Gilgit

Understand

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.

Get in

thumb|Gilgit City a View from Gilgit serena hotel.

Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road.

See

thumb|Mount Hunza thumb|Baltit-Fort

Monument of Taj Mughal: A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.

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. You can visit by jeep to Ghizar district, Chilass city, Astor district, Hunza Valley, Skardu city and Ghanchy from Gilgit. K2, at 8,611 meters the world's 2nd Highest peak, Mashaburam, Gashaburam, Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) world's 6th highest peak. You can also visit Fairy meadows

Do

This area is no doubt a heaven for trackers and hikers.

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 and you can enjoy the famous trout from Icy water of the region- best of the delicacies. Flora and Fauna: If you are interested in cherry blossoms then this is the right place to visit. The valley turns into different shades of pinks in spring starting March to April. It can be compared with cheery blossom festive cities of Japan without any doubt. Apart from them this place is abundant in roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees. Trees of apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts, persimmon and fruits like grapes and pomegranate are seen everywhere from June to October. Almond trees are a watch to delight - blossoming in white and baby pink shades depending on sweet or bitter almond types to a lush green tree- in October ~ March is indeed a sight to remember. The area has its rich wild flora and fauna -which is not found in other parts of the country. Boating is a possibility in river Gilgit and river Indus. You can try your luck with rafting as well! Camping Almost all hotels …

Buy

There are banks that change cash and travellers cheques. Some shops accept the foreign currency as well. You can buy gem stones, antiques and Chinese goods - anything from silk to electronics.

Very few banks and ATMs in Gilgit-Baltistan accept foreign bank cards or credit cards for withdrawing money. As a visiting foreigner your best bet would be to bring enough cash for your whole journey in Gilgit-Baltistan, or to try the ATM at the Alfalah Bank branch in Gilgit, which sometimes happen to work with foreign cards.

Eat

You can try local fruits like apples, cherries, apricots and a variety of nuts rich in omega 5 like almonds, chestnuts, walnuts etc. Restaurants offer all sorts of Western breakfast to local ones - like salted tea and bread as well as Chinese food, Tanduries, and local dishes. In this region, people do not eat spicy food like the rest of the country. Local food consists of special baked breads (different varieties), handmade-noodle soups, salted meats, roasted meat, vegetables, fruits & dairy products. All the products are organic as they believe in traditional farming without the use of chemical fertilizers and sprays.

Drink

thumbnail|Gilgit River Most of the high end hotels have their own bars but at some areas they have their local alcohol too.

Sleep

thumbnail|Suburbs of Gilgit Gilgit has one of the cheapest accommodation for visitors with a budget.

New Tourist Cottage Also popular with foreigners. Private doubles with bath are Rs 320. Rooms are large and well maintained. Also has outdoor seating areas.

Connect

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.

In Gilgit-Baltistan there is only one working cell phone network operator, namely SCO / SCOM. Foreigners can buy SIM cards at SCO franchise shops and offices; activation of a card usually takes about 24 hours.

Stay safe

Gilgit is fairly stable and safe compared to other regions. Travelers both local and foreign still visit the area and enjoy the beauty and nature.