Heavenly blessed land

GILGIT - BALTISTAN

Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

PAKISTAN

Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000

meters and probably as many peaks above
6,000 m. There is no count of the peaks
above 5,000 and 4,000 m. Five of the 14
highest independent peaks in the world
(the eight-thousanders) are in Pakistan
(four of which lie in the surroundings of
Concordia; the confluence of Baltoro
Glacier and Godwin Austen Glacier). Most
of the highest peaks in Pakistan lie in
Karakoram range (which lies almost entirely
in the Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, but some
peaks above 7,000 m are included in the
Himalayan and Hindukush ranges

DISTANCES
Where Great
Mountain Ranges
Meet

Gilgit Baltistan of

PAKISTAN
Gilgit Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region
of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty.
Here worlds three mightiest mountain ranges: the
Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas meet.
The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for
mountaineers, trekkers and anglers. The region has a
rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora.

CAPITAL

Gilgit

DISTRICTS

Diamer, Astore
Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza/Nagar
Baltistan, Ghanche

AREA

72,496 km

TIME ZONE

PST, GMT +5

POPULATION 870,347

LANGUAGES Shina, Balti, Wakhi

Khowar, Brushaski

Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan which is

endowed with most unique geographical
feature in the world.
In an area of about 500 kms in width and
350 kms in depth, is found the most dense
collection of some of the highest and
precipitous peaks in the world, boasting
more than 700 peaks above 6000 meters,
and more than 160 peaks above 7000
meters.
These include five out of the total fourteen
above eight thousand meter high peaks on
earth, namely the second highest rock
pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer

mountain Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the

Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum I (8068 m), the
Broad Peak (8047 m) and the Gasherbrum
II (8035 m). This enormous mountain wealth
makes Pakistan an important mountain
country, offering great opportunities for
mountaineering and mountain related
adventure activities. The area is aptly called
a paradise for mountaineers, adventure
seekers and nature lovers. The compelling
charm of these high, challenging, endless
sea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure
large- number of climbers, adventure
seekers and nature lovers from across the
five continents to the Gilgit-Baltistan and
Chitral, each year.
5

ASTORE VALLEY
Rock
Inscriptions

Astore is the recently established

Bunji

re
to
As

district headquarters at Gilgit-

Dashkin

r
ve
Ri

Baltistan with its district

ASTORE

headquarters at Eidgah. The

Eid Gah
Gurikot

Rama Lake
Raikot
7074
Chongra
6828

Gudai

Nanga Parbat
8125

Astore Valley is comprised of

Tarashing

Chilam Chauki

numerous valleys and villages

Rupal
5584
Rattu
Mir Malik

where the prominent ones are

Rama, Gorikot, Rehmanpur,
Rattu. Bunji, Dashkin and Chilim,
among others. Of particular note
in the District are Parbat (Rupal
Face) and Rama Lake.

Chachor Pass
4266

Darel
Rive

DIAMIR VALLEY

Jaglot
River

Thalechi
Rivr

Nanga Parbat
viewpoint

Thalpa
n

Shatial Rock

Kara
kora
mH
ighw
ay
iv

er

Thor

Th
or
R

TDO

Thak

Chilas Bunar
Rock
Diarmori
Thak River

Buto Gan
Pass 4100

Indus River

CHILAS

Buto Ga
h

er

Khanba
ri

iv

ver

rR

Hudor
Ri

gi

River

Ta
n

Babusar

Zangot

Raikot Bridge

Gunar

Kachal
Pass
4400 Ganalo
6608

Babusar Pass
4173

Jail

Muthat Pass 4964

Tato

Jilipur
5245 Fairy
Meadows Buldar
Jilipur
5602
Pass
4837

The Diamer District is the

gateway to the Gilgit-Baltistan
if driving from Islamabad via the
Karkorum Highway (KKH) or
Kaghan Valley through Babusar
or Butogah passes. The area
has been important since the
pre-historic period and
numerous traces of ancient rock
carvings ore found in different
shapes, especially rock
inscribed pictures and writings
which are spread all around the
region. The important places in
Diamer District are Tangir, Darel,
Chiias, Bunar Das, Gonar Farm
and Raikot. Of particular note
in this District are Nanga Parbat
(8,125m) Raikot Face and Fairy
Meadows, some of the most
picturesque places in the world.
7

GILGIT VALLEY
327

Naltar Pass
4600
Daintar Pass
4636

Naltar
Lake
Chalt

Normal

Karakoram Hig
hway

Naltar
Punial

Diran
Rakaposhi 7266
7788 Hinarchi Gl

Ba
gr
ot
Va
Bulchi
lle
y
Chirah
Danyor

Rash Peak
5098

GILGIT
Sassi
Pari

Kutwal
Lake
Mani Glacier

Gasho
Pahot Alam Bridge
Lake

Unique Point

Gilgit strategically the most

important region in the
Karakorams and the trade
centre of the region for
centuries, is the capital town
and administrative centre of
the Federally Administered
Gilgit-Baltistan. The area is
watered by the Ghizer/Gilgit,
Hunza and Indus rivers and
several of their tributaries.
Gilgit was an important city
on the Silk Road through
which religions were spread
to and from the region.

Of particular note in this district are

Naltar, 35 km from Gilgit and a
picturesque grassland surrounded by
high peaks with accessible glacial lakes.
Near to Gilgit there is the Kargah
Buddha, a rock-wall carved Buddha
dating back to the 8th century AD while
a little further on is the ruins of a
Buddhist monastery and stupa.
8

GHIZER VALLEY

Karambar An
4188

Darkot Pass
4575

Thui 1
6660

Kyoyo Zoom
6872

Chillinji Pass
5291

Darkot
Ishkuman
Pass 4587

Thui An Pass
4499

Ishkuman
Imit

Asumbar
Pass
4400

CHITRAL

Nazbar Pass
4977

Chamurkhan Pass

Zagar Pass
5008

Pakora

Yasin
Chatorkhand
Khalti Lake Gupis

Phander Lake

Teru
Langar Handrab
Handrab
Lake

Shandur Pass
3734

To Chitral

GHAKUCH

Bubar
Sher Qila
Singal
Gulapur

The major places are Punial which

is a former small kingdom and
Sherqilla which has a wood carved
mosque and 150 year old
watchtower. Fishing is another
activity in the villages.Yasin is a
green and picturesque region. The
Ishkoman valley is another
beautiful region in Ghizer. Phander
is one of the most interesting
places in the district. It is well
connected by metalled road to
Gilgit. A leisure day at Phander
with fishing in the lake is ideal for
holiday makers. ShandurPass, the
bordering plateau between Gilgit
and Chitral is more famous for its
annual polo tournament and gala.
It offers superb panorama as the
vast plateau fills with alpine flowers
and the lake on the pass makes it
more picturesque.

DIR

Kargah

9
Dadarilli An
4941

Kilik Pass
Mintaka Pass

ab
jer
un
Kh

Khunjerab
River

Misgar
Chepursan
Dhee
Lupghar

Gh
uje
ra
bR
ive
r

r
hga
Kas
To

Kara
kora
mH
ighw
ay

Kuksil

k
ar
lP
na
tio
Na

HUNZA /NAGAR VALLEY

Ziarat
Baba Ghundi

Sost

Zero
Viewpoint

Khunjerab Pass
4733 m

Chapchingol
Pass
5150

Khaibar
Batura 7785

Batu
ra G
lacier
Pas
su G
lacier
Borit
Ultar GhulkinLake
Glacier
7388

Daintar Pass
4636

Dutt

Ziarat

Shimshal Pass
4735

Shimshal River

Shimshal

Passu
Hussaini
Ghulkin
KarimabadGulmit Glacier Gulmit
Shishkat Bridge
Baltit Fort
Altit Fort
Nazimabad
7885
Hunza River
Ultar Viewpoint
Distaghil Sar Kanjut Sar
Sacred
Rock
Aliabad
Ghulmat
7760
Ghanish
Sikandar
i Minapin
Nagar
h
Nilt
s t
Abad
po in
Barpu Gl
ka po
Hopar Gl
a
Rash
Lake
w
Hispar
P ie
Glacier
V

Braldu River

Shuwart
Chikar

5790
Khurdopin
Pass

cier
Gla
ldu
Bra

ey
all
aV
nz
Hu

Passu 7478

Golden Peak
(Spantily)
7027

Hunza valley is the prime attraction for tourists as the

spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains is
overwhelming. A view of four 7,000 m high peaks, i.e.,
Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden and Ultar, from various points
of Hunza makes it unique. The valley is known for its
delicious fruits, terraced fields, and also for its changing
colours in various seasons.
Nagar has been a state of equal status and importance
as that of Hunza. Although the valley is spread in a vast
region, however the main village of Nagar is just opposite
to Karimabad, across the Hunza River. Bar, Jaffarabad,
Husanabad, Sikandarabad, Nilt and Ghulmit are the major
villages in Nagar.
10

SKARDU VALLEY

Baintha Brakk
7285

Sn

Hi

ow

La

ke

sp 515
ar 1
Pa

ss

Skardu town is located near the

confluence of Shigar and Indus rivers,
and is watered by the stream flowing
down the Sadpara Lake. Although
Skardu is the base camp for the routes
to some of the world's highest peaks,
low altitude mountains surround the
town. The old bazaar has a few
mountaineering equipment (second
hand) shops and others provide basic
provisions required by trekking and
climbing parties.

Latok 7145

er

Hyderabad

Paiyu

Korophon
B ra

Askole

Uli
Biaho

Pa iyu
ld u

R iv

er

Dambudas

Skoro La 5073

Rondu

Chogolisa
7668

Snow Dome
7150

ar

Baghicha

Ghondoghoro
Pass 5650

Dalsangpa

ig

er

Sh

Riv

Broad Peak 8047

Mustagh
7284
Gasherbrum 4
Trango Cathedral
7929
Tower
Gasherbrum 2
Gla cie r
Ba
Ba lto ro
lt
8035
or
Concordia
oG
Gasherbrum 1
la c
Urdukas
Milre
ie r
8068
6010

Masherbrum (K1)
7821

Thowar

us

Godwin Austen Gl

Gl

ie

ne

ac

R iv

Ind

Gl

Thongal

sha

Stak

Braldu River

Dassu

Ba

Shengus

af

Vig

Bi

Gl Arandu

Haramosh
7409

Ghondoghoro Gl

Passs 4800

K2
8611
Dumordo River

Ch
og
oL
un
Haramosh gm
a

Ri
ve
r

Hushe

Thalle La 4572
a ll
iv
eR

Upper Kachura
Lake
Kachura
Lake
Ranak Pass

Th

Shigar
Masjid

Basho

Manthal
Buddha
Satpara
Lake

4964

er

Khurposhe
Fort

Doghoni

SKARDU

Kiris

TDO
Burjl La
4815
Ali Malik

Ba

Chilam Chauki

ra

Deo

Pa
ni

Sheosar Lake

sai

Katicho
Pass
4588

N a ti

ona

Gol

Mehdiabad

l Pa
rk

In

du

sR
ive

Kharmang

Olding

Ganse
Pass
5030

Kande

K7
6934
K6
7281

Baltoro Kangri
7150

Of particular interest in this district are:

Khorpocho Fort, Manthal Rock
(Buddhist carving), Sadpara and
Kachura Lakes (including the upscale
resort of Shangrila while so 3 full day
excursions are a visit to Deosai Plains
(the second highest plateau in the
world), and the Shigar valley with an
impressive renovated fort and fruit
orchards.
11

Riv
er

iver
he R
Hus

Sa
lto
ro

Thagas

KHAPLU

r
ive
kR
yo
Sh

GHANCHE VALLEY

Hulde

Ghanche has two major divisions,

Khaplu and Mc'herbrum. Hushe,
under the shadow of Masherbrum
Peak, is the gateway to various
important peaks and glaciers. A
102 km drive mostly along the
Shyok river takes to Khaplu, the
district headquarters of Ghanche. Khaplu Palace and
Chaqchan Mosque are the interesting places to visit. The
palace was the summer residence of the ex-rulers family.
The mosque was built around 1500 AC and boasts to be
the oldest mosque in Baltistan. The building shows Buddhist
influence and Tibetan architecture. Ghondoghoro Pass at
5,650 m is one of the most popular and challenging trekking
routes in the world. Other places to trek to with relative ease
are the base camp of Masherburm Peak and Thalle La.
Masjid Fort

Lunkha

Piun

Frano

12

GILGIT - BALTISTAN
HISTORY & PEOPLE
The region has a rich history and
was previously ruled by several
small states, like Hunza, Gilgit,
Punial, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar
and Khaplu. The part of the
region has been governed under
Kashmir as well. It was
commonly believed that people
of Hunza were descendants of
the Greeks who came as the
soldiers of Alexander; however,
recent research says that most
of the population belongs to
various aboriginal people and are
the descendants of Indo-Iranian
tribes.
LANGUAGE & RELIGION
The population consists of many
diverse linguistic, ethnic and
religious groups. The most
famous languages of the region

are Shina, Brushaski, Wakhi,

Khowar and Balti. Most of the
languages are considered to
belong the Dardic group, a blend
of indigenous languages with
those of the Aryans. Balti
language has more influence
from Tibet. Urdu is widely spoken,
while English is understood in
major towns and at the places of
tourism activities. The people are
Muslim following various sects
like Sunni, Shia, Ismaili and
Nurbakshi etc.
FRUIT - CROPS - LIVESTOCK
The GB produce high quality
delicious fruits like Cherry,
Apricot, Mulberry, Plum, Peach,
Apple, Pomegranate and Grape
etc. Apricot of Hunza and Shigar
is believed to be the most
delicious and of very high quality.
13

The main crops include Maize, Wheat, Barley,

Millet, Potato, Peas, Beans, various fruits and
nut trees, while livestock comprises of Sheep,
Goat, Cow, Horse and Yak.
FLORA & FAUNA
The alpine flowers of the region are, Aster,
Potentillas, Delphinium, Daffodil, Daisy,
Parsley / Rosemary, Mustard, Honeysuckle,
Carnation, Gentian, Geranium, Mint, Peas,
Lilly, Evening Primrose, Poppy, Plantain, Sea
Lavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees are
of Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza,
Chir, Blue Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak and
Sycamore. Common bushes and shrubs
include, Ephedra, Rose, Tamarisk, Viburnum
and Artemisia.
The animals include Brown and Black Bear,
Grey Goral, Lynx, Laddakh Urial, Himalayan
Ibex, Markhor, Musk Deer, Marco Polo Sheep,

14

Blue Sheep, Flying Squirrel, Mouse Hare, Wolf,

Fox, Golden Marmot, Wild Asses, Yak, and
Snow Leopard. The birds are Grebes and
Waterfowl, Teal, Falcon, Herons and Gulls,
Wood Sandpiper, Pigeons, Turtle Dove, Owl,
Nightjar, Cuckoos, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Larks,
Swallows & Swifts, Wagtails, Redstarts,
Wheatears, Thrushes, Warblers, Buntings,
Rose finches, Crows and Magpies, Songbirds,
Chakor, Ram Chakor, Snow Partridge,
Pheasants, Golden Eagle, Vulture and Hawk
etc.
ROCK ART AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
The present GB region was dominated by
Buddhism, which left various rock inscribed
writings and pictures dating back between 5000
BC to 8th. Century AD. Some 20000 points are
found but the important places are Chilas Rock
Inscriptions, Manthal rock carved figure of
Buddha, Kargah Buddha, Danyor Rock and
the Sacred Rocks of Ghanish etc.

MOUNTAINS RANGES AND PEAKS

Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush along
with Pamirs are the famous mountain ranges,
with several prominent peaks of world ranking.
The region has the greatest cluster of peaks
above 7000 meters while five out of fourteen
8000 meters high peaks in the world are also
located in GB ( detail in box ). Apart from
these giants, there are few important peaks
like Gasherbrum-IV, Mustagh Tower,
Chogolisa, Masherbrum (K1), Trango Towers,
Distaghil Sar, Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, Ultar
and Haramosh etc.
Peaks above 8000 meters
World
Ranking

Mountain
and Height

Other
Name

First
Climbed

Country
/Team

Chogori

31.07.54

Italy

Climber(s)

K2
8611 m

Lino Lacedelli
Achille Compagnoni

Nanga Parbat Naked

03.06.53
8125 m
Mountain

Austro
German Herman Buhl

11

Gasherbrum 1 Hidden
8068 m
Peak

07.07.58

America Peter Schoening

Andy Kaufmann

12

Broad Peak
8047 m

Falcon
Kangri

09.06.57

Austria

Herman Buhl
Marks Schmitt
Fritz Winterseller
Kurt Diemburger

13

Gasherbrum 2
8035 m

08.07.56

Austria

Fritz Moravec
Joseph Larch
Hans Willenpart

Visit our website:

www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk
It is only a mouse click away. You can find out everything you
need to know about your travel destinations. We are offering
the following areas of tourism:
1.

Adventure Holidays

2.

Cultural Holidays

3.

Expeditions

4.

Trekking Trips

5.

Safaris

6.

Mountain Biking

7.

Hunting Trips

8.

Rafting

9.

Skiing

10.

Eco Tours

11.

Filming Trips

12.

Family Trips

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Shandur Polo
Festival
(7th-9 th July)
l

Babusar Polo
Cup Tournament
(5th-7th Aug)
l

Spring Blossom
Festival
(21st Mar -21nd Apr)
l

Ginami Festival

(20th-24th June)

International
Pamir Festival
(15th - 20th Jul)
l

Silk Route Festival

(15th Sep-15th Oct)

15

Tourism Department Gilgit-Baltistan

For further details and assistance please contact:

Tourism Secretariat
Khomer Chowk, Shahrah-e-Qaid-e-Azam,
Near Rupal Inn,Khomer, Gilgit.

Tourism Directorate
Cheeta Colony, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam,
Near General Bus Stand, Jutial, Gilgit

Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1

Fax: +92 5811 920689

Ph: +92 5811 920458/920573/920690-1

Fax: +92 5811 920689

www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk

info@visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk