Gilgit & Hunza
General information
Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit- Baltistan and located at 600 km from Islamabad. Gilgit is connected to Islamabaad through Karakoram High way with passes through Abbottabad Mansehra Besham Chilas & then reaches gilgit. It was an important city on the Silk road along which buddhism was spread from South Asia to the rest of Asia.
Gilgit city is one of the major hubs for all mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan. Any one interested in Karakoram or Himalaya ranges need to visit Gilgit first.
Roads are used as main source of transportations to reach Gilgit. However Gilgit airport is also present and many tourist prefer to take air travel which takes only 50 min as compared to road travel of 16-24 hours.
Gilgit is one of the most visited tourist place in Pakistan. Major attraction around Gilgit are
- Naltar Valley & Nalter Peak
- Hunza Calley
- Nagar Valley
- Fairy Maedows
- Rakaposhi
The border crossing between China and Pakistan at Khunjerab Pass—the highest border of the world—is open only between 1 May and 15 October. During winter, the roads are blocked by snow. Even during the monsoon season in summer, the roads are often blocked due to landslides. The best time to travel on Karakoram Highway is spring or early summer.
Hunza is a valley north of Gilgit region of Pakistan along Hunza river at an elevation of around 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). Karimabad & Aliabad are two main towns while Baltit is a popular tourist destination becasue of the spectacular scenery of the surroundings. It is home of many expeditions and many tourist visit Hunza for Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Passu Peak, Diran peak & Hunza Peak
Places of Interest
Polo is a famous royal sport of Gilgit & Hunza. There is an annual match between Gilgit & Chitral teams at Shandour polo ground.
Night Life with Activities
Night life in Hunza & Gilgit is limited to your group having bone fire and story telling.