Top 10 Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
From Baltit Fort to Passu Cones, discover the must-see locations in Gilgit Baltistan's most famous valley.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min
Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit
The historic capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and your gateway to the Karakoram — Kargah Buddha, Naltar Valley and the Karakoram Highway.
Top Highlights
Kargah Buddha
Naltar Valley
Danyore Suspension Bridge
Karakoram Highway
History & Background
Gilgit has been the trade and administrative centre of the Karakoram region for centuries, sitting at the crossroads of the old Silk Route that connected Central Asia, Kashmir, Tibet and China. The most visible reminder of this past is the Kargah Buddha — a rock carving locally known as 'Yashani', dating back to roughly the 4th–7th century AD, alongside the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery nearby. Gilgit was historically governed as the Gilgit Agency before becoming the administrative capital of present-day Gilgit-Baltistan in 1970. Shina is the most widely spoken local language, alongside Urdu and English.
Places to Visit in Gilgit
Kargah Buddha
A centuries-old Buddha carving locally known as 'Yashani', dating to roughly the 4th–7th century AD, set beside the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery just outside the city — a quiet half-day visit.
Naltar Valley
A pine-forested alpine valley about two hours from Gilgit, known for its turquoise Satrangi and Bashkiri lakes and, in winter, Pakistan's only ski resort.
Danyore Suspension Bridge & KKH Memorial
One of the region's oldest suspension bridges, near a memorial honouring the workers who built the Karakoram Highway — a striking stop on the way out of the city.
Gilgit Bazaar
The commercial heart of the city — useful for currency exchange, local handicrafts and a feel for everyday life along the KKH.
How to Get to Gilgit
By Air
PIA operates flights from Islamabad to Gilgit Airport (about 50–60 minutes), passing close to Nanga Parbat on a clear day. Flights are weather-dependent.
By Road
Gilgit is around 600 km from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway (N-35) via Mansehra, Besham and Chilas. It sits on the Hunza road, a little short of Hunza itself, so the drive is under the 13–14 hours that run through to Hunza. In summer the scenic Babusar Top route from Naran is also open.
Local Transport: A private vehicle with driver is recommended for side trips to Naltar and Bagrot Valley, where roads are narrow and unpaved in sections.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips
Seasons
- Spring (Apr-Jun)Cherry and apricot blossom fill the valleys with colour.
- Summer (Jul-Sep)Warm, pleasant days — ideal for Naltar and onward travel to Hunza.
- Autumn (Oct)Golden poplars and clear skies make for spectacular photography.
Pro Tips
- Carry cash — ATMs are limited outside the main bazaar.
- SCOM and Telenor offer the most reliable mobile coverage in the region.
- Always plan a buffer day around flights, as weather cancellations are common.
- Gilgit makes an efficient base for day trips before heading onward to Hunza or Skardu.
Where to Stay
For full-service comfort, the Gilgit Serena Hotel is the leading luxury option. The PTDC Chinar Inn is a reliable mid-range choice, and the city has a wide range of 3-star hotels and family-run guesthouses for tighter budgets.
Local Food & Cuisine
Gilgiti food is hearty mountain fare. Try chapshuro (a meat-filled baked bread), mamtu (steamed dumplings) and harissa, a slow-cooked meat and wheat dish. Apricots appear everywhere — fresh, dried, as oil and in soups — alongside walnuts and mulberries. Fresh river trout and a warming cup of salt or butter tea round off most meals.
Tours in Gilgit
Gilgit Travel Guide
Gilgit Travel Tips & Guides
All guides
Gilgit Travel FAQs
Gilgit city and the main Karakoram Highway route are regularly visited by tourists and are part of standard Northern Pakistan itineraries. As with any mountain region, check current road and weather conditions before side trips.
Hunza is roughly 2–2.5 hours by road from Gilgit. Skardu is reached via a separate road or a flight from Islamabad, and is not directly connected to Gilgit by a short drive.
Pakistani and most foreign nationals do not need a special permit for Gilgit city itself; some remote valleys nearby may require local coordination, which your tour operator can arrange.
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