Gilgit Baltistan District is located in the northern part of Pakistan, which is a land of beautiful mountains and lakes. Mountains covered snow and peaks. Gilgit-Baltistan is six times larger than Azad Kashmir in terms of geographical area.
Gilgit Peoples
The Gilgit Baltistan people are present in almost all parts of the country. For jobs, studies, and other occupations. If you are from Gilgit Baltistan Districts, you can relate to this.
The linguistic groups of Gilgit peoples are Shina, Balti, Wakhi, Domaki, Khowar, Burushaski, and Gojri (Khan 2017). The Shina people, also known as shin, migrated from Central Asia to South Asia during the first half of the second millennium BC.
The breathtaking region of GILGIT BALTISTAN districts in Pakistan is home to the Gilgit people, who have a rich culture with warmth and hospitality. The Gilgit people welcome visitors with open arms and share their customs and way of life.
Gilgit Baltistan History
The Gilgit-Baltistan Districts region in northern Pakistan, formerly known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan, has a long history. Classical Greek and Roman historians and sacred Hindu texts mention the region’s people, described as Dards. Muslim rule in the area ended with the expansion of the Sikh Empire.
The Dogras ruled the region under British paramountcy after defeating the Sikhs in the Anglo-Sikh war. After independence, the area became part of the newly formed state of Pakistan through the Gilgit rebellion in the first Kashmir war. It has a long history.
Gilgit Baltistan Population
Gilgit Baltistan Districts are places with many people. They live in a beautiful mountain area. The Gilgit Baltistan population is not too big, but many still live there. They have their own culture and traditions. Gilgit Baltistan is a beautiful place in northern Pakistan.
The region’s population is about 2 million people. The people there speak different languages, like Shina, Balti, and Burushaski. Most people in Gilgit Baltistan Districts are Muslims. They live in villages and towns, and some work in tourism, agriculture, and trade.
Gilgit Baltistan culture
The region has a rich and diverse culture. People there follow various traditions and customs passed down through generations. The region’s culture is influenced by its unique geography, history, and the mix of ethnic groups living there. Traditional music and dance play a significant role in Gilgit Baltistan’s cultural expression, colorful festivals, and delicious cuisine.
Artisan crafts like embroidery, woodwork, and stone carving also showcase the skilled craftsmanship of the locals. Overall, Gilgit Baltistan’s culture is a beautiful blend of tradition, art, and heritage. Festivals like Navroz, Shandoor Polo Festival, and Urs of local Saints feature music, dance, and delicious food, showcasing Gilgit Baltistan culture. The region boasts of its hospitality, stunning landscapes, and ancient traditions.
Cities of Gilgit Baltistan
Each city in the Gilgit Baltistan Districts offers distinct charm and attractions, giving travelers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that defines this enchanting region. This place is a beautiful northern Pakistan region full of stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. Here are some of its main cities;
Skardu
Skardu is a city located in Gilgit Baltistan District, Pakistan. It serves as the capital of Skardu District and the Baltistan Division. It is situated at an average elevation of nearly 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level in the Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers.
The city is an essential gateway to the eight-thousands of the nearby Karakoram mountain range. The Indus River running through the region separates the Karakoram from the Ladakh Range.
It’s in the northern part of the country, surrounded by mountains. People visit Skardu for its stunning scenery, like lakes and valleys. It’s also a hub for adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering. Overall, Skardu is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Best Hotel in Skardu
This historic fort-turned-hotel gives visitors a unique blend of luxury and heritage. “Skilled restorers have painstakingly restored the Shigar Fort, built over 400 years ago, to its former glory, showcasing traditional Balti architecture and fine woodwork.”
With its attractively designed rooms and suites, the hotel gives an intensive cultural experience. Guests may enjoy spectacular mountain views and explore the surrounding Shigar village.
In addition, the hotel has outstanding dining options, serving local and foreign cuisine.
Other amenities include complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, room service, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden with seasonal BBQ. Serena Shigar Fort Hotel is among the best hotels in the Gilgit Baltistan Districts.
Hunza
Hunza valley is a beautiful place in the northern part of Pakistan. It’s famous for its stunning mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and friendly people. The valley is home to several small villages where people live simple yet happy lives. Hunza is also known for its apricots, which are delicious and famous all over the world.
The people of Hunza are known for their longevity and good health, which has sparked interest from scientists around the globe. Overall, Hunza is a peaceful and picturesque place that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Many high peaks, including Hunza Peak in the Gilgit Baltistan districts, Rakaposhi, Ghenta Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak, surround Hunza Valley, known as the Heaven on Earth. This valley comes with many beautiful natural sights that are the main attractions for all tourists, these main attractions are Altit Fort and Baltit Fort.
Hotel in Hunza
Hunza Embassy Hotel in Gilgit Baltistan Districts offers a cosy atmosphere and great hospitality. It offers some beautiful accommodation options. Hunza Embassy Hotel provides the best stay facilities in town and comforts its guests. Its scenic terraces are a must for evening and morning sights, presenting a wide array of nature. The restaurant offers traditional, Japanese, Chinese, continental, and Western food.
Chilas
Chilas is a small town located on the banks of the Indus River. It’s a popular stopover for travelers journeying between Gilgit and Islamabad. The surrounding area is rugged and mountainous, with ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years. It is the divisional capital of Diamer Division and is located on the Indus River.
The Karakoram Highway and NNUM0 National Highway connect the Silk Road to Islamabad and Peshawar in the southwest and the Hazara and Malakand divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To the north, Chilas connects to Tashkurgan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, via Gilgit, Aliabad, Sust, and the Khunjerab Pass.
Hotel in Chilas
Panorama Hotel is Pretty in the middle of the distance between Islamabad and Hunza, Chilas is a small tourist spot. Where many of the tourists stay after the long drive to Gilgit Baltistan Districts. Several hotels accommodate tourists, and Panorama Hotel Chilas is the finest hotel.
Gilgit Baltistan tourism
Gilgit Baltistan Districts is a beautiful region in northern Pakistan that’s great for tourism. It’s known for its stunning mountains, rivers, and valleys. People visit to see places like the Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows. You can enjoy trekking, camping, and exploring ancient forts and mosques. The locals are friendly, and the culture is rich and diverse.
So, if you love nature and adventure, Gilgit Baltistan is a fantastic place to visit. The green and snow-covered mountains are the beauty of the region that gives joy to tourists. The tourism industry in Gilgit Baltistan is an indispensable catalyst for the local economy, creating employment opportunities and acting as a conduit for regional growth.
Gilgit Baltistan tourism, an administered territory of Pakistan, focuses on its access to various mountain ranges and alpine terrain. According to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, in 2022, more than 2 billion tourists visited GB. The flourishing of the tourism sector in Gilgit-Baltistan also produces a tragedy of commons as GB’s cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental patterns are being depleted at a large scale.
Best places for tourism
Deosai National Park: Known as the “Land of Giants,” this high-altitude plateau offers breathtaking landscapes, including rolling plains, colorful flowers, and diverse wildlife like the Himalayan brown bear.
It is famous for its colorful lakes, surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can also enjoy skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer while soaking in the valley’s natural beauty. Formed after a landslide in 2010, this turquoise-blue lake offers mesmerizing views and opportunities for boating and kayaking.
Surrounding villages provide a glimpse into the local culture and way of life in Gilgit Baltistan Districts. The attractions are unique landscapes, evergreen forests, cold deserts, snowcapped mountains, and significant cultural heritage.
It is a famous tourist place and has always been a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers, and landscape-loving people. The best time to visit Gilgit Valley is from April to October. Winter can be freezing in Gilgit, and the weather is unpredictable. Days and nights get chilly. Summer days are often scorching, with a little respite in the evening.