Fascinating Journey from Islamabad to Gilgit
A great and fascinating road trip of about 520 KM from Pakistan's capital city Islamabad to Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan is one of my memorable journeys by traveling on (KKH) Karakoram Highway. I have come up with one of the greatest journeys that I enjoyed, and you can plan it too by following in my footsteps.
It's a travelogue to give you a complete guide that will help you to make your visit more enjoyable.
Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with innumerable blessings. It is the good fortune of Pakistan that there are four seasons here and the beautiful and paradise-like areas are also found in the dear homeland. One of these areas is Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Why Visit Gilgit
Gilgit-Baltistan, full of beauty and colors, is one of the most beautiful regions in the world, not just Pakistan. Everyone loves to travel to beautiful places, including me, and when it comes to traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan, one wants to go there without wasting a single moment.
I started this beautiful journey from Islamabad to Gilgit which is about 520 km. And first reached Abbottabad and after some distance reached Balakot, then went to Babusar Top, enjoying the beauty of Naran Valley. Then I saved in my heart and mind the colors of the beautiful mountains of Chilas, the beautiful scenery with the help of my eyes.
I reached Gilgit, a famous city in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, covering the expanses of the Karakoram Highway, and explored a lake that came into existence by a natural disaster known as Attabad Lake.
The great highway carved on the tops of the Karakoram mountain range is known as the Karakoram Highway, formerly the Silk Road.
The details of which are as follows so that you too can enjoy the scenery and captivating views coming on this journey.
Landscapes and Scenic Views from Islamabad to Gilgit
While looking at the beautiful springs of Balakot, I reached Naran around 6 in the morning so the beauty of Naran's morning delirium me because the scenic view was not less than a morning in Paradise.
The Beauty of Naran is at Stake
At the same time, it seemed that they were urging me not to destroy my beautiful landscapes with your commercialism and encroachments.
I noticed that hotels, restaurants, and other places in Naran are very busy due to illegal constructions, Which may not have affected the beauty of Naran much yet.
But it is feared that in the next few years, Naran's situation may not be like that of Murree, where there is always a rush. And illegal construction has diminished the beauty of Murree.
The beautiful road to Naran welcomes all guests. In the months of June and July, when most parts of Pakistan are in the grip of extreme heat, the weather in these areas is very pleasant and healthy.
The beautiful forests and mountains offer a breathtaking view, and tourists flock to these areas in search of intimacy and closeness to nature and to escape from noisy city life.
Kunhar river | Lake Lulusar Lake
From Balakot to Naran, the river Kunhar flows along the road making noise. The river begins its journey from Lake Lolusar and quenches the earth's thirst for miles. I was also continuing my journey in the company of this river. There is a minimum of 11 famous lakes in Naran amongst tourists.
Wonderful Bazar of Naran
Naran's main bazaar is surrounded by mountains and is located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters above sea level. This city has a soul of a new world of innovation, Where there are hotels for tourists to stay and eat.
Various items reflecting the culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are displayed in this bazaar which attracts domestic and foreign tourists.
But the colors of this market need summer because the severe cold and snow of winter freeze this market like everything else.
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk, and Malika Parbat mount
Lake Saif al-Muluk and its highest mountain Malika Parbat, are a few kilometers from the Naran Valley. You have to travel in local jeeps for these difficult routes. As I had to travel further, I greeted Lake Saif al-Muluk and Malika Parbat mount from afar and then proceeded to my destination, promising to meet.
And beyond Naran, my car was going uphill. At least the eleven famous lakes of Naran are examples of their natural beauty.
A very interesting chapter of nature's gifts was before my eyes. Lake Lolusar, in the middle of the mountains, under the shadow of the blue sky, with its greenish water, offers a beautiful view to the viewer. With this scene in my eyes, I headed towards Babusar Top.
Babusar Top / Pass | Coolest Place of the Area
Babusar Pass is a recreational place located at a distance of 70 km from Naran. Due to its height, this place is very cold. Arriving here, I was feeling the cold of December in a hot month like June, however, after enjoying the icy winds for a while, I moved on.
Chilas | A Rocky Area
My next destination was 40 km from Babusar Top, which is thousands of feet downhill, connecting with the Karakoram Highway. Chilas felt as hot as it was cold in Babusar Top. Now, instead of lush valleys, rocky and barren mountains were my direct companions.
The Karakoram Highway | World's 8th Wonder
I was praising human perfection while walking on the Silk Road or Karakoram Road on the way to Chilas. This highway starts from Hassan Abdal in Pakistan and crosses an area of 1300 km to Kashgar in China.
It is the world's longest paved road, cut through the mountains, and built on difficult terrain. Nagar and Hunza are extremely beautiful and healthy valleys on both sides of the Karakoram Highway and the people of Hunza Valley are known all over the world for their culture, history, and longevity.
High peaks, springs, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan make these areas extremely beautiful. Built by holes in the chest of the high mountains, this road is not only a road but also a pioneer of ancient civilization and culture. In the western world, this road is also called the Silk Road.
Jaglot | Confluence of Three Great Mountain Ranges
A small area 45 km southeast of Gilgit is called Jaglot, which is located at the confluence of three mountain ranges, the Karakoram Mountains, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush. Two roads separate Gilgit and Skardu from this area. K2 is the highest peak of the region and 2nd highest peak in the world.
Now the destination of my beautiful and charming journey was not far away and I was praying that this journey would never end.
The road to Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad is full of breathtaking views. The uniqueness of this road is that somewhere you can see lush valleys and somewhere you can hear the sound of flowing springs. Somewhere you see barren and rocky mountains, somewhere you are greeted by snow-capped mountains.
In the same way, the clear water of the river Kunhar enhances your amazement on the way and the noise of the river Indus becomes the center of your attention.
Gilgit | A Dream Place to Visit
Following this beautiful path, I finally reached my destination, Gilgit. The people of Gilgit are accustomed to living a simple life and this simplicity shines on their faces as beauty.
Gilgit is an area of self-sufficient people and one of the special things about this area is that during my one-week stay here, I did not see any beggar walking on any bazaar, signal, or highway which made me very happy.