Some of the tallest mountains in the world can be found in Gilgit Baltistan, which is called by Pakistanis the Northern Areas. Gilgit-Baltistan is a heaven for all nature lovers and adventurers’ combining limitless green meadows, deep valleys, and mesmerizing waterfalls.
Gilgit is the administrative capital of the region. It was once a major station at Silk Route. The place is the origin of Buddhism. Skardu is the most popular place here in the region and full of beautiful forts, glaciers, museums, and other famous tourist destinations. Now the government is taking many steps to bring Gilgit Baltistan tourism into the spotlight.
In 1970, Gilgit Baltistan becomes separate administration and it consists of three main districts. The main districts are known as Diamer, Gilgit, and Baltistan districts. There are many beautiful places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan. Here is the list of Gilgit Baltistan famous places:
1. K-2 Museum
This museum holds its own unique place due to its Tent shape. It showcases the local culture of the area and also the tour maps. This museum works in sponsorship of the Italian Government. The museum is located just at the bank of the Indus River, near PTDC K2 Motel.
2. Gilgit Valley
There are numerous tourist places for visitors in Gilgit Valley. These include Naltar, a beautiful area with high mountain peaks and glacial lakes that are easy to access. This is Pakistan’s ultimate ski resort. Karah Valley, situated only 10 kilometers from the city of Gilgit is another highlight of history enthusiasts. It has the Kargah Buddha’s rock wall sculpture that names the valley. The sculpture originates from the 8th century AD. There are also remnants of a Buddhist monastery and Stupa. Baggot, Oshikhandas, Danyore, and Normal surround valleys that are of attraction to travelers. Whilst Shina is the native language, workers in the field of tourism fluently speak English and Urdu.
3. Garam Chashma
Garam Chashma lies on the location of the former Injigan Valley, a 2-hour drive from Chitral. The path has picturesque and suitable for climbing. The area is famed for its hot springs or Garam Chashmas, which are said to provide natural treatments for many skin conditions. The beautiful place is frequently visited by tourists and locals.
4. Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is situated in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, near one of the Nanga Parbat base camps. It is only accessible after a 4-5-hour walk from the nearest town and gives spacious views of the lovely surrounding mountains. This is one of Gilgit’s famous places to visit.
5. Rakaposhi Glacier
Ghulmat is called the zero point of Rakaposhi. The glaciers are melting due to global warming. This is also a stop for those visiting Hunza Valley. Rakaposhi is the best-known peak in the valley. The summit lies in the southwest corner of Karakoram Rakaposhi-Haramosh, which forms part of the Lesser Karakoram. The mountain is extremely wide around 20 kilometers between East and West. It’s the only peak on Earth that descends directly from the top to the base, continuously, for over 6000 meters. Rakaposhi East is the highest peak of the Rakaposhi Mountain (7010m). Geologists consider the peak as the prow of the Eurasian land mass.
6. Chitral Valley
Chitral valley is above 1,100 m (2,6233 ft.), dominated by Trichmir, the tallest peak in the Hindu Kush mountains. The scenery here is varied with lush valleys, meadows, high mountains, and enormous glaciers. The winter is harsh here, but it is very pleasant in the summer months.
The cities of Arandu, Booni, and Madaklasht Valleys are some of the greatest locations to visit. Barmoghlasht Resort also is at 14.5 km from Chitral, and thanks to its gorgeous surroundings it is certainly worth visiting. The Golen Valley with its lush green land, fountains, and waterfalls with stunning panoramic views is also a favorite of nature lovers.
Khowar is spoken by Chitralis, though there are also Persian, Pushto, and Urdu speakers. As many tribes live here and there are about 10 other native languages. The area is also musically inclined, with festival events and weddings performing the Chitrali sitar. Sports fans might also like to watch Polo at Shandur Pass every year in July, while the Shandur Polo Tournament takes place.
7. Kalash Valley
The Kalash Valley, where the Kalash tribe is present, is also a beautiful place in Chitral Valley. Three of the Kalash valleys include Bamburet, Rumbur, and Birir. The Bamburet is one of the most popular places. While Bamburet is at 40 km jeep distance from Chitral, Rumbur and Birir are respectively 32 and 34 km distant. The Kalash tribe is following their own religious and cultural customs and their ancestry is not much known in history. These people have their own lifestyle and certain clothing worn by everyone here. The tribe has black robes, a woolly black headdress with shells, buttons, feathers, and colorful pearls. The tribe is charged by the people.
8. Khunjrab National Park
The region on the border with Pak-China near the Khunjerab Pass was recognized in 1975 as a national Park for the protection of the rare kinds of animals living there. While efforts are still being made to save the native species, the park provides nature enthusiasts magnificent scenes.
9. Hunza Valley
Hunza valley is one of the beautiful places to visit. Karimabad, formerly known as Baltit, is its biggest town. The valley’s natural beauty and gemstone market are famous ones. The residents are nice and friendly. Baltit Fort is the focus of tourists here because of its 700-year-old building and it has been restored throughout the years by authorities. The area is not accessible in winter.
The Borith Lake, a refuge for migrating birds, is also a great trip for nature enthusiasts. The lake is located near Gulmit, Gojal, at the top of Hunza Valley. But the route is only accessible for jeeps or a 2 to 3-hour hike over the Ghulkin Glacier. Hunza Valley is also home to K-2, the world’s second-highest peak, and visitors are welcome in good weather.
10. Deosai
Deosai is also called the “land of the giants”. Its great biodiversity and many hiking paths, suitable for all sorts of trekkers, are the genuine charm of the high plateau. In Deosai, there are numerous springs, full of trout fish, both as food for residents and bears. Pakistan’s Skardu Desert is one of the world’s unique spots.
