Gilgit, capital of Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit
A key regional centre and a natural base for exploring the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the crossroads of the north. It stands on the Gilgit River, close to where the Hunza River joins it, at about 1,500 metres: low and warm compared with the valleys above.
For centuries it was a staging post on the caravan routes between Central Asia and the subcontinent, and it is still where most northern journeys pause. Hunza, Nagar, Skardu and Astore are all reached from here, and its bazaar is the place for dried fruit, woollen caps and last supplies.
Places to visit
- Kargah BuddhaA tall figure of the Buddha carved into a cliff west of the town, usually dated to around the 7th century.
- The river bridgesThe old suspension bridges over the Gilgit and Hunza rivers, including the one at Danyor.
- The bazaarDried apricots, mulberries, walnuts and local woollens.
- Junction of three rangesA viewpoint on the highway near Jaglot, where the Karakoram, the Himalaya and the Hindu Kush meet above the Indus.
Things to do
- Visit the Kargah Buddha
- Walk the bazaar
- Stop at the three ranges viewpoint on the Karakoram Highway
- Rest for a night before Hunza
Good to know
Keep your passport to hand for the checkpoints on the highway. We plan a spare day into any itinerary that relies on a flight.
Best time to visit: Year round, winter travel is slower. April to October is the most comfortable time.
Getting there: By road from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway, usually over two days, or in summer by the shorter route through Naran and the Babusar Pass. There are flights between Islamabad and Gilgit, but they depend on the weather and are often cancelled.
Route: Islamabad to Gilgit and Hunza
Seasonal notes are typical patterns, not promises. High passes and plains open and close with the snow, and some areas need permits. We confirm current conditions with local authorities when we build your programme.
Add Gilgit to your yatra
Tell us your dates and group, and we will draft the northern days around this stop, the season and the road conditions.
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