Gilgit-Baltistan
Where the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayas converge — home to K2, 5,218 glaciers, ancient Silk Road cultures, the Himalayan ibex, and some of Earth's most dramatic landscapes.
🌡️ Live Weather
GILGIT CITY
SKARDU
District Map — Click to Explore
Population by District
Area by District (km²)
About Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan covers 72,971 km², bordering China via Khunjerab Pass (4,693m), India-administered Kashmir to the east, and Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the northwest. Three of the world's great mountain ranges — the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush — meet here.
Photo Gallery
Visual journey through GB. Click any photo to enlarge.
Major Peaks — Elevation Profile
Glacier Inventory
| Glacier | Length (km) | District | Status |
|---|
Climbing & Wildlife Facts
Monthly Climate Profile
Glacier Retreat Index 1990–2024
Temperature Anomaly vs 1990
District Multi-Hazard Risk Index (1–5)NDMA/PDMA 2023
Historical GLOF Events
| Year | Lake / Event | District | Impact | Risk |
|---|
Population by DistrictPBS 2022
Age StructureUNFPA 2022
Languages Spoken
Religion
Poverty Headcount by District (%)PPHS 2018/PSLM 2019-20
UN SDG ProgressUNDP 2023
Active Programs
| Program | Agency | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GBDP Phase II | World Bank | Infrastructure |
| WASH GB | UNICEF | Water/Sanitation |
| GLOF-II Project | UNDP/GCF | DRR/Climate |
| GB Education | Aga Khan | Education |
| BISP Expansion | GoP | Social Protection |
Key Poverty Indicators
🍑 Major Crops & Produce
Fruit Production by TypeDoA GB 2022
Seasonal Calendar
| Season | Activity | Key Crop |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Mar–May | Sowing, irrigation | Wheat, barley, potato |
| Summer Jun–Aug | Growth, orchards | Apricot, cherry, maize |
| Autumn Sep–Nov | Harvesting, drying | Apricot, walnut, grape |
| Winter Dec–Feb | Storage, livestock | Dried fruits export |
Historical Overview
GB has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, serving as a critical crossroads on the ancient Silk Road where Central Asian, South Asian, and Chinese civilisations met.
Timeline of Key Events
Ancient Rock Carvings
The Chilas-Shatial corridor contains over 50,000 carvings spanning 5,000 BCE to the 16th century. Scripts include Kharosthi, Brahmi, Sogdian, and Chinese. On Pakistan's UNESCO Tentative List.
Historic Forts & Heritage
| Site | Era | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Baltit Fort, Hunza | 8th c. CE | UNESCO Restored |
| Altit Fort, Hunza | 11th c. | AKTC Restored |
| Shigar Fort | 17th c. | Heritage Hotel |
| Khaplu Palace | 19th c. | AKTC Restored |
| Chilas Rock Art | 5000 BCE+ | UNESCO Tentative |
🎭 Cultural Highlights
Peoples & Ethnic Communities
| Community | Region | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Shina | Gilgit, Diamer | Shina (Indo-Aryan) |
| Balti | Skardu, Ghanche | Balti (Tibetan family) |
| Burusho | Hunza, Nagar | Burushaski (isolate) |
| Wakhi | Upper Hunza | Wakhi (Iranian) |
| Khowar | Ghizer | Khowar (Indo-Aryan) |
Major Festivals
| Festival | When | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shandur Polo | July | World's highest polo ground (3,700m) |
| Navroz | March 21 | Persian New Year (Ismaili communities) |
| Jashn-e-Baharan | March/April | Spring festival, cherry blossoms |
| Ginani | October | Ancient harvest festival, pre-Islamic |
| Baltistan Polo Cup | September | Traditional polo in Skardu |
Interactive Tourist Map
Visitor Trends 2015–2023
Tourism by Category
Top Destinations
| Destination | District | Type | Best Season | Elevation |
|---|
Community Blog
Stories, insights, and discoveries from explorers, locals, and researchers of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Create an account to write blog posts and connect with the GB community.
🏥 Health Advisory
🏔️ Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Risk above 2,500m. Ascend slowly. Diamox recommended.
☀️ UV Radiation — Very high at altitude. SPF 50+ essential.
💧 Water Safety — Drink boiled/treated water only.
🌡️ Temperature Swings — 20°C+ difference day/night. Layer clothing.
🏥 Hospitals — DHQ in Gilgit and Skardu. AKHS clinics in Hunza.
📋 Requirements & Tips
📄 NOC — Required for restricted areas near LoC.
🗺️ Trekking Permits — K2, Baltoro require permit + licensed guide.
📡 Connectivity — Satellite communicator for remote treks.
💵 Currency — Cash (PKR) essential. Limited ATMs outside Gilgit/Skardu.
🌐 Best Season — May–September. April/October shoulder season.
📞 Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| GB SDMA / Rescue | 1129 | Gilgit-Baltistan |
| NDMA Emergency | 1700 | Pakistan-wide |
| Gilgit DHQ Hospital | +92-5811-920101 | Gilgit city |
| Skardu DHQ Hospital | +92-5831-920100 | Skardu |
| PTDC Gilgit | +92-5811-920104 | Tourism guidance |
| Aga Khan Health Service | +92-5811-920203 | Hunza, Gilgit |
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Published Posts
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| Name | Username | Role | Posts | Actions |
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