Are you looking for historical places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan? Then, we present this list of the top hidden places in Gilgit. These are necessary for a complete vacation. Gilgit has mesmerizing beauty, from high-peak mountains to beautiful snowy glaciers. It’s just another “Heaven on Earth” after Kashmir. It is filled with beautiful pine trees and ice-cold water streaming between the valleys. What more do you wish for? Explore Gilgit along with these remarkable locations, and you will experience an unforgettable trip.
The spring season in Gilgit starts in April and just lasts until the third week of June. The maximum temperature at that time is 10 to 20 degrees. The summer stays until the end of August, and the fall season starts in October. The temperatures remain mostly chilly throughout the year. From March to November, it drops upto -4 degrees. Due to these amazing wether conditions, these are considered as best places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan. Along with Gilgit, Babusar Top is now open for tourists.
Top 12 Famous Places of Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit has a diverse landscape, and if you start to discover it, you will explore amazing landscapes one by one. For your ease, we have listed all of the amazing places located in beautiful Gilgit Baltistan. Tourists from around the world visit Gilgit due to its devastating scenic nature and beauty. Also, note these important things to consider while visiting Northern Areas.
Here is a list of adventurous things to do in Gilgit City. By traveling to these amazing locations, you can experience the best of both worlds:
| Places | Location |
| Shangrila Lake | Near Skardu |
| Baltoro Glacier | Shigar district of Gilgit |
| Skardu | Gilgit Baltistan |
| Hunza Valley | Near Skardu |
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 63km from Baltoro glacier |
| Hushe Valley | Ghanche district of Gilgit |
| Upper Kachura Lake | Skardu |
| Atabad Lake | Located in Hunza Valley |
| Passu Cones | Hunza Valley |
| Baltit Fort | Hunza Valley, Gilgit Baltistan |
| Manthokha Waterfall | Kharmang District of Gilgit |
| Rakaposhi | Karakoram Range in Gilgit |
1. Shangrila Lake
Crystal-clear water and mountainous views make Shangrila one of the best places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan. The lake is usually known as Lower Kachura Lake. Lush green pine trees and colorful huts surround it. Shangrila is an ideal destination for nature lovers. You can find different kinds of flowers and trees there. Visitors coming towards Shangrila can trek around a little and do some activities like boating and horse riding. Also, explore through our Neelum Valley travel guide. Shangrila has a resort arrangement for tourists; they have small hut-like rooms that complement its beauty.
Things to do at Shangrila Lake
- Boating
- Speed Boating
- Horse Riding
- Trekking
- Luxurious Dining
- Luxurious room accommodation
2. Baltoro Glacier
Baltoro is a glacier located in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. The glacier is about 62 kilometers long, so it comes under Gilgit Baltiistan’s beautiful places. You will have to trek along the glacier, and while trekking, you will experience K2 and Nanga Parat very close to you. The view it gives from the top is just breathtaking, and thats is why this place is at the top of the bucket list of adventure lovers. Along with this, explore some other summer trips to northern areas of Pakistan. To trek along this glacier, you need to be physically fit and willing to put yourself under that effort.
Things to do at Baltoro Glacier
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Photography
- Sightseeing
3. Skardu
Nowadays, everyone knows about Skardu, as it is no longer undiscovered. It is the most amazing place to visit in Gilgit Baltistan. To reach Skardu, you can take direct flights available at PIA and Airblue, starting from Rs.5000 (from Islamabad). It is the largest town and is known as the administrative capital of Baltistan. Inside Skardu, you will have a lot to explore; it is home to many lakes and waterfalls in Gilgit. For a better experience, get to know about the best time to visit Skardu.
Things to do in Skardu
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Visiting nearby places
- Exploring Deosai National Park
- Fishing
- Boat Riding
- Desert Safari at Skardu’s Cold Desert
4. Hunza Valley
Hunza is one of the most beautiful places in the North of Pakistan. It has so much to offer to tourists and comes under historical places in Gilgit Baltistan. Hunza is full of scenic landscapes and snow-capped mountains. The place is very rich in culture, and the people of Hunza are very hospitable towards tourists. To reach Hunza, you can book Hunza Tour packages with two meals and luxurious accommodations services.
Things to do in Hunza
- Explore nature
- Visit nearby places
- Must visit place in Hunza is Altit Fort
- Weather conditions at Khunjerab Pass are breathtaking ( it is a must-visit place, too)
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Paragliding
5. K2 Base Camp Trek
Another breathtaking place in beautiful Gilgit Baltistan is the K2 base camp. K2 is the second-highest peak in the world. It is located in Concordia, and this Concordia is considered the most beautiful place in Gilgit. Every climber and trekker wishes to visit K2 once in a lifetime. However, the journey is very rocky and difficult to cover, as it starts from the Baltoro glacier and ends at the peak of the mountain. The path is quite difficult, as it takes three weeks to complete, but the views are breathtaking and worth it.
Things to do at K2 Base Camp
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Photography
- Camping
6. Hushe Valley
The most adventurous thing to do in Gilgit City is to visit Hushe Valley. This small valley is known as the Paradise of Mountains, as it is covered with mountainous peaks. The valley is home to the Balti people, whose unique culture, language, and traditions add a distinct charm to the region. Visitors can experience local hospitality and explore traditional Balti architecture. Also, explore the best time to visit swat valley in this season. Hushe Valley is adored due to its crystal clear river and amazing scenic views.
Things to do in Hushe Valley
- Trekking
- Boating
- Camping
- Photography
- Experience local culture
- Explore Saling Cricket Stadium
7. Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake is the second most beautiful lake in Gilgit. Its crystal-clear water mirrors the surrounding mountains. Due to its pristine beauty, it is considered one of the most famous places in Gligit-Baltistan. This hidden gem is approximately 70 meters deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in Gilgit. Unique to Upper Kachura is its temperature, which remains icy cold even in summer, and its pristine natural beauty. This list of the best hotels at Natia Gali will help you out while returning to Islmabad from your trip.
Things to do in Upper Kachura Lake
- Boating
- Trekking
- Photography
- Zipline
- Fishing
8. Attabad Lake
Attabad is located in the Gonjal Region of District Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan. The lake is 14km long, and the most unique thing about it is that it was made naturally from a disaster. Back in 2010, land sliding blocked the Hunza River, creating the massive lake known as Attabad. It feels like a painting from heaven, crystal blue water surrounded by dark brown mountains. If you love nature, then explore this Ratti Gali travel guide during your trip to Kashmir. The lake is open for boating and hiking on its treks, located near the mountains.
Things to do at Attabad Lake
- Boating
- Jet skiing
- Fishing
- Ice skating in winter
- Swimming
- Explore Hussaini Bridge near Attabad
9. Passu cones
Yet another destination on Gilgit’s beautiful places list, Passu Cones, is the gateway to breathtaking wonders and a rich cultural heritage. The Passu cones are popular due to their amazing highway route, which provides amazing views of mountainous peaks. These cones are the peaks of mountains located near Passu village, which is where they get their name. Explore this Fairy Meadows complete travel guide in case you plan another trip. Near Passu village, you can explore Passu glacier, which is another must-visit destination for tourists.
Things to do at Passu Cones
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Photography
- Sightseeing
10. Baltit Fort
If you love history, then this is one of the most amazing historical places in Gilgit Baltistan. The fort is located near Karimabad. It was built around the 18th Century and has been on UNESCO’s heritage tentative list since 2004. The fort is on a hilltop and offers amazing panoramic mountain views. Because of its history and architecture, the fort is actually known as a museum. By visiting Baltit, visitors can learn about the role of Hunza in shaping traditional history.
Things to do at Baltit Fort
- Sightseeing
- Photography
- Documentary
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Exploring nearby places
11.Mantokha Waterfall
Another breathtaking place in Gilgit is Mantokha Waterfall, which attracts tourists in summer. The waterfall and the valley complement each other, and the originality of nature is just mesmerizing at Mantokha. The freshwater streams and breathtaking sights are just matchless and perfect for trekking and camping
Things to do at Mantokha Waterfall
- Camping
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Photography
12. Rakaposhi Top
Most elevated in the world and the twelfth highest peak in pakistan, with a view of Nagar Valley Gilgit. Because of its breathtaking beauty, it is one of the most historical places in Gilgit Baltistan. If you wish to visit this place, then the best time for a trip is May and October. After October, the weather at this peak gets cold and chilly.
Things to do at Rakaposhi
Things to do at Rakaposhi
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
Conclusion
All of these places are filled with the mesmerizing beauty of nature. Make sure to select suitable weather for your trip. The guide will help you locate some hidden gems of Gilgit, making your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is the famous thing in Gilgit?
Gilgit is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including high-peaked mountains, beautiful glaciers, and serene lakes. It’s also known for its rich cultural heritage and hospitable locals.
Q2.What is the Speciality of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Gilgit-Baltistan’s specialty is its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, which include towering peaks like K2, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys. The region is also renowned for its unique cultural heritage and historical sites.
Q3.Which is the most beautiful valley in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Hunza Valley is often considered the most beautiful valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. It offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, vibrant cultural experiences, and a hospitable atmosphere.
Q4.What is Gilgit-Baltistan famous food?
Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its traditional dishes like Chapshuro (a meat-filled pastry), Dawdo (a hearty noodle soup), and Harissa (a wheat and meat porridge), which reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Q5.What language is spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan?
The primary languages spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan include Shina, Balti, Burushaski, and Wakhi, among others. Urdu and English are also widely understood and used for official purposes.
