Overview
Gilgit-Baltistan, located at the crossroads of various civilizations, has been a historical melting pot where empires once vied for strategic supremacy and traders and adventurers traversed the intricate mountain paths known as the "silk route." This region, nestled within the Karakorum Mountains, has historically remained isolated, allowing it to develop and preserve its unique history, cultural values, and traditional political identity. Gilgit-Baltistan comprises seven districts: Gilgit, Ghazir, Hunza Nagar, Diamar, Astore, Baltistan (Skardu), and Ghanche.
**Language & Literature**: Urdu serves as the lingua franca, understood by most of the inhabitants. The Shina language, with several dialects like Asturjaa, Kharchaa, and Chilasi, is spoken by 60% of the population, primarily in Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, and some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of the Tibetan languages group, is spoken throughout Baltistan. Other minor languages in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza and some Ghizer villages, as well as Khowar, the language of Ghizer. Burushaski, an isolated language, is spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin, some parts of Gilgit, and certain Punyal villages. Additionally, some people speak Pashto. Despite its association with Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan has limited traces of Kashmiri language, with most people speaking their own languages.
English is fairly widespread among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.
**Literature**: Shina language literature focuses on promoting harmony among different sections of society through humanism, tolerance, and pluralism. Renowned literary and poetic works by Abdul Khaliq Taj and Jamshed Dukhi have aimed to foster unity among people of various ethnicities.
Balti literature, despite facing adverse conditions, has proven to be fertile in creating various forms of folk and classical literature. While prose is rare, it includes proverbs, epics, and sagas (such as those of King Kesar/Gesar, Gaucho-Lo-bZang, and Rgyalu-Srasbu) that are part of the oral tradition. Most other literature is in verse. Balti literature has adopted numerous Persian styles of verse and vocables, enhancing the beauty and melodiousness of its poetry.
| Days | Plan | Residence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh. | Hotel in Islamabad |
| 2 | Drive to Taxila to visit archaeological sites, then continue to Besham via Abbottabad and Mansehra. | Hotel in Besham |
| 3 | Drive to Gilgit, visit rock carvings at Shatial and Chilas, view Nanga Parbat, and explore Gilgit City. | Hotel in Gilgit |
| 4 | Drive to Hunza Valley, visit Rakaposhi viewpoint, and explore Baltit Fort. | Hotel in Karimabad |
| 5 | Early drive to Duiker viewpoint for sunrise views, then visit Hopper village and glacier. Return to Karimabad. | Hotel in Karimabad |
| 6 | Visit ancient Ganesh village, cultural Museum in Gulmit, and Borit Lake with a short hike to Ghulkin Glacier. | Hotel in Gulmit |
| 7 | Full-day excursion to Khunjerab National Park, explore wildlife and scenic views, then return to Gulmit. | Hotel in Gulmit |
| 8 | Drive to Skardu, gateway to high mountains and glaciers. | Hotel in Skardu |
| 9 | Day excursion to Shigar Valley, visit 17th-century mosque and Shigar Fort, then return to Skardu. | Hotel in Skardu |
| 10 | Drive to Khaplu Valley, visit 16th-century fort and Chaqchen Masjid, then return to Skardu. | Hotel in Skardu |
| 11 | Fly to Islamabad (weather permitting), transfer to a hotel. | Hotel in Islamabad |
| 12 | Fly back to your home. | Fly Out |
Services Included
- Professional local guide with multilingual support.
- Private transportation with experienced driver.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (where applicable).
- Accommodation in handpicked hotels, guesthouses, or camps.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary.
- Entry fees for all mentioned cultural, historical, and natural sites.
- All applicable taxes and permit arrangements.
- Guided cultural interactions and storytelling sessions.
- Complimentary mineral water throughout the tour.
- First aid kit and emergency support.
- Traditional welcome reception and farewell dinner.
- Basic photography and drone assistance (where permitted).
Services Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan.
- Visa fees and processing charges.
- Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking and hunting packages).
- Personal gear and clothing (e.g. trekking boots, jackets, etc.).
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and laundry.
- Any additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Excess baggage charges or additional transport requirements.
- Medical expenses or evacuation costs (if any).
- Optional add-ons like paragliding, rafting, or helicopter tours (unless pre-booked).
