Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan: Tourist Paradise, Tourist Destination

Hunza Valley: Rich in Natural Beauty

Hunza is a region of northern Pakistan. It is also called Hunza Valley. It is located north of Gilgit, next to Nagar, on Shahra-e-Resham. It is a collection of small villages. The largest village is Karimabad, which is the best tourist destination.

Pakistan is a beautiful country rich in natural beauty. A large number of foreign tourists visit here. However, whenever we talk about beautiful countries, only Maldives, Baku, Italy, France and Switzerland etc. come to mind. A large number of Pakistanis who always talk about going abroad, perhaps not knowing how beautiful Pakistan is.

Let's talk about some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, which would not be wrong if they are called 'Tourist Paradise'.

Hunza Valley is located on the banks of Shahra-e-Resham at a distance of 700 km from Islamabad. This valley is 2500 meters above sea level. 

Hunza Valley Routes and Travel

From Islamabad, its route passes through Hasan Abdal, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Thakot, Basham, Dasu, Chilas, and Gilgit; then reaches Hunza. Another route connects Mansehra with Chilas via Balakot Naran and Babusar Pass.

Hunza valley is only 100 km and 2 hours’ drive from Gilgit. Modern comfortable public transport from Rawalpindi is available all the time to Gilgit and Hunza. One can also go to Gilgit by plane from Islamabad. Hunza can easily be reached by taking a day rest at Chalas or Gilgit on your own vehicle.

The Karakoram highway, which was very dilapidated, has now been widened and carpeted above the Chilas and repair work of lower Basham section is also being completed rapidly.

Hunza Valley Culture and Tourist Spots

The view of Rakaposhi here is very interesting. The Hunza River passes through it. Employment in Pakistan Army and service to tourists is the biggest source of livelihood for Hunza Valley people.

The language of Hunza people is Wakhi and Burushaski. But people here also speak Shina language.

Consisting of three geographical parts, namely Central Hunza, Gojal Valley and Shinaki Valley, Hunza Valley is a hub of unique cultures and tourist attractions.

Popular Tourist Spots include: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Borit Lake, 22 km long Gojal Lake (formed by accidental damming of Hunza River), Passu Glacier, Khunjerab Pass, Mintaka Pass, Gulmit, Altar Hill and Shimshal Valley.

Hunza Valley Geography

Hunza Valley is spread over an area of 7900 square kilometers. Hunza was ruled by a local king, known as Mir of Hunza. With the collapse of state government during the reign of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, this system also ended in Hunza. Even today there is a Mir in Hunza, but only with an honorary title.

Hunza Valley is a district of Gilgit-Baltistan where language ‘Burushaski’ is considered to be the loneliest and most difficult language in the world. While Wakhi and Shina languages are also spoken.

Hunza is generally considered to be the name of a city while it is the name of a valley, consisting of many small valleys and towns. Hunza Valley consists of three regions:

1. Upper Hunza (Gojal)

2. Central Hunza

3. Lower Hunza

Karimabad City of Hunza: Best Tourist Destination

The most important city of Hunza is Aliabad, while Karimabad is famous for tourism and sightseeing.

There are many hotels in Karimabad. Cheap and expensive hotels of all standards are available. While guesthouses and single rooms with shared beds are also available on very affordable monthly and weekly basis.

Karimabad is surrounded by high peaks whose views are famous in the world. Among the peaks around Hunza, Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, Golden Peak, Altar Peak, Lady Finger Peak are famous.

Karimabad market is full of cultural items of Hunza. Since Hunza has more foreign tourists than Pakistani tourists, this market feels a bit expensive.

Mir's old house in Karimabad ‘Baltit Fort’ adds the beauty of Karimabad. About 700 years old, this fort is worth visiting. Another old town near Karimabad is Altit, which is considered to be the oldest area in Hunza Valley. The Altit Fort in it is 900 years old.

Hunza Valley Tours

One of the most popular day trips around Hunza is Duikar (Duiker) or Eagle's Nest, which can be reached on foot or by jeep. The place is famous for sun rays falling on snow-capped peaks at sunrise and sunset. From here the beautiful track of Altar Peek and Altar Maidan also starts.

One can also go by jeep to Nagar Valley on other side of the river, where the view of glaciers is very beautiful.

The picturesque village of Manapan at foothills of Rakaposhi is a perfect place to spend a full day. The beautiful valleys of Nomal and Naltar fill the hearts of tourists with joy.

Attabad Lake, formed on Hunza River as a result of natural disaster, has now acquired the status of a recreational spot. Boating in blue waters of the lake between high black mountains makes for a memorable trip.

Spending just one more day, one can easily go down across the lake to Gulmit village, Borith Lake, Passu village, and Pakistan's last town ‘Sost’.

A trip to the world's highest Khunjerab Pass along Chinese border is perhaps one of the most beautiful moments in entire region.

The complete journey from Islamabad to Hunza and other valleys can be done in four, five, seven and ten days according to your convenience.

Be it Hunza or the upper valleys of Hunza, well-equipped hotels and local transport and local people are available everywhere as guides.

The whole region is hospitable and good-natured. Considering tourists as a source of income, they consider them a blessing.

There are many local tourism companies in Lahore and Islamabad with experienced staffs who organize Hunza Valley tours for students, friends and families at very reasonable prices.

Also visit :  Galiyat: most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Also visit : Best Hotels and Restaurants in Hunza Valley

Please share your experience with us, if you visited Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan).