Gold Extraction from the Indus River in Skardu During November

It may come as surprising news to many, but yes! gold is actually extracted from the sand of the great Indus River. This unique process of gold extraction is carried out along the riverbanks, stretching from Skardu all the way to Chilas.

Importance of Gold in Skardu’s Local Economy

In Skardu, the gold rate is also important because gold is locally extracted from the sand along the banks of the Indus River. The people of Skardu, especially those living near the river, collect gold from the riverbed, particularly during the month of November each year.

How the Sonywal Community Extracts Gold from the Indus River

Traditionally the people who extract gold from the river Indus are named as the “Sonewal”. They are very hardworking and brave people.

During November, the water level of the Indus River drops, allowing the Sonywal community to access the sandy areas inside the river. They process this sand to extract fine gold particles through a tough, labor-intensive method. Therefore, the gold rate holds great importance for the local people of Skardu, as it directly impacts their livelihood.

Skardu is not only a beautiful and precious gem nestled in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. It also holds gold within its waters, especially in the Indus River around Skardu up to Chilas. 

The local people extract gold from the river, particularly from the sand along its banks. Although the quantity of gold found is small, it is valuable and provides essential financial support to the people. It helps them sustain their livelihoods in this challenging region.

Why November Is the Best Month for Gold Extraction

This gold extraction from the sand along the banks of the Indus River is carried out especially in the month of November every year. It is done in November because the weather is not too harsh, rainfall is minimal during October and water level is at its lowest. Since the glaciers do not melt much during these months. 

It becomes easier for Sonewal people to work along the banks of the Indus River. They collect a good amount of sand enriched with gold particles. During this time, they can reach deeper into the bed of the mighty Indus River, which allows them to gather sufficient sand containing gold. This sand is then processed to extract the precious metal.

After November, during the months of December, January, and February, the temperature drops to extreme levels,  often between -20°C and -30°C, and at best, remains below -10°C. In such harsh weather, it becomes impossible to continue the gold extraction process from the river sand. 

This process requires workers to enter the cold water and manually wash the sand to extract gold, which is physically unbearable in freezing conditions. Moreover, after December, the water level in the Indus River rises, making it even more dangerous to work along the riverbanks.

A Tough but Honorable Livelihood for Skardu’s Gold Workers

Although the process of extracting gold from the sand of the Indus River is not easy. It is extremely tough, time-consuming, and requires a lot of hard work. It still provides a means of livelihood for many. 

After an entire day of hectic labor, people manage to extract only a few grams of gold. However, since there are no major industries or job opportunities in these areas, this traditional method of gold extraction offers a respectable and honorable way for locals to earn their living.

Skardu is A Land of Beauty and Hidden Treasures

Skardu Valley is not only blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. It is the pride that it is blessed with sky-kissing peaks, serene landscapes, and world-famous mountains that attract tourists and mountaineers from across the globe. But it also holds hidden treasures within the mighty Indus River.

The Mighty Indus — River of Gold in Skardu

The Mighty Indus River carries fine particles of gold, which settle in the sand along its banks. The hardworking and resilient people of Skardu extract this gold through great effort, earning their livelihood from the very sands of their homeland.

So, in Skardu, people extract gold from the sand of the Indus River, especially in November when the water level is low. The Sonywal community works hard to collect and wash the sand for gold. This tough work gives them a source of income. It is their traditional way of earning a living.

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