Gilgit-Baltistan named among top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 by CNN

CNN Travel notes roads can be blocked off seasonally, but the region's allure remains undeniable

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CNN has included Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region in its curated list of the top 25 destinations to visit in 2025. The region is known for its rugged landscapes, towering peaks, and stunning natural beauty, making it a prime location for adventurous tourists and mountaineers alike.

G-B, which is administered as an autonomous territory of Pakistan, is home to some of the world’s highest and most challenging peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. The region’s remote location, however, can pose logistical challenges.

As CNN Travel notes, “Flight schedules can be unreliable, and roads can be blocked off seasonally,” but the region’s allure remains undeniable. With five of the 14 "eight-thousanders"—the world’s tallest mountains—G-B attracts thousands of climbers, trekkers, and adventurers each year.

Describing the region as being “home to more tantalising peaks than a lemon meringue pie,” CNN Travel highlighted the extreme difficulty and danger of summiting peaks like K2, often regarded as the most dangerous mountain in the world.

For tourists, the hiking terrain in G-B is challenging, with trails in the Karakoram Mountains considered more difficult than even those in the Himalayas. Despite its beauty, the region is not a place to visit alone, with CNN Travel stressing that guided expeditions are essential for safety.

While the region has experienced a surge in mountaineering expeditions, 2024 saw a tragic loss of life, with nine mountaineers dying during their attempts to summit various peaks in Pakistan. Among the casualties were climbers from Japan, Russia, Brazil, and Pakistan, as reported by the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Nevertheless, G-B remains accessible through reputable tour operators, such as G Adventures and Wild Frontiers. CNN Travel also mentioned that Intrepid offers a 10-day, fully supported hiking tour through the region, known as "Little Tibet," priced from around $3,000.

Other destinations making CNN’s 2025 list include Almaty in Kazakhstan, India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bolivia, Germany’s Chemnitz, Morocco’s Rabat, Vancouver Island in Canada, and Turkiye’s Kaçkar Mountains.

For travelers seeking unparalleled natural beauty and adventure, G-B promises to be one of the most remarkable destinations in the coming year.