Gilgit

Gilgit is a mountain town in the north of Pakistan. Its ancient name was Sargain. Later on people started calling it Gilit. Today the locals call it Sargain-Gilit. Gilgit is spread over an area of 3800sq km (14700 sq mi) and has an altitude of 1500m (4900ft). It is famous as a major hub for traveling and mountaineering expeditions in Northern Pakistan.

In ancient times Gilgit was an important town on the Silk road. It name is also present in the accounts of well known travelers like Xuanzang and Faxian. Its rulers were once Hindu but about five and a half centuries ago the Muslim era began. In 1877 the British established Gilgit agency which in 1935 came under their control along with the valleys of Hunza, Nagar and Yasin. Gilgit became a part of Pakistan in 1947 and took an active part in 1947's war for Kashmir.

The attractions of the place include Kargah Buddah a 7th century rock with Buddah engraved on it's face, the valley of Naltar, 700 hundred years old monument of Taj Moughal,Hunza Valley, Ferry Meadows in Raikot, Shigar town, Skardu city, Haramosh Peak in Karakoram Range, Bagrot-Haramosh Valley, Deosai National Park, Astore Valley, Rama Lake, Juglot town, Phunder village, Yasin Valley and Kargah Valley.

Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road. The main bus stand is on the Karakoram Highway, and requires a taxi ride or shared jeep to reach from town. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses along the Karakoram Highway. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.

The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina, however, Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.