Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan, also known as the northern areas of Pakistan, bordering with China, India and Afghanistan. The most beautiful part of the Pakistan tourism because of its natural beauty, stunning mountains, lush meadows, Majestics lakes and historical sites. This area linked with 3 countries, Afghanistan, India and China. The northern areas of Pakistan are considering the backbone of Pakistan tourism. Pakistan is very lucky in terms of geographical location in the world. This area is being ruled by many kings and empires of that time. It was the part of many ancient civilization and the effects of that civilization can be seen now in every aspect of their lives somehow.

Gilgit Baltistan is one of the precious and amazing tourist hubs in Pakistan. Northern areas of Pakistan are clearly referred as the paradise of Pakistan on planet earth. It’s called the paradise because of the natural beauty, high peaks, snow capped mountains, crystal clear water lakes, lush meadows, plains, deserts, forests and the stunning view of nature from very close.

Nature can be seen there from very close range on which we can differentiate Gilgit from other visit places in Pakistan. Everyone in Pakistan wants to visit Gilgit just once in a life.

It’s the home to five of the world’s fourteen “eight-thousanders,” including the formidable Nanga Parbat, one of the deadliest mountains, and the powerful K2, the second-highest peak on Earth. The Pamir, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram Mountain ranges are also a sight to see, providing breath-taking views around every corner.

History of Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit, a region with a rich history, has been a center of Buddhism, a Silk Road hub, and a contested territory. Its strategic location along the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchange and economic prosperity. The Trakhāne dynasty established a stable rule in the 15th century, but faced frequent raids from neighboring Baltistan and Chitral. In the 19th century, Gilgit fell under Dogra rule, eventually becoming a Pakistani territory. Today, it serves as a vital transportation hub, but faces political uncertainties and socio-economic challenges.

Culture of Gilgit Baltistan

Rich Legacy

The history of Gilgit-Baltistan spans millennia, influenced by a multitude of cultures and civilizations. The region’s varied cultural fabric has been shaped by its location at the intersection of trade routes such as the Silk Road.

Warm Hospitality

Gilgit-Baltistan’s populace is well known for their friendly disposition and warm hospitality. They are excited to share their distinctive heritage with guests and are proud of it.

Bright Traditions

Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its vibrant traditional dance, music, and handicrafts. It is a wonderfully enlightening experience to see these colorful manifestations of culture.

Tourist places in Gilgit Baltistan

Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek

The Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding journey to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, known as “Killer Mountain,” offering panoramic views of its majestic presence.

Baltoro Glacier Trek

The Baltoro Glacier trek offers breathtaking mountain scenery, ice walls, glacial lakes, and breathtaking ice walls, showcasing the raw power of nature.

K2 Base Camp Trek

The K2 Base Camp Trek is a unique opportunity for experienced mountaineers to experience the second-highest mountain on Earth and witness breathtaking views.

Naltar Valley

Naltar Valley, located in the Karakoram, offers stunning meadows, verdant forests, and snow-capped peaks, perfect for hiking and skiing in winter.

Shimshal Valley

Renowned as the “Shangri-La of Pakistan,” boasts stunning glacial lakes, dramatic rock formations, and a vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for trekking and cultural immersion.

Deosai Plains

Deosai Plains, the world’s second-highest plateau, offers a vast landscape of wildflowers, alpine lakes, and wildlife, accessible by jeep, horseback, or indulging in tranquility.

Karimabad archeological sites

Explore the pre-historic roots of Gilgit at this captivating site, showcasing ancient petroglyphs, burial mounds, and Buddhist settlement remnants.

Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley, known for its welcoming people and unique culture, offers traditional villages, apricot orchards, and stunning mountain scenery, offering an immersive experience in their way of life.

Want to know more about Hunza in details, visit here

Best time to visit Gilgit Baltistan

It depends on your personal choices and personal preferences that what do you like and what actually makes you happy.

 In Summers, from May to September, you can explore these areas very well without any problems. As we all knows that days are generally longer as compared to winters so, you will be able to explore all the tourist hubs in short time. There will be no fear of snow falling, heavy destructive rain, glaciers, and illness because of winters.

In winters, you can also enjoy a lot in Gilgit like you can enjoy the snowboarding, snow falling and other tourist activities in snow falling.

I must recommend to visit in summer if you want to explore many tourist hubs in Gilgit in short time. The weather will be pleasant and moderate, sky will be clear, days will be longer, Low chances of illness like flu etc.

Discover the northern areas of Pakistan.

Activities in Gilgit Baltistan

Trekking and mountaineering

Trekking and mountaineering are just for the adventurous lovers because it will may result in danger. But you will enjoy a lot if you are with a group of good friends and family members. You can take part in adventure of high peaks like Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi. Baltora glaciers is also be the best option to spend some quality time there. Believe me you will make a lot of memories by these activities.

Whitewater Rafting

For those of all capacity levels, the Indus River provides exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences that let them negotiate rapids, take in beautiful scenery, and harness the force of nature.

Jeep safaris

It’s the best way to explore all the hidden gems in Gilgit. You can may discover new things about the local villages by jeep safaris. Driving in a rugged mountains and enjoy the stunning views and activities is the best part of Jeep safaris.

Camping and star gazing

You can enjoy the stunning view of star at night from your artificial bed. You can feel the love of nature with us by spending time with them in the middles of nights through camping. Its will be amazing experience of yours if you did it.

Fishing

You can test your luck by catching fishes of different species and trout fishes in the clear crystal water of Satpara lake and the Shandur lake.

Birdwatching

You can also explore the fun of natural animals. More than 300 of bird’s species are found there on which the golden eagles, Himalayan Griffons, and snowcocks are involved. We can feel the peace of soul and body. Relaxation is on peak there because of the unawareness of the modern world.

Explore historical Forts

We can feel the effect of many ancient civilizations and the effect of many rulers in the historical sites of Gilgit Baltistan. Baltit fort and Altit fort are the historical structures in area.

Shops for local handicrafts

Take in the lively culture of Gilgit by perusing busy bazaars and purchasing one-of-a-kind mementos. There is something for everyone, including exquisitely carved wooden mementos and hand-woven carpets, as well as vibrant needlework and priceless diamonds.

Attend local festivals

Try to explore the tradition and culture of the locals. You can participate in the cultural dance and music of Gilgit and also participate in the warmth celebration of the peoples of Gilgit. You can make your trip more memorable if you became a part of the cultural and traditional festivals in Gilgit.

Skiing and snowboarding

The Naltar Valley becomes a wintry paradise in the winter. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and thrilling ski slopes—ideal for families seeking a wintry adventure.

Boating in lakes

Never forget to take a peaceful ride in the clear crystal water lake of satpara and Shandur lake. You will be amazed by the beauty of surrounding mountains, sky, snowcapped peaks and the lush meadows.

Horseback Riding

If you want to make your trip or picnic more memorable and joyful so, then don’t forget to take the legendary ride od horse in Gilgit.

Airport of Gilgit Baltistan

We can travel to Gilgit by road and by plane or by air as well. There are 2 airports in Gilgit Baltistan. 1^St one is located in Gilgit while the 2^nd one is located in the skardu.

Address of Gilgit airport:

W89J+PRV, Airport Rd, Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan.

People of Gilgit Baltistan

Mostly the native speakers of Balti language can be found there with their families. They are religious, cultural and well known in the hospitality of the people.

Language of Gilgit Baltistan

Balti language is the natively spoken language in the Gilgit. Apart from that many other languages can be spoken there but Balti language is the native language of Gilgit.

Famous food of Gilgit Baltistan

Every Pakistani food can be found there but here are some of the main foods which can be found very easily there.

• Chapshuro.
• Gyaling/Gral.
• Buroshapik/Ghilmindi.
• Diram Pitti.
• Tumoro Tea.
• Hoilo Garma.
• Buttering Doudo.
• Harisa.

Tips before visiting to Gilgit

1. Be respectful to the culture and religion of locals.
2. Try to share extra food with needy people.
3. Communicate with locals to understand the locations of different tourist hubs very well.
4. Keep blankets, medicines, extra food, extra money and other necessary goods for daily life uses.
5. Reads books or Quran for time passing or watch movies.
6. Keep warm clothes for protection against coldness.
7. Arrange your trip in Summer for better experience.

Largest city of Gilgit Baltistan

Skardu is the largest city of Gilgit Baltistan. Apart from it there are also many more cities in Gilgit.

Gilgit Baltistan Capital

Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit Baltistan.

Population of Gilgit:

The total population of Gilgit Baltistan was 1.249 million in 2013.

Area of Gilgit:

 The total area of Gilgit Baltistan is 72,971 km².

Founded:

Gilgit became a part of Pakistan in 1 July, 1970.

Administering country of Gilgit

Pakistan is the administrative country of Gilgit.  

Assembly seats of Gilgit

 There are 33 seats of Gilgit in assembly of Pakistan.

Districts of Gilgit 

There are 14 districts in Gilgit Baltistan.

Divisions of Gilgit: 

There are 3 divisions in Gilgit Baltistan.

CONCLUSION

In this blog post or article, I discussed the tourist hub in Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan. Furthermore, I discussed language of Gilgit, people, culture, tradition, activities, visit places, airports, history, famous foods, best time to visit and tips before visiting to Gilgit. Gilgit, located in the northern areas of Pakistan, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, stunning mountains, lush meadows, majestic lakes, and historical sites. The region has a rich history, having been a center of Buddhism, a Silk Road hub, and a contested territory. Its strategic location along the Silk Road has facilitated cultural exchange and economic prosperity.

The Trakhāne dynasty established a stable rule in the 15th century, but faced frequent raids from neighboring Baltistan and Chitral. In the 19th century, Gilgit Baltistan, fell under Dogra rule, becoming a Pakistani territory. Today, it serves as a vital transportation hub but faces political uncertainties and socio-economic challenges. The region’s rich legacy includes a warm hospitality, vibrant traditional dance, music, and handicrafts, making it a must-visit destination for Pakistani tourist.

FAQS

Gilgit Wikipedia.