Gilgit-Baltistan A Must-Visit Destination for 2025
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has been named one of CNN’s top 25 must-visit destinations for 2025, securing its place as a premier location for adventure enthusiasts. The region, tucked in the Karakoram Mountains, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and vibrant culture. Each year, thousands of tourists and climbers are drawn to GB for expeditions, paragliding, and the chance to experience one of the world’s most remote and stunning regions.
The Allure of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Majestic Peaks
CNN Travel highlights Gilgit-Baltistan’s rugged terrain, home to five of the 14 “eight-thousander” peaks, which are the world’s highest mountains. Among them is K2, the second-tallest mountain on Earth, which is known for its extreme difficulty and danger. Despite being a tough destination to reach, with unreliable flight schedules and seasonally blocked roads, GB’s allure is undeniable for thrill-seekers and mountaineers alike. Hiking in this region is said to make the Himalayas look like “a traipse in Central Park,” showing just how challenging the terrain can be.
Adventure Tourism on the Rise in Gilgit-Baltistan
Adventure tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is booming, with over 1,700 foreign climbers applying for permits to climb its famous peaks in 2024. Of these, 175 climbers are set to attempt K2, according to government officials. The region also continues to produce remarkable feats, with climbers reaching the summits of Nanga Parbat and Gasherbrum II despite harsh weather conditions. To support this growing industry, the Pakistani government has announced plans to establish a world-class mountaineering school in GB, aiming to train climbers sustainably while also providing local communities with new job opportunities.
