10 km west from Gilgit on the road to Punial is situated the famous 7th century Buddha Carving. The 10 ft Buddha figure carved or a rock is worth viewing. About a quarter of mile away from the Carving are a monastery and 3 stupas, which were excavated in 1938, catchy for people interested in historical architecture.

The Gilgit Manuscripts having great historical importance were discovered in 1931. These Buddhist manuscripts, written in Sanskrit, hold the dates and names of the past rulers of the area. In 1939 and 1956, a few more manuscripts were found and were sent to the different museums in Rome, Delhi, Karachi and Britain.

The 700-year old Victory Monument of Taj Mughal is situated at the distance of 11 km from Gilgit, is also worth visiting.

Naltar, 32 km from Gilgit and the ideal camping spot. It has clad pine forests and alpine meadows spread over 3,000 meters. Public Works Department rest house supplying the very basic need for tourists can be contact on the desire to stay here. The Lake at Naltar is an excellent fishing spot. The village is also the starting point for more energetic treks across the 4,000-meter Naltar Pass to the Ishokoman Valley, or across the 4,800-meter Daintar Pass to Chalt.

Shandur Pass is situated about 250 km from Gilgit at 3734 meters above the sea level. It is about a 1250 feet long pass, connecting Gilgit to Chitral. Its top is flat open summer pastureland having two small lakes. The pass is usually blocked from November to May due to heavy snowfall.

Across the Shandur pass follows the River Gilgit west for 240 km. There, there is a scary and torturous dirt track, hardly wide enough for a jeep to pass, is cut along the cliff face on the south track of the river. Leading to the ancient kingdoms of Punial, Gupis, Ishokoman, and Yasin, the same road takes to the Ghizar valley.

The Punial valley is 56 km from Gilgit. Here, Singal is an ideal trout fishing spot.

The Hunza valley lies on a branch of the Silk Road from Kashgar to Kashmir. The origins of Baltit, the capital of Hunza, consist mostly of the Baltit fort and a small village at its feet. The fort was the royal palace until the 1940s, when new palace was built in Karimabad.

Karimabad, 112 km from Gilgit is marked for its terraced fields and fruit orchards. One can have the spectacular view of the peaks of Rakaposhi, Ultar, Balimo and a few other great peaks from here. A few hotels for accommodation are also available here.

The Karakoram Highway is situated 112 km on the east bank of the River Hunza. This is the best place to view the world’s highest peaks. With the opening of the Karakoram Highway leading to China, the population of Gilgit has increased manifold; causing a swell in its population.

Rakaposhi, the world’s 27th highest peak, a 7788-meter gigantic mountain, rises straight on the horizon among the fields.

The famous peak of Nanga Parbat, 8125-meters, is also situated here, famous for its beauty and charm.

The Yasin Valley 160 km from Gilgit is the best area for people interested in hiking and trekking.