Chilas

Chilas is the capital town of Diamer district on the Karakoram Highway on the left side of the Indus River at the foot of Nanga Parbat. It is located at an elevation of 4,150 feet above sea level at a distance of 471 km from Islamabad via Besham through KKH and Hazara Motorway M-15. It is also accessible via Naran, Kaghan Valley, in less time by crossing Babusar Top.

Gateway to access Nanga Parbat

Chilas is a gateway to access beautiful Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat, which is the ninth-highest peak in the world. The temperature in Chilas is normally much higher than in other cities of the Gilgit-Baltistan. The effect of higher temperature can be also seen in the mountain structure in the Chilas.

Babusar Top - Alternate Route

Babusar Top is an alternate and short route in the summer season only from end of May to October and it becomes totally inaccessible in the winter season. It takes only one and half an hour on an adventurous trek descending deeply from the Babusar Pass to the KKH junction point in Chilas. Whereas, Kohistan route via Chilas is longer but available in whole of the year through the lush green gorges of the Hindukush Range along the Indus River. It roughly takes 5 to 6 hours on the rugged and bumpy trek from Mansehra to the junction point via Besham and Dassu in Kohistan region. After crossing Chilas, the Karakoram Highway becomes much better and smoother to access the beautiful valleys of the high mountains in the Gilgit-Baltistan.

Need Extra Care on KKH Kohistan Section

Due to high remote area of Kohistan, it is highly recommended to drive in day light only in the Kohistan-Chilas region of KKH. There are several check posts on the way, those will guide you about the safe traveling and recommend stay there if required.

Another most important aspect of Kohistan-Chilas region is the landslide. Care must be required while driving on the Kohistan section of KKH and must be vigilant to observe the rolling stones over the road. As it is the highly remote area, so one must get the detail check up of vehicle and its tires before starting from Mansehra.

Natural Cold and Hot Water Springs

Traveling toward Chilas from Besham gives a lot of picturesque and splendid views of the Karakorum Highway. There are a number of cold water and hot water springs in the mountain rocks on the road. Near Dassu and Shatia, you can see the Buddhist rock arts along the bank of the Indus River. While going toward Gilgit, it is recommended not to stay in Chilas. If you decided to stay there, the best place to stay is the PTDC motel.

Night Stay in Chilas

As Chilas is the main city along the KKH transit route, most of the visitors want to stay after having a long journey from Lahore or Karachi. There are number famous hotels such Shangrila Chilas, Panorama Hotel, and many others available for comfortable night stay. All of these hotels provide secured parking as well as arrangements for breakfast.

Historical Heritage Sites in Chilas

Visitors can plan a short visit early in the morning to explore few of the historical ancient heritage in Chilas. You can hire some local guide to explore the Buddhist and rock engraving sites. One of the famous location is just near the Chilas Bridge after crossing the river.

In Gilgit-Baltistan along the Karakoram Highway, there are more than 50,000 pieces of Buddhist rock art and inscriptions. These are found mostly in Hunza, Shatial, Shighar, and Skardu. The Kharosthi term Kaboa or Kamboa in Khrosthi inscription found in Chilas by the Archaeological Department of Pakistan. That indicates Chilas was part of an ancient Kamboja Kingdom.

On the entrance of old Chilas town, the fifth-century Gupta inscription has been curved into a rock about the 300 meters up the hill. It is known as Soma Nagar, the name of the king ruled the region.

Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek

Fairy Meadows, a lush green plateau, is located at an altitude of 3,300 meters at the base of Nanga Parbat in Chilas in the Diamer district. It is a wonderful site that gives a splendid view of The Killer Mountain, Nanga Parbat.

Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest peak in the world, is located near Tattu village in Chilas. Fairy Meadows is the first base camp for Nanga Parbat Expedition. It gives a beautiful and clear view of Nanga Parbat Hill in clear weather. While traveling on the Karakoram Highway, the Nanga Parbat Peak remains in view for a long time.

Historical Chilas Fort

Chilas Fort is a historical old fort and was captured by the British army. Fort was converted into a garrison by the British. It is located on Chinar Road in Chilas City. At present time, it is used as Chilas Police headquarter.

Dry and Hot Weather of Chilas

The weather conditions in Chilas are normally dry and hot in the summer season, whereas in the winter season, the weather becomes more pleasant. Due to Nanga Parbat, the monsoon winds are blocked, so there is no rain in the monsoon period. Nanga Parbat is just like a wall in front of the Chilas town, that is the reason behind the hotness in the Chilas.

Plan to drive through Babusar Top route to join at KKH junction point in Chilas, verify current road conditions and weather updates in our Babusar Pass Travel Guide.

About Diamer

Diamer is the district of Gilgit-Baltistan at average elevation of 4,150 feet on the Karakoram Highway along the Indus River. It is the gateway to access the mighty mountains of Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan from Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province. The Chilas is the capital town of the Diamer district.