The Gilgit Baltistan is the most enormous and charming region of Pakistan. It is here that the world’s three famous mountain ranges meet – the Himalayas, the Karakorum and the Hindukush. The whole Northern Pakistan has come to be known as a paradise for mountaineers, , trekkers, climbers, hikers and one of the best place for The Lovers of “Trout Fish”.It borders Pakistan’s KPK province to the west, Afghanistan’s to the north, China to the northeast, the Pakistani-administered state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) to the south, and the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast.
Before we start discussing about the awesome places of Gilgit Baltistan,an interesting thing is to share that how to travel towards Gilgit.YES! The Great karakoram comes into play. For exploration lovers, no road trip can possibly be as epic as traveling between Pakistan & China on the Karakoram Highway. Karakoram Highway was built in the 1960s to enhance trade links between Pakistan and China.The Karakoram Highway follows the path of the famous silk route, the olden trade route connecting China to as far as Europe and the Middle East, on which silk was traded. The highway starts at the Chinese city of Kashgar, and follows the silk route into Pakistan, joining the modern road network near Islamabad, the beautiful capital of Pakistan.
The journey begins From Islamabad but if are daring and want to enjoy your travel then travel by road not by air.The total distance between Islamabad and Gilgit s around 470 km and it will take at least 18-20 hours to reach there.but if you are so lucky than you will be at your destination within time otherwise you will enjoy your journey on great KKH.there are many bus services available for Gilgit like NATCO,mashabaroom,k2 etc.The NATCO bs service is being Run By the Govt. and it’s the best option available.
After leaving Islamabad The bus starts moving towards Hasanabdal and from there bus turns towards Abbotabad and mansehra and this is how the journey comes on it’s track..you have to show patience and be steady because journey is long but I can rest assure you that it’s goanna full of adventure.
when i was traveling on that time may be it was not a good day for me to travel.i was on NATCO and it broke down near Abbotabad,it took some 6-7 hours to replace the bus and i was just thinking that i have started a long journey and almost in the start i’m stuck in.but believe me if you are committed then you will enjoy this adventure.Bisham is also very beautiful place in the way.beautiful doesn’t mean that you find green landscapes there rather the roughness and greatness of barren mountains also give beauty.the great indus river is just flows on your side by side.If you are traveling on your own car etc you may have some rest at PTDC Bisham.it’s just on the Indus river’s bank.the evening of that spot is remarkable.the famous writer “Mustansar Hussian Tarar” has mentioned this spot at few
Occasions in his interviews.
One important thing to remember is that you never know that land sliding can pause your traveling any time.the best thing to you can do is to just pull out your dslr from camera bag and start taking the pics ,if not then music is a best friend when you feel lonely and bored.After Bisham you will be getting nearer to your destination,you will cross Chillas as well its also a some sort of Barren place.This Place Chillas is very famous for it’s dry fruits.After passing Chillas your destination is coming nearer.You start seeing differant mountains.some times barren sometimes you find few mountains full of snow but at very far distance.You will pass a place called “Jaglot” . It is situated 45 km south east of Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway.so you are very near to Gilgit.
After traveling so much,everyone get exhausted.but when you see this welcoming gate of Gilgit you simply forget the tough traveling you have made.it looks something like a dream comes to true that You are finaly on the land of heaven.YES! You are in Gilgit Baltistan.This journey will remain in your mind for decades.
