Gilgit City

For quite some time now, we’ve been planning to visit the northern areas of Gilgit Baltistan. Sometimes the schedule was tough to make out time and sometimes our budget didn’t support. Finally we managed both and embarked on our journey towards Gilgit. We left at 8:00pm by bus via KKH (Karakoram Highway). More than half of the route was covered in dark and at almost 9am we stopped at Chalas for breakfast.

There we had tea and anda paratha. Food was ok for the place. After taking half an hour break, we continued our journey amongst the gigantic Rocky Mountains with river flowing on one side of the steep road. It was somewhat scary but for us, it was quite an experience and fun. Weather was hot as was everywhere in Punjab and other surrounding regions of lower altitude. It was 28^th June on the day and an obvious hot summer throughout the way.

It was getting boring and we were anxiously waiting for us to reach Gilgit city bus station as soon as possible. Finally by 11:30am, we reached there and waited for the person who had to host us. It took us pretty long so we waited at the nearby restaurant. They were expensive, especially for those who had visited for the first time and were not aware of the native language. They mug you in whatever way they can; both, your guide as well as the hotels. Overall services were good but I believe one must have a known reference there before visiting the place. Place is good and has scenic views to offer, but there you start comparing the place with Naran Kaghan, Naltar, Phandar and other such places in the vicinity. I don’t know if that is gonna happen with everyone who visits Gilgit city or did it happen only with us but overall I would rate the place 8/10.

Rating

Site: 8/10

Accessibility: 8/10

Services: 7/10

Staff: 8/10

Market: 9/10

Residents: 8/10

Resourcefulness: 9/10