HUNZA VALLEY

Pakistan is one of the few countries with such a dynamic landscape; rivers, deserts, lakes, waterfalls, springs, glaciers we seem to have it all in great abundance. Gilgit-Baltistan (called GB) is the Northernmost province in Pakistan. It is home to Hunza, some of the most amazing scenery on the entire earth, and a day spent there is like a day from a dream.

The much renowned Hoonza valley is often referred to as heaven on earth, enveloped in the grand Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges, this place has been a great tourist attraction for many years.The best time to visit Karimabad and the Hoonza Valley is from Apirl to October but avoid June to August if you do not like crowds. The Hoonza Valley can get quite crowded during the midsummar months as both the local and the Chinese tourists flock the place when the temperature is nice and warm.

Hoonza is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Gilgit. You can live a pretty comfortable life while being in your home in a large metropolis, but as soon as you travel to the northern areas of pakistan you find that the real peace of mind lies within these beautiful mountains.

In mountains, one feels seclude; secluded from depressions, secluded from everything but the hospitable people of northern areas, the loving and caring people that they are.

The valley has different beautiful natural sights which are the attractions for tourists. Among these attractions the Baltit and Altit fort are also well known. The Baltit fort, after renovation, has recently been turned into heritage museum. In Hoonza, the bazaar of Karimbad is famous for its local handicrafts, handmade rugs, traditional embroidered caps, shawls, hand woven cloth (paffu) and its gemstones which are famous all over the world, particularly Ruby. The Ruby mines are famous tourist attractions.

In 2010, a landslide blocked the river and created Attabad Lake (also called Gojal Lake). and has effectively blocked about 26 kilometres (16 mi) of the Karakoram Highway. The new lake extends 30 kilometres (19 mi) and rose to a depth of 400 feet (120 m) when it was formed as the Hoonza River backed up. The landslide completely covered sections of the Karakoram Highway.
Rakaposhi Mountain. In Hunza, the mountains are so incredibly massive, most peaks under 20,000 feet aren’t even tall enough to have a name. From the town of Karimabad, you can see three of the world’s highest mountain peaks – Bublimotin or Ladyfinger Peak (7,400m), Ultar Sar (7,500m), and the stunning Rakaposhi (7,788m).

Famous Forts

Besides its scenic beauty, tourists visit this valley to have a glimpse of the two most famous forts of Hoonza known as Altit and Baltit fort.

The Altit Fort is the oldest fort in northern areas which is located in the Altit village. It is built with great architectural design on a rock of a mountain where the Hoonza River flows at its back.

Baltit Fort is a beautiful landmark of the town of Karimabad (the largest town in the Hunza Valley). Once the ruling seat of the Hunza Kingdom, it has been standing overlooking the valley for over 700 years

Eagle’s Nest for Sunset

This is one of those views that you will probably remember for the rest of your life, and one of the top things to do in Hunza Valley.

People and Language

Most of the people of Hoonza are Ismaili Shia Muslims who are the followers of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, while in the area of Ganish Village over 90% are Shia Muslims.

According to a survey held, the literacy rate of the Hoonza valley is believed to be above 90%. The valley proves to be a ‘role model’ for Pakistan regarding high literacy rate and school enrolment where every child to a minimum study up to high school. Of these, many go to prestigious colleges and universities of Pakistan and abroad to get higher education.

Lifestyle

The people of Hoonza are very healthy and have the longest lifespan in the world. They remain strong and robust even in old age. This is because of the pure water they drink and their natural diet. The people walk a lot on the rugged terrain everyday which serves as physical exercise for them.

Cuisine

The local specialty dish of Hoonza is ‘fittis’ which is very delicious and worth tasting. These are basically cakes made of wheat flour, milk, butter and salt, baked on a hot stone.