The Enchanting Valleys of Northern Pakistan: Beginner’s Guide: Everything You Need To Know about Traveling to Gilgit Baltistan
Northern Pakistan is a region which actually boasts some of the most beautiful sceneries that can be seen anywhere in the world. It has high mountains located within the Karakoram Range to picturesque valleys and clear water lakes making this region to be a worthy destination for the adventurers or the nature or culture enthusiast. In this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide, we will guide you through this beautiful region and give you some valuable advice on how to get the most of your travel in one of the most unknown, yet beautiful places in the world.
Why Visit Gilgit Baltistan?
In Gilgit Baltistan, one can get to enjoy mountains, snow, lush green valleys and full-on cultural colors. This Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide is the perfect go-to resource if you’re an adventure seeker or a tourist just craving some great time, stunning sceneries or simply hiking in unexplored areas of the world. So many places ranging from the famous Hunza valley to the least known Broghil valley, there are interesting places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan.
Getting to Gilgit Baltistan
The journey to Gilgit Baltistan is interesting in its own regards Though it takes a lot of time to travel to Gilgit Baltistan the journey is worth it. The area is connected by the Karakoram Highway that is the part of the highest paved roads globally,
between Pakistan and China. They can take road trip from Islamabad or take an hourly domestic flight to Gilgit or Skardu where they will be treated with beautiful view of the massive mountains.
I don’t care how you get there, the trip to Gilgit Baltistan is as thrilling as the destination itself. However, any Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide would be incomplete without mentioning that scenic Karakoram Highway is what one can imagine of mighty mountains and deep gorges.
In this article we will look at the most popular tourist attractions in Gilgit Baltistan that you should not miss.
- Hunza Valley: Introduction and Overview
Every Travel Guide to Gilgit Baltistan has to include Hunza Valley because it looks like something out of a fable in a story book. It is rich in natural beauty of valleys and mountains, ancient forts and of course, Warm hearted people of Hunza. Do not leave without visiting the Baltit and Altit forts; these are not only marvelous examples of the ancient architecture but also the viewing platforms to watch the spectacular view of the valley.
- Skardu – The Gateway to the Karakoram
The city of Skardu is known as the hub of Baltistan which additionally has a golden door to some of the tallest mountains in the world such as the K2. Situated in the beautiful valley encircled by mountains, emerald green lakes and lush green meadows, Skardu is a paradise for the adventure seekers. Some of the activities and places that we shall explore include, Shangrila Resort and its natural beauty of Satpara Lake.
- Fairy Meadows – Day hiking to the Paradise
Many hikers and campers regard the Fairy Meadows as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Situated near Nanga Parbat – the ninth highest mountain in the world – it is a green upland of land that provides some of the gorgeous landscapes in Gilgit Baltistan. Fairy Meadows are easily assessible but the journey to get there is a little steep.
- Pass – Khunjerab Pass-The Pakistan and Chinese Border Gates
Khunjerab Pass is the world’s highest paved international border crossing which you should definitely include in your Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide. This is an international trail that stands 15,397 feet high and links Pakistan and China while at the same time providing gorgeous views of the mountains. You may even be able to see a snow leopard if you are a lucky one there is a lot of adventurous activities that one can enjoy around the park.
Read Also This ; Khunjerab National Park Travel Guide
Most popular Adventure Activities that take place in Gilgit Baltistan
For the risk-takers, Gilgit Baltistan is filled with thrilling activities which no one would want to miss, these include Mountain trekking especially the high altitudes, River rafting in the Hunza River among others. In this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide, here are some activities you should definitely try:In this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide, here are some activities you should definitely try:
– Trekking and Mountaineering: The mountainous region of Gilgit Baltistan has five out of the 14 eight thousands including the second highest peak of the world, K2 and therefore, attracts climbers and trekkers from all around the globe.
– Yak Polo and Shandur Festival: This is a festival is held annually; the Shandur Polo Festival is where traditional polo matches take place on the world’s highest polo ground.
– Wildlife Safari: The wildlife in Gilgit Baltistan is minimized but still the region counts various animals. There is a rich variety of wildlife in the region, one can see Himalayan ibex, snow leopard in the regions many national parks, rare birds as well.
When to go to Gilgit Baltistan
Now let us discuss climate and or the best time to make a trip to G-B: The climate is varied; hence, it depends on what one wants to do. The best time to go on the trek, to camp and to go sightseeing are from May up to September because the temperature is higher and most of the times, the roads are open. For winter games or for touching the ski slopes, or for the beautiful sight of snow clad mountains then the December to February is just right. This Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide therefore advises tourists to organize their trip based on the activities to be participated in.
Cultural points of interest of Gilgit Baltistan
It has been revealed that, the people of Gilgit Baltistan are very friendly, and the culture over here is very rich and vibrant. Ethnically, it has many rich diversities which are characterized by different traditional dances, music, and festivities. Other lively events include the Shandur Polo Festival and/or Jashn-e-Baharan which one can get a taste of the local culture of the country. It would be unwise not sample some of the regional foods such as the chapshoro and yak meat stew.
Moving further let’s focus on some important Travel Tips for Gilgit Baltistan.
– Permits: This may call for the use of permits for some of the attractions in Gilgit Baltistan particularly those ones close to the borders in respect to foreign visitors.
– Packing: It also matters when you are going, that is because the weather switches between the two in a jiffy; therefore, pack lightly for warm and cold weathers.
– Accommodations: To stay in sumptuous hotels in Skardu or finding a cheap guest house in Hunza – it will be more than possible.
Final Thoughts
The tourist will have a taste of a new and peculiar experience when in Gilgit Baltistan since the place is endowed with beautiful natural view and culture. Whether it is a hiking personal in the Karakoram, or history exploring forts, or just admiring great scenery, this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide is here to guide you through it. Well, let the next part be the final call; if you are set and packed for an adventurous journey, then welcome to one of Pakistan’s most beautiful areas. You won’t regret it!
Following this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide is not just a process of preparing a voyage but it’s preparing for a lifetime journey. This is due to the valleys and mountains of Gilgit Baltistan that are appealing to cast a spell on anyone.
