Overview
Gulmit is the largest settlement in Gojal, the upper part of the Hunza Valley, and a good base for exploring the north. The village has old stone and wood houses, a small museum in a traditional building and a bazaar that serves the valley. Most people here speak Wakhi, a language shared with communities across the border.
A short walk or drive away, Ghulkin is a village of dark wooden houses, built close to the Ghulkin Glacier. Trails lead from the village to the glacier and to Borith Lake, and the Passu Cones appear across the valley. The villages are quiet, with orchards, irrigation channels and walnut trees around the houses.
Highlights
- The museum and the old houses of Gulmit
- The Ghulkin Glacier, a short walk from the village
- The trail from Ghulkin to Borith Lake
- Walnuts, apricots and local meals in family guesthouses
Best time to visit
May to October is the main season. Summer is warm during the day and cool at night, and the autumn leaves colour the valley in October. Winters are cold and most guesthouses close.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- 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 to Gilgit or drive the Karakoram Highway to Hunza. Gulmit is about two hours by road from Karimabad, just beyond Attabad Lake, and Ghulkin is a few kilometres further north. Shared vans and buses run along the highway.
What to expect
Easy, with short walks on village paths and a gentle glacier approach. Guesthouses and small restaurants are simple, with limited electricity in some places. The villages are a good place to slow down after the long drive.
Practical tips
- Ask your guesthouse about local walks and a guide for the glacier, which has loose stones and hidden hazards.
- Visit the museum if you are interested in the history and crafts of the valley, and check its opening hours.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
- Cash is needed, and cash machines are limited, so withdraw in Karimabad or Gilgit.
Frequently asked questions
What language is spoken in Gulmit?
Mostly Wakhi, along with Urdu and English among people who work in tourism.
How far is Ghulkin from Gulmit?
About 3 km. You can walk it in an hour or take a short taxi ride.
Is Gulmit a good base?
Yes. From here you can reach Attabad Lake, Ghulkin, Borith Lake and Passu on short day trips, and the border road to Sost is further north.
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: Taseer Beyg (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Taseer Beyg (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Taseer Beyg (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
