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.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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.
Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air. To get around inside the city of Gilgit you can either hire taxis or hop on one of the many commuter minivans. If you happen to see such a minivan, just hail it by waving, get on, and knock on the driver's cabin whenever you want to hop off. You could also think about renting a car, or for the more adventurous, a motorbike to discover the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan. Inform yourself which roads and sections are safe to drive and keep the weather conditions in mind.
1 Gilgit Bridge. 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. (updated Feb 2015) 2 Kargah Buddha (Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town). A beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D. (updated Feb 2015) Monument of Taj Mughal: A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town. 3 Sher Qilla (38 km. from Gilgit). Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.
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.
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.
Most of the high end hotels have their own bars but at some areas they have their local alcohol too.
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Gilgit typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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