The "Northern Areas" is the older name for what is now Gilgit-Baltistan. The region is the same — here is what changed, and how tours of it are planned today.
If you are searching for tours of the "Northern Areas of Pakistan," you are looking for Gilgit-Baltistan. "Northern Areas" was the administrative name used for the region for decades; in 2009 it was renamed Gilgit-Baltistan and given its own administrative status. The land, the valleys and the mountains are exactly the same — only the name on the map has changed. Older guidebooks, family stories and many travellers still use the older term, so it is worth knowing they describe one place.
That place takes in the great Karakoram and the western Himalaya: Hunza and its forts, Skardu and the Baltistan high country, Gilgit at the crossroads, and Fairy Meadows beneath Nanga Parbat. Tours of the "Northern Areas" today follow the same circuit as any modern Gilgit-Baltistan trip. Our free DIY planner and the Islamabad to Hunza route guide work whichever name you started with.
| Hunza | Karimabad, the forts, Attabad Lake and the run up toward Khunjerab Pass — the usual centrepiece. |
| Skardu | Gateway to Baltistan and the high Karakoram; reached by a long but scenic drive or a mountain flight. |
| Fairy Meadows | The alpine viewpoint beneath Nanga Parbat, a memorable side trip on a fuller loop. |
| Typical length | 7–10 days for a focused trip; 12–14 days for the complete circuit at a comfortable pace. |
| Best season | April to October; see the best time to visit guide. Many high routes close in winter. |
| Permits | Some restricted and border areas need an NOC — see our NOC and permits guide. |
Whether you call it the Northern Areas or Gilgit-Baltistan, the planning is the same. A guided tour handles the long drives between valleys, the hotels and the uncertainty of mountain weather, which makes it the easy choice for a first visit. Look for an operator that quotes transparently, builds buffer days around the unreliable flights, and is honest about which routes the season actually allows. A private vehicle and driver for the regional leg, plus a guide who stays with you, are the marks of a well-run trip.
Independent travel works too, using local transport and jeeps hired on the ground, if you have the time and patience. You can request a vetted quote through our agencies directory, or build a free, detailed itinerary with the explore planner. The full tours overview covers options by origin city and region.
Yes. "Northern Areas" was the older name for the region; it was renamed Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009. The place is identical — only the name changed.
The term was used for decades and lingers in older guidebooks, family stories and habit. Many travellers still search for it, but it describes today's Gilgit-Baltistan.
The same circuit as any GB tour: typically Hunza, Skardu and Fairy Meadows, reached via Islamabad and the Karakoram Highway.
Seven to ten days for a focused trip, or twelve to fourteen for the complete circuit at a comfortable pace.
April to October suits most of the region. Many high routes close in winter under snow, so check seasonal guides before booking.