The Definitive Guide for Gilgit City

Discovering Gilgit: Gateway to the Pakistani Himalayas

Gilgit, nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, serves as a pivotal stop for travelers traversing the Pakistani Himalayas. It's an ideal base for planning expeditions, connecting with fellow adventurers, or simply unwinding. The town acts as a gateway to the nearby Rakaposhi for climbers and trekkers alike.

Predominantly speaking Shina, Gilgit also converses in Urdu and English, offering ease to travelers. For those venturing here, the prime months span from May to October, aligning with the region's optimal weather conditions.

Positioned at the juncture of the Gilgit River and the Hunza River in a broad valley, Gilgit doubles as the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. Renowned for its trekking and mountaineering opportunities in the Karakoram range, this city bears historical significance as a former Buddhist hub along the Silk Road.

One notable site, the Danyore Suspension Bridge, an age-old makeshift structure, links Danyor to Karakoram University grounds. Restricted to pedestrians and motorcyclists, it now operates alongside a newer two-way concrete bridge constructed in 2013 for vehicle traffic.

Karagah Buddha by Adnan Temur Barcha

A short distance from Gilgit lies the Kargah Buddha, an archaeological marvel. This standing Buddha, roughly 50 ft high, is carved into the Kargah Nala cliff, believed to date back to the 7th century. Its setting, encompassed by remnants of a protective wooden structure, reflects its historical significance.

For nature enthusiasts, Chilidaar Gilgit beckons, it is located near Jutial Gah, which is a small town in the district of Gilgit City promising scenic vistas and glimpses of indigenous wildlife like ibex, markhor, and elusive snow leopards. From Jutial water reservoir it takes approximately 45 minutes hike to reach a green patch of conifers trees and a couple of shepherd huts and animal shelters. A nice camping site not far from city. Accessible via a drive followed by a moderate hike, this wooded area enchants with its tall trees and serenity.

Victory Monument of Taj Mughal by Shakeel Ahmad

A short hike with a great viewpoint to discover Jutial and have a view point of the city is the Victory Monument of Taj Mughal which was built ~700 years ago and it takes about 30 minutes up hill walk form the Serena Hotel Gilgit. The monument is a reminder of Taj-Ud-Din Mughal, an Ismaili ruler from Badakhshan and built by his soldiers.

Jutial Barmus Trail is approximately 3.5 km long one way and near the Vicotry Monument. It too provides beautiful views of Gilgit city but on a well maintained path. Like most trails there is no water or food facilities, nor are there public public toilets.

Another option for a viewpoint hike is from the main gate at Karakorum International University — approximately a 45 minute uphill trek leading to beautiful views of the city.

For those who are more adventurous there are a number of lakes that area typically accessible by a four-wheel jeep Borit Lake, Naltar Lake, Rush Lake, and Nomal Lake are much famous and popular with visitors.

Aga Khan Shahi Polo Ground by Aik Banjara

The city offers bustling markets like Gadi Bagh a historic landmark surrounded with parking spaces for vehicles. NLI Market and Rajah bazaar, vibrant hubs for locals and tourists alike. Rajah bazaar is adjacent to the Aga Khan Shahi Polo Ground, hosting the Jashan Azadi Freestyle Polo Tournament.

Possibly, make your way back to Bab-e-Gilgit a monument that welcomes visitors to the city of Gilgit. It is located at the entrance of the city on the Karakoram Highway. The monument features a large arch with the words "Bab-e-Gilgit" (Gate of Gilgit) written in Urdu and English. The arch is decorated with traditional motifs and symbols of the region, such as the snow leopard, the ibex, the markhor, and the apricot. The monument also has a fountain and a garden, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Adding to the city's allure are recreational spots like public swimming pools at Barmas Bala, well-maintained facilities for water enthusiasts, and the natural swimming pool at Sakwar.

Rakaposhi viewpoint for breathtaking mountain panoramas, relax at Dadi Jawari Park, or venture outside the city to Bismillah Trout Farm and Restaurant for insights into local fish farming practices.

China Memorial by Emran Ashraf

Pay respects at The Gilgit Chinese Memorial Cemetery locally known as the China Memorial is a graveyard located in Danyor, about ten kilometers away from the capital city of Gilgit across the Gilgit River. The cemetery, established in early 1970, serves as the final resting place of Chinese workers and engineers who died during the construction of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The tombstones placed over the graves contain epitaph inscriptions in Chinese characters.

This evolving guide aims to provide comprehensive insights for your journey through Gilgit, continually updating to enhance your travel experience.