18/05/2026
Skardu Baltistan Today Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is a vast, predominantly rural mountainous region in northern Pakistan, known for its dramatic landscapes in the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges. It features thousands of villages and hamlets across valleys, making a complete exhaustive list impractical.01
The region is administratively divided into three divisions (Gilgit, Baltistan, and Diamer) with around 10–14 districts (core ones include Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Diamer, and Astore; newer ones like Darel, Tangir, Gupis-Yasin, and Rondu have been added).2529
Major Cities and Towns
These serve as district headquarters or key urban centers (populations are approximate/estimates and vary by source):015
• Gilgit (capital of GB and Gilgit District) — largest city.
• Skardu (Baltistan Division hub).
• Chilas (Diamer District).
• Khaplu (Ghanche District).
• Gahkuch (Ghizer District).
• Aliabad (Hunza District).
• Eidghah (Astore District).
• Shigar (Shigar District).
• Other notable towns: Karimabad (Hunza), Nagar Khas, Tolti, Danyor, Astore, Gulmit, and Passu.3
Key Districts and Associated Areas
Gilgit Division:
• Gilgit, Ghizer (Gahkuch/Punial, Yasin, Ishkoman, Phander), Hunza, Nagar.
Baltistan Division:
• Skardu, Ghanche (Khaplu), Shigar, Kharmang.
Diamer Division:
• Diamer (Chilas), Astore.25
Notable Valleys and Areas (Many with Villages)
GB is famous for its valleys, which contain most villages and tourist spots:5256
• Hunza Valley (including Gojal/Upper Hunza) — Karimabad, Altit, Gulmit, Passu, Hussaini, Shishkat, Sost.
• Nagar Valley — Hopper (Hoper), Sikandarabad, Rakaposhi viewpoints.
• Skardu Valley — with access to Deosai.
• Naltar Valley (near Gilgit).
• Astore Valley — Rama Lake area.
• Shigar Valley, Khaplu Valley (Ghanche), Bagrot Valley, Haramosh, Basho, Rupal, Phander, Yasin, Ishkoman, Misgar, and many more (e.g., Braldu, Chapursan, Hoper).55
Popular Beautiful Places to Visit and Tourist Attractions
These include natural wonders, lakes, forts, viewpoints, and cultural sites (many in or near the valleys/villages above):3543
• Lakes: Attabad Lake (Hunza), Borith Lake, Rama Lake (Astore), Upper/Lower Kachura Lakes (Skardu), Satpara Lake, Shangrilla Lake, Rush Lake (Nagar), Phander Lake, Naltar Lakes, Sheosar Lake (Deosai).
• Meadows and Plateaus: Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat viewpoint), Deosai National Park/Plains (one of the highest plateaus).
• Glaciers and Peaks: Passu Glacier, Rakaposhi Base Camp/Viewpoint, K2 Base Camp area (via Skardu/Shigar), Baltoro Glacier, Hispar Glacier, Trango Towers. Khunjerab Pass (border with China).
• Forts and Historical Sites: Baltit Fort (Karimabad), Altit Fort, Khaplu Palace/Fort, Shigar Fort, Kharpocho Fort (Skardu), Chaqchan Mosque (Khaplu).
• Other Highlights: Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Passu Cones, Naltar Valley/Ski Resort, Manthokha Waterfall (Kharmang), Kargah Buddha (near Gilgit), Cold Desert (Katpana/Sarfaranga near Skardu), Eagle’s Nest viewpoint (Hunza), Ganish Village (ancient), Duikar viewpoint.46
Villages are numerous and often clustered in these valleys (examples: Altit, Ganish, Gulmit, Hussaini, Passu, Misgar, Hopper villages, Bagrot area villages, etc.). Many are picturesque with apricot orchards, traditional homes, and stunning mountain backdrops.18
Note: Travel in GB often involves the Karakoram Highway (KKH). The region is best visited in summer (May–September) for accessibility; winters bring snow and road closures. Always check current conditions, permits (for some treks), and respect local customs and environment. Tourism is a key part of the local economy, focusing on trekking, mountaineering, and scenic drives.1
