Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most breathtaking regions of Pakistan. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush green valleys, and stunning landscapes, it truly deserves to be called a paradise on earth. Beyond its natural beauty, the people of this region are equally remarkable simple, kind, and exceptionally hospitable. Visitors are welcomed like family, and the warmth of the locals, along with their traditional salted tea, makes every journey memorable.

The region has also made encouraging progress in education. Its literacy rate is higher than that of many other parts of the country. The youth, whether men or women, are ambitious and determined, striving to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

However, despite its beauty and potential, traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan remains a challenging experience.

By air, the journey from Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes. In contrast, traveling by road is long and exhausting. The journey remains relatively smooth up to Bisham, but road conditions worsen significantly as the Kohistan region begins. Passing through areas such as Dassu and Sumar Nala further adds to the discomfort, until travelers finally reach Chilas, often referred to as the gateway to Gilgit.

Alternatively, the Naran-Kaghan route offers a more scenic and peaceful journey. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views while crossing Babusar Top before descending towards Chilas and continuing onward to Gilgit city.

One of the most serious concerns during this journey is the poor condition of transport services. Many buses traveling to Gilgit are poorly maintained and frequently break down during a single trip. Mechanical failures such as brake issues, clutch problems, and engine faults are common. Passengers are left stranded and distressed, yet transport companies often dismiss complaints by attributing these failures to the unpredictability of machinery.

This raises an important concern: if machinery is unreliable, why is there no proper inspection system in place? Why are vehicles not thoroughly checked before departure? The absence of an effective monitoring system reflects a serious gap in responsibility.

Another major issue is the condition of rest stops. Drivers often choose stopping points based on personal commissions rather than passenger comfort. As a result, many rest areas lack basic hygiene, serve poor-quality food, and charge excessively high prices.

For instance, in areas like Dassu, several roadside hotels commonly referred to as “Pakistan Hotel” offer food of very low quality. Due to the long journey, passengers have little choice but to eat there, despite the poor standards. To make matters worse, prices are often unreasonably high, comparable to those of high-end restaurants.

These challenges cause significant discomfort for travelers. Upon reaching their destination, many feel a sense of relief and vow not to undertake the journey again. However, due to necessity, they are often forced to face the same difficulties repeatedly.

This is not an isolated experience but a common issue faced by many travelers. Personal experiences, along with widespread public feedback, indicate that these problems have persisted for years.

It is therefore essential for the concerned authorities to take immediate action. A proper system of inspection and accountability must be implemented for transport services. Vehicles should undergo strict fitness checks, and action must be taken against negligence. Similarly, rest areas and roadside hotels should be regularly monitored to ensure hygiene, quality food, and fair pricing.

Gilgit-Baltistan is a national treasure of immense natural beauty. Improving travel facilities will not only make the journey safer and more comfortable but will also promote tourism, encouraging visitors to return and share this unique experience with others.

Ensuring safe and comfortable access to such a remarkable region is not just a necessity it is a responsibility.