Elevation- 145.90 meters (477 feet). Gilgit lies in the north and northeast of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)
Climate -Winters are Extremely cold while the summers offer mild and pleasant tempters
Tourist Seasons May to September
Language -The local dialect is 'Shina', hover ever Urdu and English are also spoken and understood
Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas) is the northernmost political entity in the Pakistani controlled part of the former princely Jammu and Kashmir. Under Pakistan's constitution, the Gilgit-Baltistan an autonomous region separated from Pakistan itself and its inhabitants have never had any representation in Pakistan's parliament. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including five of the eight-thousand. The main focus for many travelers is the world's three highest mountain ranges - the Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush, with five peaks over 8,000 meters, and many mountain peaks above 7,000 meters and has the largest glaciers in the world (other than those in the polar region ). Raging rivers, and unique landscapes make this area a "mountain paradise for mountaineers, hikers and tourists.
Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking: The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad
Fishing: at Satpara Lake (8km) and Kachura Lake 932km) from Skardu abound in trout
Flora & Fauna: Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees are found in abundance. Apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.Snow leopards ,markhor ,ibex ,Marcoplo sheep's , Yaks, foxes bears wild cats and a variety of the birds including Chakor , ram chakor ,water fowl are found abundantly ,all wild life is protected and no shooting or trapping is allowed.
Roses ,pansies .lilies ,phlox ,chrysanthemums, zinnias and cosmos ,chinar ,pine ,willow and fir trees ,grow everywhere in profusion .in summer peach ,apple and apricot blossoms adorn the landscape.
Wildlife: Baltistan boasts of wildlife like Markhors, ibexes, snow leopards and birds, namely Chakors, partridges and ducks. Most of the animals and birds are protected but limited shooting is allowed.
(ALAM Bridge)
Buddhist Rock Carvings carved our to the mountain side are worth playing a visit .it is about 10 Kms away from Gilgit and the distance is covered in about 20 minutes in a jeep.
the victory Monument of the Taj Mughal was build about 700 years age and lies at a distance of 11 Kms ,from Gilgit and it takes about 25 minutes by jeep to get there.
Gilgit Valley offers spectacular science beauty .it is surrounded by lakes ,rivers ,glaciers and high mountain ranges. Some of the world 's highest peaks such as Naga Parbat ,8126 meters , and Rakaposhi ,7788 metres ,are lpcated here.
Karimabad:
Miles and miles of terraced fields and fruit orchards mark Karimabad , the capital of Hunza Vellay. it is 112 Kms from Gilgit and it takes a jeep about 3 hours to cover the distance.
Punial:
Sher Qila is the main village of the picturesque Punial valley.The distance is 40 Kms and time requried to reach there about 2 hours.
Singal:
this spot in the Punjal valley offers ideal trout fishing opportunities .it is 56 Kms away and takes 3 hours to get there.
Phander:
This Picturesque are has lake which abounds in trout .it is about 177 Kms away and the time requries to get ther is about 8 hours.
Shandur Pass:
this 1250 feet long pass connects Gilgit to Chitral.the pass remains Snow-bound during winters .it is 250 kms and 15 hours away by jeep.
Rama:
Alake in this region offers an awe-inspiring view of the eastern side of Nanga Parbat ,8126 meters high . it is 120 Kms away and takes 6 hours to get there. For the adventure-loving tourist ,hiker .angler ,art lover ,mountaineer or polo enthusiast, there are few places in the world that could compare with Gilgit.
Fishing:
The streams and lakes around Gilgit especially Kargah Nulla ,Singal (punial )Lake and Phander Lake are full of the trout .Permits are required for fishing and cna be obtained from the Assistant Director agriculture. Government of Pakistan . Gilgit .Fishing rods and equipments cab be hired from PTDC Motale , Chinar In Gilgit.
