1,500mHistoricalCulturalVillageScenic

Gilgit City

About

The administrative capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the hub of the northern road network. A busy town where the Karakoram Highway meets routes to Chitral, Skardu, and Hunza — the last major supply point before heading into the high mountains.

History

Gilgit was an ancient Buddhist centre before the spread of Islam in the 15th century. The British established a political agency here in 1877 to counter Russian influence during the Great Game. In 1947, local scouts revolted against the Maharaja of Kashmir and joined Pakistan.

Nearby Places

Viewpoints, food, and stops nearby (approximate distances).

Market1.0 km
Gilgit Bazaar
Main commercial bazaar with trekking gear, dry fruits, and local crafts.
Park5.0 km
Jutial Nala
Scenic gorge walkable from the city, popular for evening strolls.
Landmark8.0 km
Kargah Buddha
7th-century rock carving of a seated Buddha along the Kargah Nala gorge.
Viewpoint25.0 km
Nomal Valley
Quiet green valley north of Gilgit with old-growth forests and waterfalls.
Viewpoint40.0 km
Naltar Valley
Pine-forested valley with coloured lakes and Pakistan's main ski resort.