Gilgit: Gateway to the Majestic Northern Pakistan

• Helloسلام
  [Salaam]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [Khuda Hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [Haan]
• Noنہیں
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [Barah-e-karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [Shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعذرت
  [Mazrat]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں، آپ؟
  [Theek hoon, aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [Kya aap angrezi boltay hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دیکھنا ہے
  [Barah-e-karam menu dekhna hai]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [Main gosht nahi khata]
• Cheers!خوش رہیں!
  [Khush rahain!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم ادا کرنا ہے
  [Barah-e-karam ada karna hai]

• Help!مدد!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!چلے جاؤ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہو گیا ہوں
  [Main gum ho gaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [Main beemar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [Main khareedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?اس کی قیمت کیا ہے؟
  [Is ki qeemat kya hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [Yeh bohat mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟
  [Kya aap qeemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [Waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [Ek bajay hain]
• Half past (10)دس بجے نصف گزر چکے ہیں
  [Das bajay nisf guzar chuke hain]
• Morningصبح
  [Subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningشام
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayگزشتہ دن
  [Guzishta din]
• Todayآج
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [Kal]
• 1ایک
  [Ek]
• 2دو
  [Do]
• 3تین
  [Teen]
• 4چار
  [Char]
• 5پانچ
  [Paanch]
• 6چھے
  [Chhe]
• 7سات
  [Sat]
• 8آٹھ
  [Aath]
• 9نو
  [Nau]
• 10دس
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...
  [Kahan hai...]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں؟
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (سے ...)
  [Ek ticket (se ...)]

Gilgit has been a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a key trade route between China and the West. Traders and caravans traveling along this route often passed through Gilgit, making it a melting pot of cultures, religions, and goods. The remnants of Buddhist stupas and petroglyphs in the region bear testimony to this vibrant interchange.

Gilgit is home to an extensive collection of rock carvings, some dating back to the 1st millennium BC. These carvings, found in various locations like Chilas and Hunza, depict scenes of hunting, religious motifs, and inscriptions in Kharosthi script. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and beliefs of the ancient people who lived here.

Discovered in the 1930s, the Gilgit Manuscripts are some of the oldest Buddhist texts in existence, dating back to the 5th to 6th centuries AD. These manuscripts, written in Sanskrit, offer invaluable insights into the religious and cultural practices of that era. They are currently housed in the National Archives of India, the British Library, and various other institutions.

For centuries, Gilgit was ruled by local chieftains known as Rajas. These rulers maintained a feudal system, with their power often contested by neighboring states and empires. The Rajas of Gilgit played a significant role in regional politics, engaging in alliances and conflicts with the rulers of Kashmir, Baltistan, and Chitral.

In the late 19th century, Gilgit came under British influence as part of the Great Game between the British and Russian Empires. The British established the Gilgit Agency in 1877 to counter Russian advances in Central Asia. This period saw the construction of strategic roads and forts, as well as the introduction of modern administrative practices.

Following the partition of British India in 1947, Gilgit became part of the newly formed Pakistan. The region has since experienced significant political and social changes, including efforts to integrate it more closely with the rest of the country. Despite these changes, Gilgit has managed to preserve its unique cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Gilgit is accessible via Gilgit Airport, which has daily flights from Islamabad. The flight offers stunning views of the Karakoram Range. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private car to travel by road from Islamabad, which takes approximately 15-18 hours via the Karakoram Highway. During summer months, you can also travel via the Babusar Pass route, which is shorter but only open from June to September.

Gilgit has a variety of transportation options including taxis, vans, and motorbikes for hire. Public buses are available for intercity travel to nearby towns and valleys. Renting a car with a driver is a convenient option for tourists wanting to explore the region at their own pace. Bicycles can also be rented for local sightseeing within Gilgit city.

The official currency in Gilgit is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). While some hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, cash is the preferred mode of payment in most local businesses. ATMs are available but can be unreliable, so it's wise to carry sufficient cash. Currency exchange services are available at local banks and some hotels.

Gilgit is generally a safe destination but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables secure. Certain areas, especially those close to the Line of Control, have higher security risks and should be avoided. Always check travel advisories and stay updated on the local situation.

In case of emergencies, dial 1122 for immediate assistance. Gilgit has a hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. For serious medical issues, air evacuation to Islamabad may be necessary.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, including removing shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'As-Salamu Alaykum'. A handshake is common among men. Women may prefer a verbal greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gilgit like a local, visit the local markets such as the Gilgit Bazaar, where you can buy traditional handicrafts and local produce. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and history. Don't miss visiting the Kargah Buddha, a historic rock carving, and the scenic Naltar Valley for its beautiful lakes and skiing opportunities.