Gilgit–Baltistan formerly known as the Northern Areas is the northernmost political entity under Pakistani control. It borders Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to the west,Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north, China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the east and northeast, Pakistani-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the southwest, and the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast. Together with the latter two entities, it forms part of the disputed Kashmir region, which has been the subject of conflict between India and Pakistan since the two countries' independence and partition in 1947.Gilgit–Baltistan covers an area of 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and is highly mountainous. It has an estimated population approaching 1,000,000. Its administrative center is the city of Gilgit(population 216,760).
Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in theGilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan. The Hunza valley is situated north/west of the Hunza River, at an elevation of around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft). The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi). Aliabad is the main town is while Karimabad is a popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains like Ultar Sar, Rakaposhi, Bojahagur Duanasir II, Ghenta Peak, Hunza Peak, Passu Peak, Diran Peak and Bublimotin (Ladyfinger Peak), all 6,000 metres (19,685 ft) or higher.
Skardu
Skardu is the main town of the region Baltistanand the capital of Skardu District, one of the districts making up Pakistan's Gilgit–Baltistan.Skardu is located in the 10 km wide by 40 km longSkardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus river (flowing from near Kailash in Tibet and through neighbouring Ladakh before reaching Baltistan) and the Shigar River. Skardu is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,500 m (8,200 ft). The town is surrounded by grey-brown coloured mountains, which hide the 8,000 metre peaks of the nearbyKarakoram range.