The much remarkable Hunza valley is frequently mentioned as a heaven on earth. A mountainous valley in the Gilgit –Baltistan region of Pakistan and north/west of the Hunza River. It is at the extreme north of Pakistan and the main part of Northern Areas of Pakistan. This valley is consists of three regions i.e. Upper Hunza (Gojal Valley), Central Hunza( (“Hunza Valley”), and Lower Hunza (“Shinkai”).
Hunza is the most beautiful land of Gilgit-Baltistan, and also known for its wondrous captivating sceneries and panoramic views. It is the global tourist attraction you will see every second tourist will be a foreigner. This valley offers a stunning beauty Surrounded by a whole new spectrum of colors. This place remains extraordinary with every changing season. This is a highly recommended place to visit with gorgeous views.
Awesome cafes and beautiful places to explore, all surrounded by magnificent landscapes, you are sure to have a great time in Hunza valley. The curvy roads to Hunza along with the mesmerizing lakes are just breathtaking experiences. This valley provides remarkable views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world.
The Hunza Valley attracted travelers, merchants, and mountaineers for centuries due to its natural majesty and position on the Central Asian Silk Route. Man-made wonders also add up to the glory of this part of Pakistan. Hunza valley is the main stop on the Legendary Karakoram Highway. It has an extraordinary contrast of landscapes of the world.
Places to visit Hunza valley
The valley is full of scenic beauty and landscapes but we are discussing here most visited and hot tourists destinations in Hunza valley.
Altit Fort
Altit fort Hunza, a historical place located in Altit village, which is about 3 km from Karimabad. It is an ancient fort of the Hunza valley, where millions of tourists visit every year. It is over 1,000 feet above the Hunza River. It was built with great architectural design on a mountain where the Hunza River flows at its back. The great Altit Fort was built by the Mirs of Hunza since the 11th century, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan.
A truly remarkable place to visit in Hunza. It is the home town of the hereditary ruler of Hunza that known as the title of Mirs. Although they moved to the Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. It was the unique architectural structures of its time, constructed on a rock of a mountain, a true picture of architectural genius.
It is said that the fort was built by craftsmen from Gilgit-Baltistan who came here on their Princess’s command who was married to the Mir of Hunza. The entrance of the fort opens up a lush green beautiful royal garden where is countless apricot trees laden with ripe fruit. Altit Fort is also known as “Shikari Tower (hunters’ tower)”. There is a main worship hall, centuries-old, huge cooking pot, Kashmiri samovar, Shiv-Lingam, and a beautifully carved antique wooden chest and much more. When Standing on top of the tower you can enjoy all surrounding areas such as mountains, rivers streams, etc. The fort is to be restored by Aga Khan Foundation and Royal Norwegian Embassy and converted into its famous landmark of Gilgit Baltistan.
Baltit Fort
Baltit Fort is another great historic place in the Hunza valley, near the town of Karimabad, in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is Founded in the 8th CE and region’s oldest standing monuaments and a mark of the valley’s feudal regime. In 1945 the Mirs of Hunza abandoned the fort and moved to a new palace down the hill. The fort started to decay which caused concern. The fort is restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in 1996, and the fort is now has been converted into a museum and cultural center. The Trust is active in the restoration of historic sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Baltit Fort remained home to the royal rulers of Hunza.
The structure of the Baltit Fort is made by wood-and-stone with mud plaster. It is a three-story building, with granaries, narrow staircases, and some stores in the basement. Baltit Fort has been on the UNESCO World Heritage status and recognized for excellence in conservation in 2004. The fort contains bedrooms, kitchen, sitting area, a collection of old photographs of the royal family of Hunza, and copies of many old agreements.
There are many hotels for accommodation and Shops that sell handicrafts, jewelry, and other handmade stuff near the Baltit Fort. It gives you an idea and interesting facts about the fort, the lives of the rulers, and its inhabitants in old times. The architecture of the building is amazing. Stunning View of Rakaposhi mountain also seen from the Baltit fort terrace.
Borith Lake
Borith Lake is located in upper Hunza near Gulmit, Gojal. Borith Lake is a natural attraction and an ideal place for bird-watchers. The site is an important sanctuary for migrating wild fowls. In winter season lake become frozen. It is beautiful green-turquoise water that refreshes you and makes you relax and calm. Some people can reach by crossing Borith Lake to Passu Glacier. The altitude of Borith is roughly 2,600 meters above sea level. Around it, there are some small hotels near the lake where you can enjoy special Hunza food.
Attabad Lake
Can you imagine a disaster turn into a marvelous beauty of nature? So Here is Attabad Lake, Attabad Lake was created in 2010 due to massive landslide at the Attabad village. It is about half an hour of Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza District. The lake is 14 kilometers long and offers an amazing experience with breathtaking scenery.
It is the best tourist attraction offering boating, jet skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities. The waters of the lake are a stunning turquoise in spring and summer. The peaks of the Karakoram mountain range surrounding the region increase the beauty of the lake. The lake is 13 miles long and 358 feet deep. It is considered the best lake in Pakistan due to its eye-catching scenery.
Karimabad city
Karimabad is the capital of Hunza valley. Karimabad bazaar is famous for its local handicrafts and you can see the traditional culture of locals. It’s also famous for the Baltit Fort, the Queen Victoria Monument (at the top of the rock), and the Channel Walk. Many tourists prefer to stay here due to its developed infrastructure and availability of accommodation facilities. There are some restaurants where you can enjoy the taste of Hunza and see the ancient look of beautiful stone-made houses and streets.
Ghulmet Valley
Gulmit is the most visited place of Gojalin Upper Hunza. It is the gateway to five valleys, Shimshal Valley, Chipursan Valley, Misgar Valley, Boibar Valley & Khunjerad. A beautiful small village Passu is also there. Thousands of tourists visit to explore the panoramic view of the entire valley and the eye-catching Passu cones (cone-shaped mountains). It is the most photographed peaks of the region. The best place to stay in this small town is a Passu Inn hotel, which offers great staying facilities and delicious food. The valley is surrounded by nine colors of mountains glaciers and lakes that make it a very unique place on the world map. It is a famous tourist spot and has many hotels, shops, and a museum.
Sost border
Sost is located in Gojal Valley (Upper Hunza) and the last city in Hunza on the Karakoram Highway next to the Chinese border. It is used as a base camp for visiting the Khunjerab China border. Sost border is a very important location on the highway for all passenger and cargo roads because all traffic across Pakistan and China passes through the city. The customs and immigration departments are also based here. PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development corporation) motel and several other small hotels are also available here.
Khunjerab pass
khunjerab pass china border is a great place to visit. China Border is the highest paved international border and the last destination of Karakorum highway in Gilgit Baltistan. Located at 4,693 meters above sea level. The Khunjerab Pass is a must visiting with its picturesque beauty, awesome mountain views, and wonderful destinations. It is also a remarkable place to see wildlife. An iconic gate that separates the two countries. khunjerab pass remained close from December to April due to its covered by snow and rainy season.
Eagle Nest Duikar
Duiker is a small town, commonly known as Eagle Nest, an altitude of 9043.3 feet (2850 m) is the highest village in Hunza Valley. The best place where you can enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset. The fabulous peak of Lady Finger and Rakaposhi also saw from the famous eagle nest in Dukair. Eagle nest hotel also situated here and offers a stunning view of Hunza valley. That’s why it is called the Eagle’s Nest. It is a 30-minute drive from Karimabad capital of Hunza.
Other Famous mountains in Hunza Valley
- Bojahagur Duanasir II (7329 m)
- Diran Peak (7266 m)
- Ultar Sar (7388 m)
- Spantik (7027)
- Passu Cones (6106 m)
- Ladyfinger Peak (6000 m)
- Hunza peak (6270 m)
