Hunza Valley is among the most amazing locations in the world. This is a beautiful valley situated within the Gilgit-Baltistan area of the northern part of Pakistan and encircled by mountains of great heights in the world. Hunza Valley has everything that any kind of traveler would ever desire when it comes to snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, old forts, rainbow fruit orchards, and people who are the friendliest you will ever see.
If you are an adventure lover, a lover of history, a lover of photography or you just wish to sit and have a quiet moment and enjoy the sight of great mountains, Hunza has something in store for you. The valley is traced along Hunza River and has the Karimabad town known as the vacation center of tourists in the region.
This is the ultimate guide that we are going to take you through the best places to visit in Hunza Valley, why each of the places is unique, and why you need to add Hunza to your travel bucket list.
Baltit Fort is one of the first sights on the list of every visitor to Hunza Valley. This is an ancient fort that is over 700 years old and has been placed on top of the town of Karimabad. One of the most beautiful and picturesque panorama views of the whole Hunza Valley is seen through the fort with a clear view of the mighty Rakaposhi mountain on one side and the golden hills on the other.
The Baltit Fort was initially the royal family of the Mir of Hunza who ruled the area. The fort is constructed in a beautiful blend of Tibetan, Wakhi and local architecture. The high stone walls, wooden carvings and the slender passages within the fort shift the times back and make you feel like you are strolling through centuries of history.
The fort has been well restored and is currently a museum. It has royal bedrooms, audience halls, prison rooms, and ancient artifacts, which explain the history of the Hunza kingdom, which are visible inside. The stroll to the fort over the ancient bazaar of Karimabad is too much of an adventure in itself, the local stores being stocked with dried fruits and gems and handicrafts of old-time.
Baltit Fort can be best visited in the morning when there is a perfect light to take photographs and the air is cool and fresh. The fort is open daily and a modest fee is paid which is used in the maintenance of the fort.
2. Altit Fort The Even Older Wonder
The Altit Fort, which is still older, is only a drive away. The Altit Fort is estimated to be approximately 900 years old and is one of the oldest fortifications that still exist in the whole of the Gilgit-Baltistan province. The castle is dramatically positioned on the cliff edge some hundreds of meters above the Hunza River roaring down below.
The outlooks of Altit Fort are simply bone-chilling. Behind the valley you can see the deep hole cut by the Hunza River, the green terraced fields on the other side of the valley, and the snowy mountains of the Karakoram mountains in the background. The mixture of natural and historical beauty is what makes Altit Fort one of the most memorable places of Hunza.
The village of Altit is a very charming and quiet village by itself. The ancient village surrounding the fort has been very well maintained and it is full of old stone houses, narrow lanes, and village women who sell their home made embroidery and woolen goods. It is a really memorable experience to spend a few hours in Altit village and its fort.
3. Attabad Lake The Turquoise Jewel of Hunza
Attabad Lake is, without a doubt, the place in Hunza Valley that will absolutely leave you out of breath. It is a gorgeous turquoise blue lake, which is one of the most photographed sites in the entire Pakistan and after viewing it with your naked eyes, you will know why.
Attabad Lake has been created naturally and has been formed after a huge landslide in January 2010, which stopped the flow of Hunza River and formed this beauty. The water color is an immensely bright hue of turquoise and blue-green which is nearly unreal. The mirror images of the nearby mountains on the calm water make a painting like a painting on a sunny day.
Attabad Lake is one of the most famous places where tourists can have a boat ride. The boat takes you through the crystal-clear water and provides you with the close-up shots of the lake that is surrounded by rocky mountains. There is also jet skiing and kayaking that the person who would like some more excitement on the water can enjoy.
The Karakoram Highway runs along the very side of Attabad Lake and therefore even by passing through it, the sights by the road are breathtaking. On the lake, there are a few small cafes and tea stalls where you can have a seat, have a hot cup of tea and one can view one of the most beautiful creations of nature.
4. Eagle, Nest: The Finest View of All Hunza
To have the most breathtaking panoramic view of Hunza Valley, Eagle-Nest is a place that you must be. This hill top is a 360 degree view that cannot be found anywhere in Pakistan, and it is at the height of approximately 3,200 meters above the sea level.
In Eagle Nest you can look down on the whole Hunza Valley and have it pristine before you as a beautiful carpet of green fields, and colorful trees and twisting roads. In the background you can distinctly view the giant peaks of Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar Sar and several other mountains of Karakoram Range. The scenery is simply magical on a clear day.
The sunset and sunrise view, especially in the eagle nest, is very popular. Lots of tourists spend the night in the little guesthouse on the lookout point to ensure that they can observe the setting of the sun behind the mountains and then the following morning they can watch the golden radiance of the sunrise color all of the valley. This is something you will remember for the rest of your days.
The road leading to Eagles nest is a mountain road which is a bit adventurous but the sight at the summit makes the whole driving process worth every moment. This is where all the tourists visiting Hunza Valley cannot afford to overlook.
5. Rakaposhi Viewpoint: Face to Face with a Giant
Rakaposhi is among the most beautiful Pakistani mountains. It is the highest mountain in the world ranked 27th with an altitude of 7,788 meters above sea level and one of the most attractive mountains of the entire Karakoram Range. One of the closest and best views of this broad mountain is the Rakaposhi Viewpoint, which is situated on the Karakoram Highway close to the little town of Minapin.
The most interesting fact about Rakaposhi is its huge south face that rises directly after the floor of Hunza Valley until its snow-covered top in a single movement. This is an unprecedented upward increase of over 5,800 meters in a relatively small horizontal terrain distance that makes Rakaposhi among the most difficult mountain faces in the world as well as one of the most spectacular to watch.
Rakaposhi base camp is a village at Minapin that is the main trekking place. The expedition to the Rakaposhi base camp is approximately two or three days and it involves the sightseeing experience of stunning forests, mountain streams and high altitude meadows. Although not a trekker, just stopping at the viewpoint on the highway and spending some time seeing Rakaposhi is an extremely humbling experience.
6. Hussaini Suspension Bridge A Thrilling Experience
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge is one of the most exciting spots to visit in Hunza Valley to the adventure and thrill seekers. This bridge is often called one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, this long bridge is made of ropes and planks and it is located over the Borit Lake and the Hunza River near the village of Hussaini.
It is an adventure walking across this bridge. The bridge moves with the wind, the wood boards are not tightly plucked together, and you are able to gaze down into the river, with its rushing water and its great abyss, well below your feet. The experience of passing through this bridge is frightening and exciting simultaneously, and this cross is terrific in terms of capturing photos and videos among tourists.
Hussaini is a small village on the other side of the bridge, and is a beautiful spot which commands Borit Lake. The village is characterized by good folks and primitive lifestyle. A visit to the Hussaini village, where one can enjoy the landscape of the lake and the mountains is one of the best ways to experience the original culture of Hunza.
7. Passu Cones the most dramatic sculpture in nature
The Passu Cones are few natural features in Pakistan which are as dramatic and instantly recognizable. They are a row of sharp needle-like spires of rock which shoot up directly out of the ground, near the village of Passu, in upper Hunza. The rough and cathedral-like rock structures resemble those featured in a fantasy film and have rendered this place as one of the most photographed landscapes in the entire Pakistan.
The Passu Cones are most observed at the shores of the Hunza River where one has a clear perspective of the spires that stand up against the clear blue sky. In the foreground we have the broad, weavery, strips of the river and the sandy flats, and in the background the acute towers of the sharp rocks are seen to jut out of the clouds. It is one of uncivilized, wild, and beautiful nature.
The well-known Passu Glacier that flows down the surrounding mountains is also available near the Passu Cones. The glacier is readily available and it is good to walk around the glacier. Passu is one of the most memorable places in all the Hunza region due to a combination of the glacial landscape, the sharp rock spires, and the mighty Karakoram mountains in the background.
8. Walk on Ancient Ice: Hopper Glacier
The Hopper Glacier Glacier (Hispar in other sources) is a major glacier in the world in the non-polar regions itself. This glacier is one of the most unusual and incredible experiences in the Hunza Valley region and a visit to it can be made at the Nagar district which is close to Hunza.
The feelings I get when walking on the surface of a glacier are difficult to express through words. The ice is very old and it is so interesting how the crevasses and ice formations and the deep blue color of the ice that comes up close seem to be purely fascinating. The scenic landscape is enhanced with the rocky moraines, streams of glaciers, and the high-rising mountains around.
In order to access Hopper Glacier, a short ride in a jeep will be taken to the village of Hopper and then a walk to the edge of the glacier. There are also local guides and it is advisable to hire one because the terrain is slippery and tricky in certain places. The whole excursion is half-day or full-day and is well justified by the effort.
9. Karimabad -The Core of Hunza Valley
Karimabad is the capital town of Hunza Valley and it is the place where all the tourists actually have their headquarters. This is a beautiful mountain town with an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters and is completely enclosed in great scenery on all its sides. The town is a warm and welcoming one, and it houses various forms of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and local shops.
Strolling around the bazaar of Karimabad is one of the best activities to do in Hunza. The stores abound with the local gems such as rubies, garnets and emeralds that are available in the nearby mountains. Beautiful hand-embroidered clothes, dried apricots, walnuts and other local products are also available and they would be great gifts to take home.
The Karimabad food is also worth mentioning. The local Hunza country food is composed of such dishes as chapshuro (bread with meat stuff), diram (traditional porridge), and fresh apricot juice. The Hunza people are also notorious in their long life expectancy and healthy living which is commonly credited to their clean air, healthy lifestyle, and natural food.
One of the most relaxing and calm traveling experiences that the whole of Pakistan can offer is spending a couple of days in Karimabad and exploring the town, going to the local forts and just sitting in a cafe on a rooftop observing the sun moving through the mountains.
10. Borith Lake A Mellow Secluded Secret
Borith Lake, which lies close to the village of Gulmit in upper Hunza is one such unrecognized gem in the place of more popular locations, as a destination of many tourists. Those who visit Borith Lake are never sorry they have done it, however. It is a tiny and calm lake with a flat wetland area that harbors numerous migratory birds hence is a great place to watch birds and nature enthusiasts.
The lake is located at the base of some formidable mountainous ranges and on a sunny day, the images of the surrounding mountains in the calm water are just amazing. There are also several traditional Wakhi villages around the lake where one can communicate with the locals, learn about their culture and language.
Borith Lake is most pleasant in the spring when all around is green and a-blooming, or in the fall when the trees are turned golden and red. The fact that it is a quiet and relaxing location is what makes it an ideal getaway to the more crowded tourist areas in the valley.
Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is a destination that can be visited throughout most of the year, but each season offers a very different kind of experience. Understanding which season suits your travel preferences will help you plan your trip better.
The period between March and May is known as spring and it is believed that spring is the most appropriate time to pay a visit to Hunza. The popular cherry, apricot and almond blossoms are in full bloom during this season giving the valley a spectacular pink and white color. The orchards growing with the snow vegetation that falls on mountains in the background give one of the most beautiful natural scenes you will ever witness. The spring weather is pleasant and warm both during the day and night.
The peak tourist season is summer, which is between June and September. It is hot and almost all roads are usually reachable. This is the most appropriate period to trek, visit glaciers and do outdoor activities. The days are lengthy, the sky is generally clear and the fertile green fields and fruit orchards are blossoming. Nevertheless, the summer is also the busiest period and the accommodation has to be booked beforehand.
The most colorful season in Hunza is autumn, which is between October and November. The trees change their leaves and make a beautiful contrast of blue sky and white mountain peaks with the shade of red, orange, yellow, and golden. Autumn is regarded by many photographers and people who love nature as the most beautiful season of the Hunza Valley.
The season of winter starts in December until February and it is very much covered with snow in Hunza and there are a few higher roads that might be blocked. Nevertheless, when one is in love with snow-covered scenery and a lack of tourists, visiting Hunza during winter can be a really unusual and enchanting experience.
How to Get to Hunza Valley
A trip to Hunza Valley is a trip by itself. The easiest and the most popular mode of land transport to Hunza is through the Karakoram Highway, which is one of the highest paved roads in the world. The highway links Pakistan and China and passes through one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes that you will ever encounter.
The road to Islamabad in Hunza is about 16 to 18 hours long, all the way to Karimabad. Either you can hire a private car with a driver that will allow you to stop and admire the view on the way, or take a bus or shared van at the Pir Wadhai Bus terminal of Rawalpindi. The transportation is inexpensive and the ride is lengthy.
The quickest alternative is to fly from Islamabad to Gilgit on Pakistani international airlines (PIA). The aerial scenery of the mountains is fantastic and the flight lasts approximately 45 minutes. Hunza Valley is approximately a 2-hour drive away on the Karakoram Highway that goes through Gilgit. Flights to Gilgit are however weather-dependent and may be cancelled/postponed in case of cloud cover and mountain weather.
Where to Stay in Hunza Valley
Most visiting people base themselves on Karimabad which has the largest variety of accommodation facilities. You will get all the way to cheap guesthouses and backpacker hostels to more relaxed slightly expensive hotels and a handful of luxurious mountain resorts. The thing is that the majority of the hotels in Karimabad have rooftop terraces and the mountain view, which is really special.
The best places to stay in Hunza are rated as Serena Hotel Karimabad, Eagle’s nest Hotel, old Hunza Inn and a couple of cute family owned guesthouses that are in the old town quarter. At the peak season such as the summer and the season of spring blossom, it is strongly advised to book in advance.
To be more adventurous, you may also camp in or by the Attabad Lake, Passu or in the open meadows of the valley. Hunza has one of the best and the darkest skies in Pakistan and the stargazing in this area at night is one of the marvelous phenomena.
Travel Advice on a Visit Discover Hunza Valley Top Places
You should always remember that before you visit Hunza Valley, there are important things to consider which will make your vacation easier and more enjoyable.
In Hunza, mobile phone coverage is provided in most of the major towns such as Karimabad, Aliabad and Gulmit, but is patchy or not at all in rural locations. You should download offline maps in advance before traveling and make your family aware of when you are traveling.
The Hunza Valley has some areas where the altitude may impose mild cases of altitude sickness to certain individuals, particularly when the person visits the higher points, such as the Eagle Nest. Consume lots of water, go easy on the first day and see yourself drop down to a lower altitude in case of any severe symptoms.
It is always important to dress decently in villages. People are hospitable and easy to get along with and modesty in dressing is the way to show respect to the culture and traditions of Hunza people. Taking photographs of people and most importantly women without their consent is also quite important.
Hunza food is fresh, organic and delicious. Eat out in local restaurants and family-owned dhabas instead of having to depend solely on the hotel food. The fresh mulberry juice, apricot oil and the local bread are all must-tries.
Conclusions/Partings/Final thoughts- Why Hunza Valley should be in your travel list
Hunza Valley is not a mere tourist attraction site. It is a changing experience. The massiveness and the beauty of the mountains, the deep blue of Attabad Lake, the ancientness of Baltit and Altit Forts, warm smiles of the locals, and the quietness of the evenings at the high altitudes all make it something really extraordinary.
A good number of the visitors that come to Hunza declare that it is among the most beautiful sites they have ever seen in their whole lives. And the majority of them return once again, as after having experienced the serenity and magic of Hunza Valley, there is no way to forget.
Hunza Valley will make a heart-lingering impression on a first time visitor to Pakistan, or even an experienced tourist who has visited most parts of the world. Bags packed, trip planned, you are now ready to explore one of the loveliest spots on earth.