Review: Lost Horizon Guest House in Gilgit, Pakistan

Lost Horizon Guest House in Gilgit, Pakistan is truly a gem of a place to stay in Pakistan's Northern Areas. After a long bus ride, crossing land slides on the Karakoram Highway, or trekking in the Himalayas, it's a welcoming place to kick up your feet and relax before moving on to your next adventure.

Gilgit itself is the transit hub of the Northern Areas, and most travelers use it as a stopping point or staging post for treks into the surrounding mountains. There is not too much to see in Gilgit itself, save the bustling bazaar or the cacophony of languages and people groups mixing in this eclectic mountain locale. You can see a downed Indian helicopter which is proudly on display near the town center, enjoy a cool breeze near the Gilgit River, or attend a no-rules version of Polo at Gilgit's stadium. If you can coordinate your trip to Gilgit in order to attend the Silk Route Festival, you may be able to catch a view of a traditional Hunza sword dance or browse colorful handicrafts made by local women's cooperatives.

If you're planning an extended stay in Gilgit or merely a stopover, Lost Horizon Guest House is a great place to stay for a number of reasons. It's a joint Pakistani-American venture by its two managers Bari and Ty. For 1000 rupees (US $13+) a night, the ambiance and service is well worth the grueling 16 hour bus ride it takes some to get here.

Service

Since Lost Horizon is a small, family style guest house, the service is unbeatable. Bus station or airport pickup is available, and manager Bari is always on hand to answer all of your questions. Staff are very personable and always willing to help with whatever you need.

Rooms

The rooms and bathrooms are impeccably clean, some of the cleanest you'll find in the mid-range options. Paint is fresh and new and there is no telltale smoke odor as is found in most popular backpacker hotels. Each of the five spacious rooms has a double bed and a single bed so you can comfortably fit a party of three. Rooms are large by European standards, and there are wicker shelves to lay out your clothes and gear. Towels and soap is provided, and you'll be sure to find clean linens on the beds.

Some of the bathrooms have Western toilets and some have squat toilets, although seasoned travelers will know that a squeaky clean squat toilet is better than a Western toilet that has never seen bleach. Unfortunately many toilets in the mid-range hotels are of the type that could be much cleaner, and seeing the spic and span bathrooms of the Lost Horizon is certainly a nice surprise after the restrooms you've encountered on the rest of your trip. Be sure to request a room with a Western toilet if you aren't so comfortable with the squatty potty.

Location

Lost Horizon is located in Jutial, near the Gilgit bus stand, and not directly in Gilgit Center. For light sleepers, it's a good place to avoid the early morning ruckus of shopkeepers and bicycle salesman pandering their goods. Close proximity to the bus station is a plus, especially if Gilgit is mere a stopover or a place from you'll launch into your next trek. There is a convenient store located directly across the street from the guest house where you can pick up some snacks and drinks. There is also a bank where you can use international ATM cards within a five-minute walk of the hotel. If you want to go anywhere else in the Gilgit area, Lost Horizon's fleet of vans and 4WD vehicles can be hired to bring you where your heart desires.

Food

Since Lost Horizon was built in the style of a traditional house, there is a large dining room complete with wooden tables and an intriguing collection of books left by fellow travelers. The food cooked up by Lost Horizon's kitchen is some of the freshest and tastiest you'll find in Gilgit. After eating in any of Gilgit's other hotels, you'll probably find yourself just wanting to eat at Lost Horizon. Portions are generous and dishes are great to share around the table. Talk to Bari about food charges, as Lost Horizon gives special deals if you plan on eating the majority of your food in the guest house. Make sure you around ahead of time so that the cook can plan appropriately and have your food ready for you when you'd like it.

Extras

Lost Horizon also organizes treks and tours throughout the region. Whether you want to spend 14 days going to K2 base camp, or take a leisurely jeep ride up to the China border, it can be organized for you. Prices, which are calculated in dollars, are very reasonable and the service you'll get in excellent. Guides, porters, horse rides through the mountains, all of this can be arranged by friendly managers Bari and Ty. Check out their website for more information, and be sure to book both rooms and treks well ahead of time during tourist season: May to September. For comfort, hospitality, and world class service, Lost Horizon is an excellent choice for your trip to Pakistan's enchanting Northern Areas. Prices are object to change based on current high inflation in Pakistan. Call ahead for rates and availability.

Contact Information:

Near Family Health Hospital

Jutial, Gilgit, Pakistan

Tel: (92) 5811-55288, (92) 5811-55017

Mob: (92) 301-546-3987

E-mail: Ty@losthorizontreks.com

www.losthorizontreks.com