All You Need to Know About Hunza Valley:
When we talk about the most breathtaking places one must visit up north, Pakistan, Hunza Valley is always on the list. Hunza is a mountainous valley located in Gilgit-Baltistan, in the extreme north of Pakistan and it borders an autonomous region of China, Xinjiang. The people here are known as Burusho and they are Shia Ismaili who follows Prince Karim Agha Khan, their spiritual leader. The capital of Hunza is Karimabad, a town bursting with activity and the main commercial hub of Hunza.
Hunza Valley is 2,435 above sea level and the region is surrounded by lush green mountains and is also home to some of the most popular mountains in the world; Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak, and many more 7000 m mountains. Hunza has some of the most magnificent landscapes along turquoise lakes, cherry blossom fields, and apricot farms. No matter which seasons you decide to visit, Hunza is beautiful in every one of them however if you decide to come here in Autumn, you will be stunned by the trees displaying every shade of orange and yellow.
One of the most interesting things about Hunza is that the literacy rate here is known to be 99% although it is not confirmed, one thing we know for sure is that the people here are extremely hospitable and kind. So, if you do visit Hunza make sure you get to sit around with locals to learn some amazing stories about the marvelous history of Hunza (did you know Alexander the Great came here in 325 B.C?).
Places to Visit in Hunza Valley:
There is a reason Hunza is a top-notch tourist location; it has uncountable activities for you to participate in which guarantees you will not have a single boring moment here. Hunza has everything to offer from lakes to mountains to bazaars. Some of the activities you can take part in during your visit include hiking, fishing, skating, swimming, skating, jet skiing, playing polo, and much more. Here are the most stunning places in Hunza that you must visit to make your trip even amazing:
- Altit Fort:
Altit Fort is one of the oldest forts that is located above the Karimabad district. The fort, especially its main watchtower, Shikari tower is around 1100 years old. The tower was built to keep an eye on any upcoming threats. Altit Fort used to be home to the ruling family of Hunza titled “Mir” who later on moved to the comparatively younger “Baltit Fort”. The word Altit means “this side down” and this site is now a culturally preserved heritage site and is open to tourists. The fort has small rooms with exquisite wooden carvings that will leave you in awe.
- Baltit Fort:
Baltit Fort was built in the 8th century and is one of the sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list. The fort has been turned into a museum that is run by the Baltit Heritage Trust. The doors and windows of the fort are designed intricately and the place is filled with unique items that display the culture of Hunza.
- Attabad Lake:
The most iconic lake of Hunza and one of its main attractions is Attabad Lake. The clear turquoise water of the lake makes it one of the most beautiful spots you will ever lay your eyes on. Unfortunately, the lake formed due to a natural disaster in 2010 when a landslide blocked the flow of the Hunza River and flooded the whole region that resulted in thousands of people becoming homeless.
- Khunjerab Pass:
Khunjerab Pass is the border between Pakistan and China and is known as one of the highest borders in the world at a height of 4700 m above the sea-level. The weather here is extremely cold and you will find it mostly covered in snow. To get to the Khunjerab Pass, you will need to take a 4-hour long jeep ride from Karimabad that is filled with scenic views.
- Hussaini Bridge:
The suspended Hussaini Bridge is known as the world’s most dangerous bridge. It hangs a few meters above the powerful Hunza river flowing beneath. Tourists can try to cross this bridge by paying a small ticket fee although it is closed off for tourists a lot of the time. The bridge is old and the wooden boards are placed far away from each other which makes it very difficult to cross.
- The Eagle’s Nest:
Eagle’s Nest is a viewpoint that provides a spectacular view of the Hunza Valley from the top. This Hunza viewpoint is located at the top of Duiker Holl and you will get the whole picturesque view of the valley from here. It will be even better if you decide to climb the viewpoint at sunset and witness the sun shining on mountains and creating a magical effect.
What to Eat in Hunza Valley:
Hunza has a lot of northern specialties that you must try to experience the local life. Some of the most famous local foods in Hunza include:
- Mamtu:
Mamtu is like dumplings made artfully in a rose shape. These Pakistani mamtus are a specialty of Gilgit-Baltistan and are made on special occasions.
- Fruits and Dry Fruits:
Hunza Valley grows many fruits that are extremely expensive in many regions of the world. You will get these fruits here at cheaper prices so make sure you stock up on them. Hunza grows walnuts, apricots, apples, grapes, pears, plums, and peaches. You will also find a lot of jams made from these fresh fruits that taste 100% like the fruit itself.
- Chapshuro:
The local pizza-like dish of this city is Chapshuro which is a bread filled with meat and veggies like onion, tomato, green chili, and organic spices. The dish is absolutely delicious and you will find many varieties of it in different meats; chicken, mutton, beef, and yak (yak meat is another specialty of the Hunza Valley).
- Walnut Cake:
If we talk about a little more modern options, then walnut cake is a must-have. The best one is available in Karimabad in a café, famous for the walnut cake, Café De Hunza. Walnut cake is unlike anything you will ever eat, the taste is so different yet delish. The cake is made using walnuts, honey, and some organic flowers found at the top of the mountains of the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges.
Where to Stay in Hunza:
Hunza is a lot for advanced in tourism than many other northern regions and this is why it has some of the most beautiful hotels that you can stay in. Some of them are luxurious while others are simple and cheaper.
- Luxus Hunza, Attabad Lake:
Luxus is probably the most famous hotel in Hunza because of the stunning views that it provides of Attabad Lake. It’s a luxury hotel that overlooks Attabad lake and the mountains beyond it, providing the most beautiful view for you to wake up to. The hotel’s interior is wooden and each room features a large glass window that allows you to soak in the exquisite view in front of you. Luxus is pricey but you get ultimate luxury along with world-class services, water sports facilities, an outdoor fireplace, a barbeque pit, and more that will make your stay worthwhile.
Price range: Starting from PKR 18000 per night.
Address: Ainabad, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Contact: 0343-5151913
- Eagle’s Nest Hotel:
Located 2850 meters above the Altit Village in Hunza Valley, the Eagle’s Nest Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Hunza and was established in 1994. If you want to stay somewhere quiet and comfortable then Eagle’s Nest hotel is the perfect choice since it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the central city. There are 3 room options available including standard, deluxe, and presidential rooms. You get scenic views of Hunza Valley from the balcony of each room. There is also a lake nearby that you can visit if you are staying at the Eagle’s Nest Hotel.
Price range: starting from PKR 4000 per night.
Address: Hunza Chowk, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Contact: (058134) 57583
- Silk Route Lodges:
Located in Gulmit Village, Silk Route Lodges offer stunning views of lush green hills and the river. The lodges are built at a height of 7000 meters and you will be able to see the majestic Karakoram mountains from every room. The hotel is small and exclusive and you will be able to enjoy a quiet and peaceful time here, overlooking the beautiful landscapes of Hunza Valley.
Price range: starting from PKR 4200 per night.
Address: NH 35, Gulmit. Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Contact: 0341 0359430
How to Reach Hunza Valley:
There are two major ways to get to Hunza Valley; start the journey from Islamabad and then travel to Hunza via the Karakoram Highway or take a direct flight from your city to Gilgit. Also, during the winters when Babusar Top is closed, flying out is the only way although it can be pricey.
It is best to hire a local private driver who is well-experienced with the bumpy and turbulent roads of the north and knows all the best places in Hunza valley. There are also a lot of organized tours to Hunza every few weeks but it is recommended you do proper research before you pick the tour company you want to travel with.
How Many Days to Stay in Hunza:
Since Hunza has a lot to offer and there are so many places you have to visit experience the beauty this city has to offer, it is recommended you stay here for at least 5 days.
Weather in Hunza Valley:
Hunza Valley is surrounded by mountains and due to the high altitude of the city, the weather here is mostly cold all year round. The average temperature during the warmest month, August, is 14°C, while the average temperature during the coldest month, January, is -30°C. Hunza usually experiences rainfall during the summer season and snowfall during autumn and winter.
The best time to travel to Hunza is from April to August since the roads can become turbulent during the winter months and the route may even be blocked if it snows.
Reviews of Hunza Valley:
These are some of the most recent reviews about Hunza Valley that people have posted on social media.
“ATTABAD LAKE
Karakarom Highway, Shishkat Gojel Vally, Hunza
One of the best place i have ever seen
Very Calm & peaceful 💕
we decided to eat something new for dinner, as per our request to the chef of resort he made Fresh YAK Meat Karhai for us, it was really tasty and delicious experience”
- “The Hunza Valley is one of the great wonders of the world but it is poorly known. Virtually everyone who has read about Hunza or been there is a fan. But, to the rest of the world it doesn’t exist.
I have written five articles on the Karakorum Highway in the past twelve months and one on the Kashgar Sunday Market in 2018 which may help those wanting to travel there. My latest article is on the Hunza Valley at breadtagsagas dot com may appeal to those involved in adventure travel.
Although the trip was undertaken in 1995, I suspect the information will help those wanting to go there today.
What used to be less accessible has become easily accessible but it is important also to remember how it used to be not so long ago.
Attabad Lake didn’t exist in 1995. Boats were the only way to cross between the two parts of the Karakorum Highway until fairly recently. One wonders what will happen next.”
- “Hunza valley is a very beautiful ❤️ valley in Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan) just like a paradise on Earth. From Duiker peak it looks like a bowl shape valley . It has different colors in different seasons.I suggest one should avoid in Monsoon (Rainy Season) from avoiding land sliding on KKH. Our Tour Operator and tour guide was excellent. He managed each & everything in a fantastic way. Highly recommended!”
Average Cost of Hunza:
A standard 5 days tour package from Islamabad to Hunza costs PKR 18,000 and above per person.
Final Verdict:
All in all, visiting Hunza Valley should be on the top of your list if you like places that take your breath away. The lush green landscapes, clear turquoise lakes, and snow-capped mountains will take all the stress and worries away from you and you will get the chance to enjoy the beauty of this city that truly is a jewel of northern Pakistan.
