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Some of the tallest mountains in the world can be found in Gilgit-Baltistan, also referred to as the Northern Territories by Pakistanis. Gilgit-Baltistan transforms into a haven for nature lovers and an adventurer’s paradise when you combine that with endless expanses of verdant meadows, deep valleys, stunning waterfalls, and hazardous routes. The administrative center of the region is the city of Gilgit. It served as a significant Silk Road destination before the Indo-Pak subcontinent was split apart. This is where Buddhism’s origins in India may be traced. Skardu, one of the other important cities in this region, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning glaciers, museums, forts, and resorts. In 1970, the Gilgit-Baltistan area was given its own administrative division. It has three districts, with additional sub-districts in each. The three major districts are Gilgit District, Baltistan District, and Diamer District. The subdistricts of Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, and Ghizer make up the Gilgit District. Astore and Diamer are the subdivisions that make up the Diamer District. Shigar, Ghanche, Skardu, and Kharmang are all included in the Baltistan District as sub-districts.

         Geographic importance of the region:

Geographically speaking, Gilgit-Baltistan is situated in Pakistan’s most northerly region. To the north, it shares a border with Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, to the south with Azad Kashmir, to the southeast with the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, to the east and northeast with China’s Xinjiang region, and to the west with the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush are three of the highest mountain ranges in the world, and there are five 8,000-meter peaks in this area. The K-2, sometimes referred to as Mount Godwin Austen, and Nanga Parbat are the tallest mountains nearby. Gilgit-Baltistan has a varied climate, in part because of the variability of its topography. Due to the Nanga Parbat’s shadow falling on the city of Gilgit, the area rarely experiences rain. There is a dry and arid environment in the hilly area surrounding the city and the Silk Road that leads to it, currently known as the Karakoram Highway. Nonetheless, it can get quite a bit cooler at night in the city. Hunza, Khaplu, Astore, and Nagar valleys, in contrast, experience frigid temperatures year-round.

•           Gilgit Valley:

The Gilgit Valley has a number of popular tourist destinations. Naltar is one of them, a scenic area with high mountain peaks and reachable glacial lakes. The best ski resort in Pakistan is this one. Kargah Valley, which is approximately 10 kilometers from Gilgit, is another site of importance for history aficionados. The Kargah Buddha rock wall carving that lends the valley its name is found there. The sculpture was created in the eighth century. There are also the remains of a Stupa and a Buddhist monastery nearby. The surrounding valleys of Bagrot, Oshikhandas, Danyore, and Nomal are attractive to tourists. Although the majority of the population speaks Shina, many who work in the tourism industry are fluent in English.

•           Hunza Valley:

Gilgit is around a 3-hour drive from Hunza Valley. Located in Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan province, Hunza Valley is a hilly valley. The Hunza Valley is located in Pakistan’s far north. The magnificent Hunza Valley is home to numerous mountains that are covered in snow. The Upper Hunza Gojal, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza regions make up this valley. The Hunza Valley is a popular tourist destination. The greatest season to visit Hunza Valley is from May to October, yet tourists from all over the world travel there year-round. In May, the maximum temperature in the Hunza Valley is 26°C, while the minimum is 15°C, and in October, the maximum temperature is 10°C and the lowest temperature is 0°C. Investigate Altit and Baltit Fort.

•           Skardu Valley:

The central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the far north of Pakistan, is the pinnacle of natural beauty, tranquility, and wilderness. This valley connects routes to some of the highest mountains in the world, including K2, K3, and Gasherbrum. Each year, thousands of climbers from all over the world are drawn to these massive mountains; some of them have even perished trying to reach the peak. One is welcomed by numerous streams, springs, and the friendliness of the locals along the seven-hour ride. The lakes Satpara and Kachura are undoubtedly some of Skardu’s most recognizable landmarks, but the Shigar and Skardu Fort are also well-known.

•           Shigar Valley:

Shigar Valley and the Shigar River are located in Gilgit Baltistan, one of the world’s most spectacular places. From Skardu, it is around 170 miles away. This is a fantastic entryway via Shigar to the Karakoram Mountains. Together with Amburik Mosque and Khilingrong Mosque, Shigar Fort is the largest hamlet in the valley. Hashoo pi Bhag, Marapi Ranga, and Khanqah e Muallah Shigar. Ree mosque Shigar Valley is home to the famed K2 Basecamp, also known as Astana of Syed Mir Yahya. The valley is home to a number of communities.

•           Astore Valley:

In Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area, Astore District is home to Astore Valley. The valley is around 120 km long and connects Nanga Parbat to the east. Around 60 miles southeast of Gilgit, there is a courtyard that serves as the valley’s entrance. Astore is a popular destination for hikers and offers photographers and environment lovers breathtaking views.

•           Khaplu Valley:

Khaplu serves as the Ghanche District’s administrative hub in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan. It is one of Gilgit’s historic and ancient towns. Khaplu, the second-largest kingdom of the Yabgo dynasty, is the entrance to Masherbrum Mountain, which is located 103 kilometers to the east of Skardu. It protected the Shyok River’s trade route to Ladakh. There are numerous ancient sites in Khaplu, including the stunning Chaqchan Mosque. Khaplu can only be reached by car. Because it offers mountaineering and trekking opportunities as well as panoramic vistas, Khaplu Valley is quite popular with tourists from around the world.

•           Nagar Valley:

The district of Nagar, formerly known as Brushal, is located in the north of Pakistan and is a paradise of lakes. Nagar Valley is located at a height of 2,438 meters. Nagar valley cannot function without Nagar Khas. Due to the breathtaking landscape and mind-blowing vistas seen across the valley, the Ghulmet, Minapin, Charlotte, and Hopper Valleys are other well-known tourist destinations in the Nagar area.

•           Gupis Valley:

A valley in west Gilgit known as Gupis is located around 70 miles from the river. The Ghizer district’s Gupis Valley is home to numerous picturesque scenery and spectacular vistas. Tourists find the turquoise river’s flowing water, surrounding meadows, and forests to be incredibly lovely. Khalti Lake is a lovely lake located a short distance from the Gupis Valley. It is well known for having a trout fish habitat. The river section close to the settlement of Khalti is what causes the lake to form. The lakes’ dark blue coloration in the summer adds to the scene’s beauty. In the winter, the lake typically freezes over and is accessible for walking.

•           Fairy Meadows:

Fairy Meadows is located in Gilgit-Diamer Baltistan’s District, close to one of the Nanga Parbat base camps. It offers broad views of the stunning mountains that surround it and is only reachable after a 4-5 hour hike from the closest village.

•           Khunjerab National Park:

A national park was established in the area surrounding the Khunjerab Pass near the Pakistan-China border in 1975 to save the local population of endangered animal species. Although work is still being done to conserve the local animals, the park offers wonderful views for those who enjoy the outdoors.

•           Deosai National Park:

The second-highest plateau in the world, Deosai National Park is mostly situated in Skardu District. The greatest time to visit this ecologically conserved area is in the spring when butterflies and blooming wildflowers are abundant in the fields. The park is 30 kilometers from the city of Skardu and is accessible by road. In fact, this is the quickest way to get to the park. However, other alternative ways exist from Astore Valley and other nearby areas because it is dispersed over a huge area (almost 5,000 square kilometers). Sheosar Lake, Bara Pani River, and Kala Pani River all reside in the park.

Gilgit-Baltistan is unquestionably the best tourist destination in Pakistan due to its natural beauty, different landscapes, and numerous options for rock climbing, trekking, hiking, and fishing.