Gilgit Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Getting There and Tips

Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and the main gateway to Hunza, Skardu, Naltar and the Karakoram Highway. This Gilgit travel guide covers what to see in and around the city, how to get there, where conditions are uncertain, and practical tips. Last checked: October 2026. Flights, roads and security advice change, so confirm details before you travel.

Quick answer: is Gilgit worth visiting?

Most travellers use Gilgit as a base for a night or two, not a destination in itself. It has a bazaar, an ancient rock carving at Kargah, suspension bridges and easy day trips to Naltar and the nearby valleys. Gilgit is also where many people buy a SIM, change money and arrange transport. Check current advisories first, because Gilgit saw unrest and curfews in March 2026.

Gilgit quick facts

Detail	Gilgit
Region	Capital of Gilgit-Baltistan
Elevation	About 1,500 m
Airport	Gilgit Airport (GIL), a few kilometres from the centre
Flight from Islamabad	About 45 to 60 minutes, weather permitting
Distance to Karimabad (Hunza)	About 100 km
Best months	April to October

Where is Gilgit?

Gilgit sits in a valley where the Gilgit and Hunza rivers meet, on the Karakoram Highway, with the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges around it. It has been a trade centre on Silk Road routes for centuries.

How to reach Gilgit

Nearest airport

Gilgit Airport has scheduled flights from Islamabad, but delays and cancellations are common in bad weather. Book with spare days and keep the road as a fallback. See our domestic flights guide.

Nearest railway station

There is no railway in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Road access

The Karakoram Highway links Gilgit with Islamabad, a long drive often split over two days. Government tourism information gives about 10 to 12 hours by public transport or taxi, and other guides report up to 16 hours depending on traffic and road work. See our Islamabad to Gilgit road trip guide.

Best time to visit Gilgit

April to October is the most practical window for travelling the region. Summers are warm and dry in the city, and the nearby valleys are cooler. Winter is cold, and mountain roads and flights can be disrupted.

Places to visit in Gilgit

Kargah Buddha

About 10 km from the town, this large Buddha carved into a rock face dates from around the 7th century, and a Buddhist monastery and stupa ruins are nearby. The Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department describes it as an archaeological site.

Gilgit Bridge and Danyore Suspension Bridge

A long suspension bridge crosses the Gilgit River near the bazaar. The Danyore bridge, built by locals, links Danyore with the Hunza River bank near the university. Both are popular for short walks and photos.

Chinese graveyard, Danyore

A memorial site near the Karakoram Highway at Danyore, reflecting the history of road building in the region.

Gilgit bazaar and NLI market

The old bazaar is a place to buy supplies, gemstones and local crafts. You can also buy a local SIM with passport details. See our SIM card guide.

Naltar Valley

Naltar is about two hours by jeep from Gilgit, with alpine forest, small lakes and a ski area in winter. Read our Naltar Valley guide.

Other nearby valleys

Bagrot, Nomal, Jaglot and Danyore are common day trips. Ask a local driver about current road conditions.

Things to do in Gilgit

• Walk the bazaar and bridges.
• Visit Kargah and the Chinese graveyard.
• Take a day trip to Naltar.
• Watch a polo match if one is on at the Gilgit polo ground.
• Arrange onward transport to Hunza, Skardu or Ghizer.

Where to stay in Gilgit

Gilgit has hotels and guesthouses at several price levels, mostly near the airport road and bazaar. Book ahead in summer and check recent reviews. See our guides to hotels in Hunza and Skardu for the wider region.

What to eat in Gilgit

Expect Pakistani staples such as karahi, kebabs and rice, plus local breads and dried fruit. Ask your hotel for current, well-reviewed restaurants.

Estimated costs in PKR

Costs vary by season. Budget travellers often spend about PKR 1,500 to 3,500 a day on meals, and rooms start in the low thousands of rupees in guesthouses. Confirm prices before you book, and see our travel cost guide.

Packing checklist

• Light, modest clothing and sun protection for the city
• Warm layers for Naltar and mountain roads
• Cash, offline maps and a power bank

Travel tips

• Carry enough cash, since machines may be unreliable.
• Keep buffer days for flight and road delays.
• Travel with a registered operator for restricted treks. See our permits guide.

Safety tips

In early March 2026 there were violent protests, curfews and mobile and internet outages in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit and Skardu. The UK advised against all but essential travel to the region from 12 March to 15 April 2026. Read our safety guide, check your government’s latest advice, and stay flexible.

Responsible tourism

• Dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
• Do not litter and respect archaeological sites such as Kargah.
• Support local guides, drivers and shops.

Emergency contacts in Gilgit

• Police: 15
• Ask your hotel for the nearest hospital and current emergency numbers, and confirm them locally.

Attractions near Gilgit

• Hunza Valley, about 100 km north
• Phander Valley, Yasin Valley and Ishkoman Valley in Ghizer
• Skardu by road or air

Possible Gilgit itinerary

Day	Plan
Day 1	Arrive, walk the bazaar and bridges, visit Kargah Buddha
Day 2	Day trip to Naltar Valley, or onward to Hunza

Gilgit travel guide FAQs

How many days do you need in Gilgit?

One to two days, mainly as a base for nearby valleys and onward travel.

Is Gilgit safe for tourists?

Many travellers pass through without trouble, but unrest affected Gilgit in March 2026. Check current advisories and local conditions.

How do I get to Gilgit from Islamabad?

By a flight of about 45 to 60 minutes or by road along the Karakoram Highway, which takes many hours.

What is the best time to visit Gilgit?

April to October.

What can I see near Gilgit?

Kargah Buddha, the bridges, Naltar, and valleys such as Bagrot and Nomal.

Final thoughts on this Gilgit travel guide

Use Gilgit as a practical stop: sort out your SIM, cash and transport, then move on to Hunza, Naltar or Skardu. Keep your plans flexible and check conditions each day.