amphibole and olivine.
3) Gabbro is generally coarse grained, with crystals in the size range of 1 mm
or greater. Finer grained equivalents of gabbro are called diabase (also known as dolerite).
2.6.4) Granodiorite:
1) Granodiorite is a medium- to coarse-grained intermediate to acid igneous
rock with essential quartz (>20%), plagioclase (oligoclase) and alkali feldspar, with minor mafic
minerals, typically hornblende and biotite.
2) The fine-grained equivalent of granodiorite is a dacite.
3) Granodiorites are most commonly related to island arc and orogenic
magmatism and are usually calc-alkaline magmas.
4) They are usually associated with granite and tonalite intrusions
2.6.5) Amphibolite:
1) Amphibolite is a coarse-grained metamorphic rock that is composed
mainly of green, brown, or black amphibole minerals and plagioclase feldspar.
2) The amphiboles are usually members of the hornblende group.
2.6.6) Slate:
1) Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that is created by the
alteration of shale or mudstone by low-grade regional metamorphism.

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2) Slate can also contain abundant quartz and small amounts of feldspar,
calcite, pyrite, hematite and other minerals.
3) Most slates are gray in color and range in a continuum of shades from
light to dark gray. Slate also occurs in shades of green, red, black, purple and brown.
2.6.7) Schist:
1) Schist is a metamorphic rock consisting of mineral grains that are more
or less aligned in layers. Because of this structure, schist tends to cleave into flakes or slabs.
2) The parent rock of a schist may be igneous (e.g., basalt, granite, syenite)
or sedimentary (e.g., sandstone, mudstone, impure limestone).
3) Minerals include micas, chlorite, talc, hornblende, graphite, and others.
4) Schist forms at a higher temperature and has larger grains than phyllite.
2.6.8) Phyllite:
1) Phyllite is a type of foliated metamorphic rock created from slate that is
further metamorphosed so that very fine grained white mica achieves a preferred orientation.
2) The protolith (or parent rock) for phyllite is shale or pelite, or slate,
which in turn came from a shale protolith.
3) Phyllite has good fissility (a tendency to split into sheets). Phyllites are
usually black to gray or light greenish gray in color.

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3) Field Observation:
3.1) Day # 1 UOH to Besham
3.1.1)Stop# 1: Muslimabad (Kotaqabarsection)
Time: 10:36am
34°06'08.3"N
73°10'14.3"E
Observations:
At this stop we observed Hazara Slates, Thanaki Conglomerates and Angular
Unconfirmity.
Description:
Hazara formation has two sections
1) Hazara slates which is of Precambrian age and contain low metamorphosed slates.
2) Abbottabad formation which is of Cambrian age and contain dolomite and limestone.
At this stop we observed “Angular unconformity” in which the above strata consist of
Abbottabad formaton and below strata consist of Hazara slates.Between them is conglomerates
which is also known as “Thanaki conglomerates”

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3.1.2) Stop# 2: Mansehra Start
Time: 12:25am
Rocks Observed:
Slates
Description:
At this stop we observed slates which are well known as Hazara Slates. This
slate is of Precambrian age. Color of the slate was Dark Grey color. Texture of this slate was
fabric texture. Foliation present in the slates we can divid it into the slabs. Foliation is basically
Fabric forming planner structures.
Fig# 1) Hazara slates at start of Mansehra
3.1.3 Stop# 3) Near Ahal Vllage
Time: 3:13 am

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N 34°33'41.3"
E 073°09'22.0"
Elevation: 1488m
Rocks Observed:
Granite (Granodorite)
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop were granite, which is usually in the form of
crushed material .There is also some amount of mafic minerals in it. This crushing is due to
foliation. This foliation is due to the alignment of minerals which is disturbed by either shear
zone or faulted zone. Mostly the rocks are hard enough but crushing is due to this fault. As we
know that granite is hard rock and we saw crushing in it. It means that forces are very high
magnitude. This is part of mansehra batholith. Scistocity and gniesstocity is also present due to
shearing. Age of these rocks is 516my (Cambrian).Swat granite and Ahal granite form at same
time. Hazara formaton is basically related to Panjal Fault. Granodiorite is very similar to granite.
It has less of the potassium variety of feldspar, more of the sodium feldspar.
Minerals present in the rocks:
Feldspur, Silica, Biotite and hornblende.
Fig#1) Granitic rock Near Ahal Village.
3.1.4 Stop# 4) Near Ahal Village but at some
distance from Stop# 3

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Time: 3:20pm
N 34°37'34.9"
E 73°05'50.2"
Elevation: 1488m
Rocks Observed:
Granite
Description:
The rocks we observed at this stop was granite which was in the form of crushed.
This crushing is due to major shearing zone. It is part of main Oghi Trust. Oghi shear zone meet
with Butal fault (In Kaghan Valley) and most people consider it MCT (Main Continental
Thrust).But actually these fault are much older than MCT.In some zone we found folation in the
rocks and in some zone we donot found foliation.
Minerals Observed:
Quartz, Biotie and Feldspur
Fig# 1) Granitic rock near ahal village

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3.1.5 Stop# 5) near chattar Plane
Time: 4:15pm
Rock Observed:
Gneiss (ortho)
Description:
The rock observed at this stop is basically a granitic igneous rock which is
metamorphosed at high grade of metamorphism and is converted into Gneiss. So this rock is
called orthogenesis. This rock had a patch of a light and dark band of mineral which show it is a
gneiss rock. This rock has a band of minerals. As increase in grade of metamorphism there is
foliation and minerals are fully aligned. The light and dark minerals are in separate patches. On
light band there is dark band present of top and bottom. The minerals like mica, Muscovites and
biotite are present in it. The rock has a coarser texture. In this the crystallinity is high. There was
also some schistocity along the right side of gneiss. Vein is also present.
Minerals Observed:
The minerals observed in these rocks are Muscovites, Biotite and Micas.
Fig# 1) Orthogniess in chattar plane.

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Fig#2) Vein present in orthogniess in Chattar plane.
3.1.6 Stop# 6) Sorai Pul Batagram
Time: 5:57pm
N 34°41'4.6"
E 72°59'24.5"
Elevation: 1026m
Rocks Observed:
Gneiss (Augend)
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop was gneiss have Augen structures. These are part
of Mansehra granite that metamorphosed means protolith of these gneiss was granite or
granodiorite.Mega crystals of mansehra granite, when pressure exert on these crystals they

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becomes elongated and develop Augen structures. Gniesstocity is more in these granites and
Tanawal quartzite is intrudes by this granite.
Fig# 1) Augen structure in the rocks in Sorai pull, Batagram.
Fig#2) Gniess rocks in Sorai Pull, Batagram.

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3.1.7 Stop# 7) Way to be sham
Time: 6:40pm
N 34°44'34.4"
E 72°57'9.3"
Elevation: 757m
Rocks Observed:
1) Garnet-mica schist
2) Igneous rocks
3) Gniess(Para)
4) Quartzite
5) Graphite schist
Description:
At this stop we observed Quartzite then we observed igneous bodies And After
that we observed sedimentary rocks which were metamorphosed and then we observed gneiss Of
which protolith is Sedmentary rocks then we observed Quartzite which was repeated and at same
place we observed Graphite schist. Overall this section is part of Ganduf formation which mostly
consists of sedimentary rocks but here metamorphosed And In some Places we observed Granitic
rocks which is a part of Kotla formation. Kotla formation is in the form of small sills.

30. 30
Fig# 2) Graphite Schist of Ganduf formation.
3.2) Day# 2 From Besham to Chilas
3.2.1 Stop# 1) Besham Bridge, Besham
Time: 8:58am
N 34°55'41.1"
E 072°52'36"
Elevation: 607m
Rocks Observed:
Granodiorite, Schist, Quartzite, Gniess.
Description:

31. 31
At this stop we observed Schist, Granodiorite, Quartzite, Gneiss, and
Amphibolite. This section is part of Besham Complex. The granodiorite observed here is also
called Shange Granodiorite whose age is 1836my.Amphibolite is also observed. Gniesstocity is
present in the rocks. Schistocity is also present but not too much. Mafic intrusion was also
present below the iron bridge.
Minerals Observed:
Quartz, Amphibole, Feldspur, botite
Fig#1)
Mafic
Intrusion under Besham iron Bridge in (?) Rocks In Besham.
Fig# 2) Rocks Of besham Complex, Besham Bridge, Besham.

32. 32
3.2.2 Stop# 2) Mungi Near Besham City
Time: 9:59 am
N 34°56'39.1"
E 72°52'42.3"
Elevation: 561m
Rocks Observed:
Metasedimentary Rocks
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop was metasedimentary rocks that contain
Feldspur, Quartz and Biotite.Quartz vein was also present in the rocks. Some researchers named
it paragniss and some researchers named it Kishar formaton.This section`s rocks is also part of
Besham complex. Age of the rocks is Precambrian.
Mineral Observed:
Biotite, feldspar and Quartz
Fig# 1) Metasedimentary rocks, Mungi near Besham city.

33. 33
3.2.3 Stop# 3) Lahor Nali
Time: 10:30 am
N 34°57'34.3"
E 72°52'47.3"
Elevation: 748m
Rocks Observed:
Metasedimentary rocks
Description:
At this stop we observed Metasedimentary rocks which consist of Biotite and
Mica. Color of the rock was greenish. Grainsize was medium to fine.
Minerals Observed:
Biotite, Mica
Fig# 1) Metasedimentary rocks, Lahor Nali

34. 34
3.2.4 Stop# 4) Chikai Bankal, Kohistan
Time: 10:55 am
N 34°59'32.0"
E 72°54'22.6"
Elevation: 755m
Rocks Observed:
Granite
Description:
At this stop we observed Granite of light color which is also called Lecugranites.
This granite is also named as lahor granite. Age of this granite is Precambrian.
Fig# 1) Granite at Chikai Bankal, Kohistan.

35. 35
3.2.5 Stop# 5) Dubair
Time: 11:54 am
Rocks Observed:
Granodiorite
Description:
This met granodiorite (biotite – hornblende) belongs to the Precambrian
“Besham Group”. This Meta diorite deformed heterogeneously, and displays unfoliated facies
with angular xenoliths. The foliation intensity varies from almost none to pronounce into
mylonitic bands.
Granites are coarse-grained intrusive igneous rocks made of two different kinds
of feldspar (potassium- and sodium-rich), together with quartz and a small proportion of dark
minerals. In this view of granite, the feldspars have a dusty appearance, and the quartz is clear.
The only "dark" mineral is a small amount of yellow tourmaline.
Granodiorite is very similar to granite. It has less of the potassium variety of
feldspar, more of the sodium feldspar (plagioclase). The dark minerals in this rock include green
hornblende and brown mica (biotite). This Granodiorite is equal to Shange granodiorite.
Minerals Observed:
Botite, hornblende and plagioclase.
Fig# 1) Granodiorite in Dubair (On Way to Kohistan)

36. 36
3.2.6 Stop# 6) Jijal
Time: 11:50 am
N 35°02'19.0"
E 72°56'13.0"
Elevation: 938m
Rocks Observed:
Dunite (Peridodite)
Description:
At this stop we observed dunite which mostly consists of Olivne. Olivine has green
color that shows some transparency .Dunite contain more than 90 percent of the olivine.
Peridotite was also observed in this stop which consist of dark color minerals like pyroxene,
amphibole. This section is part of the kohistan island arc. MMT (Main mantle thrust) lies at the
back side of this section. Mostly MMT is marked by Blueschist but In Kohistan Island arc we
donot found it.
Minerals Observed:
Olivine

37. 37
3.2.7 Stop# 7) Galozbanda, Kohistan
Time: 12:22 pm
N 35°04'12.8"
E 72°57`19.8``
Elevation: 858m
Rocks Observed:
Peridodite
Description:
At this stop we observed Peridodite. Serpentinization was also observed in the
rocks. Minerals present in the rocks are hornblende, mica and olivine. The alteration of these
minerals is very easy. This section is part of jijal complex.
Mineral Observed:
Hornblende, Micas and Olivine.
Fig# 1) Hornblende in peridodite rock of Galozebanda, Kohistan.

38. 38
3.2.8 Stop# 8) Near Pattan, Kohistan
Time: 12:45 pm
N 35°04'37.8"
E 72°57'49.5"
Elevation: 914m
Rocks Observed:
Garnet granulite
Description:
At this stop we observed garnet granulite; texture of the rock is granular. Age of
the rocks is creataceous.This section is part of Jijal complex. A granulite is a fine- to medium-
grained metamorphic rock with a granular texture of polygonal crystals (granoblastic texture).
Granulites typically contain amphibole, quartz, feldspar and pyroxene with very little or no mica.
Granulites frequently contain garnet, kyanite, sillimanite and/or sapphirine. Granulites form by
regional metamorphism of a wide range of protoliths including argillaceous and arenaceous
sediments, mixed siliciclastic and carbonate sediments and igneous rocks.
Minerals Observed:
Garnet, Pyroxene, Plagioclase, Quartz
Fig# 1) Garnet Granulite.

39. 39
3.2.9 Stop# 9) Pattan, Kohistan
Time: 1:25 pm
N 35°07'04.6"
E 72°58'6.1"
Elevation: 837m
Rocks Observed:
Gabbro
Description:
At this stop we observe Gabbro. But we also observe gniesstocity which may be
mafic gniess that may be formed by forceful injection of the magma that elongate the minerals.
At this section magmatization may be occurred. The grain size of the rock is fine. The rocks
observed at this stop are a part of Kohistan Island Arc.
Fig# 1) Contact b/w gabbro and mafic gneiss, Pattan Kohistan.

40. 40
Fig# 2) Mafic gneiss and Augen structure in Pattan, Kohistan.
3.2.10 Stop# 10) Kayal Turn
Time: 1:45 pm
N 35°09' 9.2"
E 72°58'6.1"
Elevation: 840m
Rocks Observed:
Gabbros and Amphibolites

41. 41
Description:
At this stop we observed mafic rocks gabbro and amphibolites. Amphibolite is a
metamorphic rock whereas gabbro is an igneous rock. Grain size is fine. Intrusion produces
shearing and form bending. The rocks of this section are include in the Kamila
amphibolites.Foliation was present in the rocks. Color of the rock was dark.
Minerals Observed:
Amphibole
Fig# 1) Amphibole mineral in the rocks , Kayal Turn.
3.2.11 Stop# 11) Qasoorabad
Time: 2:30 pm

42. 42
N 35°09' 9.2"
E 73°05' 23.1"
Elevation: 867m
Rocks Observed:
Amphibolite
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop were amphibolite. There was not too much
foliation in the rocks but at some places foliation was present. In some places serpentinizaton
was observed. Rock color was darker.
Minerals Observed:
Amphibole, Olivine.
Fig# 1) Amphibolite minerals in the rocks in Qasoorabad.
3.2.12 Stop# 12) Dasu Dam Project
Time: 4:00 pm
N 35° 19' 2.1"

43. 43
E 73° 11' 43.1"
Elevation: 779m
Rocks Observed:
Gabbro, Gabbronorites
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop were gabbros mostly.Gabbronorites was also
marks in this section. The rocks of this section were part of Chilas complex. This section was
part of Dasu dam projects. Axis of dam was also observed in this section. Tunneling was present
that were drilled for engineering properties of rocks.
Minerals Observed:
Augite, Hypersthene.
Fig# 1) DasuDam Project. Axis of dam.

44. 44
Fig# 2) Silent Features of Dasuhydropower Project, Dasu

45. 45
3.3 Day# 3) Chilas to Gilgit
3.3.1 Stop #3.1) Chilas City
Time: 10:12 am
N= 35̊ 25̍ 42.7̎
E=74̊ 6̍ 31.2 ̎
Elevation =1064m
3.3.1.1) Study about Geomorphology:
In this stop we observed different geomorphological
features. This area has rocks which are of Paleocene age. These areas are covered with ice or
glacier. This area was extended in large area. Sediment in this area is mostly moraines, debris
flow and some channels which were formed by melting of ice. Due to melting of these glaciers
there is well sorted sediment. There were some sand patches which were formed due to wind
after long time. At below surface there is gabbroic plutonic rock of chilas Complex and at top
there were glacier sediment, so there is unconformity called non-conformity. The age assigned to
these is 105-110MY cretaceous time periods. In this area there are small lenses were formed,
these lenses were due to different small channels, which were developed at different time. These
types of sediment are basically called Jalipur Sediment.
3.3.1.2) Study about Geological Cross Sections;
We also did geological cross sections of that area. We draw sketches
of lithology, contact, unconformity, moraines, river, mountains, channels and different alluvial
fans.

46. 46
Fig# 1) Geomorphology of Area near Chilas City, Chilas
3.3.2 Stop# 2) Near Chilas City
Time: 10:28 am
N 35° 25' 05.7"
E 74° 07' 32.2"
Elevation: 1034m
Rocks Observed:
Diorites
Description:

47. 47
At this stop we observed Diorites which contain whitish color feldspar. Transparent
quartz, blackish Amphibole, greenish Pyroxene. Texture of the rock was phonetic. Diorite s
mostly found in Kohistan Batholiths. Garnet, pegmatites and applied veins are also present in
some places. Mafic intrusion was also present. This mafic intrusion occurs in different stages
105my – 130my
1) Diorite intrusion along mafic intrusion in 105my.
2) Granitic intrusion in 85- 50my
3) Pegmatite or granitic intrusion in 40- 45my.
Minerals Observed:
Feldspur, Quartz, Hornblende and Pyroxene.
Fig# 1) Diorites near Chilas city
3.3.3 Stop# 3) Babu SAR Chowk
Time: 11:15 am

48. 48
N=35̊ 24̍ 24̎
E=74̊ 8̎ 48.6̎
Elevation =1051m
Rocks Observed:
Different rocks are observed in this stop.
Gabbro or gabbroic rock, Norites or gabbro norites, Dunites, Peridoditc rocks.
Descriptions:
The first stop that was observed in this stop is gabbro .The gabbro is mafic rock
and has some amount of olivine and plagioclase. The greenish color represented that that rock
was gabbro. In gabbro the amount of blackish minerals is high. The amount of plagioclase is also
high in it. These rocks are not totally gabbro may be they were tonality rock. In gabbro the
pyroxene amount is high. Gabbro is a coarse-grained and usually dark-colored igneous rock.
Gabbro is an intrusive rock. It means that it formed as magma cooled slowly in the crust.
The second rock that was observed were Dunites rocks. This rock has a
vitreous lusture. In this rock pyroxene is much less. If Dunites has 90% of pyroxene that this
may be peridotites.
There are also some vein of pegmatite’s which are intruded in it. Peridotite is a
generic name used for coarse-grained, dark-colored, ultramafic igneous rocks. Peridotites usually
contain olivine as their primary mineral, frequently with other mafic minerals such as pyroxenes
and amphiboles. Their silica content is low compared to other igneous rocks, and they contain
very little quartz and feldspar. There was also a peridotitic rock which has pyroxene minerals. In
this rock there is black, shining, vitreous, elongated minerals called hornblendites also present.
The rock which has hornblende is called hornblendities. These all rocks a parts of Kohistan
batholith.
Unites and peridotites are light greenish grey to dark grey with greasy
appearance. These rocks are partially serpentinized. This phenomenon is more prominent in the
rocks along southern contact. Shearing of the rocks has taken place and serpentinization is
intense along joints, weak and sheared zones. Serpentinites are light grey and brown to dark grey
in colour. Dark grey and thin veins of serpentinite are also seen in these rocks. Chrornitite has
been found with these rocks on the basal side as massive lenses and layered bodies. Magnetite
dissemination is common in peridotites and dunites and is upto a maximum of 20% in the rocks
so far observed. These rocks are magnetic in character.

49. 49
Minerals Observed:
There are different types of minerals observed in these rocks which are;
Pyroxene, Olivine, Plagioclase, Hornblendes, Quartz, Peridotites.
Fig# 1) Biotite in Quartz vein, Babusar Chowk, Chilas
Fig# 2) Pyroxnoid rock , Babu sar chowk.

50. 50
Fig# 1) Intrusion of different Rocks at Babu sar chowk
Fig# 2) Amphibole mineral in Quartz vein.

51. 51
3.3.4 Stop# 4) Raikot Near Bridge
Time: 3:45pm
N 35° 29' 40.7"
E 74° 36' 9.5"
Elevation: 1231m
Rocks Observed:
Diorites
Description:
At his stop we observed Diorites of medium grain size. These rocks are also part of
Kohistan batholiths. Pagmatite veins was also present the rocks. On the way many springs were
observed that represent Raikot Fault. Raikot fault is a strike slip fault. Many Pleistocene deposits
were observed. On the right side of the road Himalayas were present and MMT pass through this
zone.
Fig#1)Diorites and pegmatite’s vein in diorites.
3.3.5 Stop #3.5 Thilichi
Time: 4:45 pm
N 35° 35' 37.7"

52. 52
E 74° 37' 24.5"
Elevation: 1294m
Rocks Observed:
Metasedimentary rocks
Descriptions:
The rock observed in this stop are fine grained in which grained size are not
observed. These are fined grained sedimentary rocks which undergo metamorphism. In this the
amounts of mica or clay minerals high. Due to metamorphism some patches were converted to
phyllites and some patches were converted into schist which has garnet mineral. Basically all
these sediment are a part of Jaglot Group. In this there were different Meta sediments, phyllites
and schist. In these sediments the turbid tic sequences developed. These deposits cover the back
arc basinal areas. At the top of this metasedimentary rock, there was also some intrusion of
Kohistan batholith.Many volcanic rocks were also observed that were metamorphosed.
Tufficious materials and pyroclastic materials were also observed that was metamorphosed.
Pegmatite’s veins were also observed at this stop. The rocks are called Gashu volcanic rocks.
These materials are metamorphosed by collision during development of Himalayas. This section
was part of jaglot group which consist of
1) Thilchi formation that contain Slates and Schist.
2) Gashu Concluence volcanic rocks.
3) Gilgit formation that contain gneiss and schist
Fig# 1) Metasedimentary rocks, Thilchi.

53. 53
3.3.6 Stop# 6) Near to Thilchi
Time: 4:56 pm
N 35° 37' 31.0"
E 74° 36' 34.8"
Elevation: 1285m
Rocks Observed:
Green Schist.
Description:
At this stop we observed green schist. Green color is because of Chlorite or epidote.
These rocks are formed by the metamorphism of pyroclastic volcanic rocks. Grade of the
metamorphism was low.
Minerals observed:
Chlorite and epidote

54. 54
Fig# 1) Green schist.
3.3.7 Stop# 7) Bunji-Jaglot
Time: 5:22pm
N 35° 39' 55.7"
E 74° 37' 06.3"
Elevation: 1287m
Rocks Observed:
Diorite
Description:

55. 55
At this stop we observed coarse grain diorites. Jaglot diorite is a coarse grain diorite
and this section is part of Kohistan batholith. Mafic dike is also present in the diorite.Pagmatite
vein is also present which is the younger part of batholith. Minerals present in the rock are
Quartz, Biotite and Garnet.
Fig# 1) Diorite along with mafic intrusion and Pegmatite vein.Munji-Jaglot
3.3.8 Stop #3.8) Junction Points of Rivers and
Mountains
Time: 6:10 pm
N=35̊ 44̍
E= 74̊ 35̍ 20.6̎
Elevation

56. 56
Rocks Observed:
Granitic Rock
Descriptions:
The rocks observed in his stop were very fined grained granitic rock which is
sometime also known as Athelites. It is also intruded by Kohistan batholith part, so different
types of vein and dikes are formed. The rocks were basically vein or dikes .This is a massive
body of rock.
The stop was also geographically important. It is a junction point of
Indus and Gilgit River
Three Mountain Ranges
a) In NW side there was Karakorum
b) In W side there was Hindukush
c) In SW side there was Himalayas
Fig# 1) Three mountain ranges.

57. 57
Fig# 2) Rivers junction Indus and Gilgit river.

58. 58
Fig# 4) View point of Mountain ranges and Rivers.

59. 59
3.4 Day# 4) Gilgit to Hunza
3.4.1 Stop# 1) Jutal, Gilgit
Time: 10:15 am
N 35° 59' 27.2"
E 74° 19' 33.1"
Elevaton: 1512m
Rocks Observed:
Granite
Description:
The rocks observed at this stop were granite, composed of biotite, quartz and
feldspar. Grain size was fine to medium. This section is also part of Kohistan batholith.
Minerals Observed:
Biotite, Feldspur and Quartz
Fig# 1) Granite near Jutal Village, Gilgit.

60. 60
3.4.2 Stop# 2) Near Nomal
Time: 11:00 am
N 36° 08' 23.4"
E 74° 17' 54.2"
Elevation: 1680m
Rocks Observed:
Mafic rocks (Basalt)
Description:
At this stop we observed mafic rocks that may be basaltic rocks. Grain size was fine
and foliation was present in the rocks. Green color patches were also observed that may be
chlorine that form by metamorphism.Gniesstocity was also present in the rocks. Pillow structures
were also observed that formed when extrusion occur in the ocean. It is also called Chalt
volcanos.color of the basalt was darkish grey to black.
Minerals observed:
Chlorite
Fig# 1) Mafic rocks (Basalt), Nomal.

61. 61
3.4.3 Stop# 3) Plate’s Collisional point
Time: 11:39 am
N 36° 14' 1.4"
E 74° 18' 26.7"
Elevation: 1761m
Plate CollisionalPoint:
At this we saw a junction point where two continental plates collide. This is a point where Indian
plates collide with Eurasian Plates. As a result of collision the Himalayan devolved.
Rocks observed:
Quartzite
Description:
At plate collision point we observed coarse grain quartzite. This quartzite is also
named as Hunza quartzite. Hunza quartzite is a part of Korakarram block. Tight fold was
observed at this point. Some people mark MKT in this zone.

62. 62
Fig# 2) Quartzite at Collisional point.
Fig# 3) Tight fold, Plates collisional point.

63. 63
3.4.4 Stop# 4) Chalt Village
Time: 12:10 pm
N 36° 14' 14.8"
E 74° 19' 25.6"
Elevation: 1832m
Rocks Observed:
Phyllite
Description:
The rock observed at this stop is phyllites. It is fine-grained metamorphic rock formed
by the reconstitution of fine-grained, parent sedimentary rocks, such as mudstones or shales.
Phyllite has a marked fissility (a tendency to split into sheets or slabs) due to the parallel
alignment of platy minerals; it may have a sheen on its surfaces due to tiny plates of micas. Its
grain size is larger than that of slate but smaller than that of schist.Protoliths were deposited at
backside of island arc. These are form by collision of plates that cause metamorphism and form
phyllite.Age of this rock was cretaceous.
At this we studied that there are two zones where MKT were marked.
 MKT were marked between Yasin Group and Chalt Volcanic
 MKT were marked where Yasin group end on Eurasian plate.
Fig# 1) Phyllite, Chalt village.

64. 64
3.5 Day# 5) Gilgit to Besham
3.6 Day# 6) Besham to UOH
3.6.1 Stop# 1) B/W Shangla and Thakot
Time: 9:17 am
N=34̊ 50̍ 47.6̎
E=72̊ 58̍ 28.8̎
Elevation =711m
Rocks Observed:
Graphite and micaceous schist
Description:
At this stop we observed Graphite schist and mica schist.at this stop we also
observed Thakot fault that is basically strike slip fault and can be seen at different locations
but at this stop that fault was also exposed. The amount of mica is high in rock; there is also
phyletic material in it. The sequence of metamorphosed rock belonged to Pre-Cambrian age.
The black color fine grain graphite’s is developed in rock.

65. 65
Fig# 1) graphite schist and quartz vein.
Reference:
1: Self Observations.
2: Geology of Pakistan edited by F.K.Bender and H.A.Raza