Introduction to Gilgit

Gilgit is the administrative capital of Northern Area Pakistan, consisted of six districts namely Ghezir, Gilgit, Diamar, Astore, Baltistan (Skardu) and Ghanche. It is accessible by road and air from Islamabad. It has an area of 14,680 mi (38,021 km ). The region is significantly mountainous, lying on the foothills of the Karakoram mountains, and has an average altitude of 1,500 m (5,000 ft). Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season is from May to mid-October though the tourist season is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and minimum 16 C  In September. Gilgit is the gateway to China and Central Asia. Gilgit is also the hub of various valleys to the North Hunza and China. To the South, Diamar, Kohistan and Swat. To the East Skardu and Kashmir, and to the West Ghezir and Chitral.

Local currency is Pak Rupee but foreign currencies are also accepted by the hotels and gift shops. Exchange facilities are available with all banks and local moneychangers. Shina is the language mainly spoken and understood in Gilgit Northern Area of Pakistan. Beside Shina people can speak and understand Urdu and English.

Gilgit is called the capital and heart of Northern area of Pakistan because it is hub of economic activities. A commercial route opened with the China has boosted multidimensional economic opportunities. Gilgit is the only town in northern area of Pakistan which facilities traffic to different valleys and to the capital area of Pakistan Islamabad. Gilgit is well connected by air with Islamabad. You can take a flight to Gilgit from the capital of the country and reach Gilgit. The airport at Gilgit is just a mile away from the main bazaar and you can take mini-vans or some other vehicle to reach Gilgit town.

 Tourism And Transport In Gilgit

Gilgit city is one of the two major hubs for all mountaineering expeditions in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Almost all tourists headed for treks in Karakoram or Himalaya ranges arrive at Gilgit first. Many tourists choose to travel Gilgit by air since the road travel between Islamabad and Gilgit by Karakoram Highway takes nearly 18 hours, whereas the air travel takes a mere 45-50 minutes.

  Places Of Interests In Gilgit

Just 10 kms from the town of Gilgit, is a Buddha carved into a stone face.  Buddha is a victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago. The beautiful valley of Naltar in the south eastern side of Gilgit is 35 km away from the main town. It's lush green pastures and green carpeted ground make it a jewel of the Gilgit. It is a forested (pine) village known for its wildlife and magnificent mountain scenery.

Hunza region 113 km, from Gilgit. It takes tow or three hours to reach Hunza from Gilgit. It is the one of good place in Gilgit region. It offers historical view of Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Ganish Fort and  skyscraper mountains. It's covered by high peaks namely Rakaposhi (7,788 m), Ladyfinger (6,000 m) and Darmyani Peak (6,090 m) and Lady Finger mountains. In Hunza Three major languages are spoken, Shina in Lower Hunza, Burushaski in Central Hunza , Wakhi in Upper Hunza and Burushaski Nagar..

Nager Valley is very famous for hunting animals such as Marco Polo sheep, brown bears, show tigers etc. Gulmet, Faker and Bar  are  the popular tourist attraction places in Nagar. Golden peak Rakahposhi is situated in the Nagar Valley.

 Ghizer District

Ghizer is North most part of Gilgit. It is multi ethnic district and four major languages are spoken. Shina, Khowar, Burushaski and Wakhi. In Ghizer is a famous and beautiful lake is called Phunder lake which is famous for finish.

 Diamer District

Diamer is the district where the Karakoram Highway enters to the Gilgit from the NWFP. Chilas is the capital of  Diamer district. Diamer is famous by it's pine forest. Pine wood is used in good quality of furniture.

 Ghanche District

Ghanche is the easternmost district of the Gilgit.The capital of Ghanche District is Khaplu. This is the coldest place in Pakistan.

 Astore District

Astore was carved out of Diamer District in 2004. The district headquarter is Eidgah the previous tehsil headquarter. Astore valley has a moderate climate during summer. In winter it can snow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in the main valleys and up to 2-3 feet (60-0 cm) in the mountains. In Mirmalik valley it snows up to 6 feet in February.

 Baltistan District

Baltistan is extremely mountainous region. The second highest peak K2 is situated in Baltistan. In Baltistan are fourteen highest peaks which attracts tourists.