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Pakistan is one of the few countries with such a dynamic landscape; rivers, deserts, lakes, waterfalls, springs, and glaciers seem to have it all in great abundance, and Gilgit Baltistan brings bloom to Pakistan’s tourism. Unveiling the charisma of Gilgit Baltistan. We have listed places in Gilgit Baltistan you must visit.
The region is known to be surrounded by the highest and greatest number of mountains around the world; a land where the three extravagant mountains of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu-Kush joint, the home to rare flora and fauna, beautiful valleys, and the dazzling lakes, is Gilgit-Baltistan; yet another eye-catching region of Pakistan and a popular tourist destination.
The friendly locals, stunning skies, and captivating waterfalls make this region a beloved spot for travelers from all over the globe. Additionally, the peacefulness and beauty of the area are a refreshing experience for both the mind and spirit. This creates a wonderful contrast between the lush green fields and the majestic, snow-capped mountains.
We’ve compiled a list of the top places to explore in Gilgit Baltistan based on what travelers love the most. Check out the details below!
Hunza Valley is about 3 hours drive from Gilgit. Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in the Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. Hunza Valley is in the extreme north of Pakistan. Hunza Valley is an astonishing valley; it has many snow-packed mountains.
The valley consists of three regions, i.e., Upper Hunza Gojal, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza. Hunza Valley is a great tourist attraction.
Tourists worldwide visit Hunza Valley throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from May to October.
When we talk about the temperature of Hunza Valley, in May, the max temp is 26°C while the minimum is 15°C and in winter (October – Feb), the max temp is 6°C and the minimum is -10°C.
In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu, the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is the epitome of beauty, serenity, and wilderness. Paths to some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2, K3, and Gasherbrum, are all connected through this valley.
These towering mountains attract thousands of climbers worldwide each year, and some have even lost their lives in their efforts to summit them.
During the seven-hour journey, one is greeted with several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the local people. Some notable places in Skardu are its lakes Satpara and Kachura, as well as the Shigar and Skardu Fort, which are the most famous.
Khaplu is the administrative capital of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. It is one of the historical and ancient towns of Gilgit. Khaplu is the gateway to Masherbrum Peak, 103 km east of Skardu. It was the second-largest kingdom of the Yabgo dynasty. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River.
In Khaplu, many historical places, such as the beautiful Chaqchan Mosque. Khaplu is only approachable by road. Khaplu Valley is popular with tourists from all over the world because of its panoramic views and because it provides a facility for mountaineering and trekking.
One of the amazing places in Gilgit Baltistan is the valley of Shigar along with the Shigar River. It is about 170 km from Skardu. This is a great gateway to the Karakoram Mountains via Shigar. Shigar is the largest settlement in the valley, Shigar Fort, along with Amburik Mosque and Khilingrong Mosque.
Khanqah e Muallah Shigar, Hashoo pi Bhag, Marapi Ranga. Ree masjid.K2 Basecamp, Astana of Syed Mir Yahya is a famous place in Shigar Valley. There are several villages in the valley.
The valley is fertile and rich in fruits such as apples, cherries, apricots, pears, and walnuts. The amazement of the valley increases if one explores the mighty cold desert in the valley. The cold desert is one of a kind.
The hanging clouds give the unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Askole is the last station in the Shigar Valley, which is still far from the high mountains. The town is a popular site for tourists and trekkers and contains many historical buildings of architectural significance associated with the Noorbakhshi Sufi community.
About 70 miles in west Gilgit, along with the river, is a valley popularly known as Gupis. Gupis Valley in the Ghizer district has beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. The turquoise water of a river flowing along the road and surrounding fields and forests presents very charming for tourists.
A few kilometers from the valley of Gupis lies a charming lake, Khalti Lake. It is famous for being the habitat of trout fish. The lake is formed due to the stretch of the river near the village of Khalti. The lakes turn dark blue in summer, adding charm to the scene. The lake usually freezes during winter, and one can easily walk on it. There is a beautiful restaurant near Khalti Lake.
Astore Valley is located in Astore District in the Pakistani region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley, linked up to Nanga Parbat to the east, is about 120 km. The valley’s entrance is a courtyard about 60 km southeast of Gilgit. Astore is a desired location for the trekker, providing spell-bounding views to nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Gilgit Valley has more than 100 villages, including:
Rama Lake and meadows are the most famous tourist attraction in the region. The climate of the valley changes according to the season, it’s mild in summer and harsh in winters. Astore town is an excellent base for many climbing, trekking, and jeep riding activities. A broad area starting from the Nanga Parbat to Deosai and Kamri has enough interest for tourists and adventure affector.
In the north of Pakistan lies a stunning district of Nagar, previously known as Brushal; this place is a lakeside paradise. Nagar Valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438m. Nagar Khas is paramount to Nagar Valley. Gulmit, Minapin, and Hopper Valleys have also admired tourist attractions in the Nagar region because of the spectacular scenery and bewildering views.
It is situated in front of Hunza. Moreover, Hooper is another beautiful place in Nagar, a land of snow-clad mountains, but the sheer power of glaciers to carve out new landscapes makes them intricately gorgeous, too. Rakaposhi Mountain surrounds the valley, whereas the Diran Peak stands tall in Minapin.
Tourism in Gilgit Baltistan is growing rapidly because of security, and tourists want to know the other side of Pakistan, which is not portrayed in the news. Pakistan is a safe and sound country like others in the world. The tourist wants to explore the beauties of the country. There are many breathtaking places in Gilgit Baltistan to visit.
Let us know what do you think of our list of Best Places in Gilgit Baltistan, we would love to hear from your side.
Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter
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