STAY 

Guest rooms at Gilgit Serena Hotel are simple, comfortable and well kept, with wooden furniture, clean lines and regional fabrics. Many have balconies or terraces looking over the gardens towards the surrounding peaks, which adds to the mountain-lodge feel. Heating, Wi-Fi, reliable hot water and decent storage space make it a practical stop before or after long road journeys on the Karakoram Highway or side trips into Hunza and nearby valleys.

CHILDCARE 

Families tend to find Gilgit Serena Hotel manageable and welcoming, even though there is no formal kids’ club. Gardens and lawns give children space to move around under a watchful eye, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to settle in after a long drive or flight. Staff will usually help with requests for extra beds, early meals or simpler dishes from the restaurant, which keeps things straightforward for parents travelling with younger children.

DINE 

Meals are served mainly at Dumani Restaurant, where the menu covers Pakistani favourites and a selection of international dishes. You can try local curries, grilled meats and lentils, or choose simpler items if you prefer something easy after a travel day. Breakfasts are usually buffet-style with eggs to order. During warmer months, barbecues and outdoor seating on the lawns make the most of the setting, while room service is helpful when you want a quiet night in.

RELAX 

Between journeys, the hotel works well as a place to rest and reset. Guests can sit out in the gardens, read on the terrace or enjoy the fresh air and views of nearby hills. There is a small pool in season, along with quiet corners around the lawns. Evenings are generally low key, with the focus on good sleep, hot showers and simple comforts rather than nightlife, which suits many travellers preparing for treks or onward travel.

EXPERIENCE 

Staying at Gilgit Serena Hotel puts you at an easy starting point for exploring Gilgit town and the wider region. It is a handy base for drives towards Hunza, Naltar or further along the Karakoram Highway, and staff can often suggest local drivers or guiding options. The contrast between busy roads and the hotel’s calmer garden setting is part of the experience, giving you somewhere reassuring and familiar to come back to between mountain excursions.