The Tourism Department urges tourists traveling by private vehicle to take precautions on mountainous terrain with narrow winding roads, landslide risk, and deep ravines. Official advice: hire a local experienced driver, exercise caution at all times, and prioritize safety over speed or convenience. Contact Tourist Police within GB on 1422 (or 05811-930055 outside GB) for facilitation.
Gilgit-Baltistan is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful travel destinations, but its beauty comes with a responsibility. High mountains, narrow roads, deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers, glaciers, changing weather and remote communities make travelling here very different from travelling in a major city.
A journey to Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Ghizer, Nagar, Shigar, Kharmang, Ghanche or Diamer can be unforgettable, but it should never be planned only around photographs and social media posts. Weather, road conditions, altitude and travel time all matter.
The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department has repeatedly advised tourists to check weather and road conditions before travelling and to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. Authorities have also highlighted the risks of landslides, flash floods, GLOFs, snowfall and difficult mountain roads.
The following guide is designed to help visitors travel more responsibly, whether arriving by road, flying into Gilgit or Skardu, travelling from one district to another, or moving between individual tourist attractions.
Before You Leave for Gilgit-Baltistan
The safest journey begins before you leave home.
Do not plan your trip only according to a fixed itinerary. Leave some flexibility in your schedule because mountain weather can change quickly and roads can sometimes be temporarily closed.
Before departure, check the latest weather forecast and road situation from reliable official sources. The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department specifically recommends checking conditions with the relevant district administration, Pakistan Meteorological Department, National Highway Authority, Frontier Works Organization and traffic authorities.
Keep your family or friends informed about your itinerary. Tell someone where you are going, where you expect to stay and when you plan to reach your next destination.
Carry a fully charged mobile phone, power bank, basic first-aid supplies, drinking water, snacks, warm clothing and any medicines you regularly need.
Do not depend entirely on mobile internet. Some valleys and mountain roads have limited or unreliable connectivity.
Travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan by Road
For many visitors, travelling by road is part of the adventure. The Karakoram Highway offers spectacular views, but mountain roads demand patience and concentration.
If you are travelling from Islamabad, Rawalpindi or other parts of Pakistan, plan your journey around daylight whenever possible.
Avoid rushing to reach a destination before sunset.
Mountain roads are not ordinary highways. You may encounter sharp turns, narrow sections, falling rocks, construction work, livestock, pedestrians, heavy vehicles and sudden changes in road conditions.
The official Tourism Department has advised tourists travelling by private vehicle to exercise extreme caution and recommends hiring an experienced local driver who understands the terrain. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
If you are unfamiliar with mountain driving, hiring a reliable local driver is often one of the best decisions you can make.
Driving on the Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway is one of the principal routes into Gilgit-Baltistan.
Do not assume that because the road was open yesterday, it will necessarily remain open today.
Rain can trigger landslides. Snow can make roads slippery. Floodwater can damage roads and bridges. Rockfall can occur without much warning.
During bad weather, check the latest road condition before starting the next leg of your journey.
Never stop unnecessarily underneath unstable cliffs or beside areas showing signs of rockfall.
If you see falling rocks, fresh debris, flowing water across the road or damaged road edges, do not take unnecessary risks.
Night Driving in Gilgit-Baltistan
Night driving should be avoided whenever possible, particularly on unfamiliar mountain roads.
A road that looks manageable during daylight can become considerably more difficult after sunset.
Visibility is reduced, road edges may be difficult to identify and unexpected obstacles can appear.
During heavy rain, snowfall, landslides or flooding, postpone the journey rather than trying to complete it at night.
The Tourism Department has specifically advised travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and nighttime conditions.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
For normal routes and good weather, a suitable well-maintained vehicle may be sufficient.
For high-altitude areas, rough roads, snowfall or remote valleys, a capable vehicle with an experienced driver is much safer.
During winter or heavy snowfall, authorities have advised travellers to use suitable vehicles, preferably 4×4 vehicles, and to carry appropriate winter equipment such as snow chains, extra fuel, food supplies and warm clothing. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Before starting a long journey, check:
Brakes
Tyres
Spare tyre
Engine oil
Coolant
Fuel
Lights
Battery
Emergency equipment
Do not start a remote journey with a vehicle that has known mechanical problems.
Travelling by Air to Gilgit or Skardu
Flying can save considerable travel time, but flights to mountainous airports are particularly dependent on weather and operating conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan has two important air gateways for tourists: Gilgit Airport and Skardu International Airport. The official Tourism Department notes that the region can be accessed by air as well as by road. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
If you are flying, do not make your entire holiday dependent on a same-day onward connection.
For example, if you arrive in Gilgit and immediately plan to travel several hours to another district, leave sufficient time in your itinerary.
A delayed or cancelled flight can affect hotel bookings, transport and connecting journeys.
Whenever possible, keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
Flying Does Not Mean the Journey Ends at the Airport
One common mistake is to think that flying to Gilgit or Skardu eliminates the challenges of mountain travel.
It does not.
Once you land, most tourist destinations still require road travel.
For example, a visitor flying to Gilgit may still need several hours of road travel to reach Astore, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer or other destinations.
Similarly, arriving at Skardu Airport does not mean that every attraction in Baltistan is nearby.
Plan the road portion of your journey just as carefully as the flight.
Travelling from Gilgit to Hunza
The journey from Gilgit towards Hunza follows the Karakoram Highway and passes through some of the region’s most famous landscapes.
Do not try to see every attraction in one day.
Depending on your itinerary, you may want to stop at places such as Rakaposhi viewpoints, Nagar-side attractions and the Hunza Valley.
Allow enough time for photography and sightseeing without turning the road journey into a race.
When stopping beside the highway, park completely off the carriageway and choose a safe location.
Never stand in the middle of the road to take photographs.
Travelling from Gilgit to Nagar
Nagar offers spectacular mountain scenery and access to several valleys and viewpoints.
Road conditions can vary significantly depending on the destination and weather.
If you are travelling beyond the main road into smaller valleys, ask a local driver or tourism representative about current road conditions before proceeding.
Do not assume that a location shown on a travel video is accessible by an ordinary car throughout the year.
Travelling from Gilgit to Ghizer
Ghizer is known for its valleys, rivers, lakes and mountain scenery.
As you move farther from Gilgit, distances and travel times can become more significant than they appear on a map.
Fuel up before travelling into remote areas.
Keep water and food with you.
If your destination is in a remote valley, confirm accommodation and road conditions before leaving Gilgit.
Avoid making a late-evening departure for a remote destination simply because the distance looks short on a map.
Travelling from Gilgit to Astore
Astore requires particular attention to road and weather conditions.
The official Tourism Department notes that Astore can be reached from Gilgit by road via Thalichi and that the route can take several hours. It also notes that winter snowfall can make roads difficult, particularly on sections approaching Astore. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Astore is home to attractions such as Rama Valley and is also associated with access toward Deosai.
Before travelling toward higher areas, confirm whether roads are open and whether local authorities recommend travel.
Do not assume that a road shown as open during summer will remain accessible during winter.
Travelling from Gilgit to Skardu
The Jaglot-Skardu Road is an important connection between Gilgit and Skardu.
Road conditions can change after floods, landslides or other weather events. In July 2026, the Tourism Department announced that the Jaglot-Skardu Road had reopened after flood damage and installation of a temporary steel bridge, while still advising tourists to remain updated about traffic conditions and follow official instructions. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
This is an important lesson for every traveller:
A route can reopen and still require caution.
Always check the latest situation before beginning a long inter-district journey.
Travelling from Skardu to Shigar
Shigar is one of the easiest areas to combine with a Skardu itinerary, but visitors should still avoid rushing.
Plan enough time for Shigar Fort, the valley and surrounding attractions.
If travelling to more remote areas beyond the main tourist route, confirm road conditions and transport requirements locally.
Do not assume that every attraction can be reached by a normal sedan.
Travelling from Skardu to Kharmang
Kharmang offers waterfalls, valleys, rivers and mountain landscapes.
Road travel can become slower as you move into more remote areas.
Carry enough drinking water and food, especially if visiting multiple locations in one day.
Do not park close to riverbanks or streams during periods of rainfall.
Flash floods can occur suddenly, and apparently calm water channels can become dangerous.
Travelling from Skardu to Ghanche and Khaplu
The journey toward Khaplu and Ghanche offers spectacular scenery, but it should be treated as a proper inter-district journey rather than a short excursion.
Start early.
Keep enough daylight for the return or arrange overnight accommodation.
Confirm your hotel booking before travelling.
If weather conditions deteriorate, do not insist on completing the entire itinerary.
The official Tourism Department maintains district tourism contacts, including a tourism office serving Ghanche and Kharmang.
Travelling Between Tourist Spots
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is planning too many attractions in a single day.
A mountain road may take considerably longer than expected.
A location that appears to be only a short distance away may involve winding roads, steep climbs, road construction or stops for safety.
Instead of planning ten attractions in one day, choose three or four important places and enjoy them properly.
Travel slowly.
Take photographs from safe places.
Respect local communities.
Leave enough time to return before darkness.
Never Stop in Dangerous Places for Photographs
Gilgit-Baltistan is extremely photogenic.
That is one of its greatest attractions, but photography can also create unnecessary danger.
Do not stand near the edge of a cliff.
Do not climb unstable rocks for a better photograph.
Do not walk onto a glacier without proper knowledge and equipment.
Do not stand in the middle of a road.
Do not stop directly below unstable slopes.
Do not approach fast-flowing rivers simply to take a photograph.
A photograph is never worth risking your life.
Rivers, Lakes and Streams
Water can be particularly dangerous in mountain regions.
Never assume that a shallow-looking stream is safe to cross.
Water levels can rise rapidly after rainfall or upstream weather events.
Stay away from riverbanks during heavy rain.
Do not camp directly beside streams, river channels or other areas that could be affected by sudden flooding.
The Tourism Department has specifically advised visitors to avoid stopping near streams, riverbanks, landslide-prone areas and other vulnerable locations during periods of severe weather. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Landslides and Rockfall
If you see warning signs of a landslide, slow down and move away from the danger zone if it is safe to do so.
Warning signs may include:
Fresh rocks on the road
Cracks in the road surface
Mud or water flowing from a slope
Falling stones
Trees or poles leaning unusually
Damaged road edges
Never park beneath a visibly unstable slope.
After heavy rain, be particularly cautious.
Snowfall and Winter Travel
Winter transforms Gilgit-Baltistan into a beautiful but challenging environment.
Snow-covered roads can be slippery, visibility can deteriorate and some high-altitude routes may become inaccessible.
Carry warm clothing even if the weather in Gilgit or Skardu appears comfortable.
If travelling toward snowy areas, ask local authorities or experienced drivers about road conditions.
During heavy snowfall, postpone non-essential travel if authorities advise against it. The Tourism Department has previously warned about road closures, avalanches, landslides and slippery conditions during significant snowfall. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
High-Altitude Travel
Visitors arriving from low-altitude cities should give their bodies time to adjust.
Do not immediately plan strenuous hiking after arriving at high altitude.
Drink water regularly.
Avoid overexertion.
If you experience severe headache, dizziness, unusual weakness, breathing difficulties or other concerning symptoms, take the situation seriously and seek medical assistance.
For trekking or mountaineering, use qualified local guides and appropriate equipment.
Travelling with Children and Elderly Family Members
Families should plan more carefully.
Keep warm clothes and drinking water accessible rather than buried deep inside luggage.
Avoid overly ambitious daily schedules.
Plan regular breaks.
Choose accommodation with suitable access and basic facilities.
Remember that a long mountain journey can be tiring even when the distance does not appear very large.
Fuel Planning
Do not wait until the fuel gauge is nearly empty before looking for a fuel station.
Fill your vehicle whenever a reliable opportunity is available, especially before travelling into remote valleys.
Long-distance travel between districts can involve stretches where services are limited.
Keep some emergency food and drinking water in the vehicle.
Mobile Phones and Communication
Download important information before entering remote areas.
Save the telephone numbers of your hotel, driver and local contact.
Tell someone at home about your travel plan.
The official Tourism Department lists Tourist Police assistance at 1422 within Gilgit-Baltistan and 05811-930055 outside GB. It also lists Rescue 1122 for emergencies and Police 15. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Save these numbers before beginning your journey.
Respect Local Communities
Gilgit-Baltistan is not simply a tourist photograph.
People live, work, farm, travel and raise families in these valleys.
Respect local customs.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly children and families.
Dress appropriately in villages and religious places.
Do not enter private land without permission.
Do not damage historical sites, monuments or natural environments.
Take your rubbish with you.
A responsible tourist leaves a place as beautiful as they found it.
Hire Local Drivers and Guides
A local driver is not simply someone who knows how to operate a vehicle.
An experienced local driver often knows the road, weather patterns, difficult turns, alternative routes and local conditions.
The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department has specifically encouraged tourists to hire experienced local drivers because they understand the challenging mountain terrain. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
For trekking, mountaineering and remote-area travel, use qualified local guides whenever appropriate.
Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
The best itinerary in Gilgit-Baltistan is one that has room for change.
If rain starts, change the plan.
If a road is unsafe, turn back.
If a driver says conditions are dangerous, listen.
If authorities close a route, do not try to find an unofficial shortcut.
If your flight is delayed, adjust your schedule.
A missed tourist spot can be visited another time.
A dangerous decision can have permanent consequences.
Emergency Numbers to Save
Tourist Police within Gilgit-Baltistan: 1422
Tourist Police outside Gilgit-Baltistan: 05811-930055
Rescue: 1122
Police: 15
The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department publishes these emergency contacts and district tourism office information on its official website. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Check Before Every Journey
Before leaving your hotel each morning, ask yourself five simple questions.
Is the weather suitable?
Is the road open?
Is the vehicle ready?
Do I have enough fuel, water and food?
Can I complete this journey safely before dark?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, reconsider the journey.
The Golden Rule of Travelling in Gilgit-Baltistan
Do not travel according to the clock.
Travel according to the conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan rewards people who slow down and respect the mountains. The best memories are not created by reaching the greatest number of places in the shortest possible time. They are created when you arrive safely, spend time with the landscape, meet local people, enjoy the journey and return home with good memories.
The mountains will still be there.
The lake will still be there.
The valley will still be there.
There is no photograph or tourist attraction worth putting your life at risk.
Before travelling, always check the latest official advisory because road and weather conditions can change quickly. The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan has recently issued advisories concerning heavy rain, landslides, flash floods and GLOF risks and has urged travellers to rely on official updates before starting their journeys. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
For official tourism information, travellers can consult the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department and its district tourism offices. (Visit Gilgit Baltistan)
Travel smart.
Respect the mountains.
Respect the people.
Check the road.
Check the weather.
And most importantly, stay safe.