10 most beautiful Places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan

 Gilgit Baltistan is one of the most breathtaking regions on the entire planet. Located in the northernmost part of Pakistan, this magical land is home to some of the world's highest mountain peaks, most stunning valleys, crystal clear lakes and rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. Yet despite all its incredible beauty, Gilgit Baltistan remains one of the most underrated and unexplored travel destinations in the world. If you are looking for a place that will completely take your breath away then Gilgit Baltistan is your answer. Here are the 10 most beautiful places in Gilgit Baltistan that every traveler must visit at least once in their lifetime!

1. Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley is without any doubt the crown jewel of Gilgit Baltistan and one of the most beautiful valleys in the entire world. Surrounded by massive snow capped peaks of the Karakoram mountain range, Hunza Valley offers some of the most jaw dropping scenery you will ever see in your life. The valley is famous for its incredibly friendly and hospitable people, ancient Baltit and Altit fort, stunning apricot and cherry blossom season in spring, crystal clear rivers and the legendary long living healthy people of Hunza who are famous worldwide for their extraordinary longevity. Karimabad is the main town of Hunza Valley and serves as the perfect base for exploring this magical region. Whether you visit in spring when the valley is covered in pink and white blossoms or in autumn when the trees turn golden and red, Hunza Valley will always leave you completely speechless!

2. Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake is one of the most stunningly beautiful lakes you will ever see in your entire life. This gorgeous turquoise blue lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River creating a natural lake of extraordinary beauty. The intense turquoise blue color of Attabad Lake is so vivid and surreal that it almost looks unreal in photographs. Surrounded by dramatic brown and grey mountains on all sides, the contrast between the vivid blue water and the rugged mountain landscape creates a visual spectacle that is truly unforgettable. You can enjoy boat rides on the lake, take stunning photographs from the surrounding viewpoints and witness one of nature's most incredible accidental masterpieces!

3. Skardu Valley

Skardu is the gateway to some of the world's highest mountain peaks including the legendary K2, the second highest mountain on Earth. This vast and dramatic valley sits at an elevation of around 2500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by some of the most imposing and magnificent mountain scenery on the planet. Skardu is home to the famous Shangrila Resort, also known as Heaven on Earth, the ancient Skardu Fort, the serene Satpara Lake and the breathtaking Deosai Plains. For adventure seekers and trekking enthusiasts Skardu is an absolute paradise that offers world class trekking and mountaineering experiences!

4. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park is one of the highest plateaus in the world sitting at an average elevation of 4114 meters above sea level. This vast and otherworldly landscape transforms into a carpet of wildflowers during summer creating one of the most magical and surreal natural spectacles you will ever witness. Deosai is also home to the rare and endangered Himalayan brown bear making it a very special destination for wildlife lovers. The endless open plains, dramatic skies and complete silence of Deosai create a feeling of being on top of the world that is truly unlike anything else!

5. Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows is quite simply one of the most beautiful places on the entire surface of the Earth. This stunning alpine meadow sits at the base of the mighty Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world, and offers what many consider to be the most spectacular mountain views anywhere on the planet. The lush green meadow surrounded by dense pine forests with the massive snow covered face of Nanga Parbat towering above creates a scene of such extraordinary beauty that it genuinely feels like a fairy tale. Camping at Fairy Meadows under a sky full of stars with Nanga Parbat glowing in the moonlight is a life changing experience!

6. Shigar Valley

Shigar Valley is a hidden gem of Gilgit Baltistan that is slowly gaining the international attention it truly deserves. This incredibly beautiful valley is famous for its ancient Shigar Fort which has been beautifully restored and converted into a heritage hotel, lush green landscapes, traditional Balti architecture and the warm hospitality of its local people. The Shigar River flowing through the valley adds to its incredible natural beauty. Shigar Valley offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history and culture that makes it one of the most complete travel destinations in all of Gilgit Baltistan!

7. Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the entire world sitting at a staggering elevation of 4693 meters above sea level. Located on the border between Pakistan and China, Khunjerab Pass is a place of raw dramatic beauty with vast open landscapes, snow covered mountains and an almost surreal sense of being at the very top of the world. The drive from Hunza Valley to Khunjerab Pass along the famous Karakoram Highway is itself one of the most spectacular road journeys on the entire planet!

8. Naltar Valley

Naltar Valley is one of the best kept secrets of Gilgit Baltistan and one of the most colorful and beautiful valleys in all of Pakistan. Famous for its stunning multi colored lakes including the famous Blue Lake, Red Lake and Satrangi Lake, dense pine and juniper forests and excellent skiing facilities in winter, Naltar Valley is a destination that surprises and delights every visitor. The incredibly vibrant colors of the Naltar lakes are so beautiful that they seem almost too perfect to be real!

9. Rakaposhi Viewpoint

Rakaposhi is one of the most beautiful and visually striking mountains in the entire world. Standing at 7788 meters above sea level, Rakaposhi offers one of the most accessible and stunning close up views of a massive Himalayan peak anywhere in the world. The Rakaposhi viewpoint near Minapin village in Nagar Valley allows visitors to get incredibly close to this magnificent mountain and witness its breathtaking beauty up close. On a clear day the view of Rakaposhi from the viewpoint is so spectacular that it will genuinely take your breath away!

10. Gojal Valley (Upper Hunza)

Gojal Valley also known as Upper Hunza is the northernmost valley in Pakistan and one of the most remote and beautiful destinations in all of Gilgit Baltistan. Bordering China and Afghanistan, Gojal Valley offers dramatic landscapes of extraordinary scale and beauty. The valley is home to stunning villages like Passu, Gulmit and Sost, the famous Passu Cathedral peaks which are among the most photographed mountains in Pakistan, and the incredible Passu Cones that create a dramatic and otherworldly skyline. Gojal Valley is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the most raw, remote and breathtaking beauty that Gilgit Baltistan has to offer!

Final Thoughts

Gilgit Baltistan is truly one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. From the stunning turquoise waters of Attabad Lake to the magical meadows of Fairy Meadows, from the ancient culture of Hunza Valley to the wild beauty of Deosai Plains, every corner of Gilgit Baltistan offers something completely unique and utterly breathtaking. If you have never visited Gilgit Baltistan then it is time to start planning your trip because this magical region of Pakistan deserves to be on every traveler's bucket list! Start planning your Gilgit Baltistan adventure today and prepare to have your mind completely blown by the most beautiful place you have ever seen! 🏔️