Gilgit, Pakistan

Capital City

With a population of just 8,851, Gilgit is hardly the bustling metropolis some imagine. This remote city in Pakistan's far north is a headache of red tape and harsh winters, where residents battle the elements as much as poor infrastructure. The economy revolves around subsistence agriculture, with wheat, maize, and barley as the main crops - a far cry from the trekking and mountaineering that draws tourists. Severe flash floods in recent years have exposed critical failures, leaving many without basic services like water and electricity. Gilgit may appeal to the most intrepid adventurers, but for most, the relentless bureaucracy and punishing climate make it a poor choice.