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Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan, set in a broad valley near where the Gilgit and Hunza rivers meet, ringed by the peaks of the Karakoram. It is famous as the gateway for treks and expeditions, and for sights such as the Kargah Buddha, the Danyor Suspension Bridge and Naltar Valley.
For centuries Gilgit was a Buddhist center on the Silk Road, visited by Chinese pilgrims, and the 7th-century Kargah Buddha recalls that era. Today it is the main junction on the Karakoram Highway, with roads leading to China, Skardu and Chitral, and its bazaars draw traders and travelers from across the north.
Within the city, the turquoise Gilgit River, City Park and the walk up Jutial Nala make easy outings. Day trips lead to the alpine Naltar Lakes, the village valley of Bagrot below Rakaposhi and the point near Juglot where three great mountain ranges meet. Late spring to autumn is the best time to come.
Kargah Buddha is a standing Buddha about 15 meters tall carved into a cliff in Kargah Nala, some 10 km west of Gilgit, and is thought to date from the 7th century. Holes around it once held a wooden shelter, and legend calls the figure a giantess pinned to the rock by a saint. Come in morning light.
Danyor Suspension Bridge near Gilgit spans the Hunza River, linking Danyor village with the Karakoram International University side. Before it, people crossed on rafts. Its Danyor end runs into a tunnel dug by local residents without engineering tools. A newer concrete bridge now takes cars.
The Chinese Cemetery at Danyor near Gilgit honors the Chinese engineers and workers who died building the Karakoram Highway in the 1960s and 1970s. Neat rows of graves and a memorial sit beside the highway, a quiet reminder of what the road cost. Visit with respect and keep your voice low.
Gilgit Polo Ground hosts matches in the fast, freestyle mountain polo that Gilgit is famous for, with few rules, local horses and live music urging the riders on. Gilgit teams also play Chitral at the Shandur Polo Festival. Ask in town about tournaments, which draw big crowds.
Naltar Valley, a side valley north of Gilgit, is known for pine forests, streams, colorful lakes and a ski resort that hosts competitions in winter. The Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary, set up in 1975, protects its forests and wildlife. Hire a jeep in Gilgit for the rough upper road.
The Naltar Lakes, including Satrangi Lake and Blue Lake, sit about 13 km beyond Naltar Bala in Naltar Valley, their clear green and blue water mirroring pine forests and snowy peaks. A rough, unpaved track follows the stream up to them, and deep snow blocks it in winter. Go between June and October.
Bagrot Valley, about 38 km from Gilgit, climbs past terraced villages and orchards beneath Rakaposhi and Diran, two giants of the Karakoram. The Bagrot River runs the length of the valley to the Gilgit River. Drive to Gasunar, the last village, for Rakaposhi views and treks toward Haramosh.
Near Juglot on the Karakoram Highway south of Gilgit, the Junction Point of Three Mountain Ranges marks where the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush meet, beside the confluence of the Gilgit and Indus rivers. A roadside viewpoint marks the spot. Stop on the drive to Gilgit, ideally in clear weather.
The Gilgit River sweeps through the city in a broad turquoise curve, framed by poplars, orchards and bare brown mountains, before joining the Indus to the south. Walk its banks or cross a bridge for classic views of Gilgit. Autumn, when the poplars turn gold, is the most photogenic season.
Jutial Nala is a rocky stream gorge rising behind the Jutial neighborhood on the edge of Gilgit, where a short walk leads up between steep cliffs. Climb a little for panoramic views over the city and the Gilgit Valley, and on clear days Rakaposhi appears in the distance. Wear sturdy shoes.
City Park Gilgit is a large green park in the heart of the city, with wide lawns, rows of tall poplars and mountain views on every side. Local families gather here on warm evenings and holidays, making it an easy break between sights. Come late in the afternoon as the light softens.
Gilgit Bazaar, spread along the main streets of the city center including NLI Market, is where traders from across the region meet. Shops sell dried apricots and other dry fruits, woolen pakol caps, shawls and gemstones from the Karakoram. Bargain politely, and come early before the afternoon rush.
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