The sub-villages of Ganish include Garelth, Chaboikushal, Shukunoshal, Gamun Ganish, Buldas and Tsillganish. Gamun Ganish is the center of the village with a population of around 5000. The Yadgar Chowk is where all the locals meet to discuss matters of the town.
Buldas is the old settlement outside the old Ganish village, its a historically significant cluster village. This village owes its establishment to
Wazir Khurram Shah (also known as Tranfga Khurram Shah), a revered local figure, who envisioned it as a center of community and culture during the rule of Mir Safdar Khan. With the Mir's permission, Khurram Shah laid the foundation for Buldas, carving out a distinct identity for this settlement within the Ganish area. The
Burushaski meaning of words are
"Bul" means spring and
"Das" means barren land. This move brought together families and expanded the territorial recognition of Ganish, reinforcing its role as a growing cultural hub. Notably, Buldas was among the first clusters to be recognized as a separate entity from the core of Ganish, highlighting Khurram Shah’s influence in redefining the local socio-geographic landscape. One of Buldas's notable developments was the establishment of a mosque, which became a spiritual and communal gathering point for the residents. Khurram Shah oversaw its construction, marking the occasion with a grand feast where Mir Safdar Khan served as the chief guest probably in 1860-70s, symbolizing the importance of the settlement within the broader Hunza region. This event not only signified Khurram Shah's dedication to the spiritual welfare of his community but also demonstrated his close ties with the Mir. Hence it was after the construction and creation of this new village, that the other new Villages of 'Shukunoshall, Chaboikoshall and 'Tsil Ganish" were also declared and considered as separate villages and entities, as hence-before all these smaller hamlets were counted as part and parcel of the village of "Ganish" as all the inhabitants of these outlying localities also lived inside the fortress village of Ganish prior to the creation of Buldas. Today, Buldas stands as a testament to the era’s strategic and community-building efforts with around 30 houses mostly of Ali Baigs (Ali Baikux) family who are widely settled in
Hunza and
Gilgit (
Rahimabad) now.
Chaboikushal is a sub-village of Ganish. This small village is located right in the heart of
Hunza Valley. There are about 25 houses. Chaboikushal was derived from Chaboi, the grandfather of Sheril. According to old locals in the village, Chaboi was migrated from
Iran, where he had two sons: Helo and Melo. Melo remained and was raised in Chaboikushal and Helo migrated to the
Nagar valley. The one who resided in this village was one of the bravest persons of his times, hardworking and the closest to King of
Hunza.
Chel Ganish or Chill Ganish, is a sub-village of Ganish. There are 25 families living here. Chel Ganish is one of the most ancient villages of Ganish which has a rich history. The residents of belong to the eponymous tribe: Chelganishkuz. The word
Chel means water and
Ganishkuz means residents of Ganish. Sheikh Ali was a prominent cleric in Tsillganish and Haji Muhammad Bilal (late) was the main leader from the area who was also the first
Haji (pilgrim of Ka'ba) from Hunza. Jamia tul Zehra is the main institution for education in the village. Qadimi Imambargarh is rich in its beautiful wood artwork carried out by the artisans of ancient times.
Garelth is also a sub-village of Ganish with a population of about 135 families. FG Boys Middle School, Aga Khan Diamond School are the main educational institutions. Former Member District Council Gilgit Baltistan Jan Alam, Former Chairman Village Council Darvesh, and Muhammad Ali Barcha have been leading politically. Currently, Ghulam Mustafa Barcha, grandson of Major Ghulam Murtaza is Chairman of Garelth Hunza. Subedar Major Fida Ali, one of the main leaders of the independence movement of Gilgit-Baltistan, belongs to this village. Fida Ali played a key role in the independence of Gilgit-Baltistan. He was a key figure who launched the freedom movement against the
Dogra dynasty in Gilgit. Major Ghulam Murtaza (Sitara-e-Jurat), a key person in the
revolution of the independence movement of Gilgit-Baltistan, also belongs to this village. He made major gains by leading troops into India. His graveyard is located next to KKH at Garelth. Other villages in the area include Dalkhun, Maeenkhun, Shaknoukshal, Mominabad and Giram Basi. == See also ==