EXPERIENCES

Hidden in the mountains 19 kilometres up a dramatic barren gorge is the green and lush valley, the Naltar Valley is heavily wooded with pine, spruces, birch, rowan and juniper. As one of the most highly recommended activities for a day outing from Gilgit, this is perfect for anyone looking to get in exercise. As a Pakistan Air Force Ski training base, a ski tournament organized by Pakistan Ski Federation at Naltar is held in February. It is also the starting point for two longer treks; one across the Naltar Pass (about 4,600 metres) to Ishkoman and the other across the Daintar Pass (4,636 metres) to Chalt. Naltar is a two-hour drive and about 47 kilometres from Gilgit via the west back of the Hunza River to Nomal Village.

Enjoy a walk along the water channel to Kargh Buddha. The three-hour trek from our hotel follows along the water channel of Jutial, to Barmas and Baseen.

Nearly 700 years old, the Victory Monument of Taj Mughal stands as a reminder of Taj-ud-Din Mughal, an Ismaili ruler from Badakhshan who came to Gilgit Baltistan during the 13th century, AD.  

A rock carving beside the Kargah Nala just west of Gilgit along the road to Punial, is the most popular short outing from the hotel. 

Located behind the hotel, the Jutial Nala, like most valleys in the Gilgit Baltistan Jutial Nala, has a very narrow mouth, but a six-kilometre walk along the stream through the steep side gorge takes you to coniferous forest and pastureland.

In a private garden in the village, visitors can find the Danyore rock. Inscribed in the rock are the names of the Tibetan kings who ruled in Gilgit during the seventh and eighth centuries.

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the greatest wonder of modern Pakistan. It connects Pakistan to China, twisting through the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges.

With a total of four lakes in the area, each unique in its beauty and diverse nature. The first lake is a startlingly green pond about 200 metres in diameter, surrounded by birch, ash and pine trees. The water is still and clear, its colour rising from bright green algae on the bottom. 

A two-hour drive from Gilgit to Bagrot Valley, guests can get from Gilgit to Sinakkar, the main village in the Bagrot valley.  

An hour south of Gilgit, the Haramosh Valley circles north and west around 7,209 metres. The peak of Haramosh descends to the road just where the Indus turns south.  

Considered by some to be the mightiest mountains of the world, these peaks are marvellous and majestic. 

The first valley in the old Kingdom of Hunza, Mayoon and Hussainabad descends from the north to join the Hunza River at Khizarabad about ten kilometres upriver of Chalt, opposite Nilt and the KKH.  

About 60 kilometres north of Gilgit, Chalt stands as the southernmost settlement of the old Nagar Kingdom. In 1891, the British arrived with a force of 1,000 men, and strengthened Chalt Fort by using it as their base to overthrow Hunza and Nagar in a fierce battle at Nilt. 

At 7,788 metres (25,550 feet), Rakaposhi is the 27th highest mountain in the world.  

South of Gilgit, the Skardu road branches east to Baltistan and follows the upper Indus River, the dividing line between the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges. On the journey to Chilas, magnificent views of the Nanga Perbat Massif, the western end of the Himalayan Range can be seen. Chilas is the main town of Diamar valley, just three and half hours from Gilgit. 

The Astor Valley is a starting point to the Deosai Plateau, which gives way to sites like the Rama Lake, a beautiful sight where visitors can hike up the Siachen Glacier. The Astor road from Gilgit is 112 kilos away and accessible able by jeep. 

A serene place where explorers can swim, fish trout and camp, the Ghizer Valley gives way to a camp side in the meadow called Kashmir. Explore the area to find the Khalti Lake, famous for trout fish and Phundar, a small village nearby. 

Running north to south to join the Gilgit valley, the Ishkoman Valley divides the Karakoram Range from the Hindu Kush. Incorporated into Pakistan in 1972, it is about 100 kilometres to Chatorkhand and Phakora to the road head at Imit. 

This valley runs north to south, joining the valley at Gupis. 

Originating in Gilgit Baltistan, it is safe to say that it is the favourite sport in the area.