Munaza Kazmi

Gilgit-Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Moreover, it is strategically close to the heart of Central Asia and is the hub of the world’s greatest mountain ranges. The Karakoram, The Himalaya, The Hindukush, and The Pamir radiate out from this center like spokes on a wheel. 

This array of mountains has carefully guarded Pakistan’s frontiers with China, India, Afghanistan and across the narrow Wakhan corridor. Rich in history, culture and natural beauty the area has been visited for centuries by travelers; both modern day tourists and ancient travelers from the Silk Road. It also remained for many years a focal point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires.

Gilgitthe capital of Gilgit-Baltistan known as Asia’s wonderland stands as the paradise when it comes to describing the beauty. Also, the region holds much significance on ground of linking Pakistan with China and Central Asia. Moreover, in past it was a major hub for Buddhism.

Gilgit is a dazzling mountainous valley situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, which make the topography and climate quiet extreme. However, due to the smooth working of Karakoram Highway, and Gilgit Airport one can easy reach Gilgit,

For every kind traveler the city has a package, there’s nature, history, adventure, discovery, and luxury. Common language is Balti, instead I would say “Hospitality”.

Besides the supreme astonishing fact is, the region has one of the highest literacy rates as compared to other similar districts in Pakistan due to the influence of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, whom most of the populace follow as their spiritual leader, I had seen an equal number of girls wearing school uniforms on top women working side by side with men. I had found them in almost every fragment of market let’s say selling jewels, on tea stalls, in self-operated restaurants, in fields, and even in hotel “Gilgit Serena” where I was staying. This I found very remarkable!

Gilgit Serena Hotel located on SherullahBaig Road is in close proximity from bus stand and airport is a gorgeous resort property in the cradle of glittering Karakoram mountain range was my home for next few days. Today after a year the memories of Elegantly chic building with floral lawns stretching on a massive area, natural water fountains, my early mooring walks in the bloomy gardens, picking juicy apples, tasting red strawberries, running after baby squirrels and that afternoon joys of swing makes me think of planning for another.

Into the glittering shadow of the stunning Karakoram mountain range, Gilgit Serena Hotel recaptures the warmth and charm of a long-ago mountain retreat, allowing visitors to experience the legendary region in a most authentic way while enjoying modern day amenities. 

The Hotel offers new experiences and discoveries amid an ancient setting. Where nature lovers can explore the snow-capped beauty of the Karakoram mountain range while enjoying superlative local cuisine in heritage-style. 

Furthermore, perfect attention to detail and an eye for local design and décor had been given that creats a warm, inviting shelter after a day of adventure. Every interior and furnishing of the room display the aura of pure Gilgiti-culture.Give your skin a new life by having a refreshing bath in the adjacent shower room, equipped with contemporary amenities. Later in the evening, grab a cup of coffee and step out onto the private balcony, I bet you would be enslaved by the captivating views of Shiny Mount Rakaposhi, Kaleidoscopic Danyore Village, and Dancing Gilgit and Hunza Rivers.

In total The Hotel have 43 rooms and suites merges modern comfort with traditional refinement. Beside bed and bath, all accommodations feature minibars, mini refrigerators, work desks, 24-hour room service, private balconies and most significant to remember all rooms are smoke free.

Executive Suits: Spacious 707-square-foot Executive Suits, designed for travelers seeking more space, features a king bed, separate lounge, and a private balcony with outdoor.

Deluxe Rooms: Handsomely designed, these 41 rooms offers one king or two twin beds, a work desk, internet, a safe deposit box and attached bath.

Hence you can tailor the visit according to your requirement.

Dinning

For Dinning Gilgit Serena Hotel is the perfect choice, on my first visit I thanked my friend for the recommendation. It’s a treat for all 5 senses, the fabulousTraditional environment, the aroma of freshly baked bread, the hospitable staff, delightful food and the dazzling view of Mount Rakaposhi. Moreover, Hotel offers authentic Pakistani delights including local regional dishes, complemented by innovative Chinese and Continental specialties. Inviting surroundings.

Gilgit Serena Hotel features a splendid restaurant to enchant every palate, with ambience as unique and inspiring as the cuisine. Whether you are looking to indulge in a lavish buffet or Afternoon High Tea on Sunday, unforgettable dining experiences await. 

Furthermore, all meals at the hotel feature fresh ingredients some from Hotel’s very own fruit orchards and organic vegetable garden, providing you with the unique opportunity to savor some of the best cuisine in the region.

Dumanni Restaurant

Renowned throughout Gilgit for its Pakistani, Continental and Chinese cuisine. I enjoyed the lavish food with views of the hotel’s lawns, mountains and the live playing of Rubab and Tabla on the unforgettable tune of Shahrukh’s “Baazighar”.

Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, though on Sunday, a High Tea is accompanied by buffet and a la carte service. However, Breakfast is complimentary for all the hotel guests. 

Garden BBQ

From May through September, Garden BBQ features everything from seafood to local chicken and beef specialties, under the shade of native trees.The sounds of traditional live music and the water channel’s gentle cascade offer an enchanting backdrop for a classical dining experience.

In-Room Dinning

Well sometimes, enjoying food in the privacy of our cozy room or a Monarch-like feel of dinning in the private balcony is what I would love. In the Hotel, around the clock the service is available.

Framed by traditional wood architecture, awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped Karakoram Mountain Range and lush organic orchards and gardens, Gilgit Serena Hotel is the most unique and beautiful hotel in the Gilgit Valley. 

Merging the finest of local culture and heritage with personalized service, hotel offers exclusive and immersive experiences designed to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Whether you wish to visit one of Gilgit’s three hanging bridges, picnic by the Jutial Stream or ski the slopes of Naltar, the staff will help you experience all the wonders Gilgit-Baltistan has to offer. 

During my visit I learned about “Karighar” a CSR project of Serena Hotel, a vocational center that established back in the year 2016, has been making a significant contribution to provide entrepreneurship training to various segments of communities mainly women in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, for a sustainable growth and quality of life.

On my visit I found Karigharan economic lift-up, empowering the community in this remote region to supplement the household income by providing them with education and training related to bee-farming, besides stitching and embroidery.

This is not just a hotel but a value chain, however, after visiting Gilgit Serena Hotel, where hospitality is culture and tradition, I understood why it has been said.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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