Gilgit is a significant city located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Nestled amongst the rugged peaks of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges, Gilgit serves as a hub for trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The city lies along the Gilgit River and offers spectacular scenic beauty, with a landscape that varies from arid mountains to lush green orchards. It is an ancient trading center that has historically been a crossroads of various civilizations and has retained its significance as a strategic junction along the Silk Route. Culturally rich, Gilgit is home to a diverse population that contributes to its unique blend of traditions and customs. Local bazaars are lively and filled with crafts, especially precious and semi-precious stones, and local textiles. The Gilgit region is also known for its significant Buddhist archaeological sites and rock engravings that date back to the 1st millennium AD. The strategic Pakistani-Chinese border crossing, Khunjerab Pass, is also accessible from Gilgit, enhancing its importance in the region.
