to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. The 6th battalion of Jammu and Kashmir State Forces was sent to Bunji to support the Gilgit Agency (which had its own forces in the form of the Gilgit Scouts). The Muslim troops of the state force battalion, under the leadership of Mirza Hassan Khan, joined the rebellion raised by the Gilgit Scouts on 1 November 1947. Subsequently Bunji was attacked by the Gilgit Scouts and all the non-Muslims of the battalion were taken prisoner. Some of the non-Muslim forces escaped to Skardu where they held out till August 1948. Geography Climate Bunji has a cool arid climate (Köppen BWk), typical for Gilgit-Baltistan valleys though hotter than almost all other such localities. The annual temperature averages . In a year, the average rainfall is . The hottest month is July and January is the coldest month of the year in Bunji. The driest month is November with of precipitation. In May, precipitation reaches its highest peak at an average of . Tourism Bunji is a tourist destination in Pakistan. The main attractions are the historic Bunji Mess and the Bunji Bridge. Bunji Hydropower Project BHPP is a sub project of Pakistan with a planned capacity of 7100 MW, if constructed. Currently, this project is undergoing a feasibility study and detailed design. The companies conducting the feasibility and detailed design studies are involved in a joint venture, consisted of Mott MacDonald UK, Mott MacDonald Pakistan, Sogreah Consultants (France), Nippon Koei (Japan) and Development & Management consultants (Pakistan). This joint venture is known as Bunji Consultants Joint Venture (BCJV). The dam site area is located from Gilgit on Skardu road near Asmani Mor. The proposed powerhouse is located in the Bunji village. See also Karakoram Highway Gorikot References Works cited Populated places in Astore District Cities in Pakistan