hunza valley travel

Hunza Valley Travel Guide – Places to Visit & Tourism Info

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: May 29, 2019  - Last updated: August 3, 2021

Categories Destinations , Asia , Pakistan

Hunza Valley tourism is considered to be the epitome of travel in Pakistan. It is one of the first places that come to mind when foreigners and locals are looking to go for a vacation in the country. The encaptivating scenery of the valley is what has led tourists to coin the Hunza valley as a paradise on earth . 

My time at the valley was one of the most refreshing of all my trips, mainly because of the lively people and beautiful landscape that gives out countless feel-good vibes. Read on ahead as I unravel my journey to the Hunza valley and present a complete guide on what to do, where to stay, and how to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

All You Need To Know About Hunza Valley

There are a couple of things to take into consideration when deciding if this is the place for your next holiday. The location, climate, and the locals are usually the three most important factors in regards to making this decision.

Where is Hunza Valley?

Hunza valley is located at the Pakistan-China border in the Gilgit-Baltistan province. The state capital of Hunza is Karimabad which offers a breathtaking view of the Rakaposhi mountains .

Hunza Valley is one of the main stops on the legendary Karakoram Highway , and it’s a comfortable place to stay for days, if not weeks or even months. It’s truly worthy of the name paradise valley .

Hunza Valley is divided into three geographic subdivisions, Upper Hunza, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza. The central part of the valley is the most popular and the one people talk about when they say they are traveling to the area. 

Is Hunza Valley Safe?

Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan might be the most peaceful place in the world, despite what Western media has tried to tell us. Ninety-nine percent of the country is just as safe as Europe, and Hunza Valley is even more peaceful than central Europe these days.

Hunza Weather 

Located at the height of 2438 meters above sea level, the weather in Hunza valley can go below 0°C. And due to the closure of roads because of the snow, the official tourism season is from May to October (during the summers). This is the best time to visit Hunza.

Hunza Valley sits among the mountains, and this means that the summers here are moderate, reaching a maximum of 31 degrees Celcius at its peak. 

Hunza Valley People

The Hunza people are known as the Hunzakuts, who are fair-skinned and speak an almost unknown language, Burushaski. Most of the locals in the region are Ismaili Muslims and are very generous and accommodating to tourists.

You will find that you are always welcomed in the hotels, restaurants, cafés, and homes of the Hunzakuts. One of the best parts of visiting the valley for me was to get to know about the history and culture of the locals there.

How to Get to Hunza valley Pakistan

To get to Hunza Valley from Islamabad, you will have to travel 320km. Once you are in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, you have two options to travel to Hunza valley. 

The first is to take a flight directly to Gilgit airport and then take a short 2-3 hour drive to Hunza Valley. The Gilgit to Hunza distance is about 100km. There are several rental van services that you can choose from to get from Gilgit to Hunza. 

You can find regular flights between Gilgit and Islamabad with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), but all flights are subject to delays due to weather clearance. This option is simpler but far less exciting than the alternate option.

The most scenic option is to take a 24-hour bus directly from Islamabad to Hunza Valley. Witness the beauty of Karakoram, Skardu, and Kaghan valley on the way. There´s no direct bus from Lahore to Hunza Valley.

If, like me, you love exploring new places, then I would recommend taking the long trip and staying overnight at some of the must-visit places in Pakistan , such as Naran. Especially since the Islamabad to Hunza distance is so moderate.

Getting Around in Hunza Pakistan

Once you are in Hunza valley, private vehicles are primarily used for transportation, and most people rent Jeeps for the duration of their tour. 

You can get to the different cities within Hunza via bus or with your rented transport as well. Your first stop, however, should be the state capital of Karimabad.

Preparing for a Travel to Hunza Valley Pakistan

Next up is how you should prepare for the trip to Hunza, including all the things that you will need to survive the day-to-day. The length of this list depends on how long you plan your trip for, but in general, the essential items that you will need for traveling to Hunza Valley are the same.

Trekking & Hiking Gear 

There are quite a few trekking and hiking locations in Hunza valley and nearby, such as the Baltit Fort and Ultar Base Camp. Most of the time, particularly in Karimabad, you will have to walk through hilly terrain, so you should keep your hiking boots on hand for the duration of the trip.

 Food Items & Drinking Water 

If you choose to go to Hunza by road via bus, then keep in mind that there are not a lot of stops where you will find food and water supplies. When in Islamabad, it is advised that you stock up on basic food items and a few water bottles with you to quench your thirst along the way.

 Local Sim Card 

There are no service centers to register sim cards for you in Hunza valley, so you will have to purchase a local sim card either from Islamabad or from Gilgit. The internet speed is not fantastic, but you will get EDGE internet speeds and sometimes even 3G in some parts, so it is sufficient to get by.

Travel Essentials 

Keep your sunblock, warm clothes, spare pair of dry boots, and camping gear with you when traveling to Hunza valley (especially if you will be visiting other places or want to hike to the mountain ranges).

 Daily Budgets

As for the daily budget for your trip, it can range between 4000 PKR to 5000 PKR, which includes accommodation and three sizeable meals at the local cafés. You will not find anything too expensive and should be able to get by in as little as 1500 PKR as well if you prefer walking and camping to renting out jeeps and sleeping in dorms.

Places To Visit in Hunza Valley

There are many wonderful places to visit in the Hunza Valley. These spots are not very commercial, so you’re sure to get the most authentic experience out of staying here.

Baltit Fort

The Baltit Fort is a majestic fort that was built back in 800 BC, and it is located on the top of a hill overlooking Karimabad. It is one of the most prominent and awe-inspiring landmarks in the entire valley, surrounded by its snowy mountains and built with ancient design.

To get to Baltit Fort, you will need to climb up a steep hill for about 15 minutes. From the fort, you can get a magnificent view of Karimabad, its surrounding valleys, and the Rakaposhi peaks. Once you set your eyes on the Baltit Fort, you will realize why everyone coins Hunza valley as paradise.

Eagles Nest

As the name suggests, the Eagles Nest is one of the most popular viewpoints in Hunza valley that provides a glorious view of the entire valley, particularly during sunrise or sunset. 

It is a 30-minute steep drive from Karimabad, but once you reach the Eagles Nest Hotel and see the break of dawn over Hunza valley, you will forget everything else for that incredible moment.

Cafe de Hunza

Café de Hunza is the most famous eatery in the valley, and it is within a five-minute walking distance from the Serena Inn . If you are craving some amazing local food, then you must visit Café de Hunza. 

The must-haves at the café include the pancakes and the Hunza walnut cake. This is also one of the very few locations where you will get decent Wi-Fi connectivity and internet speeds as well.

The Altit Fort & Village

Like Baltit Fort, the Altit Fort is an ancient landmark in Hunza though it’s not as well maintained as the former. The Altit Fort and surrounding village are at the bottom of the Hunza valley, and you can get there by following the Sultanabad road.

The interior is not as impressive as that of the Baltit Fort, but the exterior of the fort and its surroundings are a memorable sight indeed.

Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake was formed because of a massive landslide that occurred in the Attabad village back in 2010. It is a point where two mountains meet, and the flow of the Hunza river is stopped. The lake is one of the most peaceful locations in the entire valley, and if you are looking for some alone time with nature, then this lake is a must-visit for you. And if you want to stay at one of the most spectacular hotels in all of Pakistan, so is Luxus Hunza , the place to stay, right on the shore of Attabad Lake.

Gulmit is a historic town that is centuries old and is known for its hospitable and generous locals. If you want to enjoy a peaceful walk as you admire the beauty of nature, then visit Gulmit in Upper Hunza. 

It is a popular tourist spot that has numerous museums and hamlets where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the Hunzakuts.

Ultar Base Camp

If you love hiking, then there is an opportunity for a great hike at Karimabad that should take roughly a full day to complete. 

You start the hike near the Baltit fort and go up to the Ultar Base Camp, which is near the Ultar peaks. You can see the glacier and the remarkable jagged peaks of Ultar once you hike up to the base camp. If you want, you can camp at the base camp or return to Karimabad within a day.

All in all, the scenery of the Ultar glacier and peaks will make the hike worthwhile for you.

Final Thoughts on Hunza Valley Tourism

It’s pretty apparent from the above photos that Hunza Valley is a special place. The views, the experiences, and the hospitality of the locals are all world-class. 

If you are planning to visit Hunza Valley, you are guaranteed to have a good time. However, it is important to remember that the area pretty much shuts down in the winter due to the heavy snowfall. The best time for Hunza tourism is in the Spring and Summer months. 

It is fairly accessible (Hunza Valley distance from Islamabad is only 320km), and you can get to the valley by air or by bus. It is also relatively inexpensive, with your daily budget being around 30 USD for accommodation and food. What a steal! 

Pack your bags, make sure your camera is fully charged and head off to Hunza Valley now. 

SAJID MASOOD

Monday 19th of June 2023

Hello, I want to know that can I travel to Hunza in february?

Christian L.

Sunday 25th of June 2023

yes you can but it will be very cold

Saturday 24th of September 2022

I would like to get to Hunza from Tagikistan, Wahan valey. Can you help preparing the route ?

Umair Shaikh

Wednesday 1st of September 2021

Dear Its a wonderful article about natural beauty. I just want to know in November I can able to visit there or not with my 2 and half year old baby. Or any other option do you have ? from Dubai

Mumtaz Haider

Monday 23rd of August 2021

Hello Christian. You have described Hunza in wonderful words thanks for that. Perhaps Hunza is the most safest place to visit. I am from Hunza valley and I have seen so many tourists coming here for two or three days and ending up extending their stay for weeks and in some cases months. There is a Cellular company called SCO operating in Hunza. Tourists can buy a 4G sim in Aliabad Hunza which is the capital city of Hunza valley and it is hardly 9 km from Baltit.

Thursday 22nd of April 2021

wow nice blog keep it up .

The Spicy Travel Girl

Adventure & solo female travel blog

Hunza Valley, Pakistan: A Full Guide To Pakistan’s Jewel Of The North

When traveling in Pakistan, it’s almost impossible to get around Hunza. Nestled up far in Pakistan’s remote north , the Hunza Valley is the country’s number one tourist destination.

And that’s for a good reason – blessed with some of the world’s tallest mountains , bluest lakes , and kindest people , Hunza Valley is a true gem. No traveler should leave Pakistan without experiencing the relaxing morning calmness at the scenic Attabad Lake or crossing the iconic Hussaini Bridge after enjoying an impressive view of the Passu Cones .

Thanks to this, Hunza Valley is perhaps the most developed tourism destination in Pakistan , with plenty of foreign and domestic visitors arriving every season.

However, despite the region’s immense popularity among tourists, traveling to an area as remote as Hunza always comes with its own obstacles and requires plenty of planning in advance, especially if you decide to travel independently.

Therefore, I decided to compiles this full Hunza Valley guide where I’ll share with you everything I learned during my visit to Hunza in Fall 2020 – plus plenty of advice from locals!

Traveling to Pakistan anytime soon? Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Pakistan in 2022!

*DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. This means that from every purchase made through this website, I’ll earn a small commission with no additional cost to you.*

Table of Contents

Pin It For Later!

Where Is Hunza Valley?

Located at around 2,500 meters altitude, Hunza Valley is a beautiful mountain valley located along the Hunza River in the Karakoram mountain range in Gilgit-Baltistan, the northernmost part of Pakistan. The region borders China’s Xinjiang province in the northeast, which is connected by the high-altitude Khunjerab Pass and divided by the highest land border in the world. The most important towns in Hunza Valley include Karimabad, Altit, and Aliabad, which are home to some of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Weather In Hunza Valley

Due to its high altitude and location in the mountains, the temperatures in Hunza Valley are relatively cool all year round. The warmest month of the year is August, with daytime temperatures averaging around 12°C and the coldest month is January, with temperatures as low as -30°C.

Hunza’s climate is relatively dry with the largest amount of rain fall in the summer months and the most snow fall in autumn and spring. Beware of dusty roads when traveling.

When To Visit Hunza Valley

Given the cool temperatures compared to other parts of Pakistan, Hunza Valley is an excellent place to visit in summer if you want to escape the scorching heat of Lahore and Karachi. The best time to visit Hunza is therefore summer, although the place is also enjoyable in spring and autumn.

Traveling to Hunza in winter is not recommended due to the awfully low temperatures and lack of accessibility. Due to heavy snowfall, many roads in northern Pakistan are closed throughout the winter months, making it rather complicated to travel to Hunza Valley from other parts of Pakistan.

Hunza Valley In Autumn

Hunza Valley is the best place to experience vibrant autumn colors in Pakistan. The orange-yellow trees that line up along the turquoise water of the Hunza River with grey mountainscapes in the background create the perfect setting for photographers and couples alike, making autumn one of the most popular seasons to visit Hunza Valley besides summer.

Generally speaking, autumn colors can be enjoyed throughout October and November in Hunza Valley. However, due to the rapidly dropping temperatures in November and the uncertainty of the road situation in northern Pakistan, traveling to Hunza in November is not recommended, making mid-October the best time to experience autumn colors in Hunza Valley.

How To Get To Hunza Valley

There are two major ways to get to Hunza Valley from other parts of Pakistan. The most popular route is overland via Naran and Babusar Top. You can start your journey in Islamabad and follow the Karakoram Highway all the way until Karimabad.

Another way is to fly into Gilgit and begin your journey from there. This might be your only option if you decide to travel in winter and Babusar Top is closed. While flying might save you some time to get to Hunza, it can be a little pricey and unreliable (as if going by road was reliable LOL).

As always, hiring a private driver who is experienced with the rather turbulent roads of northern Pakistan is the best way to get to Hunza Valley. Driving by yourself is not recommended. There are also regular buses to Hunza from other parts of Pakistan but they lack the comfort and freedom of independent car travel.

As Pakistan’s most popular tourist destination, there are also plenty of organized tours to Hunza, however, thorough research about the tour company is required for a safe and enjoyable experience. I personally recommend Travel Studio 92 for (very!) fun tours and responsible behavior towards foreign and domestic guests.

Hunza Valley Hotels

Hunza Valley is nothing short of hotels that fit every traveler’s budget. I personally had a great experience staying at Hidden Valley Lake Resort , a remote hotel resort located right next to the stunning Attabad Lake in Gojal. It’s the best place to experience an incredible sunrise over the blue water in the morning and an impressive star sky at night away from all the crowds. And, another big plus, the place is run by the coolest Hunza grandpa you’ll ever meet, so a good laugh is guaranteed during your stay!

However, be aware of frequent power outages, lack of signal, and unreliabilty of warm water.

For a high-end experience, consider staying at Luxus Hunza in Garelt.

How To Get Around Hunza Valley

Do the region’s remoteness and lack of infrastructure, traveling by private transportation is a must in Hunza Valley. You can either hire a driver or private guide or join an organized tour. Public buses are available as well but as always, private transportation is a lot more comfortable and allows you to explore the region at your own pace.

Things To Do In Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley may be famous for its beauty but what things are there actually to do in Hunza? The answer is: a lot. Below are some suggestions of things to do in Hunza Valley:

Visit Altit Fort

This over 1000-year-old fort was the residence of the Mirs of Hunza Valley and the oldest monument in the region. Visit the fort to enjoy an incredible view of Hunza Valley and its beautiful gardens.

Altit Fort is open from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm and the entrance fee is 200 rs. for locals and slightly more expensive for foreigners.

Visit Baltit Fort

Similar to Altit Fort, Baltit Fort is a beautiful ancient fort overlooking the Hunza Valley. The approximately 700-year-old fort became the local Mirs’ residence after the rulers left Altit Fort. The building was renovated with the help of Balti craftsmen,

Visit Baltit Fort for beautiful views of Karimabad, a meal at the top, and folk performances. The hours of the fort are from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm and there is a small entrance fee.

Shop For Souvenirs At Karimabad Bazar

Karimabad Bazaar is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, be it local Hunza crafts or artifacts from all across Pakistan. One souvenir shop after the other will give you an incredible selection of colorful textiles, carpets, and jewelry.

As in all markets across Pakistan, haggling is essential at Karimabad Bazaar. If you aren’t sure about the regular prices of things, it’s a good rule to go with half of the price that the vendor suggests.

Enjoy Incredible Views Of Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake is the icon of Hunza Valley and with its calm turquoise water, it effortlessly enchants every traveler to the region. What few visitors know is that this 100-meter-deep lake is still relatively young and was only created in 2010, when a massive landslide blocked the flow of the Hunza River in the region.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of Attabad Lake during your trip to Hunza Valley. Be it having breakfast at your hotel right in front of the lake, hiking in the nearby mountains, or renting a boat or jet-skiing to completely immerse yourself in this serene environment, there are no boundaries (as long as you don’t actually try to swim).

Cross Hussaini Bridge, The World’s Most Dangerous Bridge

Known as the ‘most dangerous bridge in the world’, Hussaini Bridge is an old suspension bridge that connects the area around Hussaini with a small settlement on the other side of the Hunza River. The bridge is very shaky and the wooden boards are placed very far from each other with multiple pieces missing, making it a real adventure to cross.

You can reach the bridge following a small trek from the main road. The entrance fee to the area around the bridge is 200 rs.

Marvel At The Majestic Passu Cones

Passu is a small village in Hunza Valley that is blessed by the majestic backdrop of the impressive Passu Sar mountain and the Passu Glacier, which give the area a crown-like appearance.

The area around Passu is a popular photo spot because the Passu Cones create an amazing background for every photo. Because the traffic in the region is very low, it’s a common practice to pose in the middle of the road in Passu.

Visit The World’s Highest Land Border At Khunjerab Pass

This last destination is quite far from Hunza Valley but definitely worth the drive. At 4,733 meters altitude, the border between Pakistan and China is not only the highest land border in the world but also one of the most out-of-the-world places to visit in Pakistan.

You don’t need to cross to China to enjoy this place. The entire drive up Khunjerab Pass is incredibly scenic and if you’re lucky enough, you might even have some incredible encounters with the local border officers!

The drive from Karimabad to Khunjerab Top takes about four hours and there is a $10 per person entrance fee to enter Khunjerab National Park. Be prepared for extreme cold and lack of oxygen at the border.

Hunza Valley Local Specialties

Visiting places is only one side of traveling. Another side is enjoying all the local specialties that the region has to offer.

Below are some Hunza Valley specialties which will help you gain a deeper travel experience in the region:

Food In Hunza Valley

• Mamtu (dumplings): I can never say no to this northern specialty! Similar to Chinese jiaozi, Pakistani mamtu are unique to the Gilgit-Baltistan region and a must-try food during every visit. Plus, unlike in China, Pakistani mamtu are always 100% halal!
• Chinese food: When driving from Hunza Valley towards Khunjerab Pass, you’ll see how the density of Chinese restaurants gradually increases. But, unlike in other parts of Pakistan, these restaurants aren’t all Desi Chinese cuisine but they actually serve authentic Xinjiang food, making them a nice change of taste if you’ve been traveling in Pakistan for an extended period of time already.
• Fruits: Hunza Valley is famous for its fruits. This includes apples, apricots, pears, plums, anything that grows in cooler climates. Visit in autumn for delicious fresh apples or enjoy jams and dried fruits all year round.
• Hunza water: Perhaps one of the most intriguing specialties from Hunza Valley is Hunza Water. Actually, Hunza Water is nothing but unfiltered glacier water that locals regularly consume. However, Hunza Water can also refer to an alcohol that is illicitly brewed in Hunza Valley. While I hate being a party-pooper, I strongly urge you to stay away from the alcoholic Hunza Water. Not only is it illegal in Pakistan but illicitly brewed alcohols also follow no safety guidelines, which increases the risk of methyl poisoning.

Souvenirs To Buy In Hunza Valley

• Hunza cap: The Hunza Cap is an iconic symbol of Hunza Valley. Male versions of the cap are usually simpler and include a feather while the female versions are decorated with beautiful embroidery. They are an excellent souvenir from Hunza Valley and look absolutely beautiful in photos.
• Wool textiles: Thanks to its cool climate, Hunza Valley is nothing short of beautiful wool textiles. From dresses to scarves, you can find anything that will help you stay warm for your next winter.
• Dried fruits, nuts, and jams: Dried fruits, nuts, jams, and honey are all local products that make excellent gifts for your friends and family around the world. I made sure to buy lots of apple jam and honey for my family in Germany during my last visit to Hunza and ate an entire bag of dried apricots by myself.

Is Hunza Valley Safe?

In an environment as serene as Hunza Valley, it’s easy to forget about the basic safety precautions. However, safety should be your number one concern wherever you go.

Here’s what you should be aware of when traveling to Hunza Valley:

Road Safety

Like anywhere in Pakistan’s north, the roads in Hunza Valley aren’t great, although they’re by far not the worst in the country. Go with an experienced driver and avoid speeding or adverse weather conditions.

Health Concerns

The two major health concerns in Hunza Valley are food poisoning and altitude sickness.

For food poisoning, it’s enough to avoid drinking tap water and stick to cooked foods. For altitude sickness, you should make sure to acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, and carry snacks with you.

-> Check out this extensive Pakistan packing list that includes everything you’ll need to stay safe and healthy while traveling in Pakistan

With the presence of illicit breweries and very cheerful local people, it’s no surprise that you might encounter drunk people in Hunza. Although incidences are rare, it’s best to keep your distance from people who might be drunk and if you do happen to get harassed by someone, you should notify the Hunza Tourist Police .

Of course, it should go without saying that you should also stay away from any illicit alcohol that you might encounter in Hunza.

Female Safety

Last but not least, female safety is a concern in every part of Pakistan. Women are advised to always travel with male company, avoid dark and abandoned areas, and dress modestly at all times. Don’t trust men too easily – they can be the nicest people in the beginning and turn into creeps within a second.

In my opinion, travelers from other parts of the country were a much bigger problem than local men but it’s always good to be a bit skeptical towards everyone.

Read more:  Is Pakistan Safe For Women Travelers? Here’s What It’s REALLY Like

Where To Explore Next

Did you enjoy Hunza Valley? Also check out these wonderful destinations in Pakistan:

• 10 Awesom e Things To Do In Islamabad In A Day
• Top 12 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Karachi
• Full Itinerary For An Incredible Balochistan Day Trip From Karachi
• How To Visit Taxila Independently As A Tourist
• Fairy Meadows And Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek: Everything You Need To Know
• A Complete Travel Guide To Skardu
• The Ultimate Guide To Naran, Pakistan

Pakistan’s number one tourist destination is a true gem that must not be missed when traveling to Pakistan. From beautiful landscapes to fun adventures, Hunza Valley offers the best experience for independent travelers and group tours alike. The region’s tourism infrastructure is well developed, making independent travel much easier than in other parts of the country.

Still, there are a few things to be aware of when traveling to Hunza Valley independently or with a group and I hope this guide could clarify things a bit and inspire you to book your trip to Hunza now!

Have you been to Hunza Valley yet? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments below!

Share this:

17 comments.

Really interesting post, not somewhere I’ve heard much about before. I also can’t resist a dumpling 🙂

I have never heard about this place before but it looks stunning! I am so amazed by this valley after looking at your photos! I am glad I discovered it thanks to you!

What an excellent post! The Hunza Valley looks absolutely stunning with the mountains, lake and views for miles. This is an area I would definitely want to visit one day and will keep this guide handy for when I do! Great tips on traveling there too!

What a beautiful mountain region of Pakistan to explore! This is the type of place I would love to travel to.

Ahhh Pakistan is one of my dream destinations! From your photos, the Hunza Valley looks exactly like I’ve imagined Pakistan would be like.

Wow how stunning is this valley. I’m so tempted to book a trip here, it’s such a shame you don’t hear more about it for travel.

Wow Pakistan has always been on my list but those forts look amazing. I’d love to visit and learn more about the history

• Pingback: Warm Encounters At The Icy Border: Visiting Khunjerab Pass From Hunza Valley - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: Traveling To Pakistan During The Pandemic: Everything You Need To Know - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Islamabad In A Day - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: A Complete Travel Guide To Skardu, Pakistan - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: Full Itinerary For An Incredible Balochistan Day Trip From Karachi - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: Is Pakistan Safe For Women Travelers? - Here's What It's REALLY Like - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: How To Visit Taxila Independently As A Tourist - The Spicy Travel Girl
• Pingback: The Ultimate Guide To Naran, Pakistan - The Spicy Travel Girl

Attabad Lake is just breath taking

Hunza Valley is the jewel of Pakistan in all aspects. The blog describe and is well written but there is much more than this. The beauty of Hunza Valley cannot be described in words and the words are less for it.

Thanks for sharing this kind stuff. Keep Sharing!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Hunza Valley

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Hunza Valley - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Pakistan (From $4,247.94)
• Trek To Fairy Meadows Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Hunza Gojal (From $1,411.00)
• Hunza Valley Tour Pakistan (From $2,673.01)
• Top 11 Best Things to do in Hunza valley Pakistan (From $2,182.06)
• 11 Days Trek Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Hunza Gojal Valley (From $2,516.00)
• (2.11 mi) The 2 Magpies
• (3.05 mi) Hunza Serena Inn
• (2.30 mi) Mountain Story Resort Hunza
• (4.06 mi) Hard Rock Hunza Resort and Villas
• (3.11 mi) Offto Resort Hunza
• (3.17 mi) Cafe De Hunza
• (3.17 mi) Hidden Paradise Hunza (Pvt) Ltd
• (2.09 mi) Magpie Nest
• (3.03 mi) Pizza Pamir
• (3.12 mi) Gingerfort Cafe

• Southeast Asia
• North America
• Central & South America
• Middle-East
• Australia & South Pacific
• Luxury Awards
• Family Travel
• Solo Travel
• Beaches & Islands
• Zodiac Travels
• Wellness & Spas
• Accessories
• Points and Miles
• #TheGreenEdit
• T+L Tastemakers
• Sustainable Travel
• T+L Experiences
• Destinations

From Serene Lakes To Tranquil Trails: Your Ultimate Guide To Hunza Valley

Make the most of pakistan’s hidden gem with our comprehensive guide on places to visit and things to do in hunza valley..

By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Jan 18, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

Verdant valleys, ancient monuments, serene lakes, wholesome delicacies and friendly locals – these elements epitomise Pakistan’s Hunza Valley. Yet, this captivating destination offers much more beyond these highlights.

For the wanderlust soul, seeking offbeat destinations, we recommend Hunza Valley in all its hidden glory. Home to many natural wonders , one of the intriguing aspects adding to its allure is the longevity of the natives. Often referred to as the original Shangri La by authors and travellers alike, Hunza Valley is a must-visit.

Your destination awaits: How to reach Hunza Valley

Tucked away from heavy tourism in Northern Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, and surrounded by the Karakoram Mountain Range, the enchanting Hunza Valley shares its borders with Afghanistan and China . Perched at an elevation of over 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) above sea level, it promises a unique experience.

Gilgit Airport is the nearest, approximately 95 km from Hunza Valley. Islamabad Airport is approximately 684 km away, and reaching the valley by cab may take around 15 hours.

Climate check: Best time to visit Hunza Valley

Given its diverse climate throughout the year, the ideal time to explore the beauty of Hunza Valley is during the summer months, from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather, making it perfect for adventure enthusiasts to plan treks. July and August, in particular, present the perfect time for a refreshing swim in the alpine lakes.

Alternatively, Hunza can be visited during spring or autumn. While March and April showcase gorgeous blossoms of cherry, apple and apricot, October to November transforms the valley into an autumn paradise covered with crimson leaves.

For snow lovers, the winter months between November and February are ideal. However, those uncomfortable with freezing temperatures should avoid this period.

Navigating your way through Hunza Valley: Places to visit and things to do

Explore karimabad on foot.

Formerly known as Baltit, the capital of Hunza Valley, Karimabad, can be explored easily on foot. Once the home of the royals of Hunza, Karimabad was an important princely state. It houses the popular Baltit Fort and Malikamu Shikari, a monument overlooking the mesmerising valley that commemorates Queen Victoria. The quaint region is dotted with small eateries, with the Hunza Food Pavilion, started by a local woman entrepreneur Laal Shehzadi, being a beloved spot.

Don’t miss Duikar, approximately 11 km away, offering breathtaking views of renowned peaks, including Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, Ultar and Lady Finger.

Bask in solitude near Attabad Lake

Despite its tragic past, Attabad Lake is home to unparalleled beauty. Formed in 2010 after a devastating landslide blocked the flow of the Hunza River, the lake’s glistening turquoise waters amidst majestic mountains are a sight to behold. Explore nearby trails for stunning vantage points and indulge in activities like fishing, jet skiing and boating.

Delve into the rich past of Baltit Fort

A prominent tourist spot in Gilgit, Baltit Fort has been part of the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2004. Renowned for its ancient architecture and strategic location, the fort offers breathtaking valley views. Dating back to the eighth century, its restoration and preservation began in 1990, after Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan donated it to the Baltit Heritage Trust.

Walk through Avgarch Village

Close to Jamalabad’s Gojali Village, Avgarch Village, believed to be the first settlement of Hunza, is known for its warm and friendly locals. It is said that the original residents of this village migrated from Wakhan. A small hamlet named Boiber, enveloped by forests, sits close to Avgarch and is accessible between May and October.

Admire the beauty of Passu cones

Passu is one of the most picturesque villages of Hunza, known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its delicious food offerings. Adrenaline junkies can hike up to Passu Glacier for a stunning view and others can head to the Rainbow Bridge. Relish apricot cakes with tea at Glacier Breeze, followed by a visit to Yak Grill, known for its scrumptious burgers.

Related Stories

Timing Is Everything: Your Definitive Handbook On When To Visit Pakistan

Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pakistan

Seek spirituality at chapursan.

Bordering the Wakhan Corridor, the beautiful valley of Chapursan is home to Baba Ghundi Shrine, dedicated to Sufi saint Pir Ghund, exuding a sense of spirituality. Those wishing to experience the Baba Ghundi Festival should plan a visit in July.

Cross the Hussaini Bridge

Despite the initial daunting appearance, crossing the old artificial Hussaini Bridge is a thrilling adventure. Post this, head to Gulmit and Gulkhin and explore the carpet factory, Korgah, completely owned and run by women.

Experience the serenity of Borith Lake and Rush Lake

Situated between Ghulkin and Passu, Borith Lake is a serene gem, unique as a natural salt lake. Approximately 66 km away lies Rush Lake, accessible from Hopper Valley.

Exploring hotels and resorts: Where to stay in Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley is home to both opulent hotels and cosy homestays, each offering breathtaking views of lush valleys from different vantage points. Locals believe that a house with no view is akin to one with no roof.

Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort is one of the best stay options, featuring rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the lake. Other top-notch properties include Offto Resort Hunza, Famree Resort Hunza, Serena Altit Fort Residence and Dumani Nagar Hotel & Resort.

For budget-friendly stays, consider Old Hunza Inn and Hunza Lodge.

Book your stay at Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort on Booking.com

Book your stay at Offto Resort Hunza on Booking.com

Book your stay at Famree Resort Hunza on Booking.com

Restaurant hopping: Where and what to eat in Hunza Valley

The valley is dotted with small eateries and cafes serving authentic Hunza cuisine against a mesmerising backdrop. Some must-visit food outlets include Hidden Paradise Hunza, Osho Maraka, Sips & Bites, and the crowd-favourite Cafe Culture Hunza — popular for its walnut cake.

Local gustatory delights that deserve space in every foodie’s ‘what to eat’ list are Chapshuro (meat-filled pie), Buroshapik/Ghilmindi (a type of bread), Buttering Doudo (Hunza soup), Harissa (one-pot meal with lentils and meat), Molida (wheat-based snack) and yak meat.

Pick and choose: Hunza Valley shopping spree

If you plan to shop in Hunza, look no further than Karimabad. Lined with tiny shops selling gems, jewellery and handicrafts, Karimabad has no dearth of shopping options. From traditional headwear to fascinating antiques, you will find everything here. You can also purchase fruits and nuts from dedicated markets that exclusively sell these.

(Feature image credit: Rizwan Saeed/ Unsplash)

Related: Navigating Namche Bazaar: Nepal’s Picturesque Gateway To The Everest Experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Hunza Valley? The summer months between May and September are best to explore this region.

How can I reach Hunza Valley? You can either take a flight to Gilgit Airport, approximately 95 km from Hunza Valley, or a cab from Islamabad, approximately 684 km away.

What are the must-visit attractions in Hunza Valley? Some of the must-visit attractions in this region are Baltit Fort, Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Hussaini Bridge, Passu and Karimabad.

Are there trekking opportunities in Hunza Valley? Yes, Hunza Valley offers numerous trekking opportunities.

Is Hunza Valley safe for tourists? According to personal accounts shared by travellers, it is one of the safest places for tourists, including solo travellers, in Pakistan.

What is the local cuisine like in Hunza Valley? The local cuisine comprises wheat-based meals and mostly meat. Locals also consume other grains such as millets and barley.

What is the altitude of Hunza Valley? Hunza Valley in Pakistan is perched at an elevation of over 2,400 meters above sea level.

Can I witness the cherry blossoms in Hunza Valley? Yes, you can witness cherry blossoms in the valley during the spring season.

Can Indians visit Hunza Valley? Yes, Indians can visit Hunza Valley with a proper Pakistan visa after completing other required formalities.

What is the secret to the long life of the people of Hunza Valley? The secret to the long life of the people of Hunza Valley in Pakistan lies in their lifestyle, diet, and the water they consume. They prioritise physical activity and consume locally cultivated fruits such as apricots, cherries, grapes, plums, and peaches while avoiding processed foods.

• Hunza Valley
• Pakistan travel

Pyusha Chatterjee

A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with .. Read More friends or organising things unnecessarily. Read Less

April In Hong Kong: 10 Best Events For An Absolutely Incredible Month

By Jianne Soriano

Konnichiwa Konbini! Why We Love Japan’s Humble Convenience Stores

By Kissa Castañeda

What To Expect From Go Park Sai Sha, A New Shopping Landmark In Hong Kong By Zaha Hadid Architects

Tokyo Vs Kyoto: Which City Should You Include In Your Japan Itinerary?

By Sharon Alphonso

Hong Kong Shopping Guide: The Best Malls And Streets To Shop For Every Kind Of Product

This Affordable Island Is The Top Vacation Spot For Couples, Research Finds

By Stacey Leasca

Chase Sunshine, Festivals, Food, And Adventure: Best Time To Visit Vietnam

By Shubhanjana Das

This Tree House Resort In Japan Has A Slide From A Sauna Into The Genka River

By Rachel Chang

Tseung Kwan O Guide: The Best Places To Eat, Drink, & Explore In The Scenic HK Neighbourhood

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest on travel, stay & dining.

You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.

Send email: [email protected]

• Message from Founder
• Terms & Conditions

• Sightseeing Tours
• Spring Tours
• Autumn Tours
• Pilgrimage Tours
• Chilam Joshi Festival
• Silk Route Festival Tour
• Shimshal Kutch Festival Tour
• Shandur Polo Festival Tour
• Uchal Festival Tour
• Choimus Festival Tour

Taftan to Sost Transit Tour

Sost to wagah transit tour, taftan to wagah transit tour.

• Heritage Tours
• Cycling Tours
• Jeeps Safari
• Sightseeings Tours
• Festival Tours
• Overland Tours
• Expeditions

Skardu Valley

Experience the Golden Beauty of Hunza: Marveling at the Magnificent Golden Peak in Nagar Valley"

Hunza Valley is a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly locals. Here are some of the top attractions to explore in Hunza Valley:

• Rakaposhi is a majestic peak that towers over the valley, standing at an elevation of 7,788 meters. It is one of the most popular peaks in the region, and many visitors come to Hunza Valley specifically to see it. It is located in the Nagar valley, but offers a stunning view from all parts of lower and central Hunza.
• Diran Peak: Diran Peak is another stunning mountain that stands at an elevation of 7,266 meters. It is known for its striking appearance and challenging climbing routes. It is located in the Nagar valley, but offers a stunning view from all parts of lower and central Hunza.
• Ultar Peak: Ultar Peak is a massive mountain that towers over the Hunza River. It stands at an elevation of 7,388 meters and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views.
• Hunza Peak: Hunza Peak is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. It stands at an elevation of 6,270 meters and offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
• Ladyfinger Peak: Ladyfinger Peak is a unique mountain that stands at an elevation of 6,000 meters. It is shaped like a giant finger, which is how it got its name.
• Golden Peak, also known as Spantik, is a mountain located in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It stands at an elevation of 7,027 meters and is a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers. The peak is named for its distinctive golden color, which is especially striking at sunrise and sunset. While the peak is located in the Nagar Valley, it offers some of the best views from central Hunza, making it a popular destination for visitors to the region.
• Baltit Fort: Baltit Fort is an ancient fortress that dates back over 700 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
• Altit Fort: Altit Fort is another ancient fortress that is located in the valley. It is known for its stunning views of the valley and its intricate design.
• Duiker Sunset Point: Duiker Sunset Point is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the valley. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to take photos.
• Shishper Peak: Shishper Peak is a popular destination for mountain climbing and trekking. It stands at an elevation of 7,611 meters and offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
• Passu Peak: Passu Peak is a stunning mountain that stands at an elevation of 7,478 meters. It is known for its unique shape and is a popular destination for climbers.
• Passu Cones: The Passu Cones are a group of peaks that stand at an elevation of 6,106 meters. They are known for their unique shape and are a popular destination for photography.
• Attabad Lake: Attabad Lake is a stunning lake that was formed after a massive landslide in 2010. It is known for its turquoise blue waters and stunning scenery.
• Passu Glacier: The Passu Glacier is a massive glacier that stretches for over 20 kilometers. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.
• Borith Lake: Borith Lake is a stunning lake that is located in the valley. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views.
• Passu & Hussaini Suspension Bridge: The Passu and Hussaini Suspension Bridges are two of the most iconic bridges in the valley. They offer stunning views of the valley and are a popular destination for photography.
• Shimshal Valley: Shimshal Valley is a remote valley that is known for its rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.
• Chipursan Valley: Chipursan Valley is another remote valley that is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture. It is a great place to experience local culture and explore the outdoors.
• Khunjerab Pass: Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for tourists.
• Ondra Fort – It is an ancient fort that was built over 1,000 years ago and offers a glimpse into the region’s unique history and culture.

In summary, Hunza Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty, culture, and history of Pakistan. From majestic mountains to ancient forts, stunning glaciers, and serene lakes, Hunza Valley has something to offer everyone.

Hunza Autumn Tour 2024

Chilam Joshi Festival 2024

Hunza Cherry Blossom Tour 2024

Karachi City Tour

Islamabad City Tour

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Username or email  *

Password  *

Remember me Login

Lost your password?

Create an account?

.path{fill:none;stroke:#333;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:1.5px;} Cart

Proceed booking, already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest.

• How It Work
• Work With US
• azad-kashmir
• Pakistan Tour Packages
• Customize Your Pakistan Tour
• Letter of Invitation

Hunza Valley Travel Guide

• BY PAK VOYAGER LLC
• DATE 05/18/2023

The Ultimate Hunza Valley Travel Guide

The Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. Nestled in the heart of the Karakoram Mountains, this valley is located in Gilgit-Baltistan. In this Hunza valley travel guide we'll give you tips on what you can do in Hunza valley while you're there, as well as information on places to visit, the Hunza weather, Hunza culture, and how to reach Hunza valley. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hunza trip today! Book and pay online for our handpicked Hunza valley tour packages or get a custom deal on Hunza tours, hotels, and transport bookings.

Things to Do in Hunza Valley

Adventure Activities - If you're looking for some adventure travel, then Hunza valley is the place to be. There are plenty of hiking trails in Hunza valley, and they offer some of the most stunning views in the world.

Photography - If you're a photographer, then you'll love Hunza valley. The natural beauty of this place is sure to take your breath away. Make sure to bring your camera along on your trip!

Sightseeing - There are plenty of historical and cultural sites to see in Hunza valley.

Shopping - If you're a shopper, then you'll love the Karimabad bazaar in Hunza valley. You can find everything from traditional Hunza handicrafts to high-end jewellery and Hunza dry fruits.

Explore Karimabad/Baltit

Visiting Hunza Valley is a truly captivating experience. Hunza’s towns are the perfect window into the region’s vibrant culture and Baltit is no different. Baltit was the capital of Hunza state. The town boasts a close-knit community and traditional architecture. Wander the zigzag pathways through the town’s mud houses, then try your hand at haggling as you shop at the Karimabad market for local Hunza handicrafts and jewelry. If you’re up for a hike, leave the main town behind and walk to the Queen Victoria Monument that stands in honor of Queen Victoria. And, of course, no trip to Hunza is complete without a visit to Baltit Fort . Click to read our complete guide on things to do in karimabad Hunza Valley .

Discover Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border)  

High up in the mountains on the northern border of Pakistan sits Khunjerab Pass. Once an important gateway on the Silk Road, the high mountain pass is still an important connection (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) between Europe and Asia, linking the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan into China.

The Gilgit-Baltistan region is well known for its biodiversity. The Khunjerab National Park encompasses some of the region’s most awe-inspiring wildlife.

Set up to allow the area’s incredible wildlife to flourish and to protect the indigenous Marco Polo sheep, the park is accessible from the Karakoram Highway and sits near the Pakistan-China border. It’s the perfect spot for experiencing the valley’s flora and fauna. Look out for some of the other endangered species that make the park their home, including the Himalayan Ibex and the snow leopard.

A Tragic but Beautiful Sight: Attaabad Lake in Hunza Valley

Attaabad lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. Formed in 2010 after a landslide blocked Hunza River, the lake has become a popular tourist destination in Hunza Valley. The water's shimmering blue hue and the surrounding mountains make for a breathtaking landscape. Although the lake was created in tragedy, it now offers respite and beauty to all who visit. Despite the sad tale of its creation, Attabad lake is a truly beautiful lake in Pakistan. Explore the Attaabad lake on a speed boat or boat safari. There are many beautiful resorts and hotels around Attabad Lake that provide accommodation to visitors.

A Visit to Altit Fort: Home of the Royals of Hunza  

If you are visiting the Hunza Valley in Pakistan, be sure to stop by Altit Fort. This fort has a long and storied history, and it is now open to tourists who want to learn more about the history of Hunza. The fort was originally built by the royal family of Hunza Ayashkutz, but they later moved to Baltit Fort. Altit Fort fell into disrepair, but it has been lovingly restored in recent years. It was awarded the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011. The Kha Basi royal garden is also worth visiting, located at the foot of Altit Fort.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge: A Scary but Thrilling Tourist Hotspot in Gojal, Hunza

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, then the Hussaini Suspension Bridge is the place for you! Located in Gojal Hunza, this bridge stretches over the Hunza River and is used by locals going between the Zarabad hamlet and Hussaini village. The bridge's planks are spaced precariously far apart, so on windy days, it sways from side to side. Adrenaline lovers will love crossing this bridge - just be sure not to be afraid of heights! No deaths or accidents are reported so far crossing the bridge.

A Magical Sunrise/Sunset Moment at Duiker-Altit in Hunza Valley

If you're looking for the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset in Hunza Valley, then eagle’s nest Pakistan at Duiker is a must-visit. The temperature and weather at Duiker in summers use to be moderate and pleasant and in winters chilly and breezy. At an altitude of 2,935 meters, Eagles nest Duiker is a popular tourist site in Altit valley that offers the best panoramic view of Hunza and Nager valleys down below with Hunza River running in-between. The mighty Rakaposhi peak, Golden peak, and Ultar peak among others provide a striking backdrop to Duiker Hunza. The sunrise and sunset at Duiker are particularly magical moments. With the last rays of sun receding over the snow-covered mountains, be sure to visit this eagles spot during your stay in Hunza Valley ! Contact us for online travel and Hotel bookings in top hotels in Duiker Hunza and its surroundings.

Adventuring in the Hunza and Nagar Valleys: The Best Hiking and Trekking Trails

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure, Hunza Valley is the place to be. With its stunning mountain trails and glaciers, this is one of the most beautiful areas in Pakistan. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there are trails in Hunza Valley perfect for you. Experienced guides can take you along some of the best routes, including Batura and Gulkin glaciers, or show you the newly added treks like Ondra Poygah and leopard hill trek. The Karakoram Mountains offer up some of the best hiking and trekking trails in the world. If you're looking for a real adventure, why not take on the two to three-day great hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp or Rush Lake in Nagar Valley? So, what are you waiting for? Come explore Hunza Valley and Nagar Valley’s amazing hiking and trekking trails! Expert local guides are on our panel. Ask us for local tour guides for these treks.

The Best Month/Season to Visit Hunza Valley: Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter?

So, when is the best month or season to visit Hunza Valley? This is a question that many travellers face, as this beautiful destination in Pakistan can be enjoyed during all four seasons. The best season to visit Hunza Valley depends on what you want to do while you are there. if you want to enjoy the Hunza winter weather, December through February would be your best bet. Keep in mind that Hunza winter can be very cold, the temperature goes in minus, and the Hunza weather is often unpredictable with snowfall. Winter sports activities like Ice Hockey and traditional winter festivals are held in Hunza valley to promote winter tourism in January. Trophy hunting and Ibex spotting is another winter attraction in Hunza valley.

Hunza Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. These magical seasons make trips to Hunza ever-beautiful and turn the landscape into a paradise of color. In March, spring starts in Hunza valley with cherry blossoms and stunning red, pink and white flora covering the whole valley. The Autumn season in Hunza valley starts in October and welcomes golden hues that make it difficult to take your eyes off this mesmerizing place. The temperature in the evening during spring and autumn is often a bit cold and chilly.

However, if you're looking for the best mix of pleasant weather with a cool breeze in the evenings, then the summer months from April to September are idle months to visit Hunza.

Click here to read an article about cherry blossom season in Hunza.

Summer and Autumn Fruits in Hunza Valley: A Magical Experience

If you are looking for a magical fruit experience, then Hunza is the place for you! The Hunza summer fruits here are amazing and will leave you wanting more. Some of the most popular Hunza fruits include apricots, cherries, mulberry, and peaches. The autumn season offers grapes, apples, dry fruits, and various varieties of nuts. You can also get your hands on flax seeds, wild thyme, products made of sea buckthorn and Russian olives. So what are you waiting for? Come to Hunza and enjoy all the deliciousness that our fruit bounty has to offer!

Hunza culture, music, and traditions: A unique and fascinating look 

The Hunza valley people are a fascinating tribe whose culture, music, and traditions differ greatly from the mainstream Pakistani culture. It is a beautiful and mountainous area, known for its rich culture and diverse traditions. Hunza music is particularly unique and interesting. Each tribe and individuals have their dedicated tunes (Hareep) that are played to dance in traditional musical gatherings and the traditions that are followed. Elders of the tribe or family lead the formation during their dance and youngsters follow them. There are also special tunes (Hareep) for war and polo matches played during Hunza state.

Each year, the people of Hunza celebrate their heritage with a series of festivals that showcase the best of their traditions and customs. Some are still celebrated today, such as Ginani - a crop harvesting festival that takes place on June 21st each year when farmers hope their wheat has become ready for harvest. The second important tradition in this area happens December 21 st during wintertime while they commemorate the death by burning last Buddhist Cannibal King Shiri Badat who ruled over the Gilgit region.

These festivals provide a unique opportunity to learn more about Hunza culture and traditions and to experience the vibrant spirit of this unique community.

The traditional dress of the Hunza valley people reflects their culture and traditions. The waved cap and Shuqa are both woolen garments of men that are indicative of the Hunza culture. The women in the community often wear embroidered caps, which add a touch of elegance to their outfits. This outfit keeps them warm in the cold mountain air and helps protect them from the rain and snow.

Travel to Hunza Valley: The Easiest Way is via Gilgit Airport

Hunza Valley is easily accessible to visitors from all over the world. It can be reached by flying to Islamabad International Airport then renting a car or taking public buses that depart Gilgit from Islamabad/Rawalpindi via the Karakoram highway. Hunza Valley’s distance from Islamabad is around 600 KM and takes around 12 hours in the private rented car to reach Hunza. Public transport buses usually take 16-18 hours to reach Hunza. The alternate route is via Babusar road which normally opens only in summers May from the end of September. Keep in mind that this road is only for private vehicles only. Public transport mostly uses the Karakoram highway.

If you want, flying into the GILGIT airport makes it easy enough; just take one hour or less and your plane lands at Gilgit airport which is the nearest airport and takes just 2 hours to Hunza valley.

How to get to Hunza from Islamabad:

A trip to Hunza from Islamabad can be planned considering these traveling options.

1)By Air: Board a flight for Gilgit from Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad. Flights get cancelled if the weather is bad. Daily one or two flights are being operated by Pakistan International Airline.

2) By Road: There are 2 ways to reach Hunza from Islamabad by road. The first one is via Karakoram highway and the second route via Babusar road in summers for private vehicles only.

Catch a public bus from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to reach Hunza if you want budget travel. These buses depart daily after 4 pm from Rawalpindi and reach Hunza the next day around12 P.M. These public transport buses are nonstop buses and only make a short stop for a meal at their designated restaurants on Karakoram highway. The ticket price is around 2500 PKR to 3000 PKR depending on the bus condition and company.

Planning on visiting Hunza Valley but don't want to hassle with public transport? No problem! You can easily rent a private car, van, or SUV to take you there. As the distance is long so that will give more freedom to make stopovers. Just make sure you book in advance, as demand is high during peak season. We've handpicked car rental companies, so you can book the perfect one for your needs with our hassle-free service.

How to get to Hunza from Lahore:

A trip to Hunza from Lahore can be planned by traveling to Islamabad or Rawalpindi by public transport or private car and follow our guide How to get to Hunza from Islamabad above.

How to get to Hunza from Karachi:

A trip to Hunza from Karachi can be planned by traveling to Islamabad or Rawalpindi by air, by bus, or by train and follow our guide on How to get to Hunza from Islamabad above.

How to get to Hunza from abroad:

There are several international airports in Pakistan that serve popular airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Turkish, China Southern, and British Airways. One popular airport for travellers is Islamabad International Airport, which lies north of Pakistan and has easy access to explore northern areas of Pakistan. Fly to capital city Islamabad and follow our guide to How to get to Hunza from Islamabad.

Hunza Valley Tour Itinerary Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Hunza Valley

This Hunza trip itinerary guide is designed to be enjoyed by all types of travelers. It includes cultural and scenic attractions that will give you a taste of the area. We recommend that you take your time and do not rush through any activities. The three-day trip /to Hunza valley is a must for those who want an authentic experience. You can keep it short, but it is important to note that the shorter amount of time, the more compressed your itinerary will need to be with other areas throughout Gilgit-Baltistan! Use this itinerary as a guide and let it inspire you to create your own adventure with shorter or longer days in Hunza Valley!

3 Day Trip to Hunza Valley Itinerary Guide

Day 1 of your trip itinerary in hunza valley.

We recommend starting with a visit to the ancient Baltit Fort, followed by some time in the Karimabad Bazaar. You can do some shopping, taste local food, and explore the area. After that, we suggest heading to Attaabad Lake for some fun activities like jet skiing or boat safari!

Day 2 of your trip Itinerary Hunza Valley: Hussani Bridge, Passu Cones, Khunjrab Pass

After breakfast, you start making your way towards Khunjrab pass. Be sure to stop by Hussaini bridge and take in the views of the Karakoram highway. Once you reach Passu village, be sure to take photos with the iconic Passu cones in the background. You can also check out the Batura glacier from here. Once you've had your fill of pictures, continue Karakoram highway to Khunjrab pass for some breath-taking views of the mountains and Pakistan China border. Make sure to dress warmly, as temperatures can change drastically at this altitude!

Day 3 of your trip Itinerary Hunza Valley: Altit Fort, Duiker, Borith lake, Ondra Poygah, Hoper Nagar

On third day in Hunza, you have a lot of options to choose from. You can explore Altit Fort, Borith Lake, and Ondra poygah trail in Gulmit or just Altit Fort and Hoper Nagar. Or you could relax and enjoy your stay in Hunza with fewer options we mentioned close to your stay. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time!

If you have five days or more for trip to Hunza valley, you have enough options to discover. You can explore unexplored places in Hunza Valley, or simply relax and enjoy nature. If you are looking for an even more adventurous trip, consider going on a trek or visiting Shimshal – one of the most beautiful and untouched villages in the upper Hunza Gojal Valley.

How to Travel Hunza on a Budget vs How to Travel Hunza on Luxury 

When it comes to luxury travel to Hunza, there's no doubt that Hunza Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Pakistan. With its stunning mountain scenery with addition of some luxurious hotels, it's easy to see luxury travellers are drawn to this region. There are some clear benefits to opting for a luxury trip to Hunza valley. Firstly, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of professionally by travel experts - from your flights and accommodation to your meals and transport. Secondly, you'll have access to top-quality facilities and services available in the region which can often be difficult to find in cheap tours provided by unauthentic tour service providers.

If you're considering taking a cheap tour with unauthentic tour operators, there are some things you need to know. While cheap tours can be a great way to save money, they also have some disadvantages. Y ou may not see authentic Hunza experiences. This is because unauthentic tour operators often have shorter and unauthentic itineraries to save money. Shared and cheap tours are often more crowded with different types of travellers with low-quality food and accommodation.

Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you're looking for more comfort, authenticity, and luxury, you may want to consider paying a little bit more for a higher-quality tour.

Mobile and Internet Service in Hunza Valley

If you are planning to travel to the Hunza Valley in Pakistan, it is important to know what type of mobile and internet service is available in Hunza Valley. The mobile phone companies operating in this area are Jazz, Ufone, Zong, Telenor, and SCOM. SCOM provides mobile and internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad-Kashmir. The fastest mobile and fixed internet service is provided by SCOM. There are SCOM franchises in Aliabad Hunza and Karimabad where you can get SCOM mobile sim or USB stick for faster internet access. Most of the villages have mobile coverage but some areas aren’t covered due to difficult terrain.

If you're looking for an incredible Pakistan travel experience, be sure to add the Hunza Valley to your list. With its breathtaking mountain scenery, friendly locals, and rich culture, Hunza is a must-see destination. PakVoyager provides online tour and travel booking for Hunza Valley. Look no further, Book and pay online for our Hunza Tour Packages , Hotels, and transport now. We would love to help you explore this amazing corner of the world!

Get Updates & More

Thoughtful thoughts to your inbox

+971 45589794

+92 5813550116, [email protected].

• How It Works
• Work with Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms And Conditions

Ways To Pay Us

Copyright © 2024 by PAKVOYAGER.COM

Visit Hunza Valley, Pakistan- 17 best things to do (3 days itinerary)

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2023

Categories Pakistan

During our 11-day trip to Pakistan, we visited Hunza Valley and the surrounding areas for three days. Even though this post may seem lengthy, I assure you that visiting Hunza Valley is worth it. It is indeed one of the most beautiful areas of Pakistan, and the scenery is truly astonishing. I hope this article will be useful when you want to visit Hunza Valley.

This post will provide a detailed account of all the places we visited and things we did in Hunza Valley from day three to day five. If you want to read more about our travels in Pakistan, please click on the link at the end of this article.

We stayed overnight at the Serena Hotel in Gilgit. After a restful night, we woke early to enjoy the beautiful morning in the hotel’s garden.

It was exceptionally stunning due to its location, surrounded by mountains. Some of us woke up even earlier to witness the sunrise when the golden rays shone onto the snow-capped peaks from the distance.

1. Gilgit Kargah Buddha

Our first stop today was to visit the Gilgit Kargah Buddha. When we arrived, we had to walk a few minutes from where our coach stopped, passed a stream, and climbed a few flights of stairs before reaching the viewpoint nearest to the Buddha carving. 

We took some photos at the viewpoint platform, and some of us climbed up to the cliff to get a better angle for photos.

There is a small hut before the stairs with a whole grinding apparatus used by the ancient people to grind nuts to extract the oil and others such as buckwheat, barley, and corn.

After that, we walked back to our coach and saw some children staying nearby on the way. They were a bit shy, but we convinced them to take photographs with us.

The Kargah Buddha is an archaeological site about 6 miles outside of Gilgit. It is a magnificent carving of a giant standing Buddha, believed to have been created during the 7th century. The carving is surrounded by holes that may have been used to support a wooden structure that would have sheltered it from inclement weather. It was discovered in 1938–39 and is associated with Yatshini, a man-eating giantess or witch who terrorized the residents. According to the legend, Yatshini was pinned to the cliff by a holy man as punishment. The carving of the Buddha is also believed to be associated with this legend.

2. Gilgit Bazaar

Our next stop is at the bazaar adjacent to the Gilgit River, where we can immerse ourselves in the local market culture. 

Our guide took us to buy some Himalayan salt. This salt is renowned for being the purest salt on the planet. It is believed to contain essential minerals for our health, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The pink color of Himalayan salt is due to its high mineral content.

Gilgit market offers a variety of items for sale, including fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits, as well as some meat shops and household items. 

We also walk to the other side of the river via the new Gilgit Bridge.

3. Where the continents collide

Here is where continents collide in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Nearly 55 million years ago, the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided along a line that passed through this point. The tremendous pressure forced the Earth’s crust to buckle, producing the towering Karakoram mountain range. The Indian plate is still pushing off into the Eurasian landmass at about five centimeters a year, causing the mountains to rise about seven millimeters annually.

4. Old Silk Road

We continued our journey to a point where we could see the old Silk Road. Locally known as “Kinu-Kutto.”

This section of visible road high up on the cliffside across the river evolved from a footpath into a pony track and was later widened into a jeep road from 1958 to the 1960s. However, with the construction of the Karakoram highway in the 1970s, the Old Silk Road fell into disuse.

5. Rakaposhi Glacier Viewpoint

We traveled along the Karakoram Highway and stopped at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint Hotel for lunch. We truly enjoyed our meal right in front of the Rakaposhi mountain.

At this point, we were at 1950 meters, watching the highest unbroken slope on Earth with its gleaming Ghulmet glacier. 

It is the only mountain on Earth that plummets directly, uninterrupted, for almost 6000 meters from the summit to its broad base, which measures nearly 20 kilometers from east to West.  Starting in 1938, several attempts were made to conquer Rakaposhi. In 1958, a British Pakistan Expedition with Mike Banks and Tom Patey made the first successful ascent, reaching the summit via the southeast ridge around the prominent Monk’s head.

6. Our guide invited us to visit his family

After having lunch, our guide Ali kindly invited us to visit his family, which was only a 20-minute walk away from the Rakaposhi viewpoint. He had a huge apple tree in his front courtyard, and we all enjoyed picking and eating the fresh apples.

We are truly grateful to Ali for allowing us to visit his family and witness the typical village houses in the region of Pakistan. Thank you for your hospitality, Ali!

7 Baltit Fort and Karimabad Bazaar

After visiting his family, we visited Baltit Fort at Karimabad Hunza. The fort is today’s last destination before we stay overnight at the Hilltop Hunza Hotel.

After checking into the hotel, we strolled up the hill to Baltit Fort, passing through the Karimabad Bazaar.

A designated tour guide at the fort explains to us various objects, architecture, and the fort’s history. He took us on a tour, showing us the guard room, the Royal kitchen, the dungeons, the assembly hall, and the music room.

Baltit Fort is a historic fort located near Karimabad, Hunza Valley. The fort is a three-story building made of wood, stone, and mud plaster and contains granaries and stores in its basement. The fort was constructed over 700 years ago and served as the residence of the Mirs of Hunza. However, in 1945, it was abandoned, and the Mirs relocated to a new palace down the hill. The fort is a museum managed by the Baltit Heritage Trust. The museum has simple stained-glass windows and houses local antiques, including antique Russian rifles gifted to the Mir of Hunza. Visitors can also see the fort’s historic cannon on display.

Before sunset, we returned to the Karimabad market to buy some souvenirs and dried nuts.

Later, we slept comfortably at the Hilltop Hotel and captured magnificent night photographs of the snow-capped mountains.

Watch the video we visit Hunza Valley at the end of this article 👇👇.

The following day, we were at the rooftop of the hotel. The golden rays of the sun illuminate the majestic mountain ranges, revealing every detail and creating a breathtaking tableau of natural beauty.

8. Best viewpoint of Lady’s Finger

We checked out the hotel, drove on a highway, and stopped at a perfect viewpoint to witness the grandeur of the Lady’s Finger and Ultar Peak.

Also, stop by whenever something is interesting, including Ganish Rock calving with multiple languages on the rocks along the Hunza River. And according to my guide Ali, Marco Polo has been here before. This place is also part of the original Silk Road.

9. Attabad Lake

Our coach went through a series of five tunnels to Attabad Lake.

Attabad Lake was formed in January 2010 after a massive landslide in Attabad. The upper Hunza population of 25,000 was cut off. Boats were the only means of communication until 2015, when the Karakoram Highway was built.

The lake, known for its stunning turquoise waters, has become a popular tourist destination in the region, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Attabad Lake offers a range of exciting activities, such as boating, jet-skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities. Due to our tight schedule, we did not participate in any activities. We will instead be taking photos and enjoying the scenery. 

10. Hussaini Bridge (Hunza Suspension Bridge)

Our next stop is the Hunza Suspension Bridge, Hunza Valley’s most popular tourist attraction.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge, also known as Hussaini Hanging Bridge, is a suspension bridge over the Hunza River and connects the villages of Zarabad and Hussaini. 

The bridge is expected to be precarious and dangerous, with missing planks and strong winds that shake the bridge we crossed. 

Today, we have perfect weather and no wind, so we don’t feel it is as dangerous as most people describe. Despite that, it was still a little nerve-wracking as we were still required to put on a life jacket before we were allowed to walk on the bridge. 

Some of us walk halfway and come back, while others walk to the other side and take the zip line on the returning journey.

The bridge was washed away in a 2011 monsoon storm, but it was rebuilt.

11. Passu Glacier

During our journey towards the Kunjerab Pass, we stopped at the viewpoint of Passu Cones to take photos of the Passu Glacier.

Later, we had lunch at Karwan Restaurant in a small town called Sost, where they served us fresh naan, soup, and curries.

After lunch, we continued our road trip towards the Kunjerab Pass, which marks the border between Pakistan and China.

12. The Khunjerab Pass at Khunjerab National Park

Located at the Pakistan-China border, the Khunjerab Pass is a natural wonder of rocky mountains and snow-capped surroundings. The sky is a deep shade of blue, creating the perfect scenery and weather for photography to capture the stunning landscape. 

The National Bank of Pakistan is also home to the world’s highest ATM. 

After a long day of travel, we returned to the Hilltop Hotel for an overnight stay.

The Khunjerab Pass is a mountain pass located at a high altitude of 4,693 meters above sea level. It has a significant strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan and the southwestern border of China in the Xinjiang region. The pass is famous for its exceptional natural beauty and is the world’s highest paved international border crossing. It also marks the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.

Our itinerary in Hunza Valley today differed from usual as we traveled by jeep instead of coach to reach the Hunza River and Nagar River confluence. 

13. Confluence of Hunza and Nagar River

During our journey, we noticed some local people setting up tents by the river and searching for gold. Our local guide told us that these nomads moved from place to place.

As we approached the tents, we could see families with children and babies living in them. The tents were their homes, and they did everything there. It seemed unlikely that the children would attend school, and they had already been part of the gold-searching team since they were young.

We gave them some snacks, and they were happy to receive our chocolates. We also took a closer look at their living conditions.

14. Nagar Khas

After our trip to the nomads, we made an impromptu stop at a scenic hilltop to capture the breathtaking view of the Golden Peak. Our guide thought adding this place to our itinerary would be a good idea since we had some extra time before heading to the Hoper Glacier. And indeed, the best spot of the mountains and scenery of the autumn season in front of us was worth the detour.

15. Hoper Glacier

After lunch at Hoper Inn for local cuisine, we visited the nearby Hoper Glacier to see it up close. 

When viewed from a distance, the glacier’s ice appears muddy due to dirt covering the surface, but it is solid. Although some of us were eager to look at the glacier up close, they ultimately abandoned the idea due to time constraints.

Note : I have written several articles about our trip to Northern Pakistan. To read our stories, please click here.

16. Altit Fort

Our next stop after lunch was Altit Fort, which we’ll visit before checking in to Eagle’s Nest Hotel.

Altit Fort, also known as Khabasi Residence, is an ancient fort founded in the 11th century.

During the 16th century, the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to build two forts: Altit and Baltit.

Originally, Altit Fort was home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state, who eventually moved to the somewhat younger Baltit Fort. Both forts are located next to each other, with “Altit” and “Baltit” respectively meaning “this side down” and “that way” in Brushushki. The Altiti Fort is the oldest standing structure in the Gilgit Baltistan region.

The guide at Altit Fort showed us around different areas, such as the guard room, the King and Queen’s bedroom, and the bathroom. The view from the top of the fort was breathtaking, as we were greeted with a spectacular view of the Hunza River and the Karakoram Highway.

17. Duiker Hill

Our group left the fort and headed towards Duiker to witness the stunning sunset view from Duiker Hill. We have arranged to stay at the Eagle’s Nest Hotel, just a few minutes from the Duiker Hill viewpoint.

We were lucky to witness one of the most stunning sunsets ever. The sky was a flawless shade of blue, with no clouds in sight. We gazed out over the vast expanse of mountains and peaks, waiting patiently for the sun’s rays to transform the landscape. And then, it happened. The golden light began to spread like a carpet over the distant mountain ranges, painting everything in its path. 

We managed to snap some of our best sunset photos to remember this unforgettable experience forever.

The next day, we headed to Skardu after visiting Hunza Valley. The adventure in Northern Pakistan continues, which will be documented in the upcoming article.

Our trip was organized by Go Holiday 360 Sdn Bhd . Please contact them for further inquiries.

Watch the video- we visit Hunza Valley 👇👇.

Saturday 27th of January 2024

How much tour package for 3 days in Hunza Valley start from Gilgit.

Wednesday 31st of January 2024

We follow Go Holiday 360 for this trip, which is inclusive of all the places we visit. Please check out their package here : https://www.goholiday360.com/tours/group/2

Saturday 18th of November 2023

I have never considered visiting this part of the world until now. The autumn colours of the trees and bushes blended with the mountains are amazing. Life may be simple but the people looked happy and content. Northern Pakistan is now on my list of places to visit. Thank you for sharing the incredible experience.

Wow...really awesome photos ! I have read about the longevity of the people who live in Hunza valley. Looking at the photos and the description of the place it looks like a must visit!

• Destinations
• Japan Guides
• Hiking Guides
• Gear Guides
• Wildlife Guides
• About/Contact

Hunza Valley Travel Guide

• by Jonny Duncan
• November 29, 2021 September 23, 2022

The Hunza Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan is one of the most beautiful parts of the world you can visit.

I’ve personally been to over 90 countries including all of Central Asia and the Hunza Valley stands out to me because of the friendliness of the Hunza Valley people and the natural mountain beauty.

After spending several weeks living there visiting the main places this is my guide to the Hunza Valley to get the best out of the region.

It’s not only a must-visit place in Pakistan but the world.

The Hunza Shangri-la.

The Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley basically is made up of 3 areas; the southern part, central Hunza, and the northern part.

The valley ‘starts’ in the south around Minapin where you can hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp, the central part comprises Karimabad area, and the valley ends at Passu in the north.

Note: Gilgit has nothing to do with the Hunza Valley, Karimabad area is the central part and main area to base yourself.

Karimabad Area

Karimabad is the main town of the Hunza Valley and historically the main seat of power with the 800-year-old Baltit Fort looking down across the valley.

It’s where most tourists will stay at least at some point during their trip.

The town is looked over by Ultar Mountain and the impressive Baltit Fort .

Baltit Fort.

Trekking towards Ultar.

Ultar Peak and Ladyfinger.

The Eagles Nest viewpoint will give you one of the best views of the Hunza Valley.

Sunset across the Hunza Valley from Eagles Nest.

View from the hill above Eagles Nest.

Autumn in the Hunza Valley.

The Hunza Valley people are very friendly and welcoming.

For staying in Karimabad on a budget I would recommend the Old Hunza Inn. If you want to spend and get something nice then the Serena Hotel is a popular option.

Find places to stay in Karimabad here .

For the famous walnut cake in Hunza try Cafe-de-Hunza and the 300-year-old traditional house at the top of the hill below Baltit Fort.

It takes around 2 hours to drive from Gilgit to Karimabad.

Heading north from Karimabad after around 20 minutes drive you reach Attabad Lake. This is an artificial lake caused by a massive landslide in the area.

During the peak tourist months, it gets crowded down by the lake and is not as crazy impressive as I believed it would be. Having seen it again in November when there were no tourists around it was more peaceful to watch.

But the lake is on the way up the valley to Passu and is worth stopping for at least 5 minutes to get some pics, and if it’s not so busy hang out a little longer.

Part of Attabad Lake.

Just past Ghulkin village area you get to the Hussaini hanging bridge, reputed as one of the worlds most dangerous bridges.

Nowadays, even though used sometimes by locals, it’s mostly a tourist attraction and can get busy during the main tourist season and you may have to wait your turn to go on it as it’s popular for photographs.

Hussaini hanging bridge.

Once you get closer to Passu things start to get more wild.

In the distance, the massive Passu Cones mountain appears as you drive up.

The villages of Gulmit and Ghulkin are on the way to Passu and Ghulkin especially makes a nice place to stop for the night as it’s very peaceful and up the side of the mountain.

Stay at Ghulk Inn if you do stay there.

Otherwise, Passu itself has numerous places to stay, with the Passu Cones Hotel offering a good budget option and great views of Passu Cones when you wake up in the morning.

Passu is the end of the Hunza Valley.

Passu Cones.

One of the main reasons for going to Passu, apart from to see the Passu Cones and continue up the Karakoram Highway is to hike next to the Passu Glacier .

If you have your own transport it’s a 15-minute drive up to a small parking area and then a 20-minute walk to the first main viewing area of the glacier.

It’s best to continue on though up the steep slope in front of you and then another one after that and you will get better views and can get close to the glacier and even walk on it (be careful though).

If you don’t have your own transport then you can walk up which would take around an hour or pay 2000 rupees return for a hired car which you can find from the turnoff on the main road.

If staying in Ghulkin you can also hike to Passu glacier from there which takes around 2-3 hours and is a scenic walk.

Passu Glacier hike.

Passu Glacier.

View down part of the Hunza Valley from Ghulkin.

Traditional music being played in Ghulk Inn guesthouse.

Rakaposhi Area

As your driving up from the south the first part of the Hunza Valley you will reach is the opposite side of the valley to the village of Minapin.

Minapin is the jumping-off point for a long day hike or overnight camp at Rakaposhi Base Camp , one of the best short treks in Pakistan (detailed info for the hike in that link).

Rakaposhi Glacier.

Rakaposhi Base Camp hike.

You can do the hike in one day and even start from Karimabad if you leave early morning, say at 6ish, as Karimabad is only a 30-minute drive from Minapin.

The best option though is to camp overnight at the campsite up by Rakaposhi and wake up to epic views.

Hunza Valley Food

Making chap shuro

The food in the Hunza Valley is awesome!

Here are some regional delights you must try:

Chap shuro – Known as the Hunza pizza which is basically a meat pie and is delicious. The best one we had was in Minapin.

Dowdo soup – The speciality soup of Hunza and great on a cold day.

Gyal(ing) – Wheat pancake breakfast food awesome with some local honey and jam.

Hoilo Gorma – A pasta style dish with spinach. 

Harissa – Yak meat (mostly) boiled with barley.

Mantus – Meat dumplings.

The Hunza Valley is famed for its fruits and herbs as well. The apples, apricots, mulberries, walnuts, local herbal teas, etc should all be tried.

Apricot juice.

The Hunza Valley is famed for its walnut cake so be sure to have one. Cafe-de Hunza in Karimabad and the 300-year-old traditional house near the fort are the best.

Walnut cake.

The dried fruits are also cheaper to buy in the Hunza Valley than in the cities so stock up before leaving.

Chap shuro.

Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley is a must-visit destination in Pakistan and one of my favourite places in the world. The environment and people make it a ‘heaven on earth’ place to be.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

More reading:

Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek

Passu Glacier Hiking

Baltit Fort in Karimabad Visual Guide

Pics From The Hunza Valley

For a good overall guide to Pakistan get the Insight Guides Pakistan .

Related Posts:

Keep updated with new posts by email (no spam, I promise!)

You have successfully subscribed, 2 thoughts on “hunza valley travel guide”.

Hey mate, great blog! Cheers for documenting. I’m actually flying out tomorrow and intend on flying a gilgit then hiring a car. How easy is it to hire from Gilgit? Any tips appreciated…. Not much to go at online!

Hi! Good news you’ll love it up there 🙂 As far as renting a private car I’m also unsure as we always travelled in friends cars who live in the Hunza Valley or public transport when we had to. What I can recommend is to stay (or get in touch with) the Naveed Tourist Inn in Gilgit and ask to speak with the owner. The owner is a good friend of ours and he deals with a lot of backpackers so can most likely answer some of your questions about car rental and help you out with it. Tell him you heard about him from Jonny and Sidra 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Pin It on Pinterest

The BEST Places to Visit in Hunza Valley (2024 •INSIDER Tips)

Hunza Valley in Pakistan’s magnificent Gilgit-Baltistan region might just be the most beautiful place in the world.

The crown jewel of the country, the places to visit in Hunza are sure to blow your mind and steal your heart.

As someone who personally hates “popular” tourist destinations and allows heads off the beaten path, I’ll be the first to tell you all the Hunza tourist spots are worth the hype! 

I’ve explored the valley from top to bottom and now call this place home. Hunza is very much worth every ounce of praise it receives. It really is the Shangri La it was termed by early travelers many decades ago

So without further delay, here are 15 EPIC places to visit in Hunza Valley, Pakistan !

What is the Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley?

The best time to visit Hunza , in general, is June-September. Hunza’s weather is simply divine during this period is minimal rain and opportunities for lake swimming.

This is also prime trekking season, and saying there are a lot of treks in and around Hunza is a massive understatement.

The most magical time to visit though is from around October 31st – November 15th when fall foliage turns all of the places in Hunza Valley into an autumnal wonderland. This is also a good time to begin traveling Pakistan from North to South.

Fall in Hunza comes around October-November where you can expect temperatures around 0-7 C. 

As the Hunza region sits at 2500 m or higher, the air is quite dry and I personally don’t find it as cold as humid cold places. 

Fall is truly the best time to visit Hunza. Even if you’re from a place where fall foliage occurs, trust me when I say you ain’t ever seen it like this.

Hunza Valley tourism is essentially closed in winter, which runs roughly from December-March where you can expect temperatures between -12 to 0 C. 

Contrary to popular belief, Hunza Valley is accessible year-round by road via the KKH. 

Despite freezing temps all the places in Hunza turn into a snow globe, lakes freeze, and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the epic sights without any tourists. 

Keep in mind that electricity, running water and other amenities may be very problematic during winters, but it’s still worth experiencing at least once.

Spring, the beautiful cousin of fall, lasts from April-May where you can expect temperatures anywhere from 5- 20 C. 

The first two weeks of April, and sometimes the last week of March, bring STUNNING cherry blossoms to the entire valley and is truly a must-see.

As much as I love fall, summer in Hunza is the overall best time to visit.

June-September is the best Hunza weather window, especially if you want to dive into any treks.

The entire valley becomes lush green, lakes become swimmable, and temperatures hover around 21-30 C.

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hunza Valley

Budget backpacker or honeymooner, these are 15 of the most AMAZING tourist places to visit in Hunza Valley! 

Awe, one of the most famous place to travel in Hunza Valley, and for good reason! Karimabad is a picturesque village that should be on every Pakistan itinerary .

Karimabad is located in Central Hunza, and is reachable via a winding road from the KKH. 

The village features cobblestone streets, numerous cafes, and a bazaar where you can shop for cute traditional Hunza-ware until you drop, and peaceful, majestic views.

• Why it’s epic: Karimabad is situated far away from the road and is a beautiful representation of a “modern” village. It holds centuries of history including the iconic Baltit Fort which is over 700 years old!

What to do in Karimabad

The Altit Fort, which is located in a separate village from Karimabad called Altit, is over 700 years old and was used by the Mirs of Hunza before they began to use the Baltit Fort.

Entry to the fort includes a tour and a bit of a history and conservation lesson about this fascinating historical place in Pakistan.

The interior of the fort is stunning and you can get an INSANE view of the Hunza River from the outside of it. 

• Why it’s epic: It’s nearly a 1000 year old fort, need I say more? But seriously, a visit to this fort gives you a deeper look into Hunza’s ancient history. It’s one of the most famous places in Hunza Valley.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Altit Fort

• Entry fee: 500 PKR for Pakistanis, 1200 PKR for foreigners

Eagle’s Nest

The “Eagle’s Nest” it’s called is a magnificent viewpoint in the village of Duikar. This is hands down one of the best places to see in Hunza because the view is well, unreal to put it lightly. 

From the top, which is a rocky top with various interesting rock formations, you can see all of Central Hunza, Rakaposhi Mountain, Spantik Peak, the Karakoram Highway and more!

Keep in mind Duikar is HIGH UP, and while you technically could walk there as a day hike, it’s STEEP and from the “Zero Point” of Karimabad would take several hours to reach. 

If you don’t have your own ride, hitchhiking or paying for a taxi is deffs worth it. 

The best time to visit Eagle’s Nest is actually at sunrise to beat the time because sunset can deff get crowded, especially in peak summer. 

Visiting in shoulder seasons like the months of April or November also means few people, even at sunset.

Things to Know Before Visiting Eagle’s Nest

• Entry Fee: Free

Aliabad is Central Hunza’s main market town, and somewhere you’ll end up heading sooner or later if you spend long enough traveling in Hunza. 

Though Aliabad is often dismissed as not having anything to offer, it actually has some AMAZING and cheap food options that deff don’t exist in Karimabad, as well as some killer second hand shops.  

You can get everything from trekking gear, shoes of any kind, and imported leggings from major international brands at second-hand shops! 

You can also find high-quality, new gear at many places in Aliabad too. But Aliabad isn’t just food and markets.

Like Karimabad, it’s set against a mountain and has a lot of amazing viewpoints if you know where to look 😜

What to do in Aliabad

Travel tip:.

You can find shared public jeeps to virtually anywhere in the region from the bus stand in Aliabad.

Places to Visit in Upper Hunza (Gojal)

These are all of the iconic tourist spots in Upper Hunza, which is also known as Gojal and essentially begins at Attabad Lake.

Attabad Lake

Turquoise blue like you wouldn’t believe, the Attabad Lake is perhaps the most famous place in Hunza and sits alongside the Karakoram Highway just before the village of Shishkat.

When enjoying Attabad though, it’s important to remember its history. You see, unlike the Passu Cones or the Altit Fort, Attabad isn’t a natural lake or a carefully constructed fortress.

On January 4th, 2010, a massive landslide destroyed the village of Attabad which also blocked the Hunza River. Many died, and more were displaced or heavily inconvenienced for years. 

…Which is why my biggest recommendation when visiting Attabad Lake is to support locals of the area by supporting local businesses of which there are many all around the 21 km-long lake. 

Yup, while the circular part of the lake with various water activities borders Shishkat, you can see narrower parts of Attabad Lake starting from Salmanabad, before the KKH tunnels. 

Even after seeing it dozens of times by now, this is one of the things to see in Hunza that’s even better in person than pictures make it seem. It’s undoubtedly one of South Asia’s most beautiful landmarks these days.

• Why it’s epic: It’s a rare phenomenon in the form of a SUPER BRIGHT BLUE LAKE set against a mountainous backdrop. Need I say more?

Things to do at Attabad Lake

You can get an EPIC view of Attabad Lake from several meadows that surround it. However, to do even a small part in preventing these places from being trashed, I’m not going to share the name! Ask locals about them and be prepared for quite a hike ;)

A sprawling and picturesque village you can’t miss as you travel the Karakoram Highway, Gulmit is a lovely combination of Gojali culture and majestic views. 

You’ll know you’ve reached Gulmit once you’ve crossed the iconic Gulmit-Shishkat bridge which gives you the first real look of the towering Passu Cathedral AKA the Passu Cones.

Gulmit is a lovely village because it not only features unique cultural spots that other places in Hunza don’t have, but it also has plenty of opportunities for infrequently-seen viewpoints from its many hilly roads. 

• Why it’s epic: Besides its incredible viewpoints, Gulmit has numerous unique tourist spots that give a better look into the beautiful Hunza culture.

Things to Do in Gulmit

If you like Gulmit, get ready to love Ghulkin. Completely hidden from the road, you can reach Ghulkin by making a turn at the sign for “ Jannat Ghulkin .” 

The vast village is one of my favorites in Hunza complete with plenty of incredible views of the Passu Cones and beyond!

What really makes Ghulkin stand out is its plethora of trekking opportunities, including the best day hike I’ve ever been on.

• Why it’s epic: Bucolic village vibes, welcoming people, and some of Pakistan’s BEST trekking opportunities!

Things to Do in Ghulkin

Hussaini bridge.

Dubbed the most dangerous bridge in the world, I wouldn’t exactly give the Hussaini Bridge that title (it was semi-recently renovated), but it’s for sure one of those places to visit in Hunza that you just can’t miss.

The bridge can be found at the end of a dirt path, and there are plenty of places for snacks nearby.

If you really want to take bridge walking to another level, you can do a full-day trek across the Hussaini Bridge and through the summer settlement of Zarabad. 

Eventually, you’ll find yourself at the Passu Bridge, which is not only longer but SIGNIFICANTLY scarier!  If you plan on doing this day hike, download Maps.me beforehand as it has the best coverage of the area.

Things to Know About Visiting the Hussaini Bridge

• Entry Fee: 100 PKR

Borith Lake

Love to swim? Then you can’t miss Borith Lake. The unique saltwater lake is settled beneath mountain peaks up a dirt off-road track best plied by 4x4s or motorbikes. 

The lake sits at 2600 m and is simply the best place to be in Hunza on a hot, sunny day. 

If you keep driving from Borith Lake, you’ll encounter a  “Zero Point” where you can’t drive any further.

This is not only a great Passu Cones viewpoint but also the start of the amazing multi-day trek to Patundas, a meadow that overlooks the nearby Batura Glacier. 

• Why it’s epic: It’s an AMAZING place to swim as the water is unusually warm. The lake is also a fab place to camp in Hunza during summers.

Things to Do at Borith Lake

Passu .

Passu, famous for the mesmerizing Passu Cones, is a tourist spot in Hunza that is worth every ounce of praise it receives. 

The Passu Cathedral as it’s called simply doesn’t get old, and ironically despite being more remote than some other places on this list, Passu has one of the best restaurants literally ever.

The small village even has its own glacier, which can be awed from the KKH and actually trekked upon too!

Passu also has a backpacker / budget-traveler-friendly stay option which I absolutely loved to see as most places to stay in Hunza are on the pricier side. 

• Why it’s epic: Google Passu Cones. That’s it, that’s the sentence!

Things to Do in Passu

Spelled “Obgarch” on Google Maps, this historic destination is one of the coolest places in Hunza Valley and is only accessible via a scenic (but relatively easy) trek. 

Avgarch was the first settlement of Hunza Valley, and the original residents are Wakhi speaking folks that came via Chapursan from the Wakhan Corridor over 600 years ago.

Today, you can still see the ancient masjid and watchtower in the old village square, and several people live in Avgarch year-round.

There is a brown sign on the KKH that marks the beginning of the trail to Avgarch, which goes a bit through the village of Jamalabad. 

From the road, it’s 10 km to the village but relatively flat, so people in decent shape can reach in about 3 hours. 

• Why it’s epic: It’s a more than 600-year-old village that’s still standing, and the trek there is simply beautiful.

Things to Do in Avgarch 

Shimshal valley.

Shimshal Valley , a remote valley in Hunza , is around 5 hours or so from Passu. The stunning route was only completed in 2003 and took more than a decade to build. 

This beautifully secluded place in Hunza is well worth the journey though, which is perhaps one of the most stunning roads I’ve ever seen not just in Pakistan, but anywhere

Shimshal is HUGE, so be prepared to be a bit shocked by its size.

And to think it’s even bigger than you can imagine with pastures belonging to Shimshalis stretching deep into the mountains.

Speaking of massive peaks, Shimshal is an adventure traveler’s dream with dozens of mountains, several glaciers, along with endless trekking, skiing, and climbing opportunities. 

It’s also filled with the cutest Pakistani animal (in my opinion!): the majestic yak!

• Why it’s epic: Neverending trekking opportunities, one of the most dangerous roads in the world, peaceful living, and fluffy yaks by the hundreds in the pastures.

Things to Do in Shimshal Valley

Chapursan valley.

Chapursan Valley is another offbeat place to visit in Hunza that most miss. And they are missing A LOT.

Chapursan is similar to Shimshal in terms of the amount of time it takes to reach the end of the valley, but it’s quite different in numerous ways.

For one, villages are spread throughout the Chapursan Valley road instead of there being just one main one in Shimshal. 

Chapursan is also situated on the opposite side of the KKH than Shimshal and is reachable via a decent-ish off-road that begins a little after Sost.

As of 2021, Chapursan only has 2G SCOM signal making it the truly perfect place to disconnect and get into nature. 

Home of fascinating folk tales, Chapursan is mostly a place in Hunza for nature fanatics. 

AND it happens to be home to the most spiritual place I’ve ever experienced: the Baba Ghundi Shrine past 30 minutes from Zhoodkun, the last village of the valley.

• Why it’s epic: The end of the world feels, the red Martian rocks, and a historical shrine where you can literally cut the energy inside with a knife!

Things to Do in Chapursan Valley

Misgar is one of the least-visited places in Hunza Valley, and after visiting myself I’m not sure why because I absolutely loved it!

The strategically important valley, which is a bit north of Sost, lies in between two famous passes: Kilik and Mintaka that were historically two major access points for trade and movement along the Old Silk Route. 

In theory, Afghanistan can also be reached in just a few days from Misgar, as the Wakhan Corridor is near.

Misgar is easily reachable via a casual, 30-minute drive from the Karakoram Highway. Be prepared for insane views, and a mostly paved road.

Misgar can be easily visited as a day trip as it’s mostly a place to relax and enjoy one’s surroundings, not somewhere to check activities off a list.

• Why it’s epic: The people are fantastic, it’s peaceful AF, and the views are unreal. Ultimate sukoon can be found in Misgar Valley.

Things to do in Misgar

Khunjerab border.

Khunjerab Border, which connects Pakistan with China, is the last place to visit in Hunza because not only is it at the edge of the Hunza region, but also the edge of Pakistan!

To reach the Khunjerab Border, you’ll coast along on an epic drive through Khunjerab National Park, which culminates at the 4706 m / 15,439 ft border.

The National Park is a massive nature reserve where you’ll be guaranteed to see yaks and perhaps some marmots, and if you’re lucky, ibex! 

The border is about 3 hours from Central Hunza by car. While there you can also see the world’s highest ATM.

Keep in mind the park is a nature preserve and is mostly for driving through. You cannot walk through it.

Things to Know About Visiting the Khunjerab Border

• Entry Fee: 100 PKR Pakistani citizens, 3000 PKR foreigners

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley Travel Guide 

Now that you know a bit about the best places to visit in Hunza, here’s some more info to help you plan for your trip to Hunza Valley!

How to Get to Hunza

Getting to Hunza is a journey within itself from any of Pakistan’s major cities.

And regardless of where you start from, whether it be 8000+ miles away like I did or somewhere relatively closer like someplace in Lahore, you’re going to have to first make your way to Islamabad to get to Hunza.

Faisal Movers and NATCO buses have routes from Islamabad-Aliabad that operate frequently in peak season. For around 2600 PKR, these buses have reclinable seats and some have TVs and headphones.

When the Babusar Pass is open from May-October, this journey takes around 12ish hours without inclement weather. But when it’s closed, you can expect a journey of around 18 hours.

This can increase by several hours if you’re traveling during Ramadan or encounter a landslide.  Other options include the cheaper coasters, which are usually small vans of some sort.

For around 800 PKR or less you can get a seat in one of these local rides, usually to Gilgit.

Driving in Pakistan certainly isn’t the easiest, especially when you mix in mountain roads.

There are three major ways to get to Hunza Valley by road: the classic Karakoram Highway route via Kohistan, via the Babusar Pass , or the extra-long way that goes through Chitral and eventually, the Shandur Pass.  

Personally, I HIGHLY recommend the latter too, especially the route that goes through the beautiful Chitral region.

A private car with a driver from Islamabad- Gilgit is 15,000 PKR , which is just under $100. Obviously, that ain’t cheap. 

But the best solution that’s significantly more comfortable than the bus and your wallet is to reserve a single seat in a private car. 

Depending on which seat you want and how many other passengers are also looking for one, this costs between 4000-5000 PKR.

Flights to Gilgit and Skardu are becoming more and more frequent as tourism in Pakistan continues to grow. 45-minute flights that usually cost between 10,000 to 15,000 PKR are available from Islamabad and Lahore.

Keep in mind that these flights are frequently canceled, especially in winter and early spring. 

From Gilgit Airport, you can reach Ali Abad in 3 hours and from Skardu Airport, around 6 thanks to the newly built Gilgit- Skardu road.

Hitchhiking to Hunza from Islamabad by road is definitely possible, but it might be a little bit difficult for foreigners planning on the KKH route.

Pakistanis should have no problem hitchhiking on any route, but foreigners should absolutely be prepared for the possibility of forced escorts from Dasu – Chilas or being put on a bus.

If you are a foreigner planning to hitchhike, choose either the Babusar Pass route or the Shandur Route.

Do NOT travel to Hunza if you see notable rain in the forecast. In July-August especially, various sections of the KKH, as well as other routes, are plagued by landslides. Tourists traveling to Hunza have been stuck for literal days.

Hunza Valley People & Culture

The people of Hunza are incredibly welcoming, friendly, and tolerant. Hunzokutz as they are called are primarily Ismailis, a sect of Islam known for its emphasis on education and relaxed overall attitude.

You’ll find Jamat khanas, also referred to as community centers, all over Hunza that locals visit. 

These are not just places of worship for Ismailis but the location of numerous community events and gatherings.

Keep in mind that you CANNOT enter a community center if you are not Ismaili yourself.

While Hunza is a part of Pakistan, traveling to Hunza is very much like traveling to another country and is overall quite similar in tradition to Central Asian neighbors.

In Central Hunza (Aliabad, Karimabad etc.) and interestingly, the remote village of Misgar, the incredibly rare Burushaski, a language isolate whose origins remain unknown, is the mother tongue. 

Meanwhile, from Shishkat onwards (including Shimshal and Chapursan Valleys) Wakhi is the dominant language, which is NOTHING like Burushaski!

Three major festivals in Hunza that you won’t find in Pakistan’s provinces include: 

• Imamat Day/Khushali (July 11th): On July 11th, 1957 Prince Karim Aga Khan IV succeeded his predecessor to become the Hazir Imam of all Ismailis. The day is celebrated with family celebrations and plenty of food. Red and green, the colors of Ismailis, decorations pop up all over.
• Salgirah (October 23rd): This is celebrated SPECIFICALLY in Hunza as it marks the day in 1960 when the Hazir Imam first visited the Hunza Valley. Jamat khanas, restaurants and homes light up with red and green displays and families gather as they do for Imamat Day.
• Salgirah (December 13th): This marks the birthday of the Hazir Imam and is celebrated by Ismailis globally, which you can also experience throughout Hunza.

Hunza Food and the Hunza Diet

Hunza food is blessed with a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables.

From grapes to apples to iconic favorites like apricots and walnuts, Hunza literally has the freshest and purest food that I’ve ever eaten in my life.

But to all the spicy Lahori restaurant lovers out there, note that traditional Hunza cuisine is typically sada AKA spice-free.

Perhaps it’s why the region is known for the longevity and health of its elders.

Every household has trees and fields filled with chemical and pesticide-free crops. 

Aside from trying all the unreal vegetables, these are some must-try foods from Hunza that are unlike anything you can find in other parts of Pakistan.

• Chapshuro – A pie-shaped baked bread filled with delicious meat.
• Hoilo Garma – As pictured above, hoilo garma consists of noodle-texture pieces of fough, spinach and potato.
• Doudo – A local soup made with hand-rolled short noodles and yak or mutton meat.
• Yak- Similar to beef but MUCH more tastier, yak bbq, burgers and more can be found in Hunza.
• Gyaling/Gral- Similar to pancakes but thinner, these stretchy pieces of flat bread are served bathed in apricot oil.

What’s Up With Hunza Water?

Hunza Water can actually refer to two things: the glacier water commonly served and drank during summers and a locally brewed moonshine that’s only available via connects. 

Remember that alcohol is still illegal in Hunza just as it is in the rest of Pakistan, but the attitude is significantly more relaxed and the very strong “water” can be found in all the places in Hunza Valley.

Just not in stores that is! 

Your best bet for scoring some Hunza water is by asking your hotel owner or locals you know. 

Keep in mind that it is STRONG and the hangover can be a killer if you overdo it!

Places to Visit Near Hunza

Hunza Valley is easily the safest place in Pakistan , and you can find many similar locales nearby.

Specifically: go to Nagar!

Hunza and Nagar used to be one district up until 2015, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that all of the best places to visit near Hunza are in Nagar, which is easily accessible from Central Hunza.

Nagar Khas & Hopar

The reason why these are grouped together is that you can’t get to Hopar without passing through Nagar Khas!

Both are along the Hopar Valley road, and both exude tranquility. 

There are some great viewpoints and a historical fort near Nagar Khas, and glacier and several notably peaks visible from the end of Hopar.

The area around the Hopar Glacier viewpoint is filled with cafes and hotels, but the actual village and Nagar Khas give a peaceful insight into life in this lovely valley.

• Why it’s epic: It’s the most easily accessible way to see a glacier and the entire valley is stunning!

This is not JUST a cool thing to do near Hunza, but it’s also one of the ost epic things to do in Pakistan generally!

Why? Let me explain.

Rush Lake is officially the highest lake in Pakistan, the alpine beauty sits at 4,694 m or 15,400 feet with the potential to climb higher to Rush Peak (5560 m).

I trekked to Rush Lake with some friends and we did it in 3 nights / 4 days of trail time . It’s highly recommended to spend the night in Hopar before you plan to start.

The glacier gets melty and dangerous if you try to cross it after morning hours on a sunny day. 

The trek involves crossing both a “live” and a second “dead” glacier, and the steepest uphill climb I’ve yet to encounter. But I mean look at this? It was 110% worth it!

• Why it’s epic: It’s the highest lake in Pakistan and gives you stunning views of multiple glaciers and famous snow-capped mountain peaks.

Rakaposhi Basecamp

Another amazing place to trek near Hunza, the trek to Rakaposhi Basecamp is one of the best treks you can do in Pakistan as it’s beautiful, cheap if you have your own camping equipment, and gives you the opportunity to see yet ANOTHER glacier!

I started this trek from Minapin at a very leisurely afternoon hour and completed it in 2 nights / 3 days.

While it IS possible to trek to the basecamp and back in one day, I don’t recommend this as spending a night camping in the shadow of Rakaposhi is too good to pass up!

• Why it’s epic: It’s rare you can get to an iconic mountain’s basecamp this quickly!

You don’t need a guide for this trek as the trail is green and easy to follow. However, if you want to head further to Diran Peak Basecamp (which involves crossing the Minapin Glacier) a local guide (or mountaineer friend) is essential for safety.

FAQ About Hunza Valley’s Best Places

Here are a few things to know before planning your trip to Hunza:

Hunza’s best weather season is from May-September . However, the valley experiences all four seasons. For iconic fall colors, come to Hunza from Late October through Mid-November.

To see thousands of cherry blossoms, visit the valley from the middle of March through the beginning of April.

It often snows in January, though keep in mind Hunza is FREEZING in winters.

Absolutely!

Hunza is arguably the safest place in all of Pakistan and its virtually non-existent crime rate speaks to that. The region has always been peaceful and hospitable.

The Hunza Valley is known for its incredibly hospitable and welcoming people, its abundance of organic fruits and vegetables, and unique culture.

The valley has a unique culture and cuisine (which often uses apricots), and is filled with dozens of high mountain peaks.

Hunza Valley is located in Gilgit Baltistan, which is NOT an official province but rather a territory of Pakistan. The furthest reaches of Hunza border China.

Central Hunza (i.e. where Karimabad is) is about 4 hours from Khunjerab, which is the Pakistani-Chinese border. The valley begins about 1.5 hours north of Gilgit City.

By road, Hunza is anywhere from 12-18 hours from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and encompasses the most scenic portions of the Karakoram Highway.

Numerous languages are spoken in Hunza. In Central Hunza (Aliabad, Karimabad) the rare language Burushaski is spoken up until the village of Shishkat. Burushaski is also spoken in the Hopar area of Nagar.

Beyond Shishkat, with the exception of Misgar, Wakhi is the dominant language. In lower Hunza which comes before Aliabad, Shina is spoken in certain areas

Wrapping up Hunza’s Best Places to Visit

Now that you’ve seen some of the AMAZING places to visit in Hunza Valley, I hope you can agree that this magical region has a LOT to offer. 

From some of the best treks in Pakistan, to sights that you’ll absolutely want to have your best camera to remember them with, to truly explore Hunza, you’d need a lot longer than you’d expect. 

After months of exploring the valley, I’m STILL finding new places to be amazed by!

Traveling to Hunza means getting to see the absolute best that nature has to offer. 

I’ve visited many other countries and traveled all throughout Pakistan, yet virtually nothing can compare to the beauty of this remote region.

So what are you waiting for? Plan that Hunza trip!

What’s your favorite place in Hunza Valley? Let me know in the comments!

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

Similar Posts

How to get a Pakistan Visa as a US Citizen

12+ Amazing Places to Visit in Swat Valley (2024)

How to Hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp in Pakistan (2024)

The Perfect One Month Pakistan Itinerary! (Insider Tips)

16 Historical Places in Pakistan You HAVE To Visit

15 EPIC Things to Do in Hunza Valley (Insider Guide • 2024)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hunza Valley

• 1.1 Upper Hunza
• 1.2 Centre Hunza
• 1.3 Lower Hunza
• 2 Cities and villages
• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 6 Get around

Hunza was a princely state, bordering China to the north-east and Pamir to its north-west, which continued to survive until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad ) and its old settlement is Ganish Village.

Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27°C and minimum 14°C. The October temperatures are: maximum 10°C and minimum 0°C.

Regions [ edit ]

Hunza Valley is divided into three regions.

Upper Hunza [ edit ]

Upper Hunza (Gojal) is beautiful valley of Hunza, and one of its sub region where there are three different linguistic groups. Burushaski speakers originated from central Hunza and migrated during kingdom of Ayashoo and Wakhi speakers oriented from Wakhan corridor. 65% of population encompass of Wakhi speakers and rest of 34% composed of Burushaski speakers. The third dialect, Domki, is spoken by 1% of the population found in Nazim abad and Shishkat village.

The upper Hunza starts from Ayean Abad village, nowadays affected with natural hit (Atta Abad Disaster) and sunk completely in artificial lake; Upper Hunza extends to Misgar, Shimshaal and Chuporson, (Border areas). Gulmit village is capital city of upper Hunza, and Sost is important village for commercial purposes due to Sost dry port. Upper Hunza is sub divided into four regions, as Gojal1, 2, 3, 4 respectively. Gojal one composed of Ayean Abad, Shishkat, Gulmit, Ghulkin Passu, Hussaini. Gojal two composed of Khyber, Galapan Murokhoon, Jamal Abad, Gircha, Nazimabad, Hussain Abad, Sost, Khudabad and Misgar. Gojal 3 composed of Shimshaal and finally Gojal 4 composed of Khair Abad, Rashit, Kirming, Kill, Espangi, Shersaabz, and Zodokhon.

The KKH runs from this region of Hunza and exit to neighbouring country China, at Khunjareb pass area of upper Hunza. From Chopurson the Wakhan corridor opens and this piece of land isolates this region from the former USSR.

Centre Hunza [ edit ]

Centre Hunza remained the administrative region during monarchical rule of Ayashoo dynast, a ruling family of Hunza for 980 years from 996-1974 and in realistic way centre Hunza is capital centre of Hunza State. Scholars disagree about the origin of families in the Centre Hunza.

Centre Hunza starts from a beautiful village Murtaza abad and ends at Attaabad and includes the villages of Murtaza abad, Hassan abad, Ali abad, Dorkhan, Shiras, Garelth, Hyder abad, Ganish, Karim Abad (Baltit), Momin Abad, Altit, Ahmed Abad, Gama Sareth and Atta abad.

This is most populous sub region of Hunza; 97% people speak Burushaski and rest of 3% speaks Domki. The Buroshoo Hunzai families everywhere on the globe oriented from this region. The diversify families roots found in Baltit, Altit and Ganish. The main families of Baltit are Diramiting, Khurokutz, Barataling, and Boroung, the main families of Altit are Hussenkutz, Hakalkutz, Khunukutz and Shu-shuroting, and the main families of Ganish are Shuknoting, Chaboekutz, Barchating and Chil Ganishkutz. The 3% Domki families settled in Momin abad, and found in minor ratio in some villages of Hunza.

Lower Hunza [ edit ]

Lower Hunza is a sub region of Hunza, boundaries with Nagar valley on east and on south. It starts from a village Khizir abad and ends at Nasir Abad, Lower Hunza composed of Khizir abad, Mayoon, Hussainabad, Khana Abad and Nasirabad. Nasirabad location on KKH makes it as a centre village of Lower Hunza.

This area is composed of Shina speakers, mainly migrants from nearby areas of Hunza, and many families belong to families of centre Hunza. The Shina language is the dominant language.

The main occasions celebrations are Novroz, Ginani, and Salgirahs, on these occasions delicious food traditional touch manufacture in the region, especially Sharbat and Harisa.

The region is famous for mulberry and high quality grapes, and also produces apricots, plums, cherries and other fruits. People grow maize, wheat, peas and vegetables.

KKH enter into the region on the first bridge of Hunza, at Nasirabad (Hindi) from Nagar Valley.

Cities and villages [ edit ]

• 36.327778 74.661111 1 Karimabad , the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi (7,788 meters). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
• 36.315 74.668 3 Ganish Village – the oldest village in Hunza, with 800-year-old mosques, it was honored by UNESCO in 2002 and 2009.
• 36.385 74.865 4 Gulmit
• 36.465556 74.893889 6 Passu
• 36.69 74.821 7 Sost
• 36.679 74.824 8 Khuda Abad

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 36.850278 75.428333 1 Karakoram Range mountain peaks, including Hunza Peak, Ulter Peak or Ultar Peak, Bublimoting or Lady Finger.

Understand [ edit ]

The fair-skinned and light-eyed Hunzakuts, few of natives claim to be descendants of soldiers lost from Alexander's army as he invaded India, although genetic studies have disproved the claim. The language, Burushaski , provides linguists an enigma as it is unrelated to any other language known to man.

The beauty of this mountain paradise is matchless; from the soft blossoms of the apricot trees to the dark snowcapped rock monuments of Rakaposhi (7788 m), Ultar Peak (7388 m) jabbing a vivid blue backdrop high above, and Bublimoting Peak.

Rakaposhi is the name of a high Karakoram mountain massif and the huge pyramid peak which tops this massif. The mountain dominates the Hunza Valley west of K2, its steep ice-covered peak towering above barren cliffs and terraces. Rakaposhi's climate is generally more favorable than that of the Himalayas, as it is located far enough west to be only minimally affected by the monsoon in July and August. In fact, long periods of exceptional weather are not uncommon throughout the summer.

Hunza Peak lies in the Karakoram range along with the Lady Finger (Bublimoting). It lies on the southwest ridge of the Ultar Peak massif, the most southeasterly of the major groups of the Batura Muztagh. The whole massif rises above the Hunza Valley to the southeast.

This peak has at least two known routes, both climbed in 1991. Both routes where done in alpine style, the first by a Swedish expedition and the second by a British team, which included Caradog Jones and Mick Fowler.

Most of the people of Hunza are Islmaili Muslims, followers of His highness the Aga Khan.

Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighbouring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892 followed by a military engagement of severe intensity. The then Thom (Prince) Mir Safdar Ali Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what can be called political asylum.

The ruling family of Hunza is called Ayeshe (heavenly), from the following circumstance. The two states of Hunza and Nagar were formerly one, ruled by a branch of the Shahreis, the ruling family of Gilgit, whose seat of government was Nagar. Tradition relates that Mayroo Khan, apparently the first Muslim Thum ofNagar some 200 years after the introduction of the religion of Islam to Gilgit, married a daughter of Trakhan of Gilgit, who bore him twin sons named Moghlot and Girkis. From the former the present ruling family of Nager is descended. The twins are said to have shown hostility to one another from birth. Their father seeing this and unable to settle the question of succession, divided his state between them, giving to Girkis the north, and to Moghlot the south, bank of the river.

The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheat fields, set against the background of snow-covered mountains.

Get in [ edit ]

Via the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Hunza is a 100 km drive from Gilgit , and most people arrive by road and it takes almost 2-3 hours to reach Hunza from Gilgit. The main bus stand is on the KKH Aliabad . There are booking agents in town for long-distance buses & jeeps along the KKH. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.

From Kashgar (China) there is a regular international bus service to Hunza via Sost crossing over the Khunjerab Pass (about 5000 m high). Across river Hunza at Sost, there is a village called Khuda Abad. People usually do not stop at Khunjerab Pass, they just carry on their journey to Sost with the bus. From Sost, you can do a number of activities around like trekking in the valleys, or drive to Hunza-Karimabad (2 hours), where the Baltit Fort is standing. The Khunjerab Pass is open from May 1st to Dec 30th, but closed in winter.

The international bus waits until there are enough people, which can take days as of 2012. An alternative option is to take a first bus to Tashkurgan, stay at Tashkurgan one night, the next morning go to the immigration to get a departure approval, and then take a second bus to Sost, then another one to Hunza.

By plane [ edit ]

Gilgit Airport ( GIL  IATA ) is small and has 45-minute flights to Islamabad on PIA

PIA offers regular flights of small 42-seat planes between Gilgit and Islamabad . All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.

Get around [ edit ]

Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.

See [ edit ]

Hunza is one of the most exotic places in Pakistan. Several high peaks rise above 6,000 m in the surroundings of Hunza valley. The valley provides spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world which include Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m (24,045 ft), Ghenta Peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft) .

• The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit , above Karimabad, is a Hanza landmark built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. It was used the resistance of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers) of Hunza.
• Hunza Valley is also host to the ancient watch towers in Ganish , Baltit Fort and Altit Fort . Watch towers are located in heart of Ganish Village, Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley. Dating back to 8th century CE, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along the valley. Borith Lake is located in upper Hunza and Rush Lake is located near Nagar.
• The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon . As one travels up on the Karakoram Highway , the beautiful sceneries keep on revealing themselves.
• On the way one can witness the 65 km long Batura glacier , the second longest in Pakistan, surround by Shishper, Batura and Kumpirdior peaks. On reaching Sost one can continue the journey up to Khunzhrav or turn west to witness the mystic beauty of Chipursan (also Chapursan) valley. Chipursan valley has some of most exotic tourist spots in the area. In Yarzerech (also Yarzirich) you can have a look at the majestic Kundahill peak (6000 m), or trek along the Rishepzhurav to the Kundahill to experience the soothing sceneries. Beyond Yarzerech you can travel further to Lupghar, Raminj, Reshit, Yishkuk up to Bobo Ghundi (Oston), the shrine of Baba-e-Ghund , a saint from Afghanistan near the border between Pakistan and Wakhan region of Afghanistan.

Do [ edit ]

• Hiking and Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Mountain Biking
• Horse riding
• Safari tours

Eat [ edit ]

• Giyalin (Traditional Crepes)
• Burus Berikutz (Cheese Bread)
• Baterin xy Dawdo (Dried Apricot Soup)
• Diram Fiti (Sweet Bread)

Sleep [ edit ]

• Hunza Serena Inn
• Villa Darya (near Attabad Lake)
• Eagle's Nest Hotel
• Hotel Hunza Embassy
• World Roof Hotel
• Darbar Hotel
• Hunza View Hotel
• Backpackers Inn

Go next [ edit ]

• To China , the bus service (NATCO & PTDC) is scheduled to begin crossing the border from Sost, Gilgit-Baltistan, to Tashkurgun, China, every day at 9AM in summers and In autumn it depends on the passengers, if the bus is full with passengers then it will leave, in case of lack of passengers it takes days to get into China.
• To Islamabad , via the Karakoram Highway . There are many buses leaving for Islamabad every day from Aliabad Hunza and Gilgit.
• To Gilgit , via the Karakoram Highway . Mini buses leaves for Gilgit in every 30 minutes from Aliabad.

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• City listing with no coordinates
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• Bottom-level regions
• Has Geo parameter
• Gilgit-Baltistan
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Travel best Places in the World

Hunza Valley Pakistan Travel Guide: Exploring the Top Tourist Destinations in Northern Pakistan

The Hunza Valley  Pakistan  is a mountainous region in the northern part of  Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan  region, bordered by the Hunza River, the Ishkoman border in the northwest,  Shigar  in the southeast, Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor in the north, and Xinjiang in China northeast.  

Hunza Valley Height

The Hunza Valley, Pakistan is 2,438 meters high (7,999 feet). Geographically, Hunza Valley consists of three regions: Upper Hunza (Gojal), Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza (Shinaki).

Buddhism , and to a lesser extent, Bön, was the dominant religion in the area. The region has several excavated  Buddhist sites , such as the  Sacred Rock of Hunza . Nearby are former  Buddhist  shelters.

Hunza Valley Pakistan Location

The village of Hunza was centrally located as a trade route from Central Asia to the subcontinent. It also provided protection for Buddhist  missionaries and monks visiting the continent, and the region played a key role in transmitting  Buddhism  throughout Asia.

Hunza Valley  Pakistan is located in the North of  Pakistan  in the Gilgit Baltistan region bordered by the Hunza River, the Ishkoman border in the northwest, Shigar in the southeast, Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor in the north, and Xinjiang in China’s northeast. 

History of Hunza Valley Pakistan

This region was predominantly  Buddhist  until the 15th century, before the advent of Islam in the region. Since then, most people have converted to Islam. Thus, the existence of  Buddhism  in this region is now limited to archeological sites, as the remaining  Buddhists  of this region migrate east to Leh, where  Buddhism  is the dominant religion. 

This region has many graffiti works in ancient Brahmi rock inscriptions, produced by  Buddhis t monks as a form of worship and tradition. As most of the locals converted to Islam, it was left unattended, destroyed, or forgotten, but is now being restored.

Hunza was formerly a major region bordering Xinjiang (China’s autonomous region) northeast and Pamir in the northwest, which survived until 1974, when it was eventually disbanded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state borders the  Gilgit Agency  in the south and the former province of  Nagar  in the east. 

The regional capital was the city of Baltit (also known as  Karimabad ); another old settlement is  Ganish Village  meaning ‘Baba Ganesh village’ (Buddhist name). Hunza was an independent principal for more than 900 years and in the early 1800’s, Hunza played a key role in the Great British Games.

In 1891 Hunza was captured by the British Empire, and the ruler of Hunza, Mir Safdar Ali Khan, fled to Kashgar, China, and the British army installed his brother Mir Nazim Khan (1892-1938) as the puppet ruler of Hunza Valley, but all orders were enforced by British officials stationed in the capital  Gilgit .

The two provinces of Hunza and  Nagar  were previously separate, ruled by the Sahreis branch, the ruling Gilgit family, whose seat was  Nagar . The first [M] Muslim came to Hunza- Nagar Valle y for about 1000 years (In the time of Imam Islām Shāh 30th Muslim Ismaili). 

After the introduction of Islam to Gilgit, he married the daughter of Trakhan of Gilgit, who bore him twin sons, named Moghlot and Girkis. From the first, the current Nager family is emerging. The twins are said to have shown animosity toward each other since birth. 

Then his father, unable to resolve the question of succession, divided his kingdom among them, giving Girkis north / west, and Moghlot on the south / east bank of the river.

Peaks of Hunza Valley Pakistan

Hunza is one of the  most touristic places in Pakistan . A few high peaks rise above 7,000 feet in the surrounding Hunza Valley Pakistan. The valley offers views of several mountains, including:

Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft),

Ultar sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft),, bojahagur duanasir ii 7,329 m (24,045 ft), diran peak (7,266) ,, spantik (7027m) ,, ghenta peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft),, hunza peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft) ,, darmyani peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft) , and, bublimating (ladyfinger peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft) ., many 7,000 m mountains exist in hunza such as, distaghil sar ,, batura ii ,, batura iii,.

• Muchu Chhish

Kunyang Chhish ,

Kanjut sar ,, yukshin gardan sar ,, pumari chhish ,, momhil sar and many more., places to visit in hunza valley pakistan.

The mythical  fortress of Baltit , above  Karimabad , is a landmark Hunza built about 800 years ago. Suspended by the huge legs, its wooden harbor windows overlooked the valley. Initially, it was used as a residence for the Mirs (former rulers) of Hunza.

Hunza Valley Pakistan also hosts ancient towers in  Ganish ,  Baltit Fort , and  Altit Fort . The Watchtower is located in the heart of  Ganish Village .  Baltit Fort  stands over  Karimabad , while Altit Fort lies just below the valley. In the 8th century AD, a large number of Buddhists surrounded by small Buddhists were found engraved on a rock. 

Prehistoric men and animal sculptures are carved into the rock near the valley. Other lakes such as Attabad Lake, Borith Lake, Shimshal Lakes, and Hassanabad Lake are located in Hunza.

Khunjerab Pass is a mountain of 4,693 meters high in the mountains of Karakoram. It is located on the northern border of Pakistan and the southwestern border of China and is located in Hunza.

Ecotourism  hikes like Ondra Poygah Gulmit and Leopard Trek Shiskhat are also known for their ideas.

The valley is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Shangri-La Valley in James 1933’s James Hilton book, Lost Horizon.

One can see the 57 km long Batura Glacier, the fifth longest glacier in the world outside of the cooler climate, surrounded by the peaks of Shispare, Batura, and Kumpirdior. Once at Sost, one can continue the trek up to Khunzhrav or turn west to the Chipursan (and Chapursan) Valley. 

At Yarzerech (also Yarzirich), one can look at the Kundahill peak (6,000 meters), or take the Rishepzhirav road to Kundahill. Apart from Yarzerech, one can travel to Lupghar, Raminj, Reshit, Yishkuk and even to Bobo Ghundi (Oston), the shrine of Baba-e-Ghund, a saint from Afghanistan near the border between Pakistan and the Wakhan region of Afghanistan.

Hunza Valley People and Languages

The local languages spoken in Hunza Valley Pakistan include Burushaski, Builder, and Chinese. The literacy rate in Hunza village is over 95%. The historical site of Hunza and present-day northern Pakistan, over the centuries, has been the center of mass migration, ethnic strife, and ethnic and tribal resettlement, with the Chinese people gaining prominence in regional history. 

The people of the region have recounted their historical traditions from generation to generation. The Hunza Valley Pakistan is also home to some Wakhi, who migrated from northeastern Afghanistan from the nineteenth century onwards.

The longevity of the Hunza people has been noted by some, but some dismiss this as a long-lived myth promoted by a lack of birth records. There is no evidence that Hunza’s lifespan is much higher than that of Pakistan’s poorer, more isolated areas. Claims of health and longevity were probably based solely on the statement of the local mir (king). 

An author who had significant and ongoing communication with the people of Burusho, John Clark, reported that they were completely unhealthy.

However, whether their longevity is real or not, there is no doubt that the people of Hunza live a healthy lifestyle. Many researchers have sat down with the people of Hunza to answer this mystery, including Robert Maccrison, who was never diagnosed with a disease such as cancer, stomach ulcers, or appendicitis. 

In addition, Henri Coanda spent six decades studying ice water in Hunza and discovered the possible explanations for the longevity of the people of Hunza.

Related Posts

Enchanting ghizer valley, gilgit: nature’s hidden gem.

First Eco Tourism Village in Pakistan & its Benefits

Kallar Kahar: A Natural Wonder in Pakistan’s Salt Range

A Hidden Gem – Saral Lake Neelum Valley

Stunning Places to Visit in Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Most Beautiful Meadow Arang Kel in Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir Pakistan

• Latest Posts
• Work with us
• Privacy Policy

Hunza Valley travel guide – The Switzerland of Pakistan

The Hunza Valley is probably the region we liked the most in the country. They have its own rhythm, culture and tradition, making every visitor fall in love with its extremely relaxing and hospitable atmosphere. For this reason, we prepared for you this Hunza Valley travel guide based on our experience in the region as well as on what we have heard and researched too.

Hunza Valley Travel Guide

• Where is Hunza Valley

Religion in Hunza Valley

Hunza valley travel tour.

• Attabad Lake
• The Eagle’s Nest
• Khunjerav Pass (China border)
• Most dangerous bridge in the world
• Altit and Baltit Fort
• Borith Lake
• Explore the villages
• Food in Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley hotels – where to stay in Hunza

How to get to hunza valley.

Where is Hunza Valley?

Have you been asking yourself where is Hunza Valley ? Well, the Hunza Valley is in northern Pakistan, a mesmerising region quite different from the rest of the country. Just to be clear in the rather often question is Hunza Valley in the POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir)? No. Neither it’s in India.

Hunza is in the autonomous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Some people say Gilgit-Baltistan is no longer autonomous and therefore is part of another region of the country, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). But, we will not get into politics in here.

In the Hunza Valley , we found some of the most mesmerising landscape of the entire country. “ Hunza is the Switzerland of Pakistan ”, we heard more than once from the locals as well as from our Instagram followers that noticed the similarities. The assortment of snow peaked mountains makes up the view everywhere you go. At the same time, the winter can be merciless. The Hunza Valley weather changes drastically during these colder months and you do recommend you to avoid it – unless lots of snow and freezing temperature is exactly what you are looking for.

Unlike the rest of the country, the Hunza Valley people follow a different branch of Islam, the Ismaili . This branch is considered less conservative. Therefore, it’s more usual to see women not wearing the scarf on their heads, walking accompanied by other women only, driving or working. Unfortunately, in most regions of Pakistan , it’s rare to see women working or even just walking in the streets not accompanied by men.

We have never ever heard of the Ismaili Community before. What caught our attention about it, though, is that their spiritual leader is still alive and lives in France. His name is Aga Khan. He is behind many sorts of improvements of the education and infrastructure of the Hunza Valley as well as other parts of the world, such as Africa and Central Asia.

Because of these investments – and other reasons too – many people dare to say the Hunza Valley literacy rate is 100%. We actually visited some of the schools in the region to find out for ourselves if the statistic is real. But we found no official figures. However, during our visit to the schools, we couldn’t help but noticing boys and girls sharing the same classroom in a country that divides them by biological gender since primary school. “The co-education is of prime importance as it teaches men, from their early ages, to respect women as equals”, explained to us one director of the schools we visited.

With so many qualities, it is no surprise that this region is quite popular even amongst people from Pakistan , who usually visit Hunza during their bank holidays. The few international tourists who make it to there also do not allow themselves enough time to get to know the main sights of the Hunza Valley . Not having enough time around this region makes you miss out on the most essential part of this trip, the interaction with locals.

“ How many days to stay in the Hunza Valley ?” you might be asking right now. Our main recommendation, then, is to save at least five days in Hunza. This way, you can enjoy the main tourist sights as well as the less known ones, plus wander through the villages, talk to the nice inhabitants who are always ready to offer you a cup of tea, watch a casual volleyball match in the main square of one of the villages and get into the pace of one of the most pleasant regions of Pakistan . Enjoy this Hunza Valley travel guide !

What to do – a Hunza Valley travel guide

– visit the attabad lake.

This turquoise blue lake is one of the main attractions of Hunza Valley, and surely one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. However, what is most impressive is that this lake did not exist 10 years ago. It is a result of a landslide, which happened in 2010 and flooded the whole region.

As a consequence of the natural disaster, thousands of people were made homeless and another thousand was completely disconnected to the rest of the country, as the flood affected the only way of access to Hunza .

For years, let’s repeat – YEARS – the local population had to commute in boats and survived by the provisions sent by the Pakistani as well as the Chinese army. The outcome of this tragedy is one of the most beautiful lakes of Pakistan and have to be in your Hunza Valley travel guide.

– Climb up to the Eagle’s Nest Hunza

The Eagles’s Nest Hunza is a viewpoint that offers spectacular views of the Hunza Valley. It’s not to be mistaken with the hotel of the same name. The Eagle’s Nest Hunza view point is atop the Duiker Hill. You can drive to the car park near the hotel. From there, do a no more than 10 min easy climb to the top of the mountain. Another highlight of our Hunza Valley travel guide.

It is worth climbing up to the Eagle’s Nest at any time as the reflection of the sun rays in the mountains change your view of the landscape according to the time of the day. However, if your time is short on time and have to choose a specific slot to go over there, we recommend climbing up the viewpoint for the sunset.

– Visit Khunjerav Pass, the highest border in the world

At 4600m high, the border between Pakistan and China , known as Khunjerav Pass , is one of the highest in the world. The road to the place is as pretty as a picture. Though, you had better prepare for the cold, due to the high altitude. We visited the Khunjerav Pass in August, mid summer of Pakistan, and were welcomed by a lot of snow!

An interesting point on the border between both countries is the self-proclaimed “ the world’s highest ATM ”, which wasn’t working when we were there.

– Cross the most dangerous bridge in the world

Hunza also houses one of the world’s most dangerous bridge , the Hussaini Bridge.

This suspended bridge – hung many meters above a relatively powerful river – scares many by its precarious look. When we visited the Hussaini Bridge , tourists were not allowed to cross it. However, we saw many locals coming and going from side to side of the river, almost like not caring by the fact that the bridge seems to be about to fall or collapse.

– Visit both forts of Hunza: Altit and Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort and Altit Fort , built in the VIII and XI century respectively, are two forts in the Hunza Valley that served as a residence for the royal family.

Perhaps, the best way to understand the main differences between the Hunza Valley and the rest of Pakistan is the fact that this region had been an independent principality until 1974. If the history of Pakistan is something that interests you, a visit to both forts is surely a must!

The enterprise is the result of a partnership between the Agha Khan Foundation – that person we mentioned in the beginning of the article – and the Norwegian Embassy of Pakistan . Upon your visit to the Altit Fort , you can ask for the local guides – all women – to explain you further about this project.

– Go to the Borith Lake

The majority of the people do not visit the Borith Lake . Perhaps, for either not knowing about its existence or for laziness really as you have to trek for about 30min in order to reach the place. It is true that, maybe, the lake is not as impressive as the Attabat Lake. Nevertheless, we still recommend you to visit it as we found it gorgeous and it has an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

On your visit to the Borith Lake, don’t miss a walk through the local village. And get to know the rather nice inhabitants of there. If your spirits will be elevated, take the opportunity to go on a trekking to the glacier nearby.

– Explore some of the villages of the Hunza Valley

As we said previously, what we found to be the best of Hunza Valley is its inhabitants and the relaxing atmosphere of the region. The best way to experience these sides of the valley is to let yourself get lost through the villages and to be approached by the many lovely people ready to start a conversation with you.

As we stayed in Gulmit , we spent most of our afternoon wandering about there. But you can choose any village you want near you that you surely find the experience of just walk and talk very pleasantly.

– Eat, eat, eat…

A Hunza Valley travel guide is not complete without a gastronomy tour. Hunza holds a legend that its population lives up to more than 100 years. The reason is from the quality of life they have as well as their diet based on organic food. We interviewed some of the people of the region to find out if the myth is true.

We were told that this used to be true, back in the days, but not any more as from the arrival of the many industrialised products. As a consequence of this change in the Hunza people diet , the life expectancy of the Hunza people decreased considerably and just a few of them make it to 100 years old now.

Yet, you will eat a lot better in Hunza than in anywhere else in Pakistan. So, don’t forget to try out absolutely everything you can, from organic fruits to honey, yak meat, vegetables and even the prominent Salajeet . This is a local product – sometimes in liquid format to mix with your tea, sometimes as a sort of gum to mix with your food – made of the extraction of minerals of a particular rock and it promises to be aphrodisiac.

There are many options of accommodation in the Hunza Valley . We stayed in a guest house called Gulmit Tourist Inn , located in the Gulmit village, obviously. The Gulmit Tourist Inn bedrooms are simple, though very comfortable ( you can check their availability and prices here ). It’s a family owned establishment and they are incredibly hospitable.

We were filming a documentary in Pakistan about the women of the country. Our goal in Hunza was to find an over 100 years old lady who could explain to us how it was possible that the life expectancy of the Hunza’s population was higher than the rest of the country. The Gulmit Tourist Inn family didn’t just found us the lady. They also helped us with the translation as she only spoke a local dialect. Thank you again!!! Talking to her was definitely insightful, both professionally and personally to us.

As we said, Hunza Valley is in the north of Pakistan, in the autonomous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. This is an extremely mountainous region, which makes your trip to there a lot longer than you think it would be. Depending of where you are, it might take over a day.

The best way to go to Hunza is taking a bus or train to the capital, Islamabad. And then a bus to Gilgit, which is the capital of the Giltit-Baltistan region. From Gilgit to Hunza , you can either take a taxi or a minivan to your hotel.

The turns of the road to Hunza are extremely sharp. If you normally have road sickness, don’t forget your pills. No jokes! The soundtrack of our bus, both on the way to and back, was “ugh” every now and again. That comes from the vomit of the people. I know how unpleasant you are feeling right now, but what is the purpose of a blog if not to prepare you for the reality! 😉

Our trip to Hunza

Our trip to Hunza was organised by Magellan Travels . They are a travel agency in Karachi focused on the northern areas of Pakistan. During the whole trip, we were accompanied by a guide provided from the Magellan Travels, the awesome Zaheer. He didn’t just guarantee we had a stress free time, he actually became a friend.

The infrastructure of Pakistan might not be of high standard. Don’t forget the country has only 70 years of existence . And finding people who speak English outside the main cities can be a challenge. Moreover, the departure time of buses and trains change with no early warning. Also, you might find yourself stopped at some of the many police check points along the way. To have Zaheer with us during this time was essential to avoid any issues . Particularly with the army, that eventually asked for some sort of printed authorisation or whatever it was they wanted.

Such an informative and great conent you have provided.

Thanks, Noman

Hunza is so beautiful! Your pic of the children is great too and made me think to point out a book that fellow Hunza fans might enjoy, “Peter Polo and the Snow Beast of Hunza.” It’s a charming tale of friendship, intrigue and adventure fit for children of all ages.

Hello Newt, Thank you very much for your comment. It sounds really nice this book! We look forward to travelling to Hunza again.

Great article very impressive! I’m glad that people are writing about the Hunza Valley now with good photographs as much of the information about Hunza today is less than adequate.

The Hunza Valley on the Karakorum Highway in Pakistan 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 tried to remedy this in a small way in my latest article on the Hunza Valley: https://breadtagsagas.com/hunza-valley-pakistan-our-trip-4/ which I am hoping will gradually gain traction amongst those involved in adventure travel.

I have written five articles on the Karakorum Highway in the past twelve months and one on the Kashgar Sunday Market in 2018.

Although the trip was undertaken in 1995, I think it is important to see how much the wolrd has changed in the past twenty-five years.

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.

How stable is Attabad Lake? What would happen if the dam burst?

Kind regards

Most photos of Pakistani side of Kashmir/Baltistan looks beautiful. The mountains are taller and more steeper than the Indian side. Have you been to the Indian side to make a comparison ?

Ahh thank you so much!!! In fact, we have been to the Indian side too. We visited Srinagar, which was one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited, as the city is practically on the lake, surrounded by the mountains. I’m not quite sure about mountains on the Pakistani side being taller, but surely steeper. The Nanga Parbat though, is the ninth highest peak on earth.

Unfortunately, in most regions of Pakistan, it’s rare to see women working or even just walking in the streets not accompanied by me ===========================================================================================================================================

Couldn’t read further then this paragraph because this one shows that how much educating you need before you can write about culture of a whole country. THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION. please visit more of Pakistan before you make such sweeping statements.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT PAKISTAN FIRST, THEN WRITE SUCH STATEMENTS.

THANK YOU!!!!

Hi, I understand that’s a delicate topic and there are perspectives involved too. But let’s put it aside what people think it is right or wrong and simply looking at what we saw and heard when we were there for almost 3 months. In most part of the country, surely not including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, but yes most of the countryside, it’s rare to see woman wandering alone.

I’m sorry if that sounded like generalisation and, for this reason, we are rephrasing that. We worked and studied with many women. In fact, we even interviewed entrepreneurs and activists, including transgender. However, it was undeniable, at least to us, the difference of what women do in the streets and men do on the streets in most part of the places we visited (again, not in the three big cities we mentioned above).

Again, sorry if that came as a generalisation. It’s definitely not what we wanted. In fact, we spent almost 3 months in Pakistan filming a documentary about women in Pakistan. We interviewed many important women, including a judge, specifically to break this stereotype about Pakistan. Unfortunately, though, as I said, during the three months we were there, and according to our experience, it was rare to see women on the streets in most part of the country which wasn’t Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.

We do apologise if in anyhow we offended you, though.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Updated On January 31, 2021

Hunza Valley Travel Guide [UPDATED 2021]

• By Mubashir Aziz Ullah
• Categories: Asia , Hunza Valley , Pakistan , Travel Guide

This summer (July 8, 2019) , I paid a visit to the beautiful and breathtaking Hunza Valley in Gilgit Baltistan which is the northernmost territory administered by Pakistan.

It is a mountainous region that extends from Azad Kashmir to Afghanistan & from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to China. The vast & unique cultures of GB gets millions of travelers to visit this beautiful piece of land every year.

The area is a popular tourist destination due to its vibrant, beautiful lakes where you can camp and the curling roads through which tourists get to travel across the area.

Not to forget the aesthetic sight of gigantic mountains, which give an even more breathtaking sight due to snow-capped peaks in winters.

Quick Links

• Best Places To Stay in Hunza Valley
• Places To Visit in Hunza Valley
• Things to do in Hunza Valley

Islamabad to Hunza Valley Travel Guide

Due to advancements in transportation, one can easily get around from one place to another through various means.

However, you can’t reach Hunza Valley via air as it doesn’t have access to any airport located in the valley.

The nearest one is Gilgit airport, which is at a drive of 2 hours. Once you have reached Gilgit airport, you can easily catch a bus or any local transport to get to Hunza Valley.

On a daily basis, flights take off from the major cities of Pakistan to the Gilgit airport, so you don’t have to worry about any pre-bookings of flight.

It is best to travel via a car around the area as it allows you to explore the beautiful sights of the region. Surely, once in Hunza Valley, you don’t want to miss the spectacular views the area has to offer.

If you are traveling from Islamabad, you can choose from three routes valley, and each route takes an estimated 14 hours to reach Hunza Valley.

Author’s Recommendation: Save some money with our guide to the most excellent hostels in Salzburg !

Islamabad to Hunza Valley via Abbottabad

Islamabad to Hunza Valley via Murree

Best Places to stay in Hunza Valley?

Being a popular tourist destination, the small towns of Hunza Valley are flooded with many hotels and motels, but according to my experience, the best place to reside in is Karimabad

Karimabad is a small, remote town with a vast number of options to stay in, ranging from affordable hotels to expensive ones, whichever suits your needs. The hotels include local ones that are either two or three-star rated or above.

The cost varies between Rs 2000 to Rs 15,000 depending upon the facilities each hotel has to offer. One of the reasons why Karimabad is ideal for staying in is that the Baltit fort, which is a historic landmark, is within walking distance from Karimabad Road.

Editor’s Note: You might also like to look at our best hostels recommendation in Vienna .

Places to Visit in Hunza

Hunza is divided into three major regions that include Upper Hunza, lower Hunza & central Hunza.

The main attractions of Hunza Valley are listed below:

• Baltit Fort
• Attabad Lake
• Sost Border
• Borith Lake
• Eagle Nest Duikar

While staying in Hunza, you can also take a tour to Khunjerab pass, which is China Pakistan border whose elevation is 4693m, but the elevation can’t be felt on land due to the smooth road leading to the pass that is unaffected by the rugged landscape of the region.

Besides this, it will take 3 hours to reach Naltar valley from Karimabad, but this time is cut down to half if you visit this beautiful valley through Gilgit city.

Also Read: A travel guide to Kalash Valley !

Things to Do in Hunza Valley

If you are visiting Hunza Valley for the first time, there are a bunch of activities you can experience that will make your trip worthwhile.

#1 – Ruby & Local Handicrafts

Famous for its traditional handicrafts made by the local people, the bazaar of Karimabad in Hunza Valley is a good place to visit if you want to go shopping and buy some locally made items.

This bazaar is also well known for embroidered caps, woolen shawls, handwoven cloth, and gemstone, including Ruby.

Hunza valley is the home to the largest Ruby deposits in Pakistan. After Burma, the only region in the world to produce ‘Blood Red’ Ruby is Hunza valley.

However, besides being rare, it is also quite difficult to mine this precious gemstone.

Apart from Ruby, many other emeralds and gems can be purchased from this market, which has a vast range to offer.

Recommended Article: Looking for the Marvelous hostels in Sydney ? Check out our amazing Guide !

#2 – Sunrise at Eagles Nest Hunza

If you are a nature lover and want to experience an aesthetic view, then you don’t want to miss out on the amazing sunrise from the eagle’s nest in Hunza Valley. A lot of people gather on Eagles nest to witness this magnificent view.

The rising sun of the morning gives a pure touch of gold to the white snow-capped peaks of the valley. The fine view will be among one of the most beautiful memories you take from this place.

Also Read: top places to visit in Islamabad !

#3 – Play Flute & Enjoy Cherries

While passing through the bazaar of Karimabad to visit Baltit fort, you can and stop by play flute at the local shops if you are an instrumental music lover.

These local shops have their own, locally made musical instruments with a melody that is not only soothing to the ears but also adds a lively vibe to the atmosphere.

If you are willing to buy something different, then what’s better than getting your hands on a local musical instrument?

The region is not just all about locally made items but also the locally produced natural food items.

This reminds me of the scrumptious cherries that grow on the trees of Gilgit Baltistan and are available in most of the shops in Karimabad.

Recommended: Check out our guide about the BEST hostels in Ubud !

#4 – Boating & Jet Skiing in Attabad Lake

You will be amazed to read or hear the  story of Attabad Lake . Ten years ago there wasn’t any lake at this place where currently the Attabad Lake is situated.

This Lake, between the mountains, came into existence due to Attabad Disaster in January 2010.The disaster was a huge landslide that took place, which resulted in the creation of this mighty lake.

So while visiting Hunza, don’t forget to visit Attabad Lake. If you are an adventure-seeking person, then boating and jet skiing will greatly satisfy your search for adventure.

You can also spend a night over there by camping on its bank while you enjoy the mild and calming sound of flowing water.

Editor’s Tip: If you are in Airlie Beach don’t forget to check out these cool hostels in Airlie Beach !

#5 – Delicious Traditional Dishes

Hunza is home to a variety of traditional dishes, with the most popular one being Chap-churro.

Chap-churro is one of the most delicious dishes of Gilgit Baltistan & is the local version of pizza in Gilgit Baltistan.

Chap-churroo is a bread filled in with a mixture of chopped Beef/Yak meat, fresh coriander leaves, onion, and other spices.

Chap Shoro Recipe

Jugloot Gouro is the most famous place for getting the best  Chapchurro in Gilgit Baltistan other Chap-churoo selling points have pretty much the same taste.

Chap-churro has some different versions and types, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste buds and craving. It can also be taken as a one-time meal & I ate it for breakfast.

Editor’s Note: You might also like to look at our best hostels recommendation in Seoul .

#6 – Trekking to Ultar Sar & Bubulimuting

Near the entrance of Baltit fort, there’s a trekking opportunity for the adventure lovers. The trek leads to the base camp of Ultar Sar & Bubulimuting.

The elevation of  Ultar Sar  is 7,388 m, whereas the elevation of Bubulimuting is 6,000 m above the sea level. Ultar Sar lies about 10 km northeast of the Karimabad.

Don’t miss out on the author’s pick to explore Malam Jabba, Swat !

FAQ’s

What is the best time to visit hunza valley.

The  best time to visit   Hunza Valley  is from April to October but if you don’t like crowds avoid June to August.

Is there any Internet Facility in Hunza Valley?

You should buy a local sim card from Islamabad or Lahore, If you don’t have a local sim card, its a bad luck for you as there is no service center in Hunza Valley to register the sim card. You can also use internet from  Cafe de Hunza.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to run this blog for you. “

Mubashir Aziz Ullah

This post has one comment.

Pingback: Best Places To Visit In Pakistan - Travel Guide 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

important links

Travel guides, get started.

An Active Cultural Journey in the Karakoram with Paul Amstutz

Pakistan: hiking the hunza valley.

From $9,195

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Islamabad, Pakistan

Depart: Islamabad, Pakistan

• Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (25,551'), star of the Hunza Valley skyline
• Meet the friendly people of Hunza in their mountain villages
• Visit the fairytale castle of Baltit, a Hunza landmark
• Hike trails below Rakaposhi Base Camp and up to Hunza's high glaciers
• Explore the traditional Balti village of Khaplu on the Shyok River
• Travel the Karakoram Highway linking northern Pakistan and China
• Stay in comfortable hotels and guest houses with history and character—no camping!

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels, lodges, and forts
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Islamabad Serena

Islamabad, Pakistan

Day 1 (1 night)

Serena Khaplu Palace

Khaplu, Pakistan

Days 2-3 (2 nights)

Gilgit Serena Hotel

Gilgit, Pakistan

Days 4-5 (2 nights)

Dumani Nagar Hotel and Resort

Nagar Valley, Pakistan

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Serena Altit Fort Residence

Altit, Pakistan

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Hotel Eagle's Nest

Duiker, Pakistan

Day 10 (1 night)

Silk Route Lodge

Gulmit, Pakistan

Days 11-12 (2 nights)

Day 13 (1 night)

Shangrila Resort

Skardu, Pakistan

Day 14 (1 night)

Days 15-16 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Paul Amstutz

What the Trip is Like

• 1,100' ascent/descent
• Altitudes range 7,000-10,000 feet
• Day 7: 3.5 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,100' ascent/descent
• Day 11: 6.5 miles, 3 hours, 2,200' ascent/descent

Other Trips You Might Like

Small Group Adventure

Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains

From $6,995

Nepal: Lodge to Lodge Hiking in Upper Mustang

From $8,195

Searching for Snow Leopards in India

From $7,595

Ultimate Uzbekistan

From $5,695

Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• The Company /
• Pay Online /
• Travel Stories

Hunza Valley: A Journey to Pakistan's Hidden Gem

10.05.2023 15:02

Nestled in the heart of the Karakoram Mountain range in northern Pakistan, lies the breathtaking Hunza Valley. With its snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and crystal-clear streams, this hidden gem has become a popular destination for adventurous travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Hunza Valley is a remote region of Pakistan that has long been known for its natural beauty and fascinating culture. The valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which borders Afghanistan and China. It is home to the Hunza people, who are known for their longevity and vibrant culture.

Getting to Hunza Valley

The journey to Hunza Valley is not for the faint of heart. The closest airport is in Islamabad, and from there, travelers must brave a 20-hour drive through winding mountain roads to reach the valley. However, the journey is well worth it, as travelers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Karakoram range.

One of the best ways to experience the valley is to take the Karakoram Highway, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. The road winds through the mountains, offering stunning views of the valley below. Along the way, travelers can stop at small villages to experience local culture and sample traditional food.

Things to do in Hunza Valley

There is no shortage of things to do in Hunza Valley. From hiking and mountaineering to exploring ancient forts and meeting local people, there is something for everyone.

One of the most popular activities in the valley is trekking. The area is home to some of the world's most challenging and rewarding treks, including the Baltoro Glacier and K2 Base Camp. For those who prefer a more leisurely hike, there are also many scenic trails that offer stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

For history buffs, the valley is home to several ancient forts and ruins. The Baltit and Altit forts are two of the most famous, with a history dating back to the 8th century. Visitors can explore these impressive structures and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.

Foodies will also love Hunza Valley. The region is known for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and local dishes. One of the most famous dishes is chapshoro, a meat-filled pastry that is both delicious and filling. Visitors can also sample local teas and sweets, which are made with traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Local Culture and Traditions

The Hunza people are known for their unique culture and traditions. They are believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great's army, and their language and customs have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Hunza culture is their longevity. The region has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with many people living well into their 90s and 100s. This has led to much research and speculation about the Hunza people's lifestyle and diet, which includes a heavy emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Visitors to Hunza Valley can experience local culture firsthand by attending festivals and events. One of the most famous is the Shandur Polo Festival, which takes place every July. The festival features a traditional polo game played on horseback, as well as music, dancing, and food.

Another way to experience local culture is to stay in a traditional Hunza home. Many families in the valley offer homestays, where visitors can stay in a local home and experience daily life with the family. This is a great way to learn about the Hunza people's way of life and customs.

Hunza Valley is a destination unlike any other. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities, it offers a unique travel experience that is not to be missed.

However, it's important to remember that Hunza Valley is a remote and often challenging destination. Travelers should be prepared for long drives, harsh weather conditions, and limited amenities. It's also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to take steps to minimize the impact of tourism on the fragile environment.

Despite these challenges, Hunza Valley remains a popular destination for intrepid travelers looking to explore the road less traveled. Its rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. If you're looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path, Hunza Valley is the perfect place to start.

What is the Hunza Valley famous for?

The Hunza Valley is famous for its unparalleled natural beauty. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and pristine rivers, it's a paradise for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The valley is also renowned for its apricot blossoms in the spring, painting the landscape with vibrant hues, and the historic Baltit Fort, a testament to the region's rich history.

Why do the Hunza people live so long?

The longevity of the Hunza people has fascinated scientists for years. While genetics certainly play a role, their lifestyle is equally important. The Hunza people lead an active life, filled with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as clean mountain air and pure glacier water. Their stress-free environment and strong sense of community contribute to their exceptional lifespan.

What language do the Hunza people speak?

The primary language spoken in Hunza Valley is Burushaski, a unique language with no known relation to any other. Additionally, many locals are fluent in Urdu and English, making communication with travelers relatively easy.

Is Hunza in Pakistan or India?

Hunza Valley is located in Pakistan, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It shares its borders with China and Afghanistan and is situated in the northernmost part of Pakistan.

What religion is in Hunza?

The predominant religion in Hunza Valley is Islam, with the majority of the population following the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam. The cultural and religious traditions of the Hunza people are deeply rooted and can be observed in their daily life, festivals, and architecture.

What is the population in Hunza Valley?

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the population of Hunza Valley was estimated to be around 87,000 people. However, it's important to note that population figures can change over time due to various factors, including migration and natural growth.

Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

View all » what people say about us.

01.04.2024 17:07

The Horn of Africa: East Africa's Uncharted Wonders

Tucked away in Africa's easternmost enclave, the Horn - a mosaic of nations like Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia - beckons the adventurous soul with its array of undiscovered jewels. This narrative meanders through the mystical terrains, historical wonders, and vibrant tapestries of culture, earmarking this area as an essential destination for those yearning to tread paths less...

20.03.2024 17:27

Discover Kahuzi-Biega: Journey into Congo's Wild

Nestled deep within the Democratic Republic of Congo, an extraordinary realm of natural wonder unveils itself - the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. More than a mere expanse of wilderness, this park is a portal to a world unbridled and pure, where nature's heartbeat resounds through lush rainforests and across mist-shrouded volcanic peaks. Let's embark on an exploratory odyssey into this lesser-known...

13.03.2024 18:23

Karakul Lake: A 23 Million-Year-Old Mountain Oasis

Tucked away in Central Asia's towering mountain ranges, Karakul Lake emerges as a spectacle of nature's grandeur. At an impressive altitude, it's not merely a visual feast but rather, a profound statement of Earth's splendor. In this narrative, let's embark on an odyssey through Karakul's tranquil charm, delving into its enigmas and elevating it to the pinnacle of your travel aspirations. A...

05.03.2024 16:15

A Tapestry of Temples and Traditions in Bagan

In the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, a land where history whispers from every corner, Bagan stands as a majestic relic of the past. Its inception in the 9th century, a pivotal moment for the Pagan Kingdom, heralded an era where Burmese culture and Theravada Buddhism began their intertwined journey. With over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries initially dotting its landscape, Bagan...

Hunza Valley

Paradise on Earth with stunning scenery, friendly people, and rich culture.

Organic fruits, traditional clothes, and vibrant culture of Hunza Valley

Local Products

Buy Walnut Oil

Buy cbd oil.

[email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter

Travel Hunza

Balochistan

Gilgit baltistan, khyber pakhtunkhwa.

• Jungle Safari
• Peak Climbing
• Trekking & Hiking

Welcome To Travel Hunza

Welcome to TRAVEL HUNZA – Your Gateway to Pakistan’s Hidden Treasures! Embark on a journey of a lifetime with us to explore majestic mountains, historic cities, and pristine valleys. We’re more than just a travel service; we’re your companions on an adventure like no other. Our expertly crafted tours guarantee awe-inspiring experiences and authentic connections. Discover the extraordinary with TRAVEL HUNZA as your guide to Pakistan’s best-kept secrets. Your adventure awaits!

Award Winning Company

We've Received Certificate of Excellance Award From TripAdvisor

Local Experts

We're a Local Travel Agency. When You Book With Us, You Get Best Price

Trusted Payments

Book Via Our Secure Payment Platform. Enjoy Flexible Payment Options.

Latest Trips

Passu valley 10 days tour package, hunza valley 10 days tour package, skardu valley 10 days tour package, kashmir valley 6 days tour package, balochistan city 5 days tour package, islamabad city 3 days tour package, destination, deals & discounts.

🕒 05  Days – 04 Nights  🕒 07  Days – 06 Nights  🕒 10  Days – 09 Nights 

• View Details

🕒 03  Days – 02 Nights  🕒 07  Days – 06 Nights  🕒 10  Days – 09 Nights 

Read Our Customers' Reviews

7 best adventure places in thailand 2024.

Thailand has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking...

8 Best Places To Travel In November In United states

November is a fantastic time to travel in the United...

Best Dry Fruits In Hunza Valley 2024

For centuries, the breathtaking Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan has...

Top 10 Highest Mountain In North Pakistan 2024

The world’s most awe-inspiring mountains. From the legendary K2 to...

5 Best Hotels In Gilgit Baltistan 2024

Nestled in the northern region of Pakistan lies the breathtakingly...

When Is Mid Autumn Festival In 2024

As the leaves begin to change color and there’s a...

Welcome to TRAVEL HUNZA – Your Gateway to Pakistan’s Hidden Treasures! Embark on a journey of a lifetime with us to explore majestic mountains, historic cities, and pristine valleys. We go beyond being a travel service; we’re your partners on a unique adventure. Our thoughtfully designed tours promise unforgettable experiences and genuine connections. Let TRAVEL HUNZA be your guide to Pakistan’s hidden gems, ensuring an extraordinary journey. Your adventure begins now!

Quick Links

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Write For Us

Explore Trips

• Top Destination
• Rawalpindi Office:
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• +66 637677029
• +92 3443178818

Please wait while your request is being verified...

Explore Hidden Life with DREAM VISTA !

Hunza Valley – The Scent of Beauty and Pleasure

Allah (S.W.T) has blessed Pakistan with numerous natural attractions. Pakistan has endowed with a dynamic landscape, valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, deserts, rivers, and lakes.

Among them, Hunza valley is famous for its breathtaking, eye-catching, and scenic views.

Hunza is a beautiful mountainous valley located in the Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. This valley has been a great tourist attraction for many years as it is enveloped in the great Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges.

This beautiful valley is situated in the Hunza River and is surrounded by various high peaks that include; Hunza Peak, Darmyani Peak, Rakaposhi, UltarSar, BojahangurDuanasir II, Ladyfinger Peak, and GhentaSar.

Considering the tourists’ priorities, Dream Vista Travel and Tourism is planning a comfortable 5 Days and 4 Night Tour to Hunza by Air from Islamabad to Gilgit and back to make the journey a memorable one!

Hunza is located in the Northern part of Pakistan having borders with the Xinjiang region of China. It is located at a distance of 100 KM from Gilgit Baltistan.

It is located 320 KM away from Islamabad. You can reach in 11 hours and 4 minutes if you travel at the constant speed of 50 KM per hour.

Hunza Valley - A paradise on earth

From the dark snowcapped mountains of Rakaposhi to the soft blossoms of an apricot tree, the beauty of this place is remarkable and incomparable.

Lush green mountainous valley…

Fertile apricot farms, iconic glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

Hunza valley is often designated as “The Paradise on Earth” at 2,435 above sea level.

With its awesome cafes, laid-back vibe, and remarkable places to explore, everything that is surrounded by this beautiful landscape is wonderful.

It is one of the best places to visit during Summer Holidays and Weekend Vacations.

Amazing things to do in Hunza Valley

This lovable and exciting valley offers numerous activities to tourists and travelers. There is no boring or dull moment in Hunza, every bit of your time would be a memorable one.

The nightlife, the cold water bodies, the mountains, the traditional and theme tours, shore excursions, delicious dishes, luxurious and uncommon occasions; everything here is amazing!

The fun activities that you can enjoy in Hunza are:

• Biking Tour
• Eco-trips and much more

Renowned Forts

Besides the natural beauty of Hunza, tourists love to see the glimpse of the two most famous forts of Hunza; Altit Fort and Baltit Fort.

1. Altit Fort

To watch the phenomenal view of the sun going down over the valley, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Altit Fort.

It lies partway up the climb to the area known as the “Eagle’s Nest”.

Built with beautiful rocks and great architectural design, AltitFort is a rocky mountain where the Hunza River flows its back.

Altit fort lies at the bottom of the valley and is without much maintenance.

To reach this beautiful rocky mountainous fort, you need to go towards the Sultan Abad road across the river and then down towards the Ahmedabad road.

Inside the fort, the renovation is still going. Therefore, it has not enough to see inside but the outside is marvelous and quite interesting in itself.

2. Baltit Fort

The most beautiful landmark of Karimabad (the largest town in Hunza Valley).

Baltit fort is another delightful fort of Hunza Valley that has recently been turned into a heritage museum.

Constructed by the hardworking labor of Baltistan, this fort is named after them.

Baltit Fort has won several awards that include; Asia Pacific Heritage for Cultural Conservation – Award of Excellence (UNESCO), Tourism of Tomorrow Award. In 2005, it was awarded the best of Asia Award by Time Magazine.

Best time to visit Hunza Valley

Watching the astonishing autumn foliage to visiting the sacred rocks of Hunza (Passu Glacier, Satrangi Lake) the experience there is startling and magnificent. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

During mid summer, Hunza Valley is occupied with massive crowds of people both the locals and Chinese tourists as the weather is calm, nice, and pleasant during these days.

The best months to visit the Hunza Valley are from April to October. Whereas, the months of June till August are full of travelers and tourists.

Hunza Valley is one of the most peaceful places in the world. It is safe and comfortable for tourists to stay for days, weeks or even months.

If you are planning for a Hunza Trip, add these spots to your list for a memorable trip.

• Karimabad Bazar
• Baltit Fort
• Café de Hunza
• Eagles Nest
• Attabad Lake
• Ultar Base Camp
• Passu Cones
• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Khunjrab Pass

Related Posts

Dubai – the city of gold, travel to turkey, recent comments, pakistan’s best winter travel destinations in 2022 - dream vista travel.

[…] Hunza is not only famous for its beauty but one can also enjoy some fun activities there. Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Hussani Bridge, passu are some main attractions of Hunza. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© Copyright 2020 Dream Vista Travel and Tourism - All Right Reserved.

GET IN TOUCH

Just fill the form below and get a call back from our experienced Travel Advisor for all your questions, concerns and requirements.