NATCO is the Best Transport for Gilgit

Asked

Hi:

I read your post on the blog about travelling to gilgit.

We are a group of people including kids and we are travelling to gilgit.

Can you please guide us as to how to go there and what is best and most economical way to get there.

thanks,

Replied

Hi there

Thanks for your email.

The best way to go to Gilgit is NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Company) bus which can be found at Pir Widhai Bus Station of Rawalpindi.

For Rawalpindi - Gilgit it takes atleast 16 hours and in case there is a landsliding, add 3-4 hours. The bus goes nonstop, i.e. without a night stay, and might be a hassle with the family. Still then, this is the most viable option in my opinion because of various reasons:

Firstly, this is a government owned company which matters a lot around Northern Areas as in remote areas no  private operators have more resources then the government.

Secondly, their staff, and specially drivers, are real experts of Karakoram Highway as most of them are driving there for whole of their life. In comparison to other bus operators, I found their staff more courteous and educated. In fact, you might be surprised to see that they are uniformed and cultured.

Thirdly, not only their buses are generally in good condition, but also they are more informed and have backup arrangements, in case of landsliding, etc.

In short, don't go for any other bus operator, and don't hire something because in most probability the driver will not be used to of the Karakoram Highway which will add significantly to the travel time, unless you hire jeeps, which will be highly expensive.

Besides, if you are going for recreation, then please note that the Gilgit city has not much to offer; it is a dirt commercial town. These are the surrounding valleys which you must be targeting, most notably Hunza. Hunza's main cities Karimabad and Aliabad are further 2-3 hours from Gilgit. So from Gilgit you have to take another transport to reach there. Alternatively, you may ask NATCO as they run direct buses from Rawalpindi to Aliabad which will be very helpful. For that, you may need to contact NATCO office at Pir Widhai and buy tickets in advance. If that's not possible then you may stick to plan A, i.e. Rawalpindi - Gilgit and then take another transport to Karimabad, Hunza.

Hope this will be helpful. Please feel free to email me should you have more questions.