Gilgit

Gilgit sits at the junction of the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring Pakistan's northern mountains or traveling to/from China. The town has a reputation for being more stable and safe than other parts of the region, with locals known for being hospitable and welcoming to foreign visitors. It's an ideal base to research further travel, meet potential partners, or simply rest before heading into more remote areas. The surrounding valleys offer cherry blossoms in spring (March-April) comparable to Japan's famous festivals.

Most travelers arrive by road via the Karakoram Highway, which connects Gilgit to Chilas to the south and Karimabad/Hunza Valley to the north. Gilgit also has an airport (GIL) with PIA flights, though the Karakoram Air Safari offers an alternative scenic aerial approach. The town is positioned between China and the rest of Pakistan, making it a key transit point on the famous Silk Route.

Jeeps are the primary mode of transport for reaching surrounding attractions. Local minivans and smaller buses run routes to nearby towns, though schedules are flexible. For destinations like Jaglot (meeting point of three mountain ranges), a minivan to Jaglot then a taxi (2025 Rs) will get you there. Organized tours and group jeep hires are common for popular destinations like Fairy Meadows and Naltar Valley.

The best season to visit is from May to mid-October, when roads are clear and weather is stable for trekking and mountaineering. Spring (March-April) brings cherry blossoms that transform the valley into shades of pink, drawing comparisons to Japanese festivals. Summer months see an abundance of fresh fruits including apples, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, and pomegranates from June to October. Winter travel is possible but roads through Babusar Pass may close due to snow.

Gilgit offers some of the cheapest accommodation in northern Pakistan, making it popular with budget travelers. Options range from guesthouses in the Rs 200-600 range to mid-range hotels. Madina Guest House near NLI Chowk is particularly popular with foreigners, offering dorm beds from Rs 150 and doubles from Rs 330-450. Madina Hotel 2 on Goal Road (north of the airport) has a new dorm (Rs 800) and private rooms (Rs 1500) around a garden courtyard. The Park Hotel on Airport Road is well-located near antique shops, while the Gilgit Serena Hotel offers higher-end options on Sherullah Baig Road in Jutial. Most hotels allow camping with basic facilities and security.

Local cuisine differs from the spicier food found elsewhere in Pakistan — the region favors milder flavors. Staple dishes include special baked breads, handmade noodle soups, salted meats, roasted meat, vegetables, and dairy products. All produce is organic, grown using traditional farming without chemical fertilizers. Seasonal fruits like apples, cherries, apricots, and nuts (almonds, chestnuts, walnuts) are abundant and fresh. Restaurants offer Western breakfast options alongside local dishes like salted tea and bread, plus Chinese food and tandoori items. High-end hotels have their own bars, and local alcohol is available in some areas.

The area is a paradise for trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers. Rakaposhi (7,788m) is a popular destination with stunning autumn views in orange, yellow, and red when surrounding countryside changes color. Kargah Buddha (10km from town) features a beautiful 7th-century rock engraving. The Gilgit Bridge, at 182 metres the largest suspension bridge in Asia, sits at the end of the traditional bazaar and permits one jeep at a time. Naltar Valley (2-hour jeep drive) offers a ski slope, alpine forests, small lakes, glaciers, and trout fishing. For adventure seekers, paragliding has a local association, and river rafting is possible on the Gilgit and Indus rivers. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department for the famous trout from icy waters.

Gilgit is considered fairly stable and safe compared to other regions of Pakistan. Both local and foreign travelers visit regularly and enjoy the area's natural beauty. However, as with any mountain region, exercise standard precautions regarding weather, road conditions, and trekking safety. Check current travel advisories before planning your visit.

Internet cafes are available along the main road. Fax and telex services are also accessible. The main post office (Monday-Saturday 9AM-7PM, closed Sundays) is located at Saddar Bazaar on the main road. In Gilgit-Baltistan, SCO/SCOM is the only working cell phone network operator. Foreigners can purchase SIM cards at SCO franchise shops and offices; activation typically takes about 24 hours. The NLI market area also sells local SIM cards but requires a copy of your passport and visa.

Hunza Valley is 35 minutes by jeep (weather and traffic dependent) and features UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a 98% literacy rate. The meeting point of Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges is near Jaglot, about 10km before the town — take a minivan to Jaglot then a taxi (2025 Rs). Fairy Meadows offers base camp access to Nanga Parbat (9th highest peak at 8,126m) via Raikot bridge then a group jeep hire. Skardu Valley is another major destination in the region. For Islamabad, buses run via the Karakoram Highway or Babusar Pass (consider stopping in Kaghan Valley/Naran for mountain hiking and lakes). PIA flights also connect Gilgit to Islamabad.