The city is linked with Islamabad and Rawalpindi both by air and by road. PIA hosts several flights to Gilgit from Islamabad everyday, taking about 70 minutes to reach there. The flights take off only in clear weather, and are mostly cancelled due to the bad weather conditions, when clouds cause obscurity in the route. The flight to Gilgit is supposed to be the one of the most dangerous ones, for the narrow valley surrounded by the 1,525 meter mountains is too close to make a proper approach by air.

Despite danger, the flight from Islamabad to Gilgit is also one of the most exciting ones. When the planes fly over the Kaghan valley, Babusar Pass, the 55 million years old Karakoram and Himalayas ranges of mountains, it enables one to witness the peak of Nanga Parbat including the 121 peaks over 7,000 meters stretching range after range as far as one can see. Flying across K2, the second highest mountain in the world is the most enchanting part.

For traveling by road, NATCO, the Northern Areas Transport Company, provides various buses, minibuses, and wagons to Gilgit from Rawalpindi, taking about 17 hours to reach the destination. A few private companies also run hirable jeeps, wagons and vans for traveling to Gilgit. Public jeeps run twice a day from the Punial Road bus stop beyond the Agha Khan Polo Ground. And NATCO buses wagons and jeeps leave from NATCO in the mini bazaar. Ponies can also be hired for having the most down to earth rides in the hills.

The best time to visit the city is from May to the mid of October, when the valley grows full of scenic interests and at the peak of beauty.