PTDC Motel and Campground Gilgit — Karakoram Highway Basecamp

PTDC Motel Gilgit has been the go-to overnight stop for overlanders, cyclists, and expedition teams driving the Karakoram Highway for decades. It sits inside the PTDC Motel compound on the edge of Gilgit city, offering a flat grassed camping area, basic ablution block, and access to the motel restaurant — rare comfort after grinding through the Hunza Valley or Khunjerab corridor. The vibe is budget traveller meets expedition team: expect a mix of motorcycles, Land Cruisers, and the odd overloaded Defender. Water and toilets are on site. Cell signal is available in Gilgit proper.

Access is straightforward — paved KKH all the way into Gilgit city. The campground is open year-round but the KKH north of Gilgit closes to through traffic in winter. Confirm PTDC availability locally on arrival; Pakistan Tourism facilities have variable operating hours. Fill fuel in Gilgit — it’s the last reliable stop before heading north toward Hunza and Karimabad.

KKH basecamp in Gilgit city.