Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan (Urdu : گلگت بلتستان) (formerly known as the Northern Areas) is the northernmost political entity under the administrative control of Pakistan. According to Pakistan's constitution, Gilgit-Baltistan is an autonomous region separate from Pakistan itself, and its inhabitants have never had any representation in Pakistan's parliament.

K2 2006 b - Majestic K2

Three mountain ranges meet here — the Karakoram and the Himalaya, and the Hindu Kush — and the area is a "mountain paradise" for mountaineers, trekkers, and tourists. The region has some of the world's highest mountains, including five peaks over 8,000 meters, many over 7,000, and the largest glaciers outside the polar region. For comparison, neither Western Europe nor the lower 48 US states have anything that reaches 5,000 m, nothing anywhere in Russia or North America is over 6250, and the highest peak of the Andes is just under 7000.

Gilgit-Baltistan is bestowed with some of the greatest bounties of Nature. Tourists from all over the world have a great attraction toward this region because of its beautiful valleys, plains, peaks and legacy sites. Location of some of the highest mountains on Earth including K-2. Trekking to Concordia (the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier) and the great Baltoro Muztagh, a sub-range of the Karakoram.

Gilgit-Baltistan Halal Travel Guide

Rakaposhi 3 - Rakaposhi in the Nagar Valley Gilgit, now the administrative center of this region, was an important city on the Silk Road through which Buddhism was spread from India to the rest of Asia. A large number of Sanskrit Buddhist texts, including the long version of the Heart Sutra have been unearthed in Gilgit. The Dards and Cizinas also appear in many of the old Pauranic lists of peoples, with the former finding mention in Ptolemy's accounts of the region. Two famous travellers, Faxian and Hsuan Tsang, are known to have traversed Gilgit as per their accounts. The old Silk Road route through Gilgit is now the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Gilgit was ruled for centuries by the local Trakane Dynasty, which came to an end in about 1810. The area descended into internecine turmoil before being occupied by the Sikhs in 1842. It was ceded to Jammu in 1846. Gilgit's inhabitants drove their new rulers out in an uprising in 1852. The Khushwakhte Dynasty of Yasin and Gulapure led the people of Gilgit to drive out the Dogra rulers. After Yasin was conquered by the Katur Dynasty of Chitral and the power of the Khushwakhte was crushed. The rule of Jammu was restored in 1860. Gilgit came under British rule in 1889, when it was unified with neighboring Hunza and Nagar in the Gilgit Agency. When British rule came to an end in 1947 and the region was briefly handed back to the maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, it came under (Pakistani) control. To this day, Gilgit-Baltistan remains part of the Kashmir dispute and India considers it a (Pakistani)-occupied part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gilgit-Baltistan covers an area of 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and is extremely mountainous.

North Pakistan is a large, remote province, with 3 administrative divisions:Baltistan Division, Brooshal Division, Dardistan Division.

Local Language in Gilgit-Baltistan

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan spoken throughout Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, as the lingua franca. The local languages are Shina, Balti, Khowar, Wakhi and Burushaski. As elsewhere in Pakistan, English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.

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Cities

• Gilgit is a major town on the Karakoram Highway
• Skardu - Home to some of the World's highest mountain peaks, glaciers, forts, museums and resorts
• Khaplu
• Hunza along the Karakoram Highway before entering China.
• Chilas

More Destinations

• Deosai National Park
• Fairy Meadows is a point where three famous mountain ranges meet - the Himalayas and the Karakorams and the Hindukush
• Khunjerab National Park is a park around the Khunjerab Pass where the Karakoram Highway crosses the Pakistan-China border
• Punial valley}}: Sher Qillah is the main village of the picturesque Punial valley. One of the biggest villages by area is Hatoon.
• Rama lake - offers an awe-inspiring view of the eastern side of Nanga Parbat, 8126 m high. For the adventure-loving tourist, hiker, angler, art-lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast and there are few places in the world that could compare with Gilgit.
• Rock carvings Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometers from Skardu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and a diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Nalah are also found.
• Singal This spot in the Punial valley offers ideal trout fishing opportunities.
• Kharmang valley

Travel to Gilgit-Baltistan

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gilgit-Baltistan

Arrive in Islamabad. Pakistan International Airlines offers daily flights between Gilgit and Islamabad. The flying time is roughly 50 minutes, and the flight is one of the most scenic flights in the world, as its route passes over Nanga Parbat, and the peak of the mountain is higher than the aircraft's cruising altitude.

PIA also offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Skardu and Islamabad. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and, in winters, flights are often delayed by several days. A flight delay generally means it'll fly out the next day - so it's often faster and more certain to travel by road.

By road

PakistanMixed050010 - Pakistan China border

The Karakoram Highway, once a minor Silk Road route, connects Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu, which are the two major hubs for mountaineering expeditions in the Northern Areas. The journey from Islamabad to Gilgit takes roughly 20-24 hours. Landslides on the Karakoram Highway are not uncommon, but bulldozers usually clear the road in a short time. The KKH connects Gilgit to Taxkorgan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, via Sust (the customs and health inspection post on the Pakistan side of the border) and the Khunjerab Pass and the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 m (15,397 feet).

If you are a group, you can book a van or a vehicle from the Islamabad airport, or a rental vehicle company from the central markets.

How to get around in Gilgit-Baltistan

Travel on a Bus in Gilgit-Baltistan

NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation), Silk Route Transport Corporation and several other transport companies offer bus and jeep transport service to the two hubs and to several other popular destinations, lakes, and glaciers in the area.

What to see in Gilgit-Baltistan

Nanga parbat abdul rafey - Nanga Parbat

Mountain peaks and glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the highest mountains in the world, including K2, Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat, and offer incredible trekking opportunities. In an area of about 500 kilometers in width and 350 kilometers in depth, is found the most dense collection of some of the highest and precipitous peaks in the world, boasting more than 700 peaks above 6000 m, and more than 160 peaks above 7000 meters.

Mountains

RakaposhiTagafari0889 - Rakaposhi Nameless Tower - The "Nameless Tower", which ironically is the peak's name.

Eighteen of the fifty highest peaks in the world are located in Gilgit-Baltistan. With their rank and they are:

1. K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), 2nd 8,611 meters.
2. Nanga Parbat, 9th, 8,125 m (28,250 feet)
3. Gasherbrum I, 11th, at 8,080 meters.
4. Broad Peak , 12th, 8,047 meters.
5. Gasherbrum II , 13th, 8,035 m
6. Gasherbrum III , 15th, 7,946 meters.
7. Gasherbrum VI, 17th, 7,932 meters.
8. Distaghil Sar , 19th, 7,884 meters.
9. Khunyang Chhish , 21st, 7823 meters.
10. Masherbrum , 22nd, 7,821 meters.
11. Batura Sar , 25th, 7,795 meters.
12. Kanjut Sar , 26th, 7,788 meters.
13. Rakaposhi , 27th, 7,760 meters.
14. Saltoro Kangri , 31st, 7,742 meters.
15. Chogolisa , 36th, 7,498 meters.
16. Shispare , 38th, 7,611 meters.
17. Trivor , 39th, 7,577 meters.
18. Skyang Kangri , 44th 7,545 meters.

For comparison, Mont Blanc and the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is less than 5,000 m and Mount Whitney and the highest point in the 48 United States#Geography|contiguous United States, less than 4,500. This region has literally dozens of peaks higher than either of those.

Other mountains include e.g. the majestic Nameless Tower}}.

Glaciers

Three of the world's seven longest glaciers outside the polar regions are also in Gilgit-Baltistan: the Biafo Glacier and the Baltoro Glacier, and the Batura Glacier.

The Siachin Glacier is 75 km. The Hispar (53 kilometers) joins the Biafo at the Hispar La (5154.16 m (16,910 ft) to form an ice corridor 116.87 kilometers (72 mi) long. The Batura, too, is 58 kilometers in length. The most outstanding of these rivers of ice is the 62 kilometers Baltoro. This large glacier, fed by some 30 tributaries, has a surface area of 1291.39 km².

Lakes

Beauty4 - Beautiful Kachura Lake

There are several high-altitude lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sheosar Lake in Deosai Plains Satpara Lake in Skardu

• Katchura Lake in Skardu Borith Lake in upper Hunza Attabad Lake in upper Hunza Rama Lake near Astore Rush Lake near Nagar
• Kromber Lake in Kromber Pass daholy lake in khaplu ghenche lake in khaplu

rkhulong lake in khaplu

Forts

1. khaplu fort
2. shigar fort
3. Ondra fort

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gilgit-Baltistan

• Karakoram Air Safari is the most scenic air journey starting from Islamabad by Pakistan International Airlines.
• Mountaineering, trekking and hiking. The area is ideal for these. Permission for mountaineering and trekking in the restricted zone it issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.
• Fishing: at Satpara Lake (8 kilometers) and Kachura Lake 932 kilometers) from Skardu abound in trout. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.
• Flora and fauna: Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees are found in abundance. Apples, united-kingdom/dried-apricots-5/ Apricots, peaches, plums, mulberries, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.
• Wildlife: Baltistan boasts wildlife like markhors, ibexes, snow leopards and birds, namely chakors, partridges and ducks. Most of the animals and birds are protected but limited shooting is allowed. Hunting permits are issued by the local administration.
• Biking
• Eco tours at different National parks
• Skiing
• Polo Attend Shandur Polo festival

Halal Restaurants

Most of the top end restaurants are located in Hotels.

• Cafe De Hunza is a small but cosy cafe located in Karimabad town in the Hunza Valley. It offers a wide range of local foods, coffee and pancakes. The Cafe has its own small library filled with maps and travel related books and magazines.
• Hunza Cuisine is located at Karimabad Zero Point in the Hunza Valley. The restaurant offers Hunza traditional foods.
• Baltit Fort Cafe is a new addition to the Baltit Fort in the Hunza Valley. A number of local, (Pakistani) and continental foods are prepared upon order.
• Pagoda Restaurant, offers a sumptuous Chinese cuisine. The Pagoda is on an island amidst the Honeymoon Lake linked to the Shangrila Resort by a short bridge.
• The Lake View Restaurant gives a panoramic view of the Shangrila Resort and offers (Pakistani) and Continental cuisine.
• Tandoori Village offers a taste of ancient old recipes, Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kababs, Mutton Tikkas, Grilled Fish with home made tandoori rooti. Enjoy the out door feast under the stars in a traditional atmosphere.
• Cafe DC-3 This code name of original DC-3 Aircraft was Alph Alpha Foxtrot (AAF) . This unique cafe is one of its kind. Situated in an airplane, which crash landed on the riverbed and was brought to the present site in the 50s. It offers a variety of Snacks and cabin crew hospitality.
• Chalt Tourist Inn is located in Chalt Nagar. It offers a variety of Snacks and cabin crew hospitality.
• Haji Ramazan Hotel is located in Gilgit city where fresh (Pakistani) foods are prepared on order.

Bars are located in most of the top end hotels.

Avoid drinking tap water. Locals usually drink water from streams, but that can be unsafe for some people due to its minerals which may not suit you. So only drink bottled water, which is easily available all over.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gilgit-Baltistan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gilgit-Baltistan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gilgit-Baltistan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gilgit-Baltistan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gilgit-Baltistan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gilgit-Baltistan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gilgit-Baltistan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gilgit-Baltistan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gilgit-Baltistan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gilgit-Baltistan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gilgit-Baltistan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gilgit-Baltistan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gilgit-Baltistan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gilgit-Baltistan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Gilgit-Baltistan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Gilgit-Baltistan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Gilgit-Baltistan Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gilgit-Baltistan

eHalal Group Gilgit-Baltistan is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gilgit-Baltistan. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gilgit-Baltistan.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gilgit-Baltistan ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gilgit-Baltistan. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gilgit-Baltistan are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Stay Safe

Security-wise, Gilgit-Baltistan is considered to be one of the safest regions under (Pakistani) control, but some parts of it are off-limits to tourists, especially the buffer zone along the "Line of Control" that divides the Indian- and (Pakistani)-controlled parts of Kashmir. District headquarter hospitals are present in Gilgit, Skardu, Khaplu (Ghache District), Chilas (Diamer), Ghazin (Gahkuch).

Telecommunications in Gilgit-Baltistan

Mobile services are available in the area.

Call 1122 in-case of any emergency.

Travel Next

By road

To China: Thrice-weekly bus service was scheduled to begin crossing the border from Gilgit, to Kashgar, China, and road widening work was opened in600 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway. There were also plans for one daily bus in each direction between Sust and Taxkorgan in the border areas of the two countries.

To Islamabad: Via the Karakoram Highway, popularly known as the Silk Road.

To India: The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route and Wagah borders will allow you to visit India while the Kargil-Skardu road is closed.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan International Airlines offers daily flights between Gilgit Airport and Islamabad International Airport. The flying time is roughly 50 minutes, and the flight is one of the most scenic flights in the world, as its route passes over Nanga Parbat, with the peak of the mountain being higher than the aircraft's cruising altitude. PIA also offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Skardu and Islamabad. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.

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