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Gupis-yasin!

Gupis‑Yasin is the westernmost district of Gilgit‑Baltistan, carved out in 2019 from Ghizer District and comprises the tehsils of Gupis, Phander, and Yasin. Its headquarters is Phander, spanning 7,747 km² and home to roughly 95,600 people

Distance From Skardu?

No direct flights or road routes. Typical access is via:

  1. Flight: Skardu → Islamabad or Gilgit (1 hr+)

  2. By road: KKH from Gilgit to Gupis (4–6 hrs), then onward

Routes to Gupis-yasin

The routes to Gupis-Yasin primarily start from Gilgit, which serves as the main gateway to the district. Travelers can reach Gilgit by air from Islamabad via a short domestic flight of about 45 minutes, or by road through the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which connects Islamabad to Gilgit in approximately 14–16 hours. From Gilgit, the journey continues westward along the Gilgit–Chitral road. The distance from Gilgit to Gupis is around 112 kilometers and takes about 2 to 3 hours by vehicle. From Gupis, travelers can head further west to Phander Valley, a scenic route that takes around 1.5 hours on mostly metaled but narrow roads. To reach Yasin Valley, a branch road leads north from Gupis, covering about 20 kilometers in 30 to 40 minutes. Although the main roads are accessible by car, some stretches—especially those beyond Gupis—are better navigated with high-clearance vehicles like jeeps due to rough patches and landslide-prone areas. In winter, routes can be blocked by snow, so the best time to travel is between May and October. There are no direct routes from Skardu to Gupis-Yasin; instead, travelers must first reach Gilgit via air or road, then continue by road into the district.

PLACES TO VISIT IN Gupis-yasin

Here are some amazing places to explore in Gupis-Yasin, Gilgit‑Baltistan:

Golaghmuli Valley

Phander Valley & Phander Lake

Khalti Lake (near Gupis)

Yasin Valley & Darkut Area

Handarap & Baha Lakes

Shandur Pass & Shandur National Park

Must-know things!

Things to pack for traveling to Gupis-yasin? 
  • Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
  • Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
  • Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
  • Toiletries.
  • Snacks.
  • Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
  • Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser. 
  • Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
  • Refillable Water Bottle.
  • Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.

Activities in Gupis-Yasin

Outdoor & Nature Activities

  • Trekking to high-altitude passes (Darkut, Thoi, Assumbur, Buroghul)

  • Hiking in the lush valleys of Gupis, Phander, and Yasin

  • Trout fishing in lakes and rivers (Khalti Lake, Phander Lake, Handarap Lake)

  • Camping near lakes and rivers

  • Boating in Khalti Lake

  • Horse riding in alpine meadows

Sightseeing & Photography

  • Visit Gupis Fort overlooking the Gilgit River

  • Scenic views at Phander Lake and Handarap Lake

  • Explore the meadows and pine forests of Yasin Valley

  • Photography of snow-capped peaks, stone houses, and waterfalls

  • Visit the world’s highest polo ground at Shandur Pass

Cultural & Historical Activities

  • Explore ancient forts, stone circles, and rock carvings

  • Attend local cultural festivals (especially the Shandur Polo Festival in July)

  • Visit traditional villages like Darkot, Taus, and Qorkul

  • Learn about the local tribal lifestyle and languages (Burushaski, Khowar, Shina)

  • Enjoy traditional food and hospitality

Wildlife & Nature Exploration

  • Spot local wildlife in the Shandur-Hundrap National Park

  • Birdwatching in alpine and riverine habitats

  • Explore glaciers and natural springs

Must remember!

You should take your CNIC (if nationals) to visit Kharmang district since the location is borderline of the country while a valid VISA and a passport are must-bring-along for tourists.  

Please keep Kharmang clean, as the government is taking a strict stance on maintaining the hygiene standards of the area. 

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