Hunza Valley, a gem in Pakistan's northern regions, is a must-visit site. It offers a flawless mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure. People referred to this charming glen as “heaven on earth.” It boasts eye-catching views, including snow-capped peaks, rich greenery, and crystal-clear lakes. From the historic Baltit and Altit forts to Attabad Lake, there's something for everyone in Hunza Valley.
Hunza offers a gem of an experience that wows visitors with its timeless charm and warm hospitality. Wander into the valley's vibrant culture, famous for the longevity of its natives. Get lost in a world of wonder and discovery.
Best Time to See Hunza Valley
The best time to see Hunza Valley is during the months of;
Spring
Summer
Autumn
In spring (April to May), the valley comes alive with blooming flowers and cherry blossoms. The vibrant Jashn-e-Baharan festival flags up the season. Summer (June to August) provides warm weather for trekking and boating. May to July are the perfect months for exploration.
As autumn arrives from September to October, visitors can enjoy stunning fall colors. They can also join the harvest season and the lively Beyar festival. Winter (November to March) transforms the scene into a snowy paradise. It's ideal for wildlife spotting and enjoying local dry fruits indoors.
Overall, May to July and September are the best times to experience Hunza Valley's divine beauty.
Hunza Famous Places to Visit
These are some of the top spots to explore in Hunza Valley:
Baltit Fort
Baltit Fort is a historic fort located in the Hunza Valley of northern Pakistan. Established in the 8th century CE, it served as the seat of power for the Mirs of Hunza for over 700 years. The fort is a wood-and-stone structure with mud plaster. It features three stories with granaries and stores in the basement. Ladakhi/Tibetan styles influenced its architecture. It bears some similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
In 1945, the Mirs deserted the fort and moved to a new palace down the hill. After falling into ruin, The Aga Khan Trust for Culture started restoration in the 1990s. They completed the restoration in 1996. The fort is presently a museum overseen by the Baltit Heritage Trust. Baltit Fort offers majestic views of the Hunza Valley and surrounding peaks like;
Rakaposhi
Golden Peak
Ultar Sar
It is a crowd-puller among both Hunza people and visitors. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage Tentative List in 2004.
Altit Fort
Altit Fort is an ancient 1,100-year-old fort. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state, known as the Mirs. The Hunza people lived here until they moved to the nearby Baltit Fort three centuries later. The fort notes its;
Unique architecture
Square layout
Small rooms
Low portals
Exquisite wood carvings
It points to a single side entrance from the town and a long stone pathway leading to the fort; they crafted the fort with care using stone and wood. It has multiple construction levels and a rooftop terrace with a watchtower.
Altit Fort is a dramatically sited defensive work overlooking the Hunza River valley. It earned the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011. This award gives credit to its renewal process. Today, it is a tourist hotspot that has been open to the public since 2007.
Attabad Lake
A landslide on January 4, 2010, blocked the Hunza River and formed Attabad Lake. This disaster resulted in the loss of twenty lives and shifted thousands. It also flooded major sectors and was stuck in a bottleneck for months. The lake is about 21 km and reaches depths of over 100 m. It has become a big ticket item known for its brilliant aqua waters.
It draws crowds for activities like;
Boating
Jet skiing
Ice skating in winter
The area has seen a tourism boom, with various hotels and resorts emerging around the lake. It has made it a centerpiece in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Passu Cones (Passu Cathedral)
Passu Cones, also known as Tupopdan, is a standout peak in the Gojal Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. Standing at 6,106 meters (20,033 ft), it features jagged, pyramid-like peaks. People honor these peaks for their photogenic qualities. The area is a top travel spot, celebrated for its marvelous backdrops. These include the nearby Passu Glacier and the towering Passu Sar Mountain.
The local Hunza people and Wakhi people refer to it as “Tupopdan.” The name means “sun-swallowing mountain” due to its mind-blowing sunset views. The village of Passu acts as a hub for visitors and is known for its warm hospitality. Its scenic splendor makes it a prime stop in the area.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge is one of the world's most dangerous bridges. Bridging about 900 to 1,000 feet, it connects Hussain Village to Zarabad over Borith Lake. Built with wooden planks and ropes, the bridge has gaps between the planks. It makes it a thrilling yet unsafe crossing.
The British originally built it, and in 1968, they transferred it to ease access for local farmers. The bridge is now a go-to spot, offering activities like zip lining. Visitors should exercise caution while crossing due to its height and narrow structure.
Ganish Village
Ganish is an ancient village in the Hunza Valley, located along the ancient Silk Road. People viewed it as the oldest site of ongoing residency. Its history dates back over 1,000 years. The village boasts a carefully maintained historic design, including;
Compact mud-brick houses
Narrow alleys
Ancient wooden mosques
Ganesh has received 2 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for cultural conservation. Some core aspects of Ganesh include:
Four 300-400-year-old wooden mosques with intricate carvings
Fortified watchtowers and walls, remnants of its defensive past
A natural refrigeration system using glacier meltwater to store butter for decades
A historic two-story caravanserai (guesthouse) for travelers.
A village has a strong sense of community. Its residents care for a poor widow from another region. Garnish offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Hunza Valley. It makes it a favorite haunt for visitors to Pakistan.
Eagle’s Nest
Eagle's Nest in Duikar offers heart-stopping views of 11 peaks, including Rakaposhi and Ladyfinger. The Eagle's Nest Hotel has 41 rooms, two restaurants, and a terrace with broad vistas. Guests can enjoy local and international cuisine with a focus on Hunza specialties.
Access is simple, with a 20-minute drive from Karimabad. Activities like trekking and sightseeing are available nearby. The best times for photography are sunrise and sunset when the view is most eye-catching. Hunza people often share their perceptions and stories about the area's natural beauty and rich legacy.
Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Rakaposhi Viewpoint, or “Zero Point of Rakaposhi,” is a scenic spot in Ghulmet Village. It lies along the Karakoram Highway in Nagar Valley, Pakistan. It offers magnificent scenery of Rakaposhi, the 27th highest mountain at 7,788 meters. This prominent stop is ideal for mountaineers and adventure seekers.
The view is ideal for relaxing, dining, and taking photos. The viewpoint has evolved into a top-tier attraction with facilities such as cafés and gift shops. It has become a can’t-miss spot for those traveling between Gilgit and Hunza.
Ultar Sar
Ultar Sar, standing at 7,388 meters (24,239 feet), is an imposing height. It dramatically rises above the local terrain in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. While not one of the highest peaks in the Karakoram Range, Ultar Sar hit the big time in the 1990s. It was supposedly the world's highest unclimbed independent peak, heaven for adventurers.
Two separate Japanese tours made the first successful climbs in July 1996. The first team, led by Akito Yamazaki, conquered but tragically lost their leader on the drop. The second team, led by Ken Takahashi, attained the top via the south ridge. Since then, there have been no logged climbs of the peak.
Ultar Sar is popular among trekkers and mountaineers for its tough slog. It also offers enthralling sights of the surrounding peaks, including Ladyfinger and Shispare. The peak’s position at the end of the Batura Muztagh, near the Hunza River, enhances its mystical aura and local legends.
Ladyfinger Peak (Bublimotin)
Ladyfinger Peak, or Bubli Motion, is a prominent peak in Pakistan’s Batura Muztagh. It lies on the southwest ridge of the Ultar Sar massif and rises steeply above the Hunza Valley. According to a folk tale, locals named the peak after Babli, a princess from Hunza. She married Kisar, a magical prince from Baltistan.
Kisar left Bubli on the mountain with a sack of grain and a chicken while he rescued his kidnapped wife, Langabrumo. He guided her to feed a chicken one grain per year. He promised he would return when the sack was empty. The story hints that Bubli is still waiting there.
Ladyfinger Peak provides a challenging 6,000-meter rock climb with a very serious alpine route. It has also been the site of notable paragliding, the peak's sharp, relatively snow-free rock spires among the snow-covered peaks. Its height above the valley makes it quite eye-catching and a notable climbing target.
Conclusion
Hunza Valley is a fascinating fusion of glamorous backdrops and deep cultural roots. It also offers heart-pounding adventures. It invites exploration of hidden gems and authentic local experiences beyond the iconic attractions. As you journey, remember to preserve Hunza’s beauty and traditions for future generations. Relish the charm of this distinctive site and help sustain its charm for years to come.
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