Chilas:
Chilas is a small town, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan Region in Pakistan, on the left bank of River Indus. It is 375 kilometres (233 miles) away from Islamabad and the journey takes 8 hours and 45 minutes approximately. It is connected through Karakoram Highway (KKH) to the rest of the country, from the South via Dassu, Besham, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur; and in the North, it is connected to the Chinese cities of Kashgar and Tashkurgan en-route to Gilgit, Sost and the Khunjerab Pass.
Historical Records:
More than 50,000 samples of Rock Art (Petroglyphs) are found all along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Gilgit-Baltistan including Chilas, some of these dated back to 5000 and 1000 BC. Chilas has a recorded history of arrival of business delegates, trade merchants and Buddha pilgrimages from across the borders, for thousands of years. It has been remained a hub for holidaymakers from the ancient times.
Weather:
The weather of Chilas is dry, hot in the summers and cold in the winters.
Routes:
It can be reached through Karakoram Highway (KKH). The alternate route is from Kaghan Valley through Babusar Pass. Foreign tourists must get permit for travelling to Chilas, from the relevant authorities.
Hotels in Chilas:
Hotel Shangri-La Indus View Hotel:
- Total 7 Rooms
- Marbled Bathrooms
- Hot & Cold Water
- Efficient Room Service
- Traditional Wood Panelled Fireplace
- Well-Decorated with Rugs
- Restaurant Garden
- Main Bazar, Chilas
Chilas Inn Hotel:
- 12 Spacious Rooms
- Elegantly Furnished
- Air Conditioned Rooms
- Vast Garden
- Main Bazar, Chilas
Panorama Hotel:
- Total 24 Rooms
- Main Bazar Chilas
- Basic Standard
Grace Continental Hotel:
- Total 11 Rooms
- Basic Standard
- Main Bazar, Chilas
Shangri-La Motel, Panorama Hotel and Restaurant Chilas, are famous accommodations in the Chilas Valley. There is another appropriate place to stay, is FWO (Frontier Works Organization).
Author: Fehmeeda Farid Khan