Some 130 kms north-east of Kargil, on the Line of Control , there are villages of Dah, Hano (Hano Goma and Hano Yogma), Darchik and Garkon. These villages are situated on the northern bank of Indus on the road to Baltistan. Here is found a community which for thousands of years have lived in isolation in their inascessible villages. They have distinct features – tall and statesque, with green eyes, high cheek bone, fair with flawless skin and some with blonde hair. They consider themselves to be the pure bloodline of the Aryans. The community also claims to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army, some of whom reportedly stayed back after Alexander abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC.
They are the 1800 strong Brokpa tribe. The community calls itself Minaro (meaning Aryan) , but are popularly known as Brokpa. They are part of the Dards some of whom are found in islolated pockets in India and POK ( see map ). Brokpas have maintained their purity of race and culture without being hostile to the influence from the outside world. Strong social rules and a pride in their ancestory has helped preserve their way of life and genetic uniqueness.