ISLAMABAD, (TDI): The US-based broadcaster CNN has included Pakistan’s breathtaking Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region in its list of 25 must-visit destinations for 2025.
GB, a sparsely populated northern area governed as an autonomous territory by Pakistan, boasts some of the world’s tallest peaks, making it a prime destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Each year, thousands of tourists and foreign climbers flock to the region for mountaineering expeditions, paragliding, and other outdoor activities.
“The Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Karakoram Mountains isn’t the easiest place to reach — flight schedules can be unpredictable, and roads may be seasonally blocked — but its peaks are as alluring as a lemon meringue pie,” CNN Travel remarked.
“It’s home to five of the 14 ‘eight-thousanders,’ the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the second-tallest mountain globally, famed for its unparalleled difficulty and danger.”
Also Read: Gilgit-Baltistan: Kashmir’s Neglected and Forgotten Land
CNN Travel noted that while the region’s rugged beauty and challenging terrain outshine even the Himalayas, independent exploration is not feasible.
Organized expeditions are essential for navigating GB’s remote and demanding landscapes.
In 2024, mountaineering in GB witnessed a rise in activity, yet the Alpine Club of Pakistan reported nine climbers lost their lives attempting to summit its formidable peaks.
The victims included five Japanese, one Russian, one Brazilian, and two Pakistanis.
Also Read: US to promote sustainable tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan
Despite its challenges, GB is accessible via organized trips offered by well-known tour operators like G Adventures and Wild Frontiers.
Other destinations on CNN Travel’s 2025 list include Almaty in Kazakhstan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, Bolivia, Chemnitz in Germany, Rabat in Morocco, Vancouver Island in Canada, and the Kaçkar Mountains in Turkiye.
“Intrepid Travel offers a 10-day, fully guided trek through the region, often referred to as ‘Little Tibet,’ starting at approximately $3,000,” CNN Travel highlighted.
