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Northern Areas
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Explore Pakistan's Northern Areas, from Hunza's orchards and ancient forts to Skardu's mountain valleys, glaciers and high-altitude wilderness.

The Northern Areas is the historic and still widely used travel name for Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan's mountainous far north. It is a region of immense geographical contrast: the Indus cuts through dry, deeply folded valleys; the Karakoram rises into some of the world's highest peaks; and irrigated settlements appear wherever glacial streams make cultivation possible. Gilgit, the regional capital, is an important road and air gateway, while Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche and Shigar each offer a different landscape and cultural character.
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The Karakoram is the region's defining presence. Around Hunza, bare peaks, apricot orchards and terraced villages frame the valleys of the Hunza and Nagar rivers. The upper Hunza settlements of Gulmit, Passu and Sost lie along the historic route towards the Khunjerab Pass, with dramatic mountain scenery and a strong connection to trans-Karakoram trade. Skardu and neighbouring Shigar open into broad, austere valleys leading towards Baltistan's great mountain wilderness, while Khaplu in the east combines cultivated slopes, old palaces and access to high trekking country.
Gilgit-Baltistan is not simply a landscape for mountaineering. Its archaeological and cultural inheritance includes Buddhist rock carvings, pre-Islamic traces, fortified settlements, historic palaces and remnants of the ancient Silk Roads. Baltit Fort and Altit Fort overlook the Hunza Valley, Shigar Fort reflects the architectural traditions of Baltistan, and the Manthal Buddha Rock near Skardu illustrates the region's place within the wider Buddhist world before Islam became dominant. Languages and traditions vary between valleys, including Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Wakhi and other local forms of speech alongside Urdu.
Travel here is shaped by altitude, weather and distance. Roads follow narrow river corridors, mountain passes can close with snow or landslides, and domestic flights may be disrupted by cloud or wind. The rewards are correspondingly distinctive: multi-day treks beneath Nanga Parbat or the Karakoram giants, jeep journeys across the Deosai Plateau, village walks among orchards and irrigation channels, and quiet evenings in high valleys where the light changes rapidly across the rock walls. Visitors should allow spare days, travel with current local advice and treat high-altitude environments with respect.

When is the best time to visit Northern Areas?

Best: June, August–September · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January630
February825
March1230
April1635
May2040
June (best)2545
July2850
August (best)2745
September (best)2440
October1635
November830
December425

Getting to and around Northern Areas

How to get there

The principal air gateways within Gilgit-Baltistan are Gilgit Airport and Skardu Airport, with domestic flights generally connecting from Islamabad; services are vulnerable to cloud, wind and seasonal disruption. By road, the Karakoram Highway links the region with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad through the Indus corridor, while the route via Babusar Pass offers a seasonal alternative when open. Islamabad is the main international gateway and lies outside the region. Travel towards Hunza, Gilgit and Skardu can take many hours or longer by road, so itineraries should not depend on tight connections.

Transportation

Road travel is the practical foundation of most journeys, using private cars, hired jeeps, shared vans and local buses. The Karakoram Highway serves the main corridor through Gilgit and Hunza, while rougher roads reach high valleys, trekking trailheads and parts of Baltistan. A local driver or experienced guide is useful for mountain routes, particularly where road conditions and river crossings change. Public transport is available between larger settlements but may be infrequent and crowded; taxis and jeeps are easier to arrange in towns. Cycling and walking are rewarding locally, but distances, traffic, altitude and limited roadside services require careful planning.

Top city travel guides in Northern Areas

The cities of Northern Areas, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Northern Areas

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Northern Areas

Gilgit-Baltistan's attractions range from accessible cultural sites to demanding high-altitude journeys. In Hunza, visitors can explore the restored Baltit and Altit forts, walk between orchard villages and view the dramatic peaks around Karimabad, Passu and Gulmit. Upper Hunza offers access to Attabad Lake, the settlements of Gojal and the route towards Khunjerab National Park, although journeys towards the frontier require current access information. Around Skardu, excursions include Satpara Lake, Manthal Buddha Rock, Shigar and the road towards Deosai National Park, whose broad plateau is known for immense open scenery and seasonal wildlife. Astore and the Raikot approach provide gateways to mountain country around Nanga Parbat, while Ghizer combines river valleys, lakes and quieter trekking routes. The region also supports mountaineering, multi-day trekking, jeep tours, village walks, birdwatching and photography. Conditions are highly seasonal, and many attractions require a local vehicle, guide or several days of travel rather than a simple urban excursion.

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Best landmarks in Northern Areas

Baltit Fort, above Karimabad in Hunza, is one of Gilgit-Baltistan's most recognisable historic structures, with a distinctive timber-and-masonry form shaped by Himalayan, Tibetan and Central Asian influences. Nearby Altit Fort stands above an older settlement and illustrates the defensive character of Hunza's historic ruling centres. In Baltistan, Shigar Fort combines a historic palace with local architecture and marks the entrance to a valley leading towards major mountain routes, while Khaplu Palace reflects the heritage of eastern Baltistan. Manthal Buddha Rock near Skardu is a major surviving reminder of the region's Buddhist past. The Karakoram Highway itself is a landmark of modern engineering as it follows the Indus and Hunza rivers through some of the world's most imposing mountain terrain. Natural landmarks include the granite towers around Passu, the broad Deosai Plateau, Satpara Lake and the high walls of the Hunza and Nagar valleys, whose visual character changes sharply with season and weather.

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Explore Northern Areas on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northern Areas

Dining in Gilgit-Baltistan is closely connected to altitude, irrigation and the produce that can be grown in sheltered valleys. Gilgit and Skardu have the broadest choice of restaurants, while Hunza offers cafés, guesthouse kitchens and small restaurants serving local and Pakistani dishes. Balti specialities include hearty broths, noodle and dumpling dishes, breads and meat-based meals suited to a cold mountain climate; recipes and names vary between communities. In Hunza and nearby valleys, apricots, apples, cherries, walnuts and dried fruit are prominent, while chapshuro, a filled pastry associated with the wider northern region, is widely encountered. Visitors may also find locally made jams, herbal teas and fruit products. Roadside eateries and village homes can provide simple meals, but opening arrangements and ingredients are less predictable outside the main towns. Vegetarian food is generally available, although menus may be limited on remote journeys, so carrying snacks is sensible.

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Best bars in Northern Areas

Nightlife in the Northern Areas is modest and generally centred on food, conversation and early-evening social life rather than clubs. Gilgit, Skardu and Hunza have cafés, hotel restaurants and guesthouses where visitors can meet guides or other travellers, while some establishments offer regional music or informal cultural performances. Traditional hospitality, tea and shared meals are more characteristic than alcohol-focused venues; alcohol is restricted under Pakistani law and should not be assumed to be available. In villages and trekking areas, evenings are quiet because of early starts, limited electricity or connectivity and the need to travel in daylight. Some tourist-oriented cafés in Hunza and Skardu stay open later during the main season, but hours are changeable. Respect local religious and social norms, particularly during Ramadan and in smaller communities.

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Best nightclubs in Northern Areas

Nightlife in the Northern Areas is modest and generally centred on food, conversation and early-evening social life rather than clubs. Gilgit, Skardu and Hunza have cafés, hotel restaurants and guesthouses where visitors can meet guides or other travellers, while some establishments offer regional music or informal cultural performances. Traditional hospitality, tea and shared meals are more characteristic than alcohol-focused venues; alcohol is restricted under Pakistani law and should not be assumed to be available. In villages and trekking areas, evenings are quiet because of early starts, limited electricity or connectivity and the need to travel in daylight. Some tourist-oriented cafés in Hunza and Skardu stay open later during the main season, but hours are changeable. Respect local religious and social norms, particularly during Ramadan and in smaller communities.

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Best shops in Northern Areas

Shopping in Gilgit-Baltistan is strongest in the bazaars of Gilgit, Karimabad, Aliabad and Skardu, where practical mountain goods sit alongside regional crafts and food products. Visitors can look for handwoven textiles, embroidered items, woollen garments, carved woodwork, traditional caps and locally made rugs, although quality and provenance vary. Hunza and Skardu are particularly associated with dried apricots, mulberries, cherries, walnuts, jams, honey and other valley produce, sold through small shops, cooperatives and market stalls. Baltistan is known for distinctive woven and embroidered traditions, while gemstone and mineral shops may display stones from the broader mountain region; ask about treatment, provenance and export rules before buying. Markets are useful for fruit, bread, spices and everyday supplies, but retail choice becomes limited in remote valleys. Bargaining may be appropriate in informal markets, whereas established shops generally set their own prices.

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Northern Areas essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Pakistani rupee, coded PKR. Larger hotels, established tour companies and some urban businesses may accept cards, but connectivity and card facilities are inconsistent outside Gilgit and Skardu. Contactless payment should not be assumed. Carry sufficient small-denomination rupee notes for transport, meals, guides, village accommodation and mountain districts, while keeping cash secure. Exchange facilities are more limited in remote valleys than in major Pakistani cities, and international visitors should not rely entirely on mobile payment applications.
Safety
The main practical risks are environmental rather than urban: landslides, falling rocks, narrow roads, sudden weather changes, river crossings, limited medical facilities and altitude-related illness. Use seat belts where available, avoid travelling on exposed roads during severe weather and follow local advice about closures. Trekkers should use qualified local support, register where required and carry appropriate clothing, navigation equipment and communications. Political and border conditions can change, particularly near the Line of Control and the Chinese frontier, so check current travel advice before departure and avoid restricted areas.
Emergency Situations
Pakistan's national police emergency number is 15, while 1122 is used for Rescue 1122 services where they operate, including emergency response in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Coverage and response times can be limited in high valleys, so do not treat a telephone call as a substitute for preparation. Ask accommodation providers or local guides about the nearest health facility before trekking, keep family or tour contacts informed of your route and carry essential medicines. For serious mountain travel, confirm whether evacuation, rescue and insurance arrangements are available before setting out.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in villages and around religious sites, covering shoulders and legs more fully than may be customary in resort areas. Remove shoes where requested, observe prayer spaces quietly and ask before photographing people, homes, military sites or government buildings. Pakistan's national etiquette includes respectful greetings, patience in shared transport and modest public behaviour; alcohol is restricted and should not be treated as part of ordinary local travel. Do not enter cultivated fields, disturb irrigation channels or leave rubbish on trails, and follow local instructions around checkpoints and sensitive border areas.
Local Tips
Allow separate time for Hunza and Baltistan rather than treating them as adjacent day-trip destinations: the roads are scenic but slow. Apricots, apples, cherries, walnuts and locally produced dried fruit are important regional products, while Balti food and breads vary from the cuisine of the western valleys. In the mountains, a sunny afternoon does not guarantee a clear road the following morning. Ask permission before entering village homes or photographing community gatherings, and use locally based guides where possible for trekking, cultural interpretation and transport beyond the main road.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloسلام[Salam]
Goodbyeخدا حافظ[Khuda Hafiz]
Yesجی ہاں[Ji haan]
Noنہیں[Nahin]
Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم/خوش آمدید[Barah-e-Karam/Khush Amadeed]
Thank youشکریہ[Shukriya]
Excuse me/Sorryمعاف کریں/معاف کیجیے[Maaf karein/Maaf kijiye]
How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟[Aap kaise hain?]
Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں، اور آپ؟[Theek hun, aur aap?]
Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟[Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آتا[Mujhe samajh nahin aata]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دکھائیں[Barah-e-Karam menu dikhain]
I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا[Main gosht nahin khata]
Cheers!چئیرز![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم میں ادا کرنا چاہوں گا[Barah-e-Karam main ada karna chahoon ga]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!مدد کریں![Madad karein!]
Go away!چلے جاؤ![Chalay jao!]
Call the Police!پولیس کو بلائیں![Police ko bulain!]
Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلائیں![Doctor ko bulain!]
I'm lostمیں کھو گیا ہوں[Main kho gaya hun]
I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں[Main bimaar hun]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...[Main khareedna chahta hun...]
I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں[Main sirf dekh raha hun]
How much is it?یہ کتنے کا ہے؟[Yeh kitne ka 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?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?کتنے بجے ہیں؟[Kitne baje hain?]
It's one o'clockیہ ایک بجے ہیں[Yeh aik baje hain]
Half past (10)ساڑھے (10)[Saadhe (10)]
Morningصبح[Subah]
Afternoonدوپہر[Dopahar]
Eveningشام[Shaam]
Yesterdayکل[Kal]
Todayآج[Aaj]
Tomorrowکل[Kal]
1ایک[Aik]
2دو[Do]
3تین[Teen]
4چار[Char]
5پانچ[Paanch]
6چھ[Chay]
7سات[Saat]
8آٹھ[Aath]
9نو[Nau]
10دس[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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 dikha sakte hain?]
When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟[Agle (bus) kab hai?]
A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (کی طرف)[Aik ticket (ki taraf)]

History of Northern Areas

Ancient Rock Carvings and Early Mountain Kingdoms

Gilgit-Baltistan has been inhabited and crossed for thousands of years. Rock carvings and inscriptions around the Indus and other valleys record travellers, animals, religious imagery and changing scripts, offering evidence of long-distance movement through the mountains. The region was never culturally isolated: routes linked the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia, the Tibetan plateau and the Tarim Basin. Local rulers governed small valleys and fortified settlements, while trade and seasonal movement connected communities across difficult passes. Much of this early history is known through archaeology, inscriptions and oral traditions rather than a single continuous political record.

Buddhist Influence and the Silk Road

From the early centuries of the first millennium, Buddhism became an important influence in parts of the region. Gilgit was associated with a significant Buddhist manuscript tradition, and carved images such as the Manthal Buddha Rock near Skardu demonstrate the religious and artistic connections that once extended through the mountain corridors. Traders, pilgrims and political envoys used routes through present-day Hunza, Gilgit and Baltistan, carrying beliefs, artistic styles and scripts as well as goods. Later Islamic traditions transformed the religious landscape, but Buddhist carvings and archaeological remains remain visible evidence of this earlier period.

Fortified Valleys and Local Rulers

For centuries, Gilgit-Baltistan consisted of several valley-based kingdoms and principalities, including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit and the Balti states of the east. Forts were built above cultivated settlements to protect ruling families, control access and represent authority. Baltit Fort and Altit Fort in Hunza, together with Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace in Baltistan, reflect different local architectural traditions shaped by the availability of stone, timber and adobe. Political power was closely connected to irrigation, agriculture, caravan routes and the ability to manage narrow mountain approaches.

Islamisation and Continuing Cultural Diversity

Islam spread through the valleys over several centuries through scholars, Sufi traditions, political relationships and wider links with surrounding regions. The process was gradual and varied: today Gilgit-Baltistan includes Sunni, Shia, Ismaili and Noorbakhshi Muslim communities, with local histories differing from one district to another. Religious change did not erase older cultural practices, languages or social structures. Festivals, music, architecture, foodways and village organisation continue to show the interaction between older mountain traditions and the Islamic cultures that became established across the region.

British Frontier Administration and the Karakoram Routes

During the nineteenth century, the expanding Sikh kingdom and then British India became increasingly involved in the politics of the mountain states. British frontier administration developed around Gilgit, while the region gained strategic importance because of its proximity to Central Asia, China and the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Treaties, political agents, local rulers and military posts reshaped older relationships between valleys. Roads and administrative communications improved in some areas, although the region remained remote and its economy continued to depend heavily on agriculture, pastoralism and local trade.

Partition, Conflict and Pakistan's Northern Areas

The political upheaval surrounding the end of British rule in 1947 profoundly affected the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gilgit and neighbouring areas changed political allegiance during the conflict that followed, and the territory subsequently became administered by Pakistan under the name Northern Areas. Its constitutional and political status has evolved over time, including the adoption of the name Gilgit-Baltistan in the twenty-first century. The Kashmir dispute still shapes some border arrangements and travel regulations, particularly near sensitive frontiers, so visitors should rely on current official guidance.

The Karakoram Highway and Modern Access

The Karakoram Highway transformed travel between Pakistan's northern mountains and the plains when it was developed through the late twentieth century in cooperation with China. Following the Indus and Hunza river corridors, it connected previously isolated settlements to larger markets and services while also creating a major route for tourism. Improved roads, domestic air links, mobile communication and education have changed everyday life, but geography remains powerful: landslides, snow, floods and long distances still affect movement. Tourism, mountaineering, horticulture and remittances now complement older agricultural economies.

Northern Areas in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northern Areas, Pakistan

Discover the best of Northern Areas, Pakistan with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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Unlock the secrets of Northern Areas, Pakistan with Evendo. From majestic mountains to vibrant markets, Evendo is your indispensable travel companion for an unforgettable adventure.

  • History and travel essentials of Northern Areas.
  • Local advice to maximize your trip experience.
  • Easy navigation through the app and destinations.
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide.

Imagine exploring the stunning Northern Areas of Pakistan with a guide that fits right in your pocket. Evendo is designed to help you make the most out of your trip by providing detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the majestic peaks of Nanga Parbat and the fairy-tale beauty of Fairy Meadows to the bustling markets of Gilgit and the serene lakes of Hunza, Evendo covers it all.

Planning your trip becomes a breeze with our rich set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. No more endless searches for what to see, do, or experience; with Evendo, you have everything you need in one place. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and effort.

Our app is packed with features like the history of Northern Areas, travel essentials, tons of local advice, and easy navigation to ensure you get the most out of your visit. With the 'Near Me' feature, you can easily see what's around you, no matter where you are. Curated local tips allow you to experience the destination like a true local.

Famous attractions such as Rakaposhi, Khaplu Palace, Altit and Baltit Forts, Passu Cones, and the lush green valleys of Skardu are all covered in our guide. Savor delicious local cuisine at renowned eateries like Hunza Cuisine, Yak Grill, and Gilgit Serena Hotel's restaurant.

Download Evendo today and embark on a journey through the Northern Areas of Pakistan that you'll never forget. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Evendo also covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel companion for every adventure.

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