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Snow-capped mountains above green fields near Gilgit, Pakistan
Destination guide

Gilgit, Pakistan: The Complete Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Gilgit: the junction of three mountain ranges, Kargah Buddha, Naltar Valley, bazaars, how to get there.

Updated October 2026By The Golden Adventure, Gilgit

Gilgit at a Glance

Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the hub of northern Pakistan. Our own team is based here. Every road north passes through Gilgit, and it is a great base for Naltar, Hunza, Fairy Meadows and the meeting point of the world’s three great ranges.

LocationGilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan
AltitudeAbout 1,500 m
Best time to visitApril – October
Getting thereGilgit Airport (GIL) or the Karakoram Highway
Top sightsKargah Buddha, Naltar, Junction of Mountains
Known forGateway to the north, polo, bazaars

Where Is Gilgit?

Gilgit sits where the Gilgit and Hunza rivers meet, in a wide valley surrounded by high peaks. The Karakoram Highway passes nearby, leading north to Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass and south towards Chilas.

From Gilgit, roads branch out to Naltar, Ghizer and Shandur in the west, Hunza and Nagar in the north, and Skardu in the east.

History & People of Gilgit

Gilgit was an important stop on ancient trade routes linking Central Asia, China and South Asia. Buddhist rock carvings like the Kargah Buddha show its long history.

The region joined Pakistan after the people of Gilgit rose up in 1947. Today Gilgit is a lively market town where Shina, Burushaski, Wakhi, Balti and Urdu are all heard in the bazaars.

MUST-SEE EXPERIENCES

Top 9 Things to Do in Gilgit

Here is what to see and do in and around Gilgit.

  1. 01
    Heritage

    Kargah Buddha

    A large Buddha figure carved into a cliff face about 10 km from Gilgit, dating back over a thousand years.

  2. 02
    Viewpoint

    Junction of Three Mountain Ranges

    Near Jaglot, the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya meet beside the Indus and Gilgit rivers. A unique place on earth.

  3. 03
    Nature

    Naltar Valley

    Pine forests, colourful lakes and a ski resort, about 2 hours from Gilgit by jeep.

  4. 04
    Culture

    Gilgit bazaar

    Shop for dry fruits, gemstones, woollen caps and Chinese goods.

  5. 05
    Viewpoint

    Rakaposhi viewpoint

    On the way to Hunza, enjoy tea with a close view of 7,788 m Rakaposhi.

  6. 06
    Culture

    Polo

    Gilgit is a home of free-style mountain polo; catch a match at the Shahi Polo Ground.

  7. 07
    Heritage

    Gilgit suspension bridges

    Walk the long suspension bridges over the Gilgit River.

  8. 08
    Nature

    Bagrot Valley

    A quiet valley with glaciers and views of Diran and Rakaposhi.

  9. 09
    Food

    Local food

    Try chapshoro, mountain trout and Gilgiti tea.

Best Time to Visit Gilgit

Gilgit is lower and warmer than Hunza.

SeasonMonthsWhat to expect
SpringMarch – MayBlossom and pleasant days.
SummerJune – AugustHot in town, perfect for trips to Naltar and high valleys.
AutumnSeptember – NovemberClear skies and autumn colours.
WinterDecember – FebruaryCold but mostly accessible; snow in Naltar.

The best time is April to October.

How to Get to Gilgit

There are two main ways to reach Gilgit.

RouteHowApprox. time
By airFly Islamabad to GilgitAbout 1 hour; depends on weather
By road (Babusar)Via Naran and the Babusar Pass in summerAbout 2 days
By road (KKH)Via the Karakoram HighwayAbout 2 days; check current travel advice

Keep a spare day in case flights are cancelled. Some foreign governments advise against the Mansehra to Chilas stretch of the KKH; see Is Pakistan Safe?

Getting Around Gilgit

Local taxis and Suzuki vans run around town. For Naltar and other valleys, you need a jeep with a local driver.

Our Gilgit team can arrange vehicles and guides; see jeep safari tours.

Where to Stay in Gilgit

  • Gilgit Serena and similar hotels: comfortable with gardens.
  • Mid-range hotels in town: good value near the bazaar.
  • Naltar: simple hotels and camps by the lakes.

Most travellers stay one night in Gilgit before moving on to Hunza or Skardu.

Suggested Gilgit Itineraries

1 day in Gilgit

  • Kargah Buddha
  • Gilgit bazaar and suspension bridge
  • Junction of mountains on the way in or out

2 to 3 days

  • Add Naltar Valley overnight
  • Then continue to Hunza

Gilgit Photography Guide

Gilgit has great mountain and culture shots.

  • Kargah Buddha in morning light
  • Naltar lakes and forests
  • Junction of the three ranges

Ask before photographing people in the bazaar.

What to Pack for Gilgit

  • Warm layers and a down or fleece jacket (nights are cold)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for strong mountain sun
  • Cash, power bank and any medicines you need

Culture & Etiquette

  • Dress modestly; women often carry a light scarf
  • Ask before photographing people, especially women
  • Accept tea when offered; hospitality matters a lot here
  • Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques
  • Respect prayer times and local customs

Practical Travel Tips for Gilgit

  • Carry passport copies for check posts
  • ATMs are available, but carry cash for the valleys
  • Mobile signal is good in town; SCOM works best in the region
  • Flights are weather-dependent
GILGIT highlights

Gilgit Highlights at a Glance

Gilgit is the heart of northern Pakistan. Spend a day seeing the Kargah Buddha and bazaar, then use it as your base for Naltar, Hunza or Fairy Meadows.

Our team is based here and knows every road. Read about the region’s permits in NOC for Pakistan.

The Pakistan tourism website has more.

Plan your Gilgit trip

Gilgit Tours with The Golden Adventure

Our head office is in Gilgit. We run treks, jeep safaris and culture tours from here. See trekking tours and culture tours.

Plan your Gilgit trip

Tell us your dates and we will plan your Gilgit and northern trip.

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Gilgit FAQs

Is Gilgit worth visiting?

Yes, as a base for Naltar, Hunza and Fairy Meadows, with sights like the Kargah Buddha.

How do I get to Gilgit?

Fly from Islamabad in about an hour, or drive in about 2 days.

What is the best time to visit Gilgit?

April to October.

Do I need an NOC for Gilgit?

No. Read NOC for Pakistan for details.

How far is Hunza from Gilgit?

About 100 km, 2 to 3 hours by road.

Is Gilgit safe?

Gilgit is visited by many tourists. Check current advice before you travel.

Last updated: October 2026. Road, weather and border conditions in the mountains can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.

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