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Capital city of Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan
Photo: Hashoo Foundation, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gilgit (Urdu: گلگت) is a mountain town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Travellers 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 starting point for climbers to nearby Rakaposhi.
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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 at a time to cross.
A beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.
Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
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 Buddha in Kargah. Visit to Chilyli Kargah.
گورا قبرستان
One can enjoy the most exciting and adventurous tracks on the famous Silk Route. Moreover they can enjoy both the history and culture along with Buddhist sites that not many have ever seen before. This route allows you to enter China through Khunjrab. It is the same area which is the reason of spread of Buddhism from India to China and then to Korea and Japan.
Popular with foreigners. Has a restaurant with seating area in a courtyard. Prices as of May 2009 are 150 Rs for a 6 bed dorm / 330 Rs for a double with shared bath / 450 Rs for a double w/private bath
Quite spacious with good quality food, and best located as antique shops are situated nearby
Popular with backpackers, has private rooms arranged around a lovely garden courtyard and a small restaurant serving good food. Has a new dorm room (2019) for 800, private rooms for 1500. The owner Mr Yaqoob is very nice. Space for secure parking and Wifi
Lively bazaar area, closed to motor traffic on certain days. You can purchase supplies or souvenirs such as gem stones. It is also possible to get a local SIM card here, although this will require a copy of your passport and visa.
By bus
4180 and departs three times a day from the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal in Rawalpindi.
By plane
Gilgit has a small airport with scheduled flights from Islamabad with PIA, taking just 45 minutes. Delays and cancellations are however quite frequent due to severe weather.
By car / motorbike
You could also think about renting a car, or for the more adventurous, a motorbike to discover the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan.
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Gilgit · Regional · GIL
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