Gilgit
Gilgit (Urdu: گلگت) is a mountain town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. 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.
Understand
[edit]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.
Get in
[edit]
Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road.
By bus
[edit]The bus journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours, costs between Rs.3020 and Rs.4180 and departs three times a day from the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal in Rawalpindi. The official government bus company (which also allows foreigners for passengers) operating between Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Gilgit is NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation)[dead link]. For foreign passengers on the NATCO bus journey from Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Gilgit it is advised to bring 10 passport copies for the bus driver, which they need to present at every police checkpoint on the highway.
By plane
[edit]Gilgit has a small airport with scheduled fights from Islamabad with PIA, taking just 45 minutes. Delays and cancellations are however quite frequent due to severe weather.
Get around
[edit]By public transport
[edit]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.
To get around inside the city of Gilgit you can either hire taxis or hop on one of the many commuter minivans. If you happen to see such a minivan, just hail it by waving, get on, and knock on the driver's cabin whenever you want to hop off.
By car / motorbike
[edit]You could also think about renting a car, or for the more adventurous, a motorbike to discover the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan. Inform yourself which roads and sections are safe to drive and keep the weather conditions in mind. Petrol is available in most parts of the roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, and motobike mechanics are usually plenty around and very cheap.
See
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- 1 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.
- 2 Kargah Buddha (Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town). 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.
- 3 Sher Qilla (38 km. from Gilgit). Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
- Singal: About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.
- Gahkuch: 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.
- 4 Naltar Valley (Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link road). 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. You can see the statue of Buddha in Kargah. Visit to Chilyli Kargah.
- You can visit by jeep to Ghizar district, Chilass city, Astor district, Hunza Valley, Skardu city and Ghanchy from Gilgit. K2, at 8,611 meters the world's 2nd Highest peak, Mashaburam, Gashaburam, Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) world's 6th highest peak. You can also visit Fairy meadows
- 5 Old British Cemetery (گورا قبرستان).
Do
[edit]This area is no doubt a heaven for trackers and hikers.
- Karakoram Air Safari: PIA offers an amazing air journey.
- Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking: The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509).
- Fishing: Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department and you can enjoy the famous trout from Icy water of the region- best of the delicacies.
- Flora & Fauna: If you are interested in cherry blossoms then this is the right place to visit. The valley turns into different shades of pinks in spring starting March to April. It can be compared with cheery blossom festive cities of Japan without any doubt. Apart from them this place is abundant in roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees. Trees of apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts, persimmon and fruits like grapes and pomegranate are seen every where from June to October. Almond trees are a watch to delight - blossoming 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 area has its rich wild flora and fauna -which is not found in other parts of the country.
- 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 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 the area for paragliding. There is a local association for the sport as well.
- Mountain Biking and Cycling. One can enjoy the most exciting and adventurous tracks on the famous Silk Route. 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 rendezvous with the locals. One of the most hospitable, down-to-earth, modest and loving people.
Buy
[edit]There are banks around 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.
- 1 NLI market, NLI rd. Lively bazaar area, closed to motor traffic on certain days. You can purchase supplies or souvenirs such as gem stones. It is also possible to get a local SIM card here, although this will require a copy of your passport and visa.
Only very few banks and ATMs in Gilgit-Baltistan accept foreign bank cards or credit cards for withdrawing money. As a visiting foreigner your best bet would be to bring enough cash for your whole journey in Gilgit-Baltistan, or to try the ATM at the Alfalah Bank branch in Gilgit, which sometimes happen to work with foreign cards.
Eat
[edit]You can try local fruits like apples, cherries, apricots and a variety of nuts rich in omega 5 like almonds, chestnuts, walnuts etc. Restaurants offer all sorts of Western breakfast to local ones - like salted tea and bread as well as Chinese food, Tanduries, and local dishes. In this 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
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Most of the high end hotels have their own bars but at some areas they have their local alcohol too.
Sleep
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Gilgit has one of the cheapest accommodation for visitors with a budget.
- Park Hotel Gilgit.
- Madina Guest House, 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 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
- 1 Madina Hotel 2, Goal Road (Just north of the airport), ☏ +923445405504. Popular with backpackers, has private rooms arranged around a lovely garden courtyard and a small restaurant serving good food. Has a new dorm room (2019) for 800, private rooms for 1500. The owner Mr Yaqoob is very nice. Space for secure parking and Wifi
Splurge
[edit]- 2 Gilgit Serena Hotel, Sherullah Baig Road Jutial, ☏ +92 5811 455894.
Connect
[edit]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.
In Gilgit-Baltistan there is only one working cell phone network operator, namely SCO / SCOM. As a foreigner you can buy a working Sim card at SCO franchise shops and offices. Activation of such a Sim card usually takes about 24 hours.
Stay safe
[edit]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.
Go next
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- Rakaposhi – this nearby mountain is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, and offers stunning landscapes at most times of the year. The views en route to base camp are especially fantastic in the fall when the surrounding countryside is painted orange yellow and red. You could arrange a tour here in Gilgit, or gather information on hiking around yourself.
- Hunza Valley
You can see Hunza valley right from Gilgit near Diamir area. All the autumn colors and seasonal changes give a sit at home treat. It takes 35 minutes by jeep to get to Hunza but weather and traffic are two important factors leading to a bit longer drive to Hunza. The drive towards Hunza is exciting, breath-taking, and once in a lifetime experience. Hunza has the highest literacy rate of Pakistan, close to 98%. People are very friendly and it is quite developed. UNESCO World Heritage Sites can also be seen there.