Top 10 Things to Do in Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan is bigger than Switzerland, smaller-population than a single Karachi neighbourhood, and home to five of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks. Picking just ten experiences out of this region is almost unfair — but if you only have one trip, these are the ones we tell every guest they must prioritise.

1. Drive the Karakoram Highway

The KKH itself is the experience. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, this 1,300 km road from Hasan Abdal to Khunjerab Pass cuts through the meeting point of three of the planet's tallest mountain ranges — the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. Every hour brings a new gorge, glacier or river confluence. Drive at least the Chilas-to-Sost section for the highlight reel.

2. Stand at Khunjerab Pass (4,700m)

The highest paved border crossing in the world, where Pakistan meets China. Yaks graze beside the road, marmots whistle from the rocks, and on a clear day you can see deep into the Pamir mountains. Open from April to November. Take it slow if you're not acclimatised — the altitude hits hard.

3. Cross Hussaini Suspension Bridge

One of the world's most photographed (and scariest) footbridges. Wooden planks with big gaps stretch across the Hunza River with a glacier-fed roar below. Wear sturdy shoes, hold the cables, and don't look down if you're scared of heights.

4. Spend a Night at Fairy Meadows

A jeep ride, a forest trek, a wooden hut, and the gigantic south face of Nanga Parbat lit by sunrise. Two nights are ideal so you can trek to Beyal Camp for the closer base-camp view.

5. Boat on Attabad Lake

A turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide that buried an entire valley. Take an open boat ride or a jet-ski blast, then lunch at one of the floating cafes. The colour is unreal — almost glacier-blue toothpaste — and it gets sharper around midday.

6. Visit Baltit and Altit Forts

Karimabad's twin forts are 700 and 900 years old respectively, restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Hour-long guided tours walk you through royal Hunza history, secret passages and panoramic ramparts overlooking the Hunza Valley.

7. Cross Deosai Plains

The "Land of Giants" — the world's second-highest plateau at an average 4,114m. From late June to September the rolling tundra explodes into wildflowers and you might spot Himalayan brown bears, golden marmots and red foxes. The jeep traverse from Skardu to Astore takes a full day and is one of the great drives of Asia.

8. Catch Sunrise at Eagle's Nest, Duikar

At 2,800m above Karimabad, this viewpoint gives you a 360° panorama of Rakaposhi, Diran, Ladyfinger and Ultar peaks. Wake up at 4:30 AM, drive up in the dark, and watch the entire valley turn pink. Eagle's Nest Hotel rooms have direct mountain views from bed.

9. Try Authentic Hunza Cuisine

Chapshuro (Hunza-style stuffed bread), Hoi Garma (yogurt soup with mountain herbs), apricot oil, walnut cake, mulberry juice and Hunza salt tea. Local family-run restaurants in Karimabad like Cafe de Hunza and Hidden Paradise serve the best traditional thalis.

10. Explore Khaplu and Shigar Valleys

Skardu's quieter cousins. Khaplu Palace (a restored 19th-century Raja's residence, now a Serena heritage hotel) and Shigar Fort give you the deep Balti history that most tourists skip. Both valleys have excellent trout, apricot orchards and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Practical Travel Tips

• Buy a SCOM SIM in Gilgit — the only reliable mobile network across most of GB.
• Always carry your CNIC or passport. Multiple checkposts log foreign travellers.
• Tip drivers and porters — PKR 1,000–3,000 per day is standard.
• Avoid driving the KKH at night. Rockfalls and wildlife are real risks after sunset.
• Acclimatise in Gilgit (1,500m) or Hunza (2,500m) before going to Khunjerab or Deosai.

Best Time to Cover All 10

Only one window covers every attraction on this list: late June to mid-September. Spring (April) is beautiful for blossoms and lower-altitude sights but Deosai and Khunjerab are still snowbound. Autumn (October) is gorgeous but Deosai closes mid-October.

Ready to tick these off? Explore our grand tour packages covering Hunza, Skardu and beyond, or request a custom itinerary.