Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan and the logistical heart of northern Pakistan's tourism industry. Sitting at the confluence of three great mountain ranges — the Karakoram, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush — Gilgit is where travellers land, acclimatise, stock up, and fan out to the extraordinary destinations that lie in every direction: Hunza to the north, Skardu to the east, Chitral to the west, and Nanga Parbat to the south.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round for the city itself. April to October for using Gilgit as a base for travel to surrounding areas. March–April sees the famous Shandur Polo Festival and spring blossoms in surrounding villages.
Top Highlights
- Gilgit Bazaar — one of the most atmospheric markets in northern Pakistan
- Kargah Buddha — a 7th century carved rock-face Buddha image 10km from the city
- Naltar Valley — stunning alpine valley 1.5 hours from Gilgit by jeep
- Gilgit Fort ruins — remnants of the British era garrison town
- Jutial — a leafy residential area popular for evening walks
Essential Tips
- Gilgit has the best airport in northern Pakistan — arrive by air and acclimatise for a day before heading to higher altitudes
- The bazaar has good camping gear shops, pharmacies and cash exchanges
- Hire a reliable local driver in Gilgit for all onward mountain travel
- Try local Hunzai cuisine — apricot oil, walnut sauce and buckwheat chapati are local specialities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gilgit worth visiting or just a transit hub?
Gilgit is primarily a transit hub but worth a day of exploration — the Kargah Buddha, the bazaar, and the surrounding Punial Valley are genuinely interesting. Most travellers pass through rather than stay, but 1–2 nights in Gilgit is a comfortable way to acclimatise before heading to higher destinations.
How do I fly to Gilgit from Islamabad?
PIA and Air Sial operate daily flights between Islamabad and Gilgit Airport (55 minutes). The flights are subject to cancellation due to mountain weather — always book with a buffer day. The flight itself offers extraordinary views of the Nanga Parbat massif and Karakoram peaks.
What currency and connectivity is available in Gilgit?
Gilgit has ATMs (HBL, NBP, MCB) and currency exchange offices in the bazaar. Mobile network coverage exists in the city (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) but is limited on mountain roads. Download offline maps before leaving Gilgit for onward travel.
What is the Shandur Polo Festival?
The Shandur Polo Festival is held annually in late June or early July at Shandur Pass (3,700m) — the 'Roof of the World' polo ground. Teams from Gilgit and Chitral play traditional mountain polo in one of the world's most dramatic stadium settings. It's one of Pakistan's great cultural events.