GILGIT VALLEY

 

At an elevation of 1,454 metres lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season is from April to October though you can visit the valley round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and the minimum 16 C and in September, maximum 28 C and minimum 11 C.

FAMOUS POINTS: 

Gilgit Bridge: The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit River, at the end of its traditional bazaar, is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep at a time to cross.

Kargah Buddha: Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.

Monument of Taj Mughal: A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.

Sher Qilla: It is 38 km. from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.

Singal: About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.

Gahkuch: Headquarter of Ghizer District - Ideal place for trekking, good fishing sports and duck shooting in season. It is the gateway to Iskoman Valley. Government rest house and private hotels are available (73 km from Gilgit). Archaeological sites in village and a near by village Hatoon.

Naltar Valley: Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link rod. Government Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Iskoman, Chalt and Punial valley.

HOW TO REACH:


BY Air: PIA operates three daily flights between Islamabad and Gilgit. All flights are subject to good weather. The flying time is one hour and one-way fare is approximately US $ 44 for foreigners.

By Road: Gilgit is also accessible from Islamabad/Rawalpindi by the Karakoram Highway. Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Swat is 704 km and takes 19 hours by bus/van; Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Thakot: 628 km. 16 hours by bus/van; Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Babusar Pass 535 km. 21 hours by jeep.

There is a regular bus and van services operate on the Karakoram Highway between Rawalpindi and Gilgit via Besham. The main bus terminal of NATCO & other private bus lines is at Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, Rawalpindi. Advance booking is required (Tel: 051-5462181)