Gilgit's value is almost entirely as a base for excursions into the surrounding mountains and valleys. The town itself rewards a few hours but the real draws are within a day's drive.
Naltar Valley is the most accessible short excursion from Gilgit: about 40 km and a 90-minute jeep drive up a track into the mountains northwest of town. The valley holds three glacier-fed lakes — Naltar Lake, Upper Naltar Lake, and Blue Lake — at around 3,000 metres, surrounded by pine forests. In winter it hosts a ski resort, the only one in Pakistan. In summer the lakes are blue-green and the walk between them is straightforward. A jeep hired from Gilgit bazaar for the day covers it comfortably.
Nomal Valley, east of Gilgit along the Gilgit River, is a quieter half-day option: a fertile side valley with terraced fields and some pleasant walking, far less visited than Naltar. The road is driveable and the valley can be done as a short excursion without particular planning.
Kargah Nala and Buddha is technically within Gilgit's municipality but feels like a day trip: the gorge 10 km southwest of town where the 7th-century rock-carved Buddha sits. The drive and short walk can be combined with the Old British Cemetery and a look at the confluence of the Gilgit and Hunza rivers — all manageable in a morning.
Hunza Valley (Karimabad) is the most popular longer day trip — two to three hours north on the Karakoram Highway — though most people stay a night or two rather than returning the same day. The town of Karimabad sits above the valley with views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, and the ruined Baltit Fort is the main sight.
Fairy Meadows (for Nanga Parbat views) is a longer outing — two to three hours south on the KKH to Raikot Bridge, then a steep jeep track to Tato village and a 3–4 hour walk to the meadows. Possible as a long day from Gilgit but genuinely better with a night at the meadows.