Gilgit

Gilgit (Urdu: گلگت) is a mountain town in the Gilgit-Baltistan. Travelers exploring the Pakistani Himalayas or en route to or from China are almost definitely going to spend at least one night here. This makes it a great base to further research your trip, meet up with potential travel partners, or simply take a break. It's also a launching pad for climbers to nearby Rakaposhi.

Get in

Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road. The main bus stand is on the KKH - Karakoram Highway, and requires a taxi ride or shared jeep to reach from town. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses along the KKH. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.
The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina, however, Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.
Gilgit Airport (IATA: GIL) is small and has 45 minute flights to/ from Islamabad on PIA [1]. Due to extreme weather changes, flight delay or cancellation is a normal occurance.

Get around

Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.

Local People Local Dance at Gilgit Baltistan

Things to See

Gilgit Bridge: The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit River, at the end of its traditional bazaar, is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep ata time to cross.
Kargah Buddha Gilgiy: Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.
Monument of Taj Mughal: A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.
Sher Qilla Gilgit: It is 38 km. from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
Singal Gilgit: About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.
Gahkuch Gilgit: Headquarter of Ghizer District - Ideal place for trekking, good fishing sports and duck shooting in season. It is the gateway to Iskoman Valley. Government rest house and private hotels are available (73 km from Gilgit). Archaeological sites in village and a near by village Hatoon.
Naltar Valley Gilgit: Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link rod. Government Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Iskoman, Chalt and Punial valley.
Kargah Gilgit
You can see the statue of Budha in Kargah. Visit to Chilyli Kargah.
Ghizer Gilgit
You can visit by jeep to Ghizar disdrict, Chilass city, Astor district, Hunza Valley, Skardu city and Ghanchy Gilgit from Gilgit. K-2, at 28,250 meters the world's 2nd Highest peak, Mashaburam, Gashaburam,
Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat Gilgit (killer mountain) world's 6th highest peak.
Fairy Meadows Gilgit: You can also visit Fairy meadows

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Karakoram Air Safari

: PIA offers an amazing air journey from Islamabad to gilgit.

Mountaineering, Trekking & Hiking in Gilgit:

The Gilgit area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking  for restricted zone in gilgit is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan , Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509).
This area is no doubt Gilgit a heaven for trackkers and hikkers.

Fishing in Gilgit:

In Gilgit Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department Of Gilgit and you can enjoy the famous Trouts from Icy water of the Gilgit region- best of the delicacies.

Flora & Fauna of Gilgit:

 If you are interested in CHERRY BLOSSOMS then Gilgit is the right place to visit. The Gilgit valley turns into different shades of pinks in spring starting March to April. Gilgit can be compared with cheery blossom festive cities of Japan without any doubt. Apart from them Gilgit is abundant in roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees. Trees of apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts, persimen and fruits like grapes and pomagranate are seen every where from June to October in Giligit. Almond trees are a watch to delight - blossming in white and baby pink shades depending on sweet or bitter almond types to a lush green tree- in October ~ March is indeed a sight to remember. The Giligt area has its rich wild flora and fauna -which is not found in other parts of the country.

Boating and Gliding in Gilgit:

In Gilgit Baltistan Boating is a possibility in river Gilgit and river Indus. You can try your luck with rafting as well!
Camping Almost all hotels and Inns in Gilgit allows camping and provide basic facilities as well as security apart from very friendly and hospitable staff - ready to extend you help whenever needed.
Gliding People visit Gilgit for paragliding. There is a local association in gilgit for the sport as well.
Mountain Biking and Cycling. One can enjoy the most exciting and adventurous tracks on the famous Silk Route of Giligit. Moreover they can enjoy both the history and culture along with Buddhist sites that not many have ever seen before. This route allows you to enter China through Khunjrab. It is the same area which is the reason of spread of Buddhism from India to China and then to Korea and Japan.

Walking Tours

With the help of a guide or by yourself - area is safe as well as a treat to experience untouched beauty and a rendez-vous with the locals. One of the most hospitable, down-to-earth, modest and loving people.

Buy

There are banks around Gilgit town that change cash and travelers checks. Some shops accept the foreign currency as well. You can buy gem stones, antiques and Chinese goods - anything from silk to electronics in Gilgit.

Eat

In Gilgit You can try local fruits like apples, cherries, apricots and a variety of nuts rich in omega 5 like almonds, chestnuts, walnuts etc. Restaurants in Gilgit offer all sorts of Western breakfast to local ones - like salted tea and bread as well as Chinese food, Tanduries, and local dishes. In Gilgit region, people do not eat spicy food like the rest of the country. Local food consists of special baked breads (different varieties), handmade-noodle soups, salted meats, roasted meat, vegetables, fruits & dairy products. All the products are organic as they believe in traditional farming without the use of chemical fertilizers and sprays.

Drink

Most of the high end hotels in Gilgit have their own bars but at some areas they have their local alcohol too.

Sleep

Park Hotel Gilgit.

Madina Guest House Gilgit, NLI Chowk. Popular with foreigners. Has a restaurant with seating area in a courtyard. Prices as of May 2009 are 150 Rs for a 6 bed dorm / 330 Rs for a double with shared bath / 450 Rs for a double w/private bath Rs 200-600.
New Tourist Cottage in gilgit Also popular with foreigners. Private doubles with bath are Rs 320. Rooms are large and well maintained. Also has outdoor seating areas.=
Gilgit Motel
Park hotel, Airport Road (on main road from Jutial to main market). Quite spacious with good quality food, and best located as antique shops are situated nearby  Splurge
Gilgit serena hotel
previously part of Inter continental chain known as Rakaposhi Inn.***hotel

PTDC motel Gilgit

Contact

There are a handful of internet cafes along the main road. Fax and telex are also available.
The main post office (M-Sa 9AM-7PM, closed Sundays) is at Saddar Bazaar on the main road.

Stay safe

Gilgit is fairly stable and safe compared to other regions. Travelers - both local and foreign still visit the area and enjoy the breathtaking beauty and nature.Gilgit has one of the cheapest accommodation for visitors with a budget.