Travelers Guide to Gilgit Baltistan

Here is a guide to Gilgit Baltistan, so that you know the basic details before you plan or start your trip.

Gilgit Baltistan is one of the most popular places in Pakistan. It is located in the high altitude mountainous region. Karakoram, Hindu Kuch, and Himalayan ranges meet here. The valleys between the mountains attract all kinds of travelers from across the world.

Where is it Located?

Gilgit Baltistan is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan. The region is most famous for the Karakoram, the Hindukush ranges, and mountains. This region shares borders with China’s Xinjiang region over the Khunjerab Pass in the North, with Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Wakhan Corridor.

How to Get to Gilgit Baltistan?

Flights

Flight fly everyday from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu. Depending on your itineary you can choose the destination to fly to. There are no flight between Skardu and Gilgit. The fastest route between Gilgit and Skardu by road is approximately 4 and half hour.  

By Road

The only route to reach Gilgit Baltistan from Islamabad is via the Karakoram Highway. But there are different starting route to take all of which will converge into one at some point. 

• Route 1: via Babusar – Naran – Chilas – Gilgit
• Route 2: via Abbotabad – Mansehra – Batgram – Dasu – Chilas – Gilgit
• To Skardu: Continue the above route and leave the Karakorma Highway after Chilas – Jaglot – Skardu

Most people start their trip to Gilgit Baltistan from Gilgit city or Skardu. 

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Major Cities and Towns

A lot of people travel to Gilgit Baltistan for the Karakoram. Each year people join expeditions to K2 Base Camp, Concordia, Nanga Parbat Basecamp, and Basecamps of numerous other 8000 m and 7000m mountains. Climbing expeditions, rock climbing, and other high altitude mountain activities attract travelers and adventure lovers from around the world. Few of the popular towns in the region:

• Hunza Valley
• Gilgit
• Skardu
• Shigar
• Naltar
• Nagar
• Ghizer

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People of Gilgit Baltistan

People in the region are Muslim belonging to different sects. They are cuturally diverse and belong from different ethnic groups. 

Moreover, people of Gilgit Baltistan are warm, kind and known for their hospitality.  Since the economy of the region relies on tourism, thus most people treat tourists with respect. 

Language

The diverse people of Gilgit Baltistan speak many different languages which include Shina, Domki, Balti, Burushaski, Wakhi, Khowar, among others. But the common language used between people is Urdu. Younger people can understand and talk in English but as one moves towards the remote region fewer people speak English. 

Dress

Shalwar Kameez is the common everyday attire with addition of long scarf for women, just like all of Pakistan. Headscarfs are not a compulsion for women but mosques and religious places require women to cover head with scarf or dupatta.

As many tourist travel to the region, modest weatern wear including jeans, shirts, track suits, long skirt are all acceptable. Jeans long slevees shirt are common for both men and women. For women showing cleavage, midriff and waist will bring un-needed attention. 

Food

Local cuisine in Gilgit Baltistan is different from the popular Pakistani dishes. The food is not spicy and many are based in butter and milk. 

Some of the popular dishes include:

• Mamtu (Dumpling)
• Dodo (Noodle soup)
• Harisa (Wheat porridge)
• Tumuru Tea (hearbal tea)
• Kilaow (dryfruits dipped in molasses)
• Giyaling (traditional Pancake)

Guide to Gilgit Baltistan: Activities

After knowing all the regions, next are the things to do! Few popular activities and things to do or plan your trip around are:

• K2 Basecamp trekking
• Easy to difficult long trekking and hiking trips
• Visit the beautiful forts and resorts
• Go on short hikes and treks
• Enjoy glaciers, lakes, and rivers
• Enjoy the unique culture
• Camping and fishing trip
• Visit National Parks
• Drive to the highest border crossing at Khunjerab Pass
• Stay in some of the remotest and excluded areas
• Summit a Mountain. Apart from 7000 m and 8000m famous peaks, there are many 6000 m and 7000 m mountains that don’t require technical skills and can be submitted with expert guides.

Also, check out Things to do in Skardu Valley and Karimabad Hunza Valley

Festivals

Additionally, local festivals and celebrations in the region are worth mentioning. These local festivals give an insight into the culture of the locals and some of these festivals attract people from across the country. Some annual festivals include:

• Shandur Festival
• Silk route Festival
• Baba Ghundi Festival
• Harvest Festivals
• Mayfang Festival
• Safranga Jeep Rally and Festival
• Local Music Festivals (usually in spring and summers)

Images from different colorful and vibrant festivals.

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Buy Karakoram T-shirts!

Guide to Gilgit Baltistan: Accommodation

After you have made your mind to travel, choose the best place to have a comfortable stay. Most of the cities and towns in Gilgit Baltistan have hotels, guest houses, camping sites. Most of these offer meals or have small restaurant setups.

Transport

All transport within Gilgit Baltistan is by road. Public transportation includes bus service and local vans and coaches. Cars and off-road vehicles can be hired as well.

Bus stops are very easy to locate and are mostly within the city centers. In summers you might need to call for reservations for Bus services.

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For coaches and vans, the seats are filled as people come and the ride will start when the driver thinks that a sufficient number of the seats are filled.

The rent for the vans fluctuates depending on fuel price but it is generally cheap.

Car and hired vehicles cost more but are comfortable and provides the opportunity to go on your own pace and make stops. On some routes, you can only go in jeeps and 4X4 vehicles, for example, the Fairy Meadow and Minimerg. You will have to hire your own jeep and driver.

Where to Buy your SIM?

In Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistani telecom companies SIM (subscriber identity module) cards will work only in few cities and main towns. SCOM telecom company SIM cards are best to use in Gilgit Baltistan and it will work in remote villages. Mobile 3G and 4G network on SIm at present is still very slow.