Home / Destinations / Gilgit
Gilgit-Baltistan · Karakoram Mountains
Gilgit | A Land of Mountains and Valleys
The capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the gateway to some of the most dramatic valleys, lakes, and glaciers in Northern Pakistan.
Region
Gilgit-Baltistan
Mountain range
Karakoram
Local language
Shina (Urdu & English widely understood)
Nearest airport
Gilgit Airport
By road from Islamabad
10 – 12 hours
⦿ Overview
Where the Karakoram begins
Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, sits at the heart of the Karakoram Mountains. Tall peaks, clear lakes, and green valleys surround the city, offering fresh air, sweeping views, and a peaceful pace of life.
The local language is Shina, and most residents also understand Urdu and English, so travellers find it easy to get around. Gilgit is the natural base for Naltar, Bagrote, Haramosh, Hunza and the valleys beyond.
Bridges & local experiences
Cross the handmade wooden Danyore Bridge, take the scenic Bagrote Bridge route, or walk the famous Hussaini suspension bridge further north, each a memorable part of travelling around Gilgit.
How to reach Gilgit
By air
Gilgit Airport is roughly a one-hour flight from Islamabad, weather permitting, the fastest way in.
By road
The Karakoram Highway connects Gilgit to Islamabad in about 10–12 hours. Skardu Airport is another regional option.
⦿ Good to know
Gilgit at a glance
Best time
May – Oct (Jul – Aug best)
Getting there
1-hour flight or the Karakoram Highway
Base for exploring
Gilgit city, gateway to Naltar & Hunza
⦿ Explore
Top places to visit around Gilgit
Each valley near Gilgit has its own character, from ski slopes and orchard trails to turquoise lakes and remote communities.
01 · Rakaposhi views
Bagrote Valley
Fruit orchards and clear views of Rakaposhi, one of the world’s highest peaks.
02 · Pine forests & ski slopes
Naltar Valley
Pine forests, alpine meadows, the colourful Naltar lakes and one of Pakistan’s few ski destinations.
03 · Turquoise water
Attabad Lake
A striking blue-water lake formed after a 2010 landslide, now one of the region’s most photographed spots.
04 · Glacier trail
Hopar Glacier
One of the most accessible glaciers in the region, great for trekking and photography.
05 · Off the beaten path
Shimshal & Chapursan
Remote valleys with a distinct culture, far from the usual tourist trail.
06 · Alpine lakes
Borit & Phander Lakes
Calm lakes surrounded by green slopes, popular for boating and quiet walks.
⦿ Planning
Best time to visit Gilgit
Most valleys and mountain routes around Gilgit are at their most accessible between May and October. Outside this window, higher passes and remote valleys may be snowbound.
May – Jun
Good
Jul – Aug
Best
Sep – Oct
Good
Nov – Apr
Limited
⦿ Location
Gilgit on the map
⦿ Frequently asked questions
Questions about visiting Gilgit
Getting there, when to go and what to see around Gilgit.
Planning a Gilgit trip?
Talk to our team about routes, dates and group sizes for Gilgit.
How do I reach Gilgit?
By air, Gilgit Airport is about a one-hour flight from Islamabad, weather permitting. By road, the Karakoram Highway takes roughly 10 to 12 hours from Islamabad.
What is the best time to visit Gilgit?
May to October is generally the best window, when mountain roads and surrounding valleys are most accessible and the weather is favourable.
Which valleys can I visit from Gilgit?
Naltar, Bagrote, Haramosh, Hunza, Nagar, Shimshal and Chapursan are all within reach, along with Attabad Lake and the Hopar Glacier.
What language is spoken in Gilgit?
The local language is Shina, and most residents also understand Urdu and English.
Can Spantik Tours arrange a trip to Gilgit?
Yes. Spantik Tours runs motorcycle, 4×4, and group tours to Gilgit, with routes, stays, permits and local guides arranged for you. Contact us to plan a route.
⦿ Plan your trip
Planning a trip to Gilgit?
Tell us your dates, group size, and how you like to travel, we’ll recommend the best route through Gilgit and the valleys around it.
Licensed operator · No. 8742
Local guides & backup vehicles
Usually reply within 24 hours
Talk to our team
Get a Gilgit route plan
Chat with us now
Call
+92 311 1238111
info@spantikpakistan.com