Gilgit In PAkistan

Gilgit is a located at an altitude of Approximately  1500 Meters (4800 Feet) in the North east of Pakistan . The city had been a central point of trade and political activity as early as 1^st century AD. Since then it has always been a very strategic point for the neighboring countries. Surrounded by the massive mountains of Karakorums Gilgit is a small valley with a ground just enough to form a small city of 500000 persons. Beyond here there is no such a big town or city in any direction within a distance of about 450 Kilometers in any direction. Gilgit is the administrative and commercial capital of Northern areas.

Mountains of the region are known to be the highest and greatest in the Number around the world. Stretch of Gilgit comes in the rain shadow of Nanga Parbat Mountain i.e. The moon soon winds are blocked by the massive of Nanga Parbat and clouds can not reach Gilgit which makes it dry & rugged but the labor of the strong and willing local population has even claimed the hard mountains for cultivation's. Due to this there are beautiful green orchids of many fruits in the valley. This makes an spectacular contrast in the green fields and ruggedness on the mountains topped with white snow a scenery only found in the northern areas of Pakistan.
The road to Gilgit is an other adventure and beauty filled experience Karakorum Highway built Between 1966 to 1978 by the Chinese and Pakistani engineers, above the shoulders of gigantic mountains of Himalayas , Hindukush & Karakorum ranges. More than five hundred lives are buried under this marvelous road which is known all over the world for its beauty and variation in terrain and culture. The highway runs along the river Indus and later continuous to Gilgit on Gilgit river. 

Each stop of this highway will definitely force you to admire it. There are nice PTDC motels on main points and towns of the Highway.
An Ideal Itinerary will to take go from Islamabad to Besham overnight at PTDC motel Besham is located on the Bank of Indus river. Later you continue to Gilgit With several photo stops on the way. There are also some interesting Rock drawings from the Buddhist period along the road.

Flights to Gilgit are depending on weather so are not advisable for a good reliable tour. Road Journey is much scenic and more reliable.
Transfers
Gilgit Airport to Hotel
Gilgit Airport is located at a small ground very close to the center it takes 5 - 10 Minutes from Airport to any hotel in town
Gilgit Hunza
100 Kilometers one of the most scenic journeys in the world. Stopping at several photo stops it takes 3 - 4 Hrs to reach Hunza the Shangri-La
Gilgit to Besham (or V.V.)
310 Kilometers is also an spectacular journey as described above. it usually takes 8 Hours with stops on the way at Shatial Rock drawings, The Nanga Parbat view points and Lunch stop at PTDC Barseen or a local restaurant in Dassu.
Besham to Islamabad (or V.V.)
275 Kilometers usually takes 8 - 9 Hours with stops at Abbottabad & Taxila road is pretty good running along the Indus you will take a diversion to the foot hills of Himalaya Tarai mountains and reach Rawalpindi / Islamabad via Margalla pass.
Gilgit to Skardu.
An spectacular drive along the Indus river between Karakorum & Himalaya mountains. Road is narrow so 220 Kms. take about 9 Hours
Tours & Excursion.
Gilgit city tour. 2 - 3 Hours. We visit the Gilgit bazaar and Kargah Buddha Usually it is done by Jeeps we can also do it by Hiaces and Suzuki. carriers
Full Day Excursion to Hunza.
Best outing from Gilgit Hunza is 100 Kms. from Gilgit We take a slow drive stopping at different places for Photos and short walks. Also stop at the memorial of Pakistan army's Mortals who gave their lives for the road, stop at mark where The two continents collided ( Collision of Asian and Indian tatanic plats which resulted the gigantic mountains in the area) Tea at Rakaposhi View point from where you can see Rakaposhi facing right before you. Lunch at Baltit Inn . Free time in Hunza bazaar Afternoon return to Gilgit.
Naltar.
Naltar is probably one of the most spectacular Excursions in Pakistan, for those who like a little bit of adventure. The road to Naltar is pretty but Very dusty until the village of Nomal after Nomal you drive along the side of mountains and the climb is quite steep. At the upper Naltar you very instantly see the beautiful meadows the temperature is also very comfortable so one can really get a fancy escape from Gilgit`s heat. There is a small restaurant at the meadows which can serve a hot meal or you can carry Lunch boxes from Serena and have the restaurant make tea for you.

Huza Valley In Pakistan

Hunza in North Pakistan The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters. Administratively divided with five districts, which runs by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary. The chief secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad. Gilgit the capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the Indo Aryans in 1700 BC. From the 1st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the trade center from all places as its now. From 4th century to 11th century AD, It was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central Asia-China. Northern Area is connected with air and road with other cities of Pakistan including Islamabad the Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It’s linked with Karakorum highway through the Indus valley. 620 Kilometers to Gilgit and 832 Kilometers to Skardu. It’s a two days drive to reach Gilgit & Skardu. Northern Areas is the fairy land, which covers thousands of Square Kilometers if high snow capped mountain, surrounded by Lashed green valleys rivers, Glaciers- High meadows –high passes –Pine Dev Dar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, Fruit orchards, which offer Spectacular panoramic view of natural disaster. Northern Area is a tourist paradise for Trekkers, Climbers –Skiers –Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing –White Water Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Route Travelers –Mountain Bike Tours and many many. The visitor of Hunza are overwhelmed by the rigged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful popular trees and the velvet like green carpet to wheat fields, set against the background of snow covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is Maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C as well as July is max & min 30 C. The temperature in October are maximum 10 C and minimum 5 C. Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. The local language is Burushaski. English & Urdu are also under- stood by number of people. Karimabad is the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 meters and as well as view of Ulter Peak 1 and 2, Ladyfinger, Daran Peak and Golden Peak. The snow of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairy tail like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is Hunza landmark built 800 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden look out over the valley. Mountaineering And Hiking Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Special permits are required for mountaineering. How to Go There Regular Buses and Van services operate between Gilgit and Karimabad. Hunza Travels & Tours office at Gilgit, arrange tour and transport for visitors.   TODAY'S HUNZA Today Hunza is in progress in education agriculture, orchard, business small industries, automobile, wooden work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery, Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc. The actual changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China & Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province, the rapid changes happened in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of people of Hunza. There are self-help schools in every second village in the valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the reason, why Hunza people are different from other valleys in North of Pakistan. The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza has been a tourist destination from a long time.