Shangrila

TRAVEL GUIDE

 
There are many ways to arrive at Shangrila. It can be accessed by air and by road, depending on the traveler's preference. Different seasons can also be attributed to the decision of the traveler.

Approach By Air

Shangrila is accessible by air because of PIA Boeing 737. The path of the air, which is about 45 minutes from takeoff, offers a spectacular view of some of the highest peaks in the world.

Approach By Road

The road trip is enchanting and seems to come to life straight out of a fairy tale. With the unspoiled natural beauty throughout the Karakoram Highway has often been described as the eighth wonder of the world and beyond any doubt is a true wonder in the world of engineering and infrastructure. It takes 20 hours drive from Islamabad.

 Helicopter Service approved through Askari Aviation helicopter can be arranged for Safari from Islamabad to Skardu Shangrila with a stop at Fairy Meadows to a height of 10,500 ft near Nanga Parbat. Flying over the plains Deosai "The longest, largest and highest plateau in the world. " Sight seeing trips can be arranged Shangrila Resort on Baltoro Glacier flying and spend a few hours at Concordia University where three major glaciers meeting and at a distance is beautiful K-2, the second highest mountain in the world.

ACCOMMODATIONS

At Shangrila Resort, you can choose from a variety of luxurious accommodations, such as Lakeside Cottages, Swiss chalets, and VIP suites and presidential suites.

Shangrila Resorts Hotel offers 60 spacious rooms that are uniquely designed to include amenities.All luxurious chalets have private balconies overlooking the lake Kachura.

Cottages Lake site

As per the name, Shangrila Lakeside cottages have stunning views of the lake. These cottages consists of all facilities and amenities of a suite like telephone, television, room service, etc. laundary.
Lakeside cottages available (single and double).
 
Swiss Cottages   

      
Shangrila stations Swiss Cottage room has 2 bedrooms with attach bathroom and connecting rooms for families.
Swiss chalets.
 
VIP Suites

     
Our Shangrila Resorts VIP Suites include a full range of rooms, bedrooms.
VIP suites with double bedroom and lounge.

Presidential Suites

  
Shangrila Resorts Presidential Suites include a full range of 3 bedrooms, dining and lounge area.

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Northern Areas Of Pakistan

OF the powerful parts of the Karakoram in the north to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safari.

Tourism is a growing industry in Pakistan, based on its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes. The variety of attractions ranging from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which those interested in the field and to attract winter sports. Pakistan is home to a number of peaks over 7000m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2. The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the last home of the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community descent demands of the army of Alexander the Great. The Punjab is the site of the Battle of Alexander at the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort.

Pakistan features some of the earliest human settlements, is home to an ancient civilization rivaling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, the crucible of two of the major religions of the world, Hinduism and Buddhism. It is much more incredible and includes some of Asia's most stunning landscapes, SDRs, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality.

 Of the powerful parts of the Karakoram in the north to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching are a few activities which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.

Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindukush achieve with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast plains of Indus merging into the great desert, coastline and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world's smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, the largest mammal ever known, the blue whale.

 Many tourists visit Pakistan year round. Pakistan's historical sites and natural beauty attract the foreigners the art of making the most out of life.

Tourism in Pakistan Further More Details

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Nagar Valley:  

The Nagar valley lies at an altitude of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). Nagar Khas is the largest city and capital of the former state of Nagar. The Spantik peak (Golden peak) can easily be seen from here. Gulmet is the popular tourist attraction in Nagar because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains as Rakaposhi at 7,788 m (25,561) and Diran.

Nagar and Hunza were once collectively called buroshall and their capital was Capall dosuk. Nagar was an independent principality for 1200 years, which existed until 1974. The British gained control of Nagar and the surrounding valley Hunza between 1889 and the 1892nd The Tham (Chief) at the time Azur Khan sent in exile to Kashmir. The British retained Nagar's status as a principality until the 1947th The people of Nagar was ruled by a local Mir for more than 1200 years, which came to an end in 1974. Although never stated directly neighboring Kashmir or the British, Nagar was a vassal of Kashmir from the time of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. The Mir of Nagar sent an annual tribute to the Kashmir Durbar until 1947, and together with the ruler of Hunza, was considered to be among the most loyal vassals of the Maharaja of Kashmir. The state bordered by Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Hunza east, China to the north and northwest Afghanistan. The state capital was the town of Nagar Khas (also known as uyum Nagar) The area now forms Nagar Nagar Nagar 1 upper and lower Nagar 2. Nagar and forms two tehsils of Gilgit District.

  

The Hunza Sacred Rock (above left) is a rock formation covered with petroglyphs, including ibex motif at this site for Northern areas pages. This rock is located near the river, behind which can be seen Altit fort several thousand feet up. A great view Lady Finger mountaintop (above right) can also witness from Hunza. Lady Finger mountain (above right -6,800 meters) and ulter peak (the middle) remains still unclimbed. Many people lost their lives trying to climb it.

Like all other valleys in Pakistan, the best time to be in Hunza and Nagar are from mid-April to late September. The maximum temperature in summer during the day is 13C. The weather gets very cold in winter, mainly from October to late March. The lowest temperature can be-14C.

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Hunza - Nagar Peaceful Place in Pakistan

The famous mountain kingdom of Hunza lies on the very old trade route to SinKiang. Hunza is an earthly paradise whose people are renowned for their longevity, their simplicity and natural diet. Karimabad is the main town of Hunza which is like a huge hanging garden containing mud and stone houses, orchards, terraced fields, shops, work- shops, schools, restaurants and hotels etc. The river Hunza and the road cut this natural bowl of snow crested high hills. The houses and fields are stretched right from the road level up to the snowline level. This valley is composed of terraced ridges running from the high pastures down to the river, with extensive irrigation channels bringing melt water from the glaciers to the terraced fields and villages. A wide variety of crops are grown here; including potatoes, barley, wheat, and vegetables - along with apricots, apples, cherries, almonds, and other fruit/nut crops. We hiked the valley during the apricot tree bloom, a beautiful time of spring of planting and blossoms 

Snow enclosed high mountains and great glaciers abound Hunza & Nagar valleys, The most magnificent being 7,788 metres high Rakaposhi (above). Hunza is also known for its clean mountain air, which caused this area to be known as "Shangri-La". The blossoming and autumn at Hunza are worth seeing and attract thousands of tourists, especially from Japan. Orchards of mulberry, walnut, apricot and apples abound. In the autumn, when the sun convert the valley to burnished gold with its back go down of snow covered white peaks, the setting is particularly idyllic. Gulmit is about 35 km north of Karimabad. Further on the way up, the road becomes more rugged as it passes through narrow gorges, but suddenly it opens up into a broad valley. Gulmit is best known the unique Passu Cones (below left). This huge mountain dominates the area from Gulmit to Hussaini and offers unforgettable and spectacular scenes. Further ahead is the Borit Lake. The lake receives glacial water and migratory birds during summer. It is about 1.5 kilometer off the road.

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Gilgit

Autonomous status and present-day Gilgit-Baltistan

On 29 August 2009, The Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 WAS Passed By The Pakistani cabinet and later Signed By The country's President. The self-rule order GRANTED To The People of the form Northern Areas, Gilgit-Baltistan Renamed now, by Creating, Among Other Things, Elected Annually Legislative Assembly. There has-been criticism and opposition to this move in Pakistan, India, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement-while rejecting The New Demanded That year package-independent and Autonomous Legislative Assembly for Gilgit-Baltistan Should Be Formed With The Installation of Local Government Authorities as per The UNCIP resolutions, Where the people of Gilgit-Baltistan elect Their Will The Prime Minister and President.
In early September 2009, Pakistan year agreement Signed With The People's Republic of China for a mega energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan Which Includes the construction of a 7,000-megawatt dam at Bunji In The Astore District. This also resulted in protest from India, although Indian Concerns Immediately Were Rejected by Pakistan, Which Claimed Thats the Government of India has no locus standi in the Matter.
On 29 September 2009 The Pakistan Prime Minister, while Addressing a huge gathering in Gilgit-Baltistan Announced a multi-billion rupee development package Aimed At The Socio-Economic uplifting of People in the area. Development projects include The Will Areas of education, health, agriculture, tourism & the Basic Needs of life.The Prime Minister Further Went There to Say:
"You are getting your identity today. It is your right and your demand has-been, and today we are Fulfilling it.

Subdivisions

Map of Gilgit-Baltistan, Showing The Boundaries Of The previous six districts and Their tehsils. The Boundary Between The Recently Created Hunza-Nagar District and the now Gilgit District Small Is The Same As The northern boundary line of Gilgit Tehsil The train, Which Is The southernmost area Division Of The Above Shown in light blue. Sikanderabad, The Administrative Center of the New Hunza-Nagar district, yet is Not Shown On this map.
Gilgit-Baltistan IS Divided Into Two Divisions Administratively Which, in turn, are Divided Into Seven Districts, Including The Two Baltistan districts of Skardu and Ghanche, & the five districts of Gilgit Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Hunza and Nagar. The centers are hand policy The Town of Gilgit and Skardu.

Geography and climate

Gilgit-Baltistan borders the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan to the north-west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in north-eastern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir to the south and southeast, the Pakistani state under control of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the south, and Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province to the west.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the "eight thousanders" and more than fifty peaks over 7000 meters. Gilgit and Skardu are the two main centers for expeditions to the mountains. The region is home to some of the beaches in the world's highest mountain the main ranges are the Karakoram and western Himalayas. Pamir Mountains are north and the Hindu Kush to the west. Among the highest mountains are K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) and Nanga Parbat The latter is one of the most feared mountains in the world.
Three of the world's longest glaciers outside the polar regions are located in Gilgit-Baltistan - Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro Glacier and the Batura Glacier. There are also several mountain lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan:

• Sheosar Lake in Deosai Plains - Astore region
• Satpara Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Katzura Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Zharba Tso Lake in Shigar - Baltistan
• Phoroq Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Bara Tso Lake in Gangche - Baltistan
• Byarsa Tso Lake in Gultari - Baltistan
• Borith Lake in Gojal upper Hunza - Gilgit
• Rama Lake near Astore
• Rush Lake near Nagar - Gilgit
• Kromber Lake In Kromber Pass - Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District
• Barodaroksh lake in Bar valley Nagar

Deosai plains are located above the tree line, and are the second highest plateau in the world at 4,115 meters (14,500 feet) after Tibet. The plateau lies east of Astore, Skardu and south west of Ladakh. The area was declared a national park in 1993. Deosai plains cover an area of nearly 5,000 square kilometers. For more than half of the year (between September and May), is Deosai snow-bound and cut off from the rest of Astore & Baltistan in winters. The village is close Deosai chokki Chilum and is connected with the Kargil district of Ladakh by an all-weather road.
Climate
The climate of Gilgit-Baltistan varies from region to region, the surrounding mountain ranges creates large variations in temperature. The eastern part of the wetland has the western Himalayas, but by going to the Karakoram and Hindu Kush dry climate considerably.
There are towns like Gilgit and Chilas are very hot during the day in summer, but cold at night, and valleys as Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza and Nagar, where temperatures are cold even in summer.

Economy and resources

The economy of region is basically based on traditional route of trade through Silk Road. China Trade organization was the leading economic forum through which most of barter trade activity made a phenomenal change in the general economical outlook of the area which being the remotest region of Pakistan was neglected for over quarter of century. This forum led the people of the area to actively invest and learn the modern trade know how from its neighbor Xingkiang. The participation of the all ethnic groups and active force behind this activity, legendary economist of the area Ashraf Khan brought a great change in the region. Later the establishment of Chamber of commerce and SOst dry port(in Gojal Hunza) are milestones. Rest of the economy is shouldered by mainly agriculture and tourism. Agriculture such as: wheat, corn (maize), barley, fruits; Tourism is mostly in trekking and mountaineering and this industry is 'growing in importance.

Sports

Polo is the favourite game of the people of Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Hunza, Nagar and the surrounding areas.Every year, many tourists visit to enjoy polo in Gilgit-Baltistan.Other games such as cricket, Tuksori of Nagar, gulli danda, kabbadi, and volleyball are also played.

Transport

Prior to 1978, Gilgit-Baltistan was cut off from Pakistan and rest of the world due to the harsh terrain and the lack of accessible roads. All of the roads to the south opened towards the Pakistani-controlled state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AKJ) and to the southeast towards the present-day Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. During the summer, people could walk across the mountain passes to travel to Rawalpindi. The fastest way to travel, however, was by air, but air travel was accessible only to a few privileged local people and to Pakistani military and civilian officials. Then, with the assistance of the Chinese government, Pakistan began construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was completed in 1978. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu, which are the two major hubs for mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey from Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately 20 to 24 hours. Landslides on the Karakoram Highway are very common. The KKH connects Gilgit to Tashkurgan and Kashgar in China via Sust (the customs and health inspection post on the Northern Areas side) and the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres (15,397 feet).

Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) offers bus and jeep transport service to the two hubs and several other popular destinations, lakes, and glaciers in the area.

In March 2006, the respective governments announced that, commencing on June 1, 2006, a thrice-weekly bus service would begin across the boundary from Gilgit to Kashgar, China, and road widening work would begin on 600 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway. There would also be one daily bus in each direction between the Sust and Tashkurgan border areas of the two political entities.

Pakistan International Airlines used to fly a Fokker F27 daily between Gilgit Airport and Islamabad International Airport. Flying time is approximately 50 minutes, Dand the flight was one of the most scenic flights in the world, as his route passed through the mountain Nanga Parbat summit which was greater than the cruising altitude the plane. PIA also offers regular flights of Boeing 737 between Skardu and Islamabad. However, the Fokker F27 aircraft was retired after a crash at Multan in 2006. Currently, flights are operated by PIA Gilgit on the ATR42-500 aircraft while nine, which was purchased in 2006. With the new aircraft, cancellation of flights is much less than it was the Fokker aircraft. All flights, however, are subject to the conditions of leave, and in winter, flights are often delayed by several days.

Demographics

The population consists of many diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious groups, due in part to the many isolated valleys separated by some of the world's highest mountains. The population of this area is a mixture of many ethnic groups such as Shins, Yashkuns, Kashmiris, Kashgaris, Pathans,and Kohistanis. Ismailism is present here, unlike in the rest of Pakistan.Urdu is the lingua franca of the region, understood by most of the inhabitants. The Shina language (with several dialects like Asturjaa, Kharuchaa, chilasi) is the language of 60% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, Astore throughout Diamer, and in some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of the Tibetan languages group, is spoken by the entire population of Baltistan. Minor languages spoken in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the language of Ghizer. Burushaski is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans in the region. A small minority of people also speak Pashto.

Despite being referred to as part of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan has few remnants of Kashmiri. At the last census (1998), the population of Gilgit and Baltistan was 870,347. Approximately 14% of the population was urban.

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Gilgit

Autonomous status and present-day Gilgit-Baltistan

On 29 August 2009, The Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 WAS Passed By The Pakistani cabinet and later Signed By The country's President. The self-rule order GRANTED To The People of the form Northern Areas, Gilgit-Baltistan Renamed now, by Creating, Among Other Things, Elected Annually Legislative Assembly. There has-been criticism and opposition to this move in Pakistan, India, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement-while rejecting The New Demanded That year package-independent and Autonomous Legislative Assembly for Gilgit-Baltistan Should Be Formed With The Installation of Local Government Authorities as per The UNCIP resolutions, Where the people of Gilgit-Baltistan elect Their Will The Prime Minister and President.
In early September 2009, Pakistan year agreement Signed With The People's Republic of China for a mega energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan Which Includes the construction of a 7,000-megawatt dam at Bunji In The Astore District. This also resulted in protest from India, although Indian Concerns Immediately Were Rejected by Pakistan, Which Claimed Thats the Government of India has no locus standi in the Matter.
On 29 September 2009 The Pakistan Prime Minister, while Addressing a huge gathering in Gilgit-Baltistan Announced a multi-billion rupee development package Aimed At The Socio-Economic uplifting of People in the area. Development projects include The Will Areas of education, health, agriculture, tourism & the Basic Needs of life.The Prime Minister Further Went There to Say:
"You are getting your identity today. It is your right and your demand has-been, and today we are Fulfilling it.

Subdivisions:

Map of Gilgit-Baltistan, Showing The Boundaries Of The previous six districts and Their tehsils. The Boundary Between The Recently Created Hunza-Nagar District and the now Gilgit District Small Is The Same As The northern boundary line of Gilgit Tehsil The train, Which Is The southernmost area Division Of The Above Shown in light blue. Sikanderabad, The Administrative Center of the New Hunza-Nagar district, yet is Not Shown On this map.
Gilgit-Baltistan IS Divided Into Two Divisions Administratively Which, in turn, are Divided Into Seven Districts, Including The Two Baltistan districts of Skardu and Ghanche, & the five districts of Gilgit Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Hunza and Nagar. The centers are hand policy The Town of Gilgit and Skardu.

Geography and climate:

Gilgit-Baltistan borders the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan to the north-west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in north-eastern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir to the south and southeast, the Pakistani state under control of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the south, and Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province to the west.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the "eight thousanders" and more than fifty peaks over 7000 meters. Gilgit and Skardu are the two main centers for expeditions to the mountains. The region is home to some of the beaches in the world's highest mountain the main ranges are the Karakoram and western Himalayas. Pamir Mountains are north and the Hindu Kush to the west. Among the highest mountains are K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) and Nanga Parbat The latter is one of the most feared mountains in the world.
Three of the world's longest glaciers outside the polar regions are located in Gilgit-Baltistan - Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro Glacier and the Batura Glacier. There are also several mountain lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan:

• Sheosar Lake in Deosai Plains - Astore region
• Satpara Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Katzura Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Zharba Tso Lake in Shigar - Baltistan
• Phoroq Tso Lake in Skardu - Baltistan
• Bara Tso Lake in Gangche - Baltistan
• Byarsa Tso Lake in Gultari - Baltistan
• Borith Lake in Gojal upper Hunza - Gilgit
• Rama Lake near Astore
• Rush Lake near Nagar - Gilgit
• Kromber Lake In Kromber Pass - Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District
• Barodaroksh lake in Bar valley Nagar

Deosai plains are located above the tree line, and are the second highest plateau in the world at 4,115 meters (14,500 feet) after Tibet. The plateau lies east of Astore, Skardu and south west of Ladakh. The area was declared a national park in 1993. Deosai plains cover an area of nearly 5,000 square kilometers. For more than half of the year (between September and May), is Deosai snow-bound and cut off from the rest of Astore & Baltistan in winters. The village is close Deosai chokki Chilum and is connected with the Kargil district of Ladakh by an all-weather road.
Climate
The climate of Gilgit-Baltistan varies from region to region, the surrounding mountain ranges creates large variations in temperature. The eastern part of the wetland has the western Himalayas, but by going to the Karakoram and Hindu Kush dry climate considerably.
There are towns like Gilgit and Chilas are very hot during the day in summer, but cold at night, and valleys as Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza and Nagar, where temperatures are cold even in summer.

Economy and resources:

The economy of region is basically based on traditional route of trade through Silk Road. China Trade organization was the leading economic forum through which most of barter trade activity made a phenomenal change in the general economical outlook of the area which being the remotest region of Pakistan was neglected for over quarter of century. This forum led the people of the area to actively invest and learn the modern trade know how from its neighbor Xingkiang. The participation of the all ethnic groups and active force behind this activity, legendary economist of the area Ashraf Khan brought a great change in the region. Later the establishment of Chamber of commerce and SOst dry port(in Gojal Hunza) are milestones. Rest of the economy is shouldered by mainly agriculture and tourism. Agriculture such as: wheat, corn (maize), barley, fruits; Tourism is mostly in trekking and mountaineering and this industry is 'growing in importance.

Sports:

Polo is the favourite game of the people of Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Hunza, Nagar and the surrounding areas.Every year, many tourists visit to enjoy polo in Gilgit-Baltistan.Other games such as cricket, Tuksori of Nagar, gulli danda, kabbadi, and volleyball are also played.

Transport:

Prior to 1978, Gilgit-Baltistan was cut off from Pakistan and rest of the world due to the harsh terrain and the lack of accessible roads. All of the roads to the south opened towards the Pakistani-controlled state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AKJ) and to the southeast towards the present-day Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. During the summer, people could walk across the mountain passes to travel to Rawalpindi. The fastest way to travel, however, was by air, but air travel was accessible only to a few privileged local people and to Pakistani military and civilian officials. Then, with the assistance of the Chinese government, Pakistan began construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was completed in 1978. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu, which are the two major hubs for mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey from Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately 20 to 24 hours. Landslides on the Karakoram Highway are very common. The KKH connects Gilgit to Tashkurgan and Kashgar in China via Sust (the customs and health inspection post on the Northern Areas side) and the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres (15,397 feet).

Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) offers bus and jeep transport service to the two hubs and several other popular destinations, lakes, and glaciers in the area.

In March 2006, the respective governments announced that, commencing on June 1, 2006, a thrice-weekly bus service would begin across the boundary from Gilgit to Kashgar, China, and road widening work would begin on 600 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway. There would also be one daily bus in each direction between the Sust and Tashkurgan border areas of the two political entities.

Pakistan International Airlines used to fly a Fokker F27 daily between Gilgit Airport and Islamabad International Airport. Flying time is approximately 50 minutes, Dand the flight was one of the most scenic flights in the world, as his route passed through the mountain Nanga Parbat summit which was greater than the cruising altitude the plane. PIA also offers regular flights of Boeing 737 between Skardu and Islamabad. However, the Fokker F27 aircraft was retired after a crash at Multan in 2006. Currently, flights are operated by PIA Gilgit on the ATR42-500 aircraft while nine, which was purchased in 2006. With the new aircraft, cancellation of flights is much less than it was the Fokker aircraft. All flights, however, are subject to the conditions of leave, and in winter, flights are often delayed by several days.

Read More