Overview
Chilas is the main town of the Diamer district, set in a dry, rocky stretch of the upper Indus. It is the usual overnight stop on the long road between Islamabad and Gilgit, and the gateway to Fairy Meadows, Babusar Pass and the north side of Nanga Parbat.
The area is famous for its rock art. Thousands of carvings and inscriptions, left by traders, pilgrims and travellers over many centuries, cover boulders and cliff faces along the Indus. They include images of stupas, animals and Buddhist figures as well as writing in several old scripts. Some sites lie in the area of a large dam project on the river, so check which ones can be visited.
Highlights
- The rock carvings along the Indus and the Karakoram Highway
- Views of the Indus gorge and bare brown mountains
- The overnight stop between Islamabad and Gilgit
- The road to Fairy Meadows and the Babusar Pass
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, March to May and September to November, as summer in Chilas is very hot, often above 40°C. Winter is mild but short days limit sightseeing. Landslides can close the highway after heavy rain.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Good
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Good
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB) and drive the Karakoram Highway north: Chilas is about 11 to 12 hours by road from Islamabad, and three to four hours from Gilgit. Buses and shared vans run along the highway, and many travellers stay a night here.
What to expect
Chilas is a busy highway town with simple hotels and restaurants. The heat in summer is intense, and some areas have security restrictions, so take local advice. The rock art sites are open-air and need sun protection and water.
Practical tips
- Check current security advice and any travel rules for Diamer before you plan a stay.
- Hire a local guide to find the rock carvings and to learn what they show.
- Do not touch or mark the carvings, and leave nothing behind.
- In summer, travel in the early morning and rest in the heat of the day.
Frequently asked questions
Why stop in Chilas?
It breaks the long drive between Islamabad and Gilgit, and gives access to the rock art along the Indus and to Fairy Meadows.
How old are the carvings?
They span many centuries, with many dating to the early centuries AD and some older, and they were left by people travelling along the old trade routes.
Is Chilas safe for visitors?
Many travellers pass through without trouble, but conditions can change. Check official travel advice and ask your hotel before you go.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Adnan Wahab Khan (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Amersaeed218 (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Adnan Wahab Khan (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
