Gilgit-Baltistan - Roof of the World

Where heaven meets the earth

Welcome to Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan's spectacular mountain kingdom

Gilgit-Baltistan is often called the "Roof of the World" for good reason - it's home to some of the highest peaks on Earth, including K2, the world's second-highest mountain. This breathtaking region is a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers, and nature lovers, with its dramatic landscapes of towering mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes.

The region is characterized by its unique cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups including Balti, Shina, Brushaski, and Wakhi people, each with their own distinct languages, traditions, and lifestyles. Gilgit-Baltistan has been a crossroads of ancient trade routes, with influences from Central Asia, Tibet, and the Indian subcontinent.

Despite its rugged terrain, Gilgit-Baltistan is accessible through the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved international roads in the world, connecting Pakistan with China. The region offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, from the lush green valleys of Hunza to the stark beauty of the high-altitude deserts.

Top Tourist Attractions

Discover Gilgit-Baltistan's natural wonders

🏔️

K2 Base Camp

Trek to the base camp of the world's second-highest mountain (8,611m) in the Karakoram Range.

Best Time to Visit: June to August

🏞️

Fairy Meadows

Beautiful grassland at the base of Nanga Parbat, offering spectacular views of the "Killer Mountain".

Best Time to Visit: May to September

🏞️

Hunza Valley

Stunning valley with picturesque villages, ancient forts, and views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

🏞️

Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake

Beautiful resort with heart-shaped lake, often called "Heaven on Earth" near Skardu.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

🏞️

Deosai Plains

Second-highest plateau in the world at 4,114m, known as the "Land of Giants" with unique wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

🏰

Baltit & Altit Forts

Ancient forts in Hunza Valley dating back 700-800 years, offering panoramic valley views.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

🛣️

Karakoram Highway

Eighth wonder of the world, highest paved international road connecting Pakistan and China.

Best Time to Visit: May to October

🏞️

Attabad Lake

Turquoise blue lake formed after 2010 landslide, offering boating and stunning scenery.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

🏞️

Naltar Valley

Known for its colorful lakes, lush forests, and as a skiing destination with beautiful scenery.

Best Time to Visit: May to September (general), December to March (skiing)

🛕

Kargah Buddha

Ancient rock carving of Buddha dating back to 7th century, located near Gilgit city.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

Hotels & Accommodation

Stay in comfort across Gilgit-Baltistan

Luxury Hotels

  • Shangrila Resort, Skardu - Luxury with lake views
  • Serena Hotel, Gilgit - Premium accommodations in Gilgit
  • Eagle's Nest, Hunza - Luxury with panoramic mountain views
  • PTDC Motel, Skardu - Government-run comfortable accommodations

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hunza Embassy Hotel, Karimabad - Comfortable stay with mountain views
  • Mountain Refuge Inn, Gilgit - Good value with modern facilities
  • Baltoro Hotel, Skardu - Well-located for trekkers
  • Various Hotels in Gilgit - Comfortable options in the regional capital

Budget & Guest Houses

  • PTDC Motels - Government-run accommodations in tourist areas
  • Various Guest Houses in Hunza - Local options with traditional hospitality
  • Backpacker Hostels in Gilgit - Affordable options for travelers
  • Camping Sites in Northern Areas - Unique experience in spectacular settings

Transport & Accessibility

How to get to and around Gilgit-Baltistan

Reaching Gilgit-Baltistan

By Air: Gilgit Airport and Skardu Airport serve domestic routes with connections to Islamabad. Flights are weather-dependent and can be cancelled due to mountain weather conditions.

By Road: Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the main route connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to the rest of Pakistan. The journey from Islamabad takes 12-16 hours by road. N-35 (Karakoram Highway) is one of the most scenic roads in the world.

By Bus: Regular bus services and coaches operate between Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Gilgit/Skardu. Luxury coaches are available for more comfortable travel.

Getting Around Gilgit-Baltistan

Local Transport: Jeeps are the primary mode of transport for reaching remote areas and trek starting points. Local buses and vans connect towns within the region.

Inter-Valley Travel: 4x4 vehicles are essential for travel between valleys and to remote areas. Shared jeeps are available for popular routes. For trekking areas, hiring porters and guides is recommended.

Local Food & Cuisine

Savor the flavors of Gilgit-Baltistan

Popular Dishes

  • Chapshuro - Meat-filled pastry, a local specialty
  • Harissa - Slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge
  • Balay - Noodle soup with local herbs
  • Prapu - Buckwheat pancakes
  • Gyal - Local bread made from wheat flour
  • Butter Tea - Salted tea with butter, a Himalayan tradition
  • Apricot Products - Dried apricots, jam, and oil (Hunza specialty)

Famous Food Streets

  • Gilgit Bazaar - Main market with local eateries
  • Karimabad Bazaar, Hunza - Restaurants with mountain views
  • Skardu Bazaar - Local food options in the capital
  • Various Hotel Restaurants - Offering local and international cuisine
  • Roadside Dhabas on KKH - Simple restaurants serving local food

Festivals & Events

Celebrate with Gilgit-Baltistan

Cultural Festivals

  • Shandoor Polo Festival - Highest polo ground in world (July)
  • Hunza Cultural Festival - Celebration of Hunza culture and traditions
  • Baltistan Festival - Cultural events in Skardu region
  • Apricot Festival - Celebration of apricot harvest in Hunza (July)

Religious Festivals

  • Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha - Major Islamic festivals celebrated with enthusiasm
  • Navroz - Persian New Year celebrated by Ismaili community (March)
  • Mawlid-un-Nabi - Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday
  • Various Local Religious Festivals - Community-specific celebrations

Travel Tips

Make the most of your Gilgit-Baltistan visit

Best Travel Seasons

May to September: Ideal for most areas with pleasant weather (10-25°C). Perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and all outdoor activities.

October to April: Cold with snow in higher areas, some roads may be closed. Good for winter sports in specific locations.

July to August: Peak season with best weather but also most crowded.

Safety Advice

  • Acclimatize properly to high altitude to avoid altitude sickness
  • Hire experienced guides for trekking and mountaineering
  • Check weather conditions and road status before travel
  • Carry necessary permits for restricted areas and treks
  • Inform someone about your trekking plans and expected return

Local Customs & Etiquette

  • Respect local customs and religious practices
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Dress modestly, especially women - cover shoulders and knees
  • Remove shoes when entering homes and religious sites
  • Learn a few words of local languages - greetings are appreciated

Photography Tips

  • Golden hours are spectacular for mountain photography
  • Carry extra batteries as cold weather drains them faster
  • Use polarizing filters for lakes and skies
  • Respect photography restrictions at military checkpoints
  • Capture the unique culture and daily life of mountain communities

Map of Gilgit-Baltistan

Explore the roof of the world

Interactive Map Coming Soon

We're working on an interactive map to help you explore Gilgit-Baltistan's attractions, hotels, and transportation routes.

In the meantime, you can use popular mapping services to plan your journey through this spectacular mountain region.