Guide
About Gilgit
Gilgit is the principal city of Gilgit-Baltistan, an administrative territory of Pakistan in the far north of the country. The territory's legislative assembly and secretariat are based in the city, in the Jutial area, which makes Gilgit the centre for government offices, contractors and the services that work with them.
The city's business life is tied to the Karakoram Highway, which connects it south to the rest of Pakistan and north through Hunza to the Khunjerab Pass and China. Cross-border trade, tourism and government spending are the three things that drive most demand for shops, hotels, transport and professional services here.
Economy and main industries
Trade with China is the most distinctive part of the economy. Goods crossing the Khunjerab Pass are cleared at the NLC dry port at Sost, north of Gilgit, and much of the Chinese merchandise sold in the city arrives this way. Customs collections at Sost rose to a reported Rs9.5 billion in the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year, and the government has directed that the port stay open year-round. The route has also been used for trial shipments between China and the Gulf and from Central Asia.
Tourism is the other main earner. Gilgit is the usual stopover for visitors heading to Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Naltar and the mountaineering regions, so hotels, guest houses, jeep and car hire, tour operators, outdoor equipment shops and restaurants make up a large share of local businesses. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has promoted investment in hydropower, tourism, mineral exploration and horticulture, including the region's dried fruit.
Main business areas and markets
NLI Market, named after the Northern Light Infantry, is the best-known market in the city. It has more than 700 shops in central Gilgit and is known for goods brought in from China. A memorial to the Gilgit Scouts stands at its centre. Raja Bazaar is another central shopping street, where visitors look for dried fruit and gemstones.
Jutial, the planned residential and government area, has offices, hotels and services catering to officials and visitors. Airport Road links the airport with the centre and carries a mix of hotels, travel agents and shops. Konodas, across the river and connected to the city by several bridges, is a residential area with neighbourhood shops. Other localities used in business addresses include Kashrote, Sonikot, Barmas, Khomer, Zulfiqarabad and Majini Mohallah.
Getting there and seasonal factors
Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit depend on clear weather for the approach through the valley and are often delayed or cancelled when visibility is poor. Travellers with onward connections are usually advised to leave a full day's margin. The Karakoram Highway is the overland alternative, but landslides have closed it at times, most severely after the Attabad landslide dammed the Hunza River and cut the road to the border. Businesses that rely on deliveries or visitors often plan stock and bookings around these risks.
Finding businesses in Gilgit
Typical searches are for hotels and guest houses, tour and trekking operators, jeep and car rental, Chinese goods wholesalers, dried fruit and gem dealers, contractors and government-related consultants. PakistanYP listings can be filtered by locality such as Jutial, NLI Market or Airport Road.
Frequently asked questions
What is the telephone area code for Gilgit?
The area code is 05811, or +92 5811 when calling from abroad.
What is NLI Market in Gilgit known for?
NLI Market is the city's main shopping centre, with more than 700 shops, and is particularly known for goods imported from China over the Khunjerab Pass.
Are flights to Gilgit reliable?
Flights from Islamabad are weather-dependent and are often cancelled in cloudy conditions, so it is wise to keep travel plans flexible.
Is there a chamber of commerce in Gilgit?
Yes. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents traders and businesses across the territory.