Gilgit-Baltistan, located at the crossroads of various civilizations, has been a historical melting pot where empires once vied for strategic supremacy and traders and adventurers traversed the intricate mountain paths known as the "silk route." This region, nestled within the Karakoram Mountains, has historically remained isolated, allowing it to develop and preserve its unique history, cultural values, and traditional political identity. Gilgit-Baltistan comprises seven districts: Gilgit, Ghezir, Hunza Nagar, Diamar, Astore, Baltistan (Skardu), and Ghanche.
**Language & Literature**: Urdu serves as the lingua franca, understood by most of the inhabitants. The Shina language, with several dialects like Asturjaa, Kharuchaa, and Chilasi, is spoken by 60% of the population, primarily in Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, and some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of the Tibetan languages group, is spoken throughout Baltistan. Other minor languages in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza and some Ghizer villages, as well as Khowar, the language of Ghizer. Burushaski, an isolated language, is spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin, some parts of Gilgit, and certain Punyal villages. Additionally, some people speak Pashto. Despite its association with Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan has limited traces of Kashmiri language, with most people speaking their own languages.
English is fairly widespread among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.
**Literature**: Shina language literature focuses on promoting harmony among different sections of society through humanism, tolerance, and pluralism. Renowned literary and poetic works by Abdul Khaliq Taj and Jamshed Dukhi have aimed to foster unity among people of various ethnicities.
Balti literature, despite facing adverse conditions, has proven to be fertile in creating various forms of folk and classical literature. While prose is rare, it includes proverbs, epics, and sagas (such as those of King Kesar/Gesar, Rgyalucho-Lo-bZang, and Rgyalu-Srasbu) that are part of the oral tradition. Most other literature is in verse. Balti literature has adopted numerous Persian styles of verse and vocables, enhancing the beauty and melodiousness of its poetry.
| Days | Activities |
| 1 | Islamabad Morning arrives at the Islamabad International Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the Faisal Mosque the biggest mosque with its modern architecture, visit Damn-e-Koh to have the magnificent view of Islamabad the modern capital of Pakistan, Overnight hotel |
| 2 | Morning after break fast drive to Taxila, visit the impressive Archeological museum and excavated sites of Bhirmond, Sirkap and Julian Buddhist Monastery. After we continue drive to Besham, passing through the beautiful Abbotabad and Mansehra valleys. Overnight hotel |
| 3 | After break fast we drive to Gilgit, visit the 4th to 6th century Ad Rock carvings at Shatial and Chilas before proceeding to Gilgit we stop at Thalichi to have the magnificent view of Nanga Parbat. Arrive Gilgit and visit the 7th century Ad Buddha rock Carving and Colorful Bazaars of Gilgit City. Overnight hotel |
| 4 | Morning drive to Hunza valley, enroute stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint to have the magnificent view of Rakaposhi (7788m). Afternoon visit the 700 years old Baltit Fort and explore the area. Overnight hotel. |
| 5 | Early morning drive to Duiker view point to have the magnificent sun rise view of the Rakaposhi (7788 meters) Diran peak (7200 meters) Golden peak and Ultar group of peaks and many countless peaks can be seen from here. After breakfast drive to Hoper village in Nagar valley to enjoy the apricot tree spring blossom and short hike to the Hoper glacier. After lunch drive back to Karimabad. Overnight hotel |
| 6 | Morning visit the 800 years old watching towers and wooden carving mosques at Ganesh village and 4th century AD Rock carvings on the ancient Silk Road. After we drive to Gulmit a beautiful mountain village in upper Hunza. Visit the cultural Museum of traditional artifacts and afternoon drive to Borit lake and short hike to Gulkin glacier. Overnight hotel |
| 7 | Full day excursion to Khunjrab National Park, drive through the snow covered peaks towering above the scenic villages and passing through the Passu and Batura glaciers, explore the wildlife species of Ibexes, Marco polo sheep and wild yaks. After then we drive back to Gulmit. Overnight hotel. |
| 8 | After breakfast drive to Skardu, the Gateway to high mountains and longest glaciers in Karakoram Range and a heaven for the enthusiasts for adventure lovers. Arrive Skardu and transfer to hotel for overnight. |
| 9 | Day excursion to Shigar valley, the Gateway to K-2 (8611 meters) the second highest mountain in the world.Visit the 17th century Ad Mosque and Shigar Fort. Explore the area and drive back to Skardu. Overnight hotel |
| 10 | Morning drive to Khaplu valley, a beautiful mountain village on the Banks of Indus River, visit the 16th century Fort and Chaqchen Masjid with its Tibetan Architecture and explore the town of apricot tree blossom and after lunch drive back to Skardu. Overnight hotel |
| 11 | Morning fly to Islamabad, (subject to weather) a spectacular flight takes you through the Nanga Parbat (8125 meters) and many countless snow covered peaks. Arrive Islamabad transfer to hotel |
| 12 | Fly back to Home |
