GILGIT — In a major boost to Pakistan’s tourism sector, CNN Travel has listed Gilgit‑Baltistan among its “23 Best Places to Visit in 2025”, describing the region as a “pristine mountain paradise” and one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations.
The annual list, released by CNN in early January, celebrates destinations that offer unique cultural experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and rising global interest. Gilgit‑Baltistan, nestled in the northernmost part of Pakistan, stood out for its towering peaks, turquoise lakes, rich indigenous culture, and increasing accessibility via improved infrastructure.
“With its dramatic valleys, sky-piercing mountains and glacial rivers, Gilgit-Baltistan is Pakistan’s best-kept secret but it won’t stay that way for long,” wrote CNN Travel editor Tamara Hardingham-Gill.
Gilgit‑Baltistan is home to five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. It also boasts Hunza Valley, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, and Attabad Lake, all of which have recently drawn international attention through social media and travel documentaries.
The CNN article notes the “Instagrammable beauty” of the region and praises its adventure tourism, eco-lodges, and hospitality of the local people, particularly among the Wakhi, Shina, Burusho, and Balti communities.
It also highlights the Skardu International Airport, which was upgraded in recent years and designated for international operations, as a significant development in opening the region to foreign tourists.
The recognition has been warmly received by officials, tour operators, and locals alike. In a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office, GB’s government welcomed CNN’s listing, calling it a “validation of our efforts to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental integrity.”
“We are thrilled to see Gilgit‑Baltistan receive the recognition it deserves on a global stage,” said Minister for Tourism Raja Nasir Ali Khan.
“This acknowledgment is not just a media feature, it is a call to responsibly develop and share the beauty of our region with the world.”
Locals have taken to social media to share the article and express pride in their homeland. Many tourism entrepreneurs and guides are already seeing an uptick in inquiries for the 2025 summer season.
In the past few years, Gilgit‑Baltistan has emerged as a major domestic tourism hotspot, attracting over 1.5 million local tourists annually. The CNN feature is expected to boost international interest, particularly among adventure travelers, trekkers, and nature photographers.
Tour operators believe the recognition could position GB alongside other iconic mountain destinations like the Alps or the Andes, if managed sustainably.
However, stakeholders also urged caution. Climate change, unregulated construction, and waste management remain pressing concerns in popular valleys like Hunza and Skardu.
“This is a huge opportunity, but it’s also a huge responsibility,” said Samina Baig, Pakistan’s first female mountaineer to summit Everest and K2.
“We must make sure that as more people come, we protect the land that makes Gilgit‑Baltistan so special.”
With the 2025 tourism season approaching, regional authorities have announced plans to increase visitor support services, upgrade road safety measures on key routes like the Karakoram Highway, and expand homestay training programs in remote villages.
If this momentum continues, Gilgit‑Baltistan could redefine Pakistan’s image on the global stage, from a misunderstood frontier to a peaceful, breathtaking haven at the heart of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.
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