Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Gilgit-Baltistan is the mountainous northern region of Pakistan, where the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges meet. It holds five of the world's fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, and some of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. For travellers it is best known for the Hunza Valley, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, the Deosai Plains and the Karakoram Highway to the Khunjerab Pass on the China border.

Quick answer: the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan is April to October. Fly from Islamabad to Skardu or Gilgit in about an hour, or drive the Karakoram Highway in two days. Plan at least 7 days for Hunza or Skardu alone, and 10 to 14 days to see both.

Key facts about Gilgit-Baltistan

• Location: northern Pakistan, bordering China, Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor and Indian-administered Kashmir.
• Main towns: Gilgit (the capital), Skardu, Karimabad in Hunza, Aliabad, Khaplu, Shigar and Astore.
• Mountains: K2 (8,611 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m).
• Languages: Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Wakhi and Khowar are spoken locally; Urdu and English are widely understood in towns and hotels.
• Getting there: flights from Islamabad to Skardu and Gilgit, or the Karakoram Highway by road.
• Best season: April to October; spring blossom in April, clear summer days from June to August, autumn colour in October.

When to visit Gilgit-Baltistan

Each season gives a different trip, so pick the month by what you want to see.

• March and April: cherry and apricot blossom in Hunza and Skardu. Days are mild, nights are cold, and higher passes are still under snow.
• May and June: green valleys, long days and most roads open. A good all-round time with fewer crowds than mid-summer.
• July and August: peak season for treks, Deosai, Fairy Meadows and K2 Base Camp. Monsoon rain in the lower Indus valley can cause landslides on the Karakoram Highway, so keep a buffer day.
• September and October: settled weather, sharp views and the famous autumn colours in Hunza and Skardu, best from mid-October to early November.
• November to February: winter. Towns are quiet and beautiful under snow, but high passes and Deosai close, and some hotels shut.

Read our full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit.

How to get to Gilgit-Baltistan

By air

Pakistan International Airlines and other carriers fly from Islamabad to Skardu and to Gilgit. The Skardu flight takes about an hour and the Gilgit flight about 50 minutes. Both fly only in clear weather, so morning departures are the most reliable and a cancelled flight is common in spring and winter. Our fly-in packages include a road back-up so the trip goes ahead either way.

By road

The classic route is the Karakoram Highway (N-35) from Islamabad through Besham and Chilas to Gilgit, about 14 to 18 hours of driving, usually split over two days. From June to October the faster road over the Babusar Pass (4,173 m) via Naran is open. Skardu is reached from Gilgit along the Indus on the Jaglot-Skardu road. Read our Karakoram Highway road trip guide for stops and timings.

Where to go in Gilgit-Baltistan

Hunza Valley

Hunza is the most visited valley: Baltit and Altit forts, the Eagle's Nest viewpoint, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the road to the Khunjerab Pass. Karimabad is the usual base. See our Hunza guide and Hunza tour packages.

Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu

Skardu sits in a wide valley of the Indus with Shangrila and Upper Kachura lakes, the Katpana cold desert and Satpara Lake. Shigar and Khaplu have restored royal forts and palaces you can stay in. Skardu is also the gateway to K2 and the Baltoro Glacier. See Skardu tour packages.

Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat

Fairy Meadows is a high pasture at about 3,300 m facing the north face of Nanga Parbat. You reach it by jeep from Raikot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway and a short hike. See Fairy Meadows tours.

Deosai Plains

Deosai is one of the highest plateaus in the world, averaging over 4,000 m, and a national park for the Himalayan brown bear. It is open from about June to September. Read our Deosai National Park guide.

Do you need a permit?

Pakistani citizens need only their CNIC. Foreign visitors need a valid Pakistani visa, which most nationalities apply for online. Most of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows and Deosai, needs no special permit today, but zones near the borders are restricted, and treks into the Baltoro and K2 area and all mountaineering expeditions need permits arranged by a licensed operator. Details are in our guide to permits for foreigners.

Is Gilgit-Baltistan safe?

Gilgit-Baltistan is widely regarded as one of the safest parts of Pakistan for visitors, and the people are known for their hospitality. The real risks are natural: landslides, altitude and weather. Read is Gilgit-Baltistan safe for tourists? before you go.

How many days do you need?

• 5 days: Hunza only, by air to Gilgit.
• 7 days: Hunza or Skardu with a day trip, or both by air in a hurry. See our 7-day itinerary.
• 10 to 14 days: Hunza, Skardu and Deosai or Fairy Meadows by road.
• 14 to 20 days: a trek such as K2 Base Camp.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Gilgit-Baltistan?

May, June, September and October are the best all-round months: roads are open, the weather is settled and crowds are smaller than in July and August. Choose April for blossom and October for autumn colours.

How do I get from Islamabad to Hunza?

Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit in about 50 minutes and drive about 2 to 3 hours to Karimabad, or drive the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad in two days.

Is Gilgit-Baltistan expensive to visit?

It is affordable by international standards. The main costs are transport, because distances are long and private cars or jeeps are needed, and hotels in peak season. Packages with Harry Travel show live prices per person.

Can I visit Gilgit-Baltistan in winter?

Yes. Hunza, Skardu and Gilgit stay open in winter and are beautiful under snow, but Deosai, Fairy Meadows, the Babusar Pass and high treks close, flights are often cancelled and some hotels shut.

Plan your trip

Browse our Gilgit-Baltistan tour packages, treks and expeditions, or ask us to plan a custom trip around your dates.