UNIQUE AND DELICIOUS TRAVEL GUIDE OF GILGIT

Gilgit has been mentioned in the annals of history -  has been mentioned as a prosperous trading center, its location on the ancient trade routes and relations with Astor Chila-Kaghan on one side and China on the other through Kilik and Mintaka Short and has remained under constant consideration of major powers as an important strategic point. With the construction of Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Gilgit valleys out has been in the main stream that has attracted visitors from various countries. It can be said that there are few places in the world comparable to this city and its spectacular scenic beauty. Gilgit is the headquarters of the 70,000 square kilometer Federally administered Northern Areas - Fana -. As a city of Gilgit offers nothing but high mountains like Nanga Parbat, K-2 Rakaposhi in the mighty Karakoram, glistening round horizon. In the valley colors vary with the seasons, and in autumn they look magnificent as the leaves of fruit and nut trees, red and yellow. A two-three day stay here promises visitors fun and adventure of mountain climbing, mountain hiking, trout fishing or just rest comfortably basking in the mild sun and cool mountain air - and some interesting shopping for a change.

The Gilgit Valley lies at an altitude of 1453.90 meters and is surrounded by lakes, rivers, glaciers and high mountain ranges. Some of them are the world's largest peaks, such as Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters) and Raka Poshi (7,788 meters) is located here. The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina is urdu and English also spoken and understood. Buddhist petroglyphs carved into the mountain side is worth a visit. It is around 10 km away from Gilgit. The Victory Monument of Taj Mughal was built around 700 years ago and is located at a distance of 11 km from Gilgit.

Besides Hunza Nagar Valley, other minor valleys around Gilgit Punial Valley. Sher Qila is the largest village in the picturesque Punial valley, which lies at a distance of 40 kilometers from Gilgit. Singal in Punial valley offers ideal trout fishing opportunities. It is 56 kilometers away and takes 3 hours to reach there. Yasin valley offer ideal opportunities for hiking and trekking, it lies at a distance of 160 km and the jeep journey requires about 7 hours. The picturesque Phandar lake abounds in trout, located approximately 177 km from Gilgit. The famous  Shangriala andShandur Pass connects Gilgit to Chitral. The pass remains snow-bound during winter. It is 250 kilometers and 15 hours away by jeep. Rama lake in this region offers an awe-inspiring view of the eastern side of Nanga Parbat. It is 120 kilometers away and takes 6 hours to get there. For adventure-loving tourist, hiker angler, art lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast, there are few places in the world, comparable to Gilgit.

Naltar is a beautiful full day outing from Gilgit. About a two hour drive away, it is an area of alpine meadows and pine forests 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level and surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Way up from its normal climbs steeply through a ravine to show up on the lush high-altitude pastures. Those who wish to stay can choose between Public Works Department rest-house, very basic local hotel or camping. Naltar is the perfect base for gentle walks through the woods and up to Naltar Lake, where fishing is excellent. The village is also the starting point for the more energetic tours throughout the 4000 (13,000 feet). Naltar Pass to Ishkoman Valley, or across the 4,800 meters (15,700 feet). Daintar Pass Chalte. Naltar has a ski school, run by the Pakistani air force, but is used for holding national skiing championship as well.