2026 Gilgit Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

#cultureshock #underratedspots Culture shock? More like culture awe! Pakistan is often shown in the media with a ton of stereotypes, but stepping foot here is a total mind-blow 🤯. Imagine a place where sky-high mountain vibes, ancient wonders, and epic hospitality come together—and that's exactly what you get in Pakistan. The country is like an adventure playground tucked between the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, plus over 5,000 years of history! From the wild, raw beauty of K2 to the colorful chaos of Peshawar’s bazaars, Pakistan absolutely slays when it comes to dramatic contrasts. It’s next-level for anyone craving those untapped, Insta-worthy locations. Spectacular Northern Areas 🏔️✨ Hunza Valley This place is straight out of a fairytale—think the dreamy Baltit and Altit Forts perched above valleys and the insane blue of Attabad Lake. Hunza is about a 2-hour drive (100 km) north from Gilgit. Pro tip: Sunsets at Eagles Nest? Unreal! Skardu Skardu is your real-life “Heaven on Earth," and the launchpad for K2 (yes, THE K2)! Don’t miss the otherworldly Katpana Cold Desert and score a stay at the iconic Shangrila Resort. Skardu = bucket list goals. Deosai National Park This alpine wonderland sits at a sky-high 4,114 meters—wildflowers everywhere in the summer! It's about 30 km from Skardu and serves up landscape shots that will have your followers shook. Kaghan Valley & Saif-ul-Malook Picture a glacial lake at 3,224 meters, surrounded by legends and snow-capped peaks. Saif-ul-Malook is pure magic—bring your camera and get those fairytale vibes. Unrivaled Historical Relics 🏛️ Taxila (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Dive into the roots of the Gandhara civilization where ancient monasteries and stupas take you back to the 6th century BCE. If history is your thing, you’ll be obsessed. Mohenjo-daro Located in Sindh, this is one of humanity’s OG metropolises—dating back to 2500 BCE. It’s a UNESCO legend for good reason! Open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque No visit to Pakistan is complete without experiencing Lahore’s Mughal masterpieces. Both sites sit in central Lahore, Punjab, and scream regal grandeur. Make sure you’re charged for all the epic photos. Kargah Buddha Just a quick 10 km ride from Gilgit city and you’ll find the ancient, 7th-century rock-carved Buddha—major chill vibes and a window into the region’s Buddhist past. Pakistan’s real flex? Its wildly open-hearted hospitality. From sharing chai on the roadside to random acts of generosity, get ready to have your heart melted by every handshake and smile. So if you’re craving both jaw-dropping nature and culture that’s *chef’s kiss*, Pakistan is the ultimate adventure. Find all your hotels and travel hacks on trip.com, pack your bags and get ready to have your worldview totally upgraded!

Guys, Pakistan is totally safe to travel—no cap! 🇵🇰✨ I recently explored this wild and wonderful country all the way from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province to the iconic Pakistan-China border, and let me tell you, it was a major adventure. The scenery is next-level stunning, and I felt sooo welcome everywhere I went. Throughout my journey, security was on point. I even had friendly security guards rolling with me to make sure I was safe as a foreigner—they made everything super chill and stress-free! You’ll spot these pros especially as you head along the spectacular Karakoram Highway (open 24/7!), which links Islamabad, traverses through KPK, and takes you all the way to the Khunjerab Pass—hello, world’s highest border crossing! 🚧🌏 Major pro tip: the Khunjerab Pass (address: Border of Pakistan & China, near Sost, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan) is usually open from April to November (hours: 8:30 am–5:00 pm, but always check before you go, as weather can be wild up there!). Also, don’t miss stops in magical towns like Abbottabad and Gilgit, where locals serve up legendary hospitality and the food hits different. 😋 So for anyone wondering if Pakistan is safe for travelers—absolutely yes! Everyone I met went out of their way to help and make my trip unforgettable from start to finish. If you love epic road trips, crazy beautiful mountains, and good vibes, put Pakistan on your bucket list ASAP!

After a heart-pounding jeep ride along cliffside edges, our vehicle finally came to a halt at the terminus in Tattu Village. From this point on, modern transportation bows out completely. To catch a glimpse of the legendary Fairy Meadows, we had to rely solely on our own two feet, making our way step by step along the rugged trails of the Karakoram. 🥾 Embarking on the Pilgrimage | Every step brings us closer to the sacred mountain The trail slowly ascends through steep gorges and pine forests, the air growing crisp and chilly as the altitude increases: The stunning first sight of the snow-capped peak: As you keep your head down, catching your breath and sweating along the gravel path, you suddenly look up—and there it is! The world's ninth-highest peak, the 8,126-meter "Killer Mountain" Nanga Parbat, stands unobscured right at the end of your line of sight! Its massive white silhouette radiates a sacred, untouchable majesty. At that very moment, all physical exhaustion vanishes into thin air. 🌲 Wilderness and Vitality | Walking through a giant, healing canvas of nature Along the way, we passed through ancient, pristine pine forests, with dry loess and gravel underfoot: Light and shadows in the valley: The afternoon sun pierced through the towering pine needles, casting a dappled glow over the winding mountain path. Flanked by rugged, landslide-prone badlands, the trail leads straight into vibrant greens and pure whites ahead. This incredibly wild hiking route is the ultimate soulful treat for any adventurer. 🎒 Never Stop Walking | Forging ahead to the alpine meadows With backpacks on, we paused whenever tired to grab a sip of water and gaze at the distant snowline and glacier streams. Stripped of roaring engines, the only sounds left were our footsteps crunching on the gravel and the wind blowing down from the 8,000-meter snowy peaks. Though the trail is steep, every step counts on this path to a fairytale wonderland. Fairy Meadows, we are coming for you, one step at a time! ✨🏔️ 📍 Tattu to Fairy Meadows Trek, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Fairy Meadows is a famous mountain meadow located in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is one of the most stunning viewpoints of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest peak in the world 🌄. 🌄 Highlights of Fairy Meadows Close-up view of Nanga Parbat From the meadow, you can enjoy a full view of the massive snow-covered mountain, one of the most breathtaking sights of the Himalayas. Nature as magical as a fairy tale The green meadow, pine forests, and snowy mountains give this place its name "Fairy Meadows" or "Meadow of Fairies." Perfect for camping and stargazing ✨ At night, the sky is filled with stars due to minimal city light interference.

Day 1: Chilas - Shangrila Chilas / Midway Hotel Day 2–3: Fairy Meadows - Fairy Meadows Cottages / Broad View Hotel Day 4–5: Hunza (Karimabad) - Hidden Paradise Hunza / Eagle’s Nest Hotel / World Roof Hotel Day 6: Naran - Rose Valley Naran / Demanchi Hotel 🍴 Recommended Restaurants (Halal & Local) · At Chilas: Chilas Midway Restaurant - Beef curry, naan bread, tea · At Fairy Meadows: Camp kitchen - Local dishes (soup, rice, chicken) · At Hunza: Hunza Lounge, Glacier Breeze - Great views, clean food · At Passu: Local Food Stalls - Lentil soup, baked rice, beef curry · At Naran: Moon Restaurant, Lulusar Restaurant - Local dishes, biryani, naan bread, pulled tea 📌 Travel Tips · 🥾 Prepare good hiking shoes (especially for Fairy Meadows + Beyal Camp) · ❄️ Cold weather even in summer, bring windproof/rainproof jackets · 🧴 Carry essentials: inhalers, pain relievers, sunscreen · 📶 Mobile signal may be lost in some areas like Fairy Meadows / Passu · 📸 Bring spare batteries or power banks as some places lack convenient outlets · 💰 Cash is crucial! ATMs are scarce, especially in mountainous regions.

Nanga Parbat is a mountain located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is the ninth-highest peak in the world, with an elevation of approximately 8,126 meters above sea level. Part of the western Himalayas, it lies on the southern side of the Indus River. "Nanga Parbat" is Urdu for "Naked Mountain". In the local language (Kashmiri/Dardic), it is also called Diamir, meaning "King of Mountains". Nanga Parbat is nicknamed "Killer Mountain" due to the extreme difficulty of its ascent and the high number of fatalities in early 20th-century expeditions. The first attempt was made by a German expedition in the 1930s. Austrian Hermann Buhl became the first person to reach the summit on July 3, 1953, alone, in a legendary ascent.

Fairy Meadows, located in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, is renowned for its stunning views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. Visiting Fairy Meadows for a glamping experience is a unique adventure. Here are key highlights: Travel Highlights 1. **Journey to Fairy Meadows:** · **Jeep Ride:** Start with a thrilling jeep ride from Raikot Bridge along a dangerous, winding road with breathtaking views. · **Hiking:** Follow a 2 to 3-hour hike through lush forests to reach Fairy Meadows. 2. **Glamping Experience:** · **Accommodations:** Stay in cozy tents or wooden huts, with some offering luxurious glamping options. · **Views:** Enjoy panoramic views of Nanga Parbat and a serene environment. · **Stargazing:** The area’s low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights. Attractions 1. **Nanga Parbat Viewpoint:** A short hike from the campsite provides unobstructed views of Nanga Parbat. 2. **Reflection Lake:** A picturesque lake that reflects surrounding peaks, perfect for photography. 3. **Trekking:** · **Beyal Camp:** A trek from Fairy Meadows offers closer views of Nanga Parbat. · **Base Camp Trek:** Adventurous trekkers can continue to Nanga Parbat Base Camp for an up-close experience. 4. **Nature and Wildlife:** The area is rich in flora and wildlife, including Himalayan ibex and markhor. 5. **Cultural Experience:** Engage with the warm and hospitable local community. Traveling to Fairy Meadows is an opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature. Careful trip planning is essential due to the remote location and challenging access.

#weekendgetaways #wecreate Among many wonders in Northern areas of Pakistan - namely Gilgit and Hunza after travelling on 8th wonder of the world 'The Karakoram Highway - Old Silk Route' one cam enjoy so many attractions enroute and in Gilgit / Hunza. HUSSAINI bridge Zipline is one such adventure with true adrenaline rush. The ticket of this attraction is about 5 USD equivalent to PKR. And truly worth it

Rich and Culture and breathtaking landscapes, Gilgit is a very beautiful area in Pakistan to visit , and is also Cost-friendly. the hospitality of the local people is also very famous and heartwarming. Must Recommended destination to visit. Food in Gilgit is also very delicious and their dry fruits are also very famous. the natural beauty of this area make you want to visit again and again. Best travel destination indeed.

Nanga parbat base camp accomplished ✅ Trip abam kalau xada hiking rasa x lengkap Puas dah- esok merana la satu badan sakit haha Mmg lapar gila masa nak balik sbb last mkn maggie ja. Smpai ja hotel p cari kakak kesayangan Saliza M Zainon tanya ada makanan x hehe- nasib baik ada oreo- tq hilangkan hypo Day5 in pakistan Bangun pagi kaki kiri bengkak- metatarsal join sprain. Telan ubat ja lah. Dlm kaki dok sakit p jugak la tempat pond reflexion yg biasa org dok mai ambik gmbar. Nak p sini pun kena hiking sikit ja dlm 5min smpai. Tapi cuaca pagi x berapa helok nsk hujan. Dah seratus pic dah masuk hari ke5 Hari ne abam kena balik naik kuda sbb kaki dah injured. Harga balik rm30 ja sbb menurun murah sikiit, kalau masa naik kuda rm50. Kat sini lepa xmau ambil gmbar tau- nak capture ja pic budak2 comei lepa lari.

Nanga parbat base camp- 1hour 42min elevation 3983m( total 3jam 26min) with 681 elevation from starting point. Track dia mmg membunuh ya haha difficult, lalu lorong2 curam yg licin, up and down, cross sungai 3kali yg agak bahaya dan final mmg pacak teruk sblum tiba di basecamp. Untuk yg beginner xpayah mai la haha barai teruk. Total pergi dan balik 22.71km. Layan chai dan maggie kuah rm10 atas ne hehe. Benda yang kita minat bila kita buat mesti akan dpt hasil yg bagus. Bila kita travel kena pergi dgn org yg paham apa itu traveller bukan pergi sbgai melancong. Kalau melancong hangpa xdpt view mcm ne hehe. #payandtravelwithbrain

Ne bukan know2 arrived ya. Tera nak smpai pun mental dah koyak wei Dah la penat ikut pace mek salleh. Aku ikut kak london ne ja haha: dia la tolong ambik pic aku. Dia pun barai, dok ckp nak give up la apa la, hangpa igt lepa kuat sgt ka, sama ja mcm kita haha. Laluan ke check point terakhir sgt mencabar, lalu di lorong2 kecik tepi curam dan licin dan kemungkinAn boleh jatuh gaung ke dlm glacier tu. Akan lalu 3 titi yg air sungai yg deras, kalau jatuh dlm sungai tu bye2. Finally im arrived Sblum smpai ke puncak rasa mcm nak patah balik sbb last track mmg pacak 60-70degree dgn tali pun xada. Pas tu dok tgk jam sbb ada cut of time. Kena smpai sblum kul 2pm. Aku smpai kul 1, org ke5 dari 12org yeahh. So total 11km. Masa smpai dah hypoglycaemia, kak london bg kacang gan apricot kat aku. View dia berbaloi hahha

Check point ke2 dah smpai nanga parbat view point- 40min 3707m elevation, moderate track tapi dengan rasa panas terik wlpun suhu sejuk- paham kan- kita diatas ketinggian yg tinggi so direct gan sun light mmg jadi udang bakar la. Pas tu x byk pokok semua mcm gurun sahara ja, berdebu berpasir. Masa ne dah mula pikir nak teruskan x. Air plak tinggal 250ml ja lagi- kat sini xada kedai yg boleh refill air. Check point ke2 sapa yg x larat tu xleh guna perkhidmatan kuda dah. Bayaran kuda rm80 ke check point pertama ja(beyal camp) one way. Elevation semakin meningkat, dada pun rasa sempit sbb x cukup oksigen, tips kalau letih kena ambik gmbar haaha. Masa ne xada org dah kena la minta tolong batu ambikkan haha.

Ne pic kat depan penginapan ja Menangis tgk view waktu pagi Ready untuk hiking ke base camp #payandtravelwithbrain #trippenuhnature Day4 Ne pic dean bilik ja #payandtravelwithbrain #trippenuhnature #trippertamapostcovid Hi hangpa TUnggu pic yg lagi best x heheh Lepas bfast terus start hiking hari ke2 Hanya berbekalkan 500ml air mineral lengang kangkung hahah- sbb x study pun track dia mcm mana. Ingatkan dekat rupanya jauh dan azap. DIa ada 3check point sblum smpai nanga parbat base camp. Hiking hari ne ditemani oleh guide yg bersenjata ya hehe. Wlpun sorang ja tapi akan join gan group mat/mek salleh dan local pakistan. Semua 12 org. Aku sorang ja yg konon2 hebat xbawa full preparation air yg cukup, makanan haha. Sbb kat check point ada air dan maggie boleh beli sbb tu xmau bawak- tera nak smpai satu check point pun azap haha.

Mcm biasa la kan sambil hiking ambik pic Letak la timer kat celah2 batu pokok hahaha Best hiking dengan suhu yg sejuk Masa ne bawa air 500ml ja haha- sbb cuaca x panas xada la dehydrated sgt. Finally sampai jugak di penempatan fairy meadows Jarak 13km 1jam 42min Smpai puncak suhu dah 5C sejuk gedik View mmg x mengecewakan Esok akan sambung untuk hiking ke basecamp plak- selalu org malaysia smpai sini ja 😂. Separuh nyawa hilang x hiking ke sini- xpun Untuk beginer ok ja kalo nak hiking x susah mana pun. Kat penginapan ne xada heater, xada air panas, so tido jalah x mandi sejukk. Esok pagi baru mandi haha.

Pakistan has the most number of glaciers on earth with a total number of 7253.. The glaciers are melting fast and can become an epicentre of floods. Glaciers in Pakistan. A view from flight ✈️…. #flood #pakistan #climatechange

📍The magical lake is situated in Northern areas of Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan province. It is said to be deep in both the physical depth and its effects On human body.❤️❤️❤️❤️ 📍Tourists from around the world nourishes thier skin cells and souls when they take a dip or jump in from near by rocks to experience adrenaline rush feeling alongwith the mesmerizingly magical soothing effect of its water.💖💖💖💖 📍Gilgit Baltistan has a number of hotels and restaurants options and is easily accessible through air ans road. A must travel and experience for any traveler.📍📍📍📍 #passionpassport #vlogger #grouptravel

The beautiful gilgit, a wonderful place, a must visit, green lush and clear atmosphere. Weather, good roads and hotels and rivers, are worth watching and must exploring. #springblossoms#roadtrip#urbanexplorer#awesomepic#couplestrip

a road trip from China to Pakistan for the most highest and economical way of trading route for the world from China. and the most important the heart touching views of Qarakuram road trip. #tripaway#triplocal

We visited Kalash, crossed the stunning Shandur Pass, and eventually reached Gilgit. It was truly an unforgettable trip. The views were breathtaking, the food was amazing—everything was fantastic. All the arrangements were well-handled, ensuring the journey was smooth and enjoyable. A heartfelt thanks to Sarosh for enhancing the experience and managing everything so efficiently. We deeply appreciate it! Pakistan is incredibly beautiful, and the hospitality was exceptional.

We took off from Islamabad early in the morning, landed in Skardu, and immediately jumped into our car for a seven-hour road trip. The road wound its way up the mountains, flanked by towering, rugged rock formations, layers of reddish-brown and dark gray exposed rock faces, with a roaring river flowing below. Every turn felt like stumbling into a breathtaking landscape—magnificent, yet imbued with a primal, desolate beauty. We stopped briefly in Gilgit to see the Kargah Buddha, a rock face carved into the cliffside. This statue, dating back to the 7th century Gandhara civilization, has stood silently along the ancient Silk Road for over a millennium. At the foot of the mountain, locals sat in small groups under the shade of trees, chatting and relaxing, while children chased each other in the stream. There were no tourists jostling around; history and everyday life blended seamlessly together. The brief stop became the most tender moment of the entire day's journey. Continuing along the rocky mountain road, we stopped to take photos at the Rakaposhi viewpoint—the snow-capped peak rose abruptly from the barren mountains, dazzlingly white. After winding through mountains and valleys, we finally arrived in Hunza, a valley embraced by the entire Karakoram range. When the endless snow-capped peaks truly filled the view, the mountains gently enveloping us, and the fatigue accumulated from the day's journey was suddenly soothed by this vast and pristine landscape. In Hunza, we checked into the Offto Resort Hunza. The small garden had a pond, with the snow-capped mountains behind it, creating a sense of secluded tranquility. The rooms had private terraces, offering direct views of the snow-capped peaks without even leaving the room. The moment I drew back the curtains in the morning, the entire mountain range stretched before me, and even my breathing slowed down. The service was also warm; the staff's smiles were genuine, without any forced formalities. The hotel's homemade freshly squeezed apple juice, made from apples grown on their own farm, was sweet and refreshing. Sitting on the terrace, sipping it while gazing at the snow-capped mountains, I felt that all the hardships of the journey were worthwhile.

#worthitornot #underratedspots #travel2026 worthitornot? Let’s gooo! Because Tagharif (aka Tagha Fari / Minapin), sitting pretty in Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, is an absolute *jaw-dropper* 🤩 and one of those places you NEED on your bucket list. Here’s why everyone agrees the base camp vibe here is 100% : Major Highlights and Attractions: Rakaposhi Base Camp (Tagha Fari): Imagine yourself chilling at 4,000 meters altitude, standing RIGHT at the foot of the legend itself: Mount Rakaposhi—aka Dumani, “Mother of Mist” (7,788 meters)! This is a trekker’s dream scene, complete with wild mountain air and next-level selfie backgrounds. Minapin Glacier Adventure: The hike up? Major adventure vibes only. You’ll trek alongside the mind-blowing Minapin Glacier, which makes the path as rewarding as the final view. It’s icy, it’s dramatic, it’s pure mountain magic. Out-of-this-world Autumn Views: Can you say *color explosion*? 🍂 Between late October and early November, catch the insane contrast of golden-yellow leaves popping against fresh white glaciers. The whole valley goes full insta-mode! Fruit Orchard Paradise: Get ready to snack as you wander—cherries, apples, and apricots grow everywhere! Depending on when you visit, the air smells impossibly sweet, and the trees are dripping with fresh picks. Local Culture & Epic Hospitality: Your heart will melt as fast as glacier ice meeting the sun—the Burusho and Shina-speaking locals are superstar hosts, always down to share walnuts, apricots, and some of that famous mountain tea. A wholesome win. Tips for Travelers: Location: Tagha Fari is easy to reach from Minapin village, sitting just off the famous Karakoram Highway (N-35) in Nagar District, north of Gilgit. Pin this spot on your map if you’re road tripping in the mountains! Best Time to Go: Mid-April to September = perfect weather for trekking and chilling. But if you want the iconic autumn vibes (seriously, people travel just for this), late October is when the valley turns gold. Opening Hours: Nature is always open, but start your hikes early for the best views and safest timing. How to Book: For comfy stays in Minapin village or guided adventures, check trip.com for hotel options or mountain guides in the area! No stress, let trip.com sort your base camp plans. ✨ Snapshot Summary: If you want golden leaves, glaciers, epic culture, and off-the-grid vibes, the Tagha Fari base camp experience is total main character energy. Add this gem to your adventure list—sooo !

Fairy Meadows is one of Pakistan’s most breathtaking natural destinations, renowned for its lush alpine meadows, pristine landscapes, and panoramic views of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain. Nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, this serene paradise offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts. Surrounded by dense pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks, Fairy Meadows provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience spectacular sunrises, starlit skies, and the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas. Its tranquil atmosphere and extraordinary scenery make it one of the most captivating mountain destinations in the world.

Northern Pakistan is a mountainous paradise surrounded by the Himalayas 🏔️. It features stunning glaciers and turquoise lakes along the Karakoram Highway, which is renowned as one of the world's most dangerous yet breathtakingly scenic routes 🚌🛣️. We went into this trip without high expectations, but it turned out to be an unforgettable journey. The locals are incredibly sweet, kind, and hospitable. The nature is absolutely pristine, and the views are spectacular—truly a million-star experience. We couldn't stop saying "beautiful" 💫. 🌲 Key Attractions: 𝙊𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙠 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙: The ancient trade route. 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧: A vibrant blue stream surrounded by mountains glowing in orange and yellow autumn foliage, looking just like a masterpiece 🏞️. 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮: An ancient town tucked away in one of the world's most stunning and pollution-free mountain ranges. It’s also famous as a Blue Zone where residents boast an impressive life expectancy, averaging 85 to 120 years! 𝙀𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙠: Known as the "Roof of Hunza" ⛰️ atop Duiker peak. Here, you get a panoramic view of the valley, the river, five world-class mountain peaks, and the famous Lady Finger Peak. 𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙩: An ancient fort in Hunza offering majestic, bird's-eye views of the town, river, and surrounding mountains 🏰. 𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙧: A fascinating black glacier formed by millennia of ice accumulation turning into rock-hard formations. 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 - 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙇𝙖𝙠𝙚 - 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪 𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙧: Home to the iconic sawtooth mountains and a magnificent white glacier. You need to take a van up and then hike for about 2-3 kilometers. The views are absolutely jaw-dropping—definitely a must-see ‼️ 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙇𝙖𝙠𝙚: A breathtaking turquoise lake created by a massive landslide over a decade ago. There are plenty of fun activities here, like jet skiing and boating 🛶. 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡: Ancient Buddhist rock carvings along the banks of the Indus River. 𝙃𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚: Often dubbed the most dangerous suspension bridge in the world 🌁. 𝙆𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙝 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙝𝙖: A magnificent Buddha statue carved into a cliff face dating back to the 7th century (a reminder of the region's Buddhist past). 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮: Located in Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as the world's first Buddhist university. 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙟𝙞𝙙: The largest and most beautiful mosque in South Asia, and the 6th largest in the world 🕌. 𝙆𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙟𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨: The highest border crossing in the world, connecting Pakistan and China. (Sadly, we had to skip this as heavy snowfall made the pass inaccessible). 🚗 Domestic Transportation: · We booked a private tour and traveled in a minibus the entire time. Our driver was incredibly skilled. Despite the winding roads, none of us got carsick. I felt completely safe even when we were hugging cliff edges, driving over waterfalls, or navigating sketchy dirt paths, lol 🤣. 🛂 Tourist Visa: · You can easily apply online. It’s super convenient—ours was approved in just about 3 days. 💰 Expenses: · International Flights: Thai Airways direct flight from Bangkok to Islamabad costs between 11,000-24,000 THB, depending on when you book. · Private Tour: $900 USD per person (covers accommodation, meals, and transportation). · Visa Fee: $25 USD for a single entry. · Pocket Money 💸: We converted THB to USD back home and then exchanged it for Pakistani Rupees (PKR) with our guide (Exchange rate: $1 USD = 210 PKR). Over 8 days, we spent less than $100 USD, mostly on tips for the driver and guide, restroom fees, souvenirs, snacks, and coffee. Any leftover rupees can be exchanged back with the guide! 🤎 Additional Tips & Recommendations: · If you're planning to visit Fairy Meadows (literally heaven on earth ☁️), June to July is the best time for great weather and clear skies. · Highly recommended hotels for great views, lovely staff, cleanliness, and delicious food: Hard Rock Hotel and Hilltop Hunza ✨. · Women should dress modestly when visiting sacred sites. Make sure to wear a headscarf (hijab) when entering mosques, and avoid wearing revealing clothes while exploring the towns 🧕🏻. · The AIS SIM2Fly only works decently in Islamabad. Once you enter the Gilgit-Baltistan region, you definitely need to buy a local "mountain SIM" from SCOM 4G 📲, as it’s the only network that gets any signal up there. · We struggled a bit with the local food, which mostly consists of chicken, beef, yak, curries, and naan 🍗🍕. If you’re a picky eater, definitely pack plenty of snacks and instant noodles (just remember, no pork allowed in the country!). · Fresh local apples 🍎 and apricots are insanely delicious. Do not miss them! · Best souvenirs to bring home: Cashmere scarves, nuts, carpets, tea, and Himalayan pink salt. · Packing essentials: Hiking boots, universal adapters, wet wipes, a good windbreaker, and a personal first-aid kit, as pharmacies are hard to find in the mountains. Most importantly, bring Diamox if you're prone to altitude sickness—it’s a lifesaver 😷. · Travel insurance is a must! Since most attractions are in deep valleys, the weather is unpredictable and itineraries often change. We had to skip several spots due to bad weather. We were originally supposed to take a domestic flight ✈️ from Islamabad to Gilgit, but it was canceled due to poor conditions. Be mentally prepared for a 50/50 chance of flights getting canceled. Because of this, we had to endure a 16-hour drive through the mountains instead. It was the longest car ride of my life, but safety comes first 😭😂. If you’ve read this far, you probably realized that hidden behind all this beauty is a fair bit of roughing it. It was definitely a bit of an adventure trip! We dealt with sub-zero temperatures 🥶❄️, rode in a car for at least 4-5 hours daily, ate repetitive meals that weren't totally to our liking, used less-than-ideal public restrooms, and survived with no hot water, weak heaters, and barely any cell service. It's like getting an unintentional social detox. Disconnecting from the outside world allowed us to fully soak in the endless, majestic landscapes. We connected with the people right in front of us, building great friendships and helping each other out when things didn’t go as planned. Honestly, this trip was so heartwarming and deeply inspiring that I’d love to return to the embrace of these mountains all over again ❤️😊 tour travel

Hunza Pavilion by Lal Shahzadi is seriously a hidden gem you can’t afford to miss while exploring Hunza! 🌄✨ This cozy spot is famous for its authentic Hunza cuisine and chill, homely vibes. You’ll find it located centrally in Karimabad, Hunza (address: Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan), making it super easy to drop by after a day of epic sightseeing. What really makes this place special is the owner, Lal Shahzadi herself. Lal Shehzadi is a truly inspirational personality. Having grown up in Karimabad, Hunza, she identified an opportunity in the local agricultural sector and pushed herself to become an expert in the field. Now working at a Local Support Organization, she also volunteers as a master trainer in agriculture for the locals and is beginning her own business in organic farming. The restaurant is usually open from midday to late evening—think 12:00 PM to around 10:00 PM (but always double-check, especially during festivals or off-season). It’s a chill spot to relax, refuel, and soak up the local culture. Pro tip: Don’t miss her signature apricot soup or the legendary Hunza bread. They’re both sooo good! If you’re hunting for authentic flavors and a cozy, feel-good vibe in Hunza, Hunza Pavilion by Lal Shahzadi absolutely deserves a spot on your foodie bucket list. Trust me, this is one place you’ll want to visit again and again! 😋

Attabad Lake in Hunza, Pakistan is seriously next-level gorgeous and 💙 you totally have to see it for yourself! I spent 2 days here and honestly, every moment was magical. The water is this unreal turquoise blue—I’m talking major photo ops for your feed 📸. Quick deets if you’re planning: Attabad Lake is located about 20 km from Karimabad in the breathtaking Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. You can easily get here by car, and the drive along the Karakoram Highway is an adventure itself. 🚗✨ When you arrive, rent a boat and sail across those crystal-clear waters for vibes you’ll never forget. There are a few lakeside cafes where you can grab chai or some delicious Hunza bites—perfect spot to chill and soak in the views. 😍 Pro tip: Visit between May and October for the best weather. The lake is open 24/7, but daytime is prime time for those killer mountain reflections! 🌄 If you’re putting together your Pakistan bucket list, Attabad Lake is a MUST. Trust me, it’s sooo worth it! For easy trip planning, check out trip.com to book your stay nearby and make your Hunza adventure effortless.

Nestled at the foot of the mighty Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest mountain, Fairy Meadows is one of Pakistan's most breathtaking travel destinations. Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, this alpine paradise is renowned for its lush green meadows, dense pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and panoramic mountain views. Whether you're a passionate trekker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking to escape into nature, Fairy Meadows offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. #travel#localfood

If you ever find yourself exploring Hunza, you absolutely HAVE to stop by the legendary Passu Cones! trust me, your Insta will thank you later! This view is seriously unreal 🤩, with those dramatic, ultra-pointy peaks that look straight out of a fantasy movie. It's a top-tier spot for jaw-dropping photos, so make sure your phone is charged! While you're there, don't miss a peek at the famed Old Silk Route winding through the valley below. You'll feel like an explorer discovering a hidden gem, with scenes even your camera can’t do justice. Quick details: Location: Passu Cones, Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (about 20 km from Gulmit, Hunza) Best time to visit: April to October for clear skies and breathtaking mountain views, sunrises and sunsets are next-level! If you need to plan your stay or check out local tours, you can find awesome deals on trip.com. Grab your travel buddies, bring your best selfie game, and prepare for those legendary mountain vibes!