Gilgit - Jewel of Pakistan

Before the Karakoram Highway was opened in 1978, the only road reaching Gilgit town from the south was a rough track north from Balakot to Babusar Pass (via Kaghan, Naran, Besal, and Gittidas) and further north through Babusar Gah to Chilas. The road up to Besal is now in better condition, but from Besal to Babusar Pass, the road is good with a newly carpeted road. Due to the existence of the airport at Gilgit, many people prefer to travel to Gilgit by air. Others, take the Karakoram highway route. The most common ways to get around in the area is by jeep. Jeeps are available for rent at various places in the bigger towns.