Overview
Gilgit is the largest town in Gilgit-Baltistan, a busy bazaar city on the Gilgit River where the main roads of the north meet. It is the place where most journeys turn: north to Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass, east to Skardu and Baltistan, west to Phander and Shandur, and south down the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.
There is enough to see for a day. The Kargah Buddha, a rock carving of the 7th century or so, stands in a side valley a few kilometres from the city, and the bazaar sells dried fruit, woollen caps and local crafts. Gilgit has a long history on the old Silk Road, and in 1931 a hoard of early Buddhist manuscripts was found nearby. Today the city has hotels, banks, markets and tour operators, and many travellers use it to buy supplies and arrange vehicles.
Highlights
- The Kargah Buddha rock carving near the city
- The bazaar, with dried fruit, caps and local crafts
- River walks and the old bridges over the Gilgit River
- A base for day trips to Naltar, Bagrot and Hunza
Best time to visit
April to October is the best time. Summers in Gilgit are hot and dry, so the cooler months of April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. Winters are cold, with snow on the surrounding mountains and occasional road delays.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Good
- AugAugust: Good
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB), then on to Gilgit by air when the weather allows, though flights are often delayed or cancelled. By road, the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad takes about 14 to 16 hours, often split with a night at Chilas. Skardu is a long day away by road.
What to expect
Gilgit is a busy, working town rather than a resort, with traffic, dust and heat in summer. Hotels range from simple guesthouses to comfortable mid-range hotels, and shops sell most of what you need for a trip to the mountains.
Practical tips
- Book flights early and have a back-up plan for road travel, because weather often delays flights.
- Buy cash, SIM cards and supplies here, as services are thinner in the valleys.
- Check local advice on road conditions and security before long drives.
- Start day trips early to avoid the heat and the afternoon wind.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilgit worth a stay?
For one night or two, yes, as a base to sort out transport and permits and to see the Kargah Buddha and the bazaar. Most travellers then head for Hunza.
How far is Gilgit from Hunza?
About 100 km to Karimabad, around two to three hours by road.
What is the weather like?
Hot in summer and cold in winter, with little rain. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
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: Asad (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, HuangWending18072009 (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons, Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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