Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Hussaini Suspension Bridge is a world famous wooden rope bridge crossing the Hunza River in Gojal, offering an iconic thrill and spectacular views of Passu Cones.
ExploreChilas Rock Carvings
Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan
Overview
Stretches along the banks of the Indus River in Diamer District near Chilas town the Chilas Rock Carvings represent one of the largest concentrations of rock art and ancient petroglyphs in the world. Dating back between 5000 BCE and the sixteenth century CE these ancient rock engravings were carved by prehistoric hunters Silk Road merchants Buddhist pilgrims and ancient mountain armies. The site features over fifty thousand individual petroglyphs and thousands of ancient inscriptions written in Kharosthi Brahmi Sogdian and Tibetan scripts. The carvings depict wild mountain ibex snow leopards ancient stupas Buddha figures hunting rituals and historic battle scenes. Positioned along the ancient Silk Route pass where travelers crossed the Indus River Chilas Rock Carvings stand as a unique open air museum documenting thousands of years of human migration culture and trade in Gilgit Baltistan.
Highlights
- World class collection of over 50000 ancient petroglyphs carved along the Indus River cliffs
- Features historic Silk Road inscriptions written in ancient Kharosthi Brahmi and Sogdian scripts
- Depicts ancient Buddhist stupas Buddha images ibex wildlife and prehistoric hunting scenes
- Rare open air museum documenting human migration trade and culture over 7000 years
- Located directly along the scenic Karakoram Highway KKH near Chilas city
Things To Do
- Observe and photograph ancient rock petroglyphs along the Indus River boulders
- Learn about early Silk Road history ancient writing scripts and Silk Route trade networks
- Explore famous carved rock sites including Thalpan Rock Site and Jayachand Rock
- Photograph the contrast between ancient carved boulders and the roaring Indus River
- Combine your archaeological visit with a stopover in Chilas town along the Karakoram Highway
Local Transportation
Easily accessible via a short 10 to 15 minute drive from main Chilas city center along the Karakoram Highway KKH.
Accommodation
Major roadside hotels and tourist inns in Chilas including Shangrila Midway Hotel, Panorama Hotel Chilas, and Hotel Midway.
Food & Cuisine
Roadside restaurants and hotel cafes serve fresh chicken karahi, mutton handi, chapshuro, fresh local fruits, and hot green tea.
Safety Information
The rock carving sites are exposed along riverbanks and highway cliffs. Wear sturdy walking shoes and exercise caution near fast flowing Indus waters.
Travel Tips
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when low angle sunlight clearly highlights the faint rock carvings for better photography.