The districts of Gilgit Baltistan are a land of towering mountains, serene lakes, and a plethora of history. Hosting 14 diverse districts, this northern part of Pakistan is host to adventure and beauty in every nook and corner. Be it also the breathtaking Hunza Valley or the lesser-known districts like Darel and Tangir, each has something different to add. Whether an adventurist or a nature lover, these districts of Gilgit Baltistan will leave one stunned.
Read More: History of Gilgit Baltistan- Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan a Land of Beauty and History
Besides being an adventure paradise, Gilgit-Baltistan is more than that. It is a land of history and culture. From the Tibetan kingdoms to the influence of the British in the form of the Great Game, empires have risen and fallen on this soil. In addition, footprints of that overflow today, making it a high degree of interest area with its natural glory combined with ancient culture. Let’s take you around some of the most captivating places in Gilgit Baltistan.
1. Gilgit District-The Heart of Gilgit Baltistan
The Gilgit District is the doorway to the northern Border, blending ancient culture with modern facilities and drawing travelers from far and wide. It is home to the Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan to China, and Naltar Valley, also a hub for adventure seekers comprising bright, multicolored lakes and snow slides.
Key Attractions
Naltar Valley: Renowned for snow slides and bright, multicolored lakes.
Karakoram Highway: Scenic drive from Pakistan to China.
Historical Landmarks: Ancient Buddhist carvings and colonial-era forts.
2. Hunza District-Paradise on Earth
The Hunza is the supreme fantasy of Gilgit Baltistan districts. This breathtaking district is home to magnificent peaks combined with a rich cultural history, which makes it no less than heaven. Snow-capped Rakaposhi, historic Baltit, and Altit Forts also catch the eye as one travels through Karimabad, a mixture of history, culture, and nature.
Key Attractions
Rakaposhi Viewpoint: The symbolic views of one of the tallest peaks.
Baltit Fort: Lively ancient fort that has scenic views.
Karimabad: A cultural hub surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
3. Nagar District-The Serene Neighbor
Just across the river from Hunza, the Nagar District is full of peace and solitude. With less crowd of tourists, it is also a place where one gets to see the quiet beauty of nature. Therefore, at Nagar, Rakaposhi Viewpoint promises astounding photography opportunities amidst its serenity getaway from the hassle-bustle model.
Key Attractions
Rakaposhi: Something that presents unbroken views of the towering peak.
Quiet Trails: Ideal for nature lovers seeking peace in the middle of it.
4. Ghizer District-The Valley of Lakes
The Ghizer is one of the most beautiful districts of Gilgit Baltistan. Also famous for its crystal-clear lakes and green landscapes, Ghizer could be an outdoor lover’s haven. In addition, these are just the perfect spots for boating and photography, the Phander Valley and Khalti Lake. The Shandur Polo Festival, which is to be held at the world’s highest polo ground, is also included among the attractions of the Ghizer district.
Key Attractions
Phander Lake: Sea-green waters ideal for photography and relaxing
Shandur Polo Festival: Polo at the world’s highest ground to play.
Khalti Lake: Another Pearl, desired for its peace and serenity.
5. Astore District-Gateway to Nanga Parbat
The Astore is a gateway to one of the most fantastic mountains in the world known as Nanga Parbat. It is also famous for its green open spaces and mountain lakes. However, this is a very ideal district for explorers and nature lovers. Deosai, Rama Meadows and Rainbow Lake also are good sites for camping and photography.
Key Attractions
Rama Meadows: A lush green area with breathtaking views.
Deosai Plains: Roof of the World. Highest Alpine Plateau.
Rainbow Lake, Domail: serene mountain lake for hikers and campers.
6. Diamer District-Land of Fairy Meadows
The rugged beauty of the Diamer District is also reflected through the famous Fairy Meadows, a glorious destination offering broad views of Nanga Parbat. Diamer is also an abode of ancient times with rock carvings that date back several centuries.
Key Attractions
Fairy Meadows: heart-gripping view of Nanga Parbat.
Ancient Rock Engravings: Explore ancient history carved into stone.
7. Ghanche District-Gateway to Siachen
The Ghanche District has one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes and history. Khaplu Palace holds historical evidence of cultural richness, whereas Hushe Valley leads to the base of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s largest non-polar glacier.
Key Attractions
Khaplu Palace: Historical palace representing the culture of the region.
Hushe Valley: Entrance for hiking to the mighty Siachen Glacier.
8. Skardu District-The Land of Giants
The Skardu has to be the most famous district in Gilgit Baltistan, the base for K2 adventures, the world’s second-highest mountain. Moreover, it possesses vast meadows of Deosai National Park, home of unique wildlife. Therefore, It is worth not missing the beautiful Sheosar Lake and the luxurious Shangrila Resort.
Key Attractions
- Deosai National Park: A land of giants scattered with extensive meadows, a home for wildlife.
- Shangrila Resort: A resort popularly known as “Lower Paradise.”
- Sheosar Lake: A beautiful high-altitude lake with an incomparable view.
9. Shigar District-A Serene Getaway
The Shigar is a quiet getaway, famous for its historical Shigar Fort, which dates back to the 17th century. Thus, this fort has commanding views of its surroundings within the valley. In addition to this, Shigar acts as one of the bases for the hiking routes leading into the Karakoram Mountains. Hence, it combines history and adventure.
Key Attractions
Shigar Fort: A Scenic Culture
Karakoram Trekking Routes: Witness the vast mountain ranges.
10. Kharmang District-Valleys of Waterfalls
The Kharmang is a nature lover’s paradise, as its valleys and waterfalls are breathtaking. Kharmang Valley is also a scenic destination that provides a perfect haven for being very close to nature to explore it for its uniqueness.
Key attractions
Kharmang Valley: Unexplored Nature of Beauty
Water Falls: ideal for nature photography, and hiking.
11. Roundu District-Pure and Wild
It is a rugged and remote district comprising dramatic landscapes with pure beauty. Therefore, this is a right place for adventurers who look for experiences outside the beaten track. Hence, its undisturbed land provides challenging routes for hikers and solace.
Key Attractions
Untouched Landscapes: Rugged beauty perfect for adventure.
Solitude: Ideal for quiet and nature.
12. Gupis-Yasin District-The Hidden Treasure
The Gupis-Yasin District is a pure natural piece of treasure with fantastic valleys and crystal-clear rivers. The view of Phander Lake is a sight to see, with its turquoise-colored water, and also makes this district excellent for relaxation and exploration.
Key Attractions
Phander Lake: Turquoise treasure as a perfect peaceful haven.
Scenic Valleys: Perfect for nature lovers and explorers
13. Darel District-Wilderness
Darel is known for its rugged wilderness, still in its prime state. Therefore, this far-off region includes difficult hiking tracks, ideal for real wilderness lovers who don’t like crowding.
Key Attractions
Rugged Terrain: Challenging treks for adventurers.
Solitude in Nature: A remote escape into the adventure of nature.
14. Tangir District-Smitten Wilderness
Tangir District includes one of the most hard-to-reach areas in Gilgit Baltistan, showcasing serene landscapes and also tough land. However, this is an explorer’s dream world wanting to get off the grid and into the natural wilderness.
Key Attractions
Untouched Wilderness: Natural wilderness for off-the-grid exploration.
Trekking Trails: Providing challenging sceneries for hiking experts.
The Cultural Melting Pot of Districts of Gilgit Baltistan
This is because districts in Gilgit-Baltistan are very rich in diversified culture and languages, from Burushaski and Shina in Gilgit and Hunza to Balti in Skardu. Moreover, the musical traditions with the players, the dance, and the festivals are lively expressions of such a rich cultural legacy.
Strategic Importance of Districts of Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan has, however, always been of strategic importance. It was in ancient times, a vital key point for the Silk Route connecting South Asia with China and Central Asia. Indeed, the strategically important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through this region, which makes it one of the central trade and tourist points. In the last years, many of these faraway districts have gained easy access because of modern structures like the Karakoram Highway.
Why Should One Go to Gilgit-Baltistan?
From serene views and adventurous rides to exploring deep into history, the place should be on the bucket list. Mountaineering, hiking, cultural exploration, or just serene surroundings districts have it all. Therefore, be it sipping tea in one of the Hunza cafes, hiking on glaciers in Skardu, or watching the sunset in Ghizer, each district promises a discovery.
Conclusion of Gilgit Baltistan
Every one of the districts of Gilgit Baltistan has something unique to offer, be it the high peaks of Nagar or the more serene valleys of Kharmang. However, to the adventurous spirit, the history expert, and the nature lover, it is a heaven on earth.
Pack your bags and also get ready for a remarkable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth!
Read More: How To Travel to Gilgit Baltistan from Islamabad
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilgit Baltistan Districts
1. According to the latest survey, how many districts are there in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Gilgit-Baltistan is composed of 14 districts, as per the latest developments. These 14 districts are also distributed among three divisions: Baltistan, Gilgit, and Diamer.
2. Which is the largest district of Gilgit-Baltistan?
The biggest district in terms of area in Gilgit-Baltistan is Diamer. This District keeps a vast expanse and covers some of the most distant as well as rugged zones in the area.
3. Which is the most beautiful district of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Beauty lies in the eyes of the viewers, but Hunza is the most beautiful district for many tourists. Therefore, the scenery of mountains, quiet lakes, and green valleys has granted this place the status of “paradise on earth.”
4. What are some major tourist attractions in Skardu District?
Skardu is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Amongst significant places, it has the Deosai National Park, “Land of Giants;“, Shangrila Resort, also known as “Lower Paradise; and Sheosar Lake-a beautiful high-altitude lake.
5. Which district is famous for the highest polo ground in the world?
The highest polo ground in the world is located in Ghizer District, Shandur Polo Ground. Therefore, one of the most significant cultural events, namely the annual Shandur Polo Festival, is staged here, and spectators from all over the world are drawn to it.
6. Does the Ghanche District of Gilgit Baltistan have any historical places?
Yes, Ghanche District also has historical places like Khaplu Palace, which is a magnificent 19th-century palace and reflects the richness of culture and architecture of the area.
7. What is the Astore District of Gilgit Baltistan famous for?
Astore District is famous for its lush, green meadows and magnificent alpine lakes, such as Sheosar Lake AKA Deosai, Domail Lake (AKA Rainbow Lake ) and Rama Meadows. It also serves as a base for trekkers en route to the mighty Nanga Parbat.
8. How has the administrative setup of Gilgit-Baltistan changed with time?
In 2016, the formation of new districts in Baltistan Valley and a bifurcation from Hunza-Nagar District increased it from 7 to 10 districts. Four more districts were added to this in 2019 making 14 in number altogether.
9. Which district in Gilgit Baltistan is famous for having different colored lakes and is usually called the “Valley of Lakes”?
Ghizer District is known as the “Valley of Lakes” due to the presence of lakes, namely, the Phander Lake and Khalti Lake, which are desirable for all nature experts and photographers.
10. What is so special in the sceneries of Tangir District of Gilgit Baltistan?
Tangir District is also a district featuring more unreachable and rocky sceneries. It also offers fresh, untouched wilderness and a difficult landscape. Thus, it is designed for the more adventurous traveler who finds their comfort in loneliness and experiences out of the beaten track.
