Must-Try Foods In Khunjerab Pass (Gilgit) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit, Pakistan

The Khunjerab Pass, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a high mountain pass on the northern border with China. The culinary history of this region is influenced by the rugged terrain, harsh climates, and the cultural exchanges along the ancient trade routes like the Silk Road. Traditional food here has Central Asian, Tibetan, and South Asian influences. The inhabitants of Gilgit, including various ethnic groups such as the Wakhi and Balti people, have historically relied on a diet that includes locally sourced ingredients, like grains, dairy, and meat from animals like sheep, goat, and chicken, due to limited arable land.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit, Pakistan

• Chapshoro: Non-Veg - A savory pastry filled with a mixture of minced yak or goat meat, onions, and local spices, similar to a meat pie.
• Giárdi: Veg - A type of pasta or noodle made from wheat flour, usually served with a vegetable-based sauce or in soups.
• Hoi Lo Garma: Non-Veg - A hearty stew made with meat, typically goat or chicken, and a variety of vegetables.
• Mamtu: Non-Veg - A type of dumpling filled with minced meat and flavorful spices, steamed and usually served with a side of yogurt or dip.
• Ashurkhana: Veg - A soup made from various pulses and legumes, flavored with local herbs and spices.
• Harissa: Non-Veg - A warming dish made with wheat and meat mixed with butter and spices, cooked slowly over low heat.
• Diram Fitti: Veg - A traditional bread made with wheat flour, typically enjoyed with tea or local savory dishes.
• Butter Tea: Veg - A traditional beverage made by mixing tea with butter and salt. It is an essential part of the local diet, providing necessary fats and calories.
• Apricot Cake: Veg - A sweet treat made using locally grown apricots, nuts, and flour, symbolizing the importance of apricots in the regional diet.
• Yak Yogurt: Veg - A dairy product made from yak milk, which is thicker and more sour than cow milk yogurt, often consumed with bread or used in sauces.

Top Famous Restaurants in Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit, Pakistan

• Hidden Paradise Restaurant

  Address: Karimabad, Gilgit, Pakistan

  Famous Food: Mamtu (Non-Veg)

• Glacier Breeze Restaurant

  Address: Passu, Gilgit, Pakistan

  Famous Food: Diram Fitti (Veg)

• Cafe de Hunza

  Address: Aliabad, Hunza, Gilgit, Pakistan

  Famous Food: Walnut Cake (Veg)

• Old Hunza Inn

  Address: Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit, Pakistan

  Famous Food: Chapshoro (Non-Veg)

• Pamir Serai Restaurant

  Address: Sost, near Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit, Pakistan

  Famous Food: Traditional Wakhi Soups (Veg/Non-Veg options)

While the immediate vicinity of Khunjerab Pass might not have extensive restaurant options due to its remote location, the mentioned restaurants are in Gilgit-Baltistan region and accessible from the towns closer to the pass. Exploring these restaurants offers a cultural journey through the rich flavors of the region.