Gilgit-Baltistan

A hidden high-mountain realm in northern Pakistan, where snowy peaks, glaciers, the Hunza Valley and highland lakes make a paradise for hiking and road trips.

Gilgit-Baltistan lies in the far north of Pakistan, where the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges meet, with many peaks including K2 and Nanga Parbat. The old forts and apricot blossoms of the Hunza Valley, the lakes of Skardu and the Deosai Plateau, and the snowy-mountain views at Fairy Meadows are all hugely appealing, and the Karakoram Highway crosses the Khunjerab Pass to Xinjiang in China. May to October is the main travel season, with spring blossoms and autumn foliage especially lovely. You can fly from Islamabad to Gilgit or Skardu, though flights are heavily affected by weather.

Destinations

• Skardu
• Gilgit
• Hunza Valley
• Fairy Meadows
• Tashkurgan

Itineraries

• Grand Karakoram to Lahore Overland Traverse – Fly from Islamabad to Skardu, visit Fairy Meadows and Hunza, then head south to Rohtas Fort and Lahore
• Kashgar to Hunza via Khunjerab Pass – Travel along the Karakoram Highway from Kashgar, cross the Pamirs and Khunjerab Pass, traverse Hunza, and fly out from…
• Hunza, Upper Hunza & Khunjerab Pass Tour – Fly to Gilgit to enter Hunza, stay in Karimabad and Passu, visit ancient forts and glaciers, and ascend to Khunjerab Pa…
• Baltistan Plateau & Forts Tour – Fly to Skardu for a summer loop covering Deosai Plains, Khaplu Palace, Shigar Fort, and Kachura Lake
• Kashgar & Pamir Karakoram Highway – Explore Kashgar Ancient City and drive the Karakoram Highway to see Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, an…
• South Xinjiang, Pamir & Desert Highway Grand Loop – Ascend the Pamirs from Kashgar, travel through Yarkand and Hotan, cross the Desert Highway, and return to Urumqi via Ku…
• Classic Silk Road: Urumqi, Turpan & Kashgar – Visit Heavenly Lake, the ancient ruins of Turpan, Kashgar Old Town, and Tashkurgan, using a domestic flight to connect…