Elevation
1,500 m
Best Time
April – October
Temperature
15°C – 38°C (summer), -5°C – 10°C (winter)
Region
Gilgit-Baltistan
About Gilgit
Gilgit is the regional capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the gateway to some of the world's most extraordinary mountain landscapes. Located at the confluence of the Gilgit and Hunza rivers, the city sits where three of the world's greatest mountain ranges — the Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalayas — all meet. Gilgit serves as the main transport and logistics hub for travel to Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Naltar Valley and across the Karakoram Highway into China. The city itself has a busy bazaar, historical Buddhist carvings and a warm, hospitable population. Its airport connects directly to Islamabad.
How to Get There
By air: PIA operates regular flights from Islamabad to Gilgit Airport (1 hour). Flights are weather-dependent and frequently cancelled — always have a road backup plan. By road: 12–14 hours from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway through Abbottabad, Besham and Chilas. The KKH road trip is one of the world's great drives.
Things To Do in Gilgit
Karakoram Highway Drive
The legendary KKH — the world's highest paved international road — passes through Gilgit. Driving north to Hunza or south toward Chilas offers some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth.
Naltar Valley Day Trip
A 2-hour jeep drive from Gilgit to the beautiful Naltar Valley (3,000m), home to multi-coloured lakes, ski slopes and wild forest. One of Gilgit-Baltistan's hidden gems.
Kargah Buddha Rock Carving
An ancient 7th-century Buddhist carving on a cliff face 8 km from Gilgit city, reflecting the region's pre-Islamic Buddhist history. Easy access by car.
Gilgit Bazaar
A vibrant local market selling dried fruits, nuts, honey, traditional caps, pashmina shawls and handicrafts from across Gilgit-Baltistan. Great for souvenir shopping.
Punyal Valley
A scenic valley north of Gilgit city along the Ghizer River with ancient forts, walnut groves and traditional villages. A great half-day drive.
Polo Ground
Gilgit is famous for traditional polo — a fast, rough version of the game played without rules. Matches are held on the central polo ground, especially during festivals.
Tips for Visiting Gilgit
- Always book flights to Gilgit well in advance — they fill quickly and are frequently cancelled due to weather. Have the KKH road option as a backup.
- Gilgit is hotter than Hunza and Skardu in summer — temperatures reach 38°C in July. Stay hydrated.
- Most people use Gilgit as a transit hub rather than a destination in itself — plan day trips to Naltar Valley and Kargah Buddha.
- The Gilgit bazaar has plenty of ATMs but carry extra cash as smaller towns ahead have none.
- Local transport (suzuki vans and wagons) connects Gilgit to surrounding valleys cheaply.
- Try gilgiti chai (a salty, buttery tea) and the local dried apricots — both are unique to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Gilgit from Islamabad?▾
By air: 1-hour flight (PIA, subject to weather). By road: 12–14 hours via the Karakoram Highway. Flights are recommended for comfort but road travel is recommended for the scenic experience.
Is Gilgit a good base for exploring the region?▾
Yes. Gilgit is the best base for day trips to Naltar Valley, and a natural stop on the route between Islamabad and Hunza. Most travellers spend 1–2 nights here.
What is the altitude of Gilgit?▾
Gilgit city sits at 1,500m above sea level — much lower than Hunza (2,438m) or Skardu (2,228m). Altitude sickness is rarely an issue in the city itself.
What are the best hotels in Gilgit?▾
Gilgit has a range of options from budget guesthouses (PKR 4,000–6,000/night) to mid-range hotels (PKR 10,000–25,000/night). Serena Hotel Gilgit is the most upscale option. All can be booked via EasyBooking.
Book Hotels in Gilgit
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View HotelsNearby Attractions
- Naltar Valley
- Hunza Valley
- Fairy Meadows
- Kargah Buddha
- Ghizer Valley
- Skardu