A quieter, colder, more authentic season. The main valleys stay accessible, the high passes close under snow, and Naltar turns into the region's skiing spot.
In winter — roughly November to March — Gilgit-Baltistan stays open for travel, but only the lower-lying parts of it. Hunza and Gilgit remain accessible, and the Karakoram Highway is usually open with care for ice and the occasional snowfall. Skardu is reachable by air when the weather allows, and by road as well. What closes are the high places: the Khunjerab Pass and the Deosai Plateau are shut under deep snow and do not reopen until the warmer months.
So a winter trip is very possible, but it is a different kind of trip. Expect deep cold, short days, snow-covered landscapes and far fewer tourists, in exchange for a quiet, authentic atmosphere you simply cannot find in summer. Pack carefully with our what to pack guide and check the weather and road & pass status close to your travel dates.
| Hunza Valley | Open and accessible. Cold and snowy, with a calm off-season feel. |
| Gilgit | Open and accessible, the practical base for the region in winter. |
| Skardu | Reachable by air when weather permits, and by road. Allow buffer days for delayed flights. |
| Karakoram Highway | Usually open with care between the main towns; expect ice, snow and occasional short closures. |
| Khunjerab Pass | Closed. The high border pass is buried in snow through the winter. |
| Deosai Plateau | Closed. The high plateau is under snow and inaccessible until it thaws. |
| Naltar (skiing) | Open in season. Naltar valley near Gilgit is the region's skiing spot. |
Winter in Gilgit-Baltistan is genuinely cold. Temperatures drop well below freezing, especially at night, and the days are short — plan your travel and sightseeing for the limited daylight hours. Snow blankets the valleys and frames the peaks, and the whole region slows down. Many summer-only guesthouses and seasonal businesses close, so it pays to confirm that your accommodation is open before you arrive.
In return you get the region almost to yourself. The crowds of summer are gone, the light is sharp and clear, and the atmosphere is quiet and unhurried. The main valleys around Hunza and Skardu still have plenty to see, and local life carries on much as it always has. Browse the explore page for ideas that work in the colder months.
The headline winter activity is skiing in Naltar valley, a short distance from Gilgit and the region's established skiing spot. When the season is in full swing, the snow-covered slopes draw skiers, and it is the natural focus for anyone wanting more than scenery from a winter visit. As with everything in this season, the experience depends on snow and weather, so build in flexibility.
Reaching Naltar means a rough mountain track that can be demanding in winter, so a capable local driver or arranged transport is the sensible choice. Beyond skiing, winter is simply a beautiful, peaceful time to be in the mountains — provided you come prepared for the cold and accept that the high passes and plateaus are off-limits until spring.
Yes. Hunza and Gilgit stay accessible through winter, and the Karakoram Highway is usually open with care. Skardu is reachable by air when weather permits and by road. The high passes are closed.
No. The Khunjerab Pass is closed in winter, buried under deep snow, and reopens only in the warmer months. The Deosai Plateau is also closed for the same reason.
Skardu is reachable by air when the weather is clear, and by road. Flights can be delayed or cancelled by weather, so it is wise to keep buffer days in your itinerary.
Naltar valley, near Gilgit, is the region's skiing spot. When the season is in full swing its snow-covered slopes are the main draw for winter visitors who want an activity beyond sightseeing.
Very cold, with temperatures often well below freezing, especially at night, and short daylight hours. Snow covers the valleys, so heavy insulation and warm, waterproof gear are essential.
It can be, if you are prepared. You trade easy access to the high country for deep cold and short days, but gain quiet valleys, clear light and a far more authentic, crowd-free atmosphere.