Skardu: American news channel CNN has compiled a list of 25 must-visit destinations for 2025, and Pakistan’s scenic Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is featured among them. Gilgit-Baltistan, also known as Pakistan-administered Kashmir a sparsely populated autonomous region under Pakistan’s administration, is home to some of the world’s highest peaks and is a prominent tourist destination.
Every year, thousands of tourists and international mountaineers visit the region to explore various peaks, engage in paragliding, and other adventure activities.
CNN Travel mentioned that “Getting to Gilgit-Baltistan, nestled in the Karakoram mountains, is not easy due to unreliable flight schedules and weather-related road closures, but the region offers mesmerizing peaks.” It further elaborated that “The region is home to five of the world’s highest peaks, ranging from 8,000 meters in height, including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, which is considered the toughest and most dangerous to climb.”
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In 2024, mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan saw a significant increase. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, nine mountaineers, including five from Japan, one from Russia, one from Brazil, and two from Pakistan, lost their lives during various peak attempts last year.
Despite the challenges, global tour operators, including G Adventures and Wild Frontiers, offer access to Gilgit-Baltistan. CNN Travel also reported that “Intrepid offers 10-day trips for around $3,000.”
Other top destinations on CNN’s travel list include Almaty in Kazakhstan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, Bolivia, Chemnitz in Germany, Rabat in Morocco, Vancouver Island in Canada, and Mount Kackar in Turkey.
