'''Gilgit''' (Urdu: ????) is a mountain town in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Travelers exploring the Pakistani Himalayas or en route to or from China are almost definitely going to spend at least one night here. This makes it a great base to further research your trip, meet up with potential travel partners, or simply take a break. It's also a launching pad for climbers to nearby Rakaposhi.
Get in
Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road. The main bus stand is on the KKH - Karakoram Highway, and requires a taxi ride or shared jeep to reach from town. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses along the KKH. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.
The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina, however, Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.
'''Gilgit Airport''' ({{IATA|GIL}}) is small and has 45 minute flights to/ from Islamabad on PIA [http://www.piac.com.pk]. Due to extreme weather changes, flight delay or cancellation
is a normal occurance.
Get around
Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.
See
'''Gilgit Bridge''': The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit River, at the end of its traditional bazaar, is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep ata time to cross.
'''Kargah Buddha''': Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.
'''Monument of Taj Mughal''': A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.
'''Sher Qilla''': It is 38 km. from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
'''Singal''': About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.
'''Gahkuch''': Headquarter of Ghizer District - Ideal place for trekking, good fishing sports and duck shooting in season. It is the gateway to Iskoman Valley. Government rest house and private hotels are available (73 km from Gilgit). Archaeological sites in village and a near by village Hatoon.
'''Naltar Valley''': Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link rod. Government Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Iskoman, Chalt and Punial valley.
You can see the statue of Budha in Kargah. Visit to Chilyli Kargah.
You can visit by jeep to Ghizar disdrict, Chilass city, Astor district, Hunza Valley, Skardu city and Ghanchy from Gilgit. '''K-2''', at 28,250 meters the world's 2nd Highest peak, Mashaburam, Gashaburam, Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) world's 6th highest peak.
You can also visit Fairi madow.
Do
'''Karakoram Air Safari''': PIA offers an amazing air journey.
'''Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking''': The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509).
'''Fishing''': Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.
'''Flora & Fauna''': Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees are found in abundance. Apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.
'''Biking'''
'''Boating''' in river Gilgit and river Indus
'''Camping'''
'''Gliding'''
Buy
There are banks around town that change cash and travelers checks, You can buy gem stones, antiques and cheap Chinese goods also.
Eat
Eat local fruits and nuts. Chinese food is also available in Gilgit city.
Drink
Most of the top end hotels have their own bars.
Sleep
Madina Guest House. LI Chowk. s 100-300. This place is very popular and cheap for foreigners, and has a good in house restaurant.50 Rs or 1$ per day
'''Chinar inn'''
Gilgit Motel.
Splurge
'''Gilgit serena hotel''' [http://www.serenahotels.com/pakistan/gilgit/home.asp]
Contact
There are a handful of internet cafes along the main road. Fax and telex are also available.
The main '''post office''' (M-Sa 9AM-7PM, closed Sundays) is at Saddar Bazaar on the main road.
Stay safe
Gilgit is usually fairly stable and safe with many travelers confined to their guesthouses and travel agancies. Gilgit has cheapest accommodation for visitors.
Get out
'''Rakaposhi''' – this nearby mountain is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, and offers stunning landscapes at most times of the year. The views en route to base camp are especially fantastic in the fall when the surrounding countryside is painted orange yellow and red. You could arrange a tour here in Gilgit, or gather information on hiking around yourself.
'''Hunza Valley'''
'''Skardu Valley'''
'''Islamabad'''
'''To China'''