Hunza Valley - The Land of Apricots And Longevity

Elevation: 2,438 meters (7999 feet).

Rakaposhi Peak: (7,788 metres) 25551 feet is the highest peak of Karakuram Range in Hunza Valley.

Khunjrab Pass/Top: The elevation (4,693 metres or 15,397 feet) mateled road pass between Pakistan and China is normally open to vehicles from June through at least October.

Distance and Drive Time:- Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Swat (Shangla Pass)  is 704 km. Drive takes 19 hours by bus/van; via Thakot (KKH): 628 km. Drive takes 16 hours by bus/van;via Babusar Pass: 535 km. Drive takes 21 hours by jeep.

Gilgit To Hunza: 2 ½ hours by bus/van/jeep via Karakuram Highway.

Best Tourist Season Time: from May to October.

There 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.

Hunza Valley:

Hunza was a princely state in the northernmost part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan until 1974. The state was also known as Kanjut. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east, China, to the north and Afghanistan to the northwest. The state capital was Baltit (also known as Karimabad). The area of Hunza now forms the Aliabad tehsil of Hunza–Nagar District. Hunza is nestled in a valley surrounded by snow covered peaks, over 7000 feet in altitude. This is the first town you will enter coming from China on the Karakoram Highway. 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.Situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from April to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C. The October temperature are: maximum 10 C and minimum 0 C. However, one can visit Hunza round the year.

People of Hunza:

The people of Hunza, called Hunzakuts, are famous for robust health, longevity, valor, and self-reliance. Lifespan often exceeds 100. Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness the Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski. Urdu and English are also understood by most of people.

Aliabad:

Aliabad is the main town with Karimabad as a popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains like Ultar Sar, Rakaposhi, Bojahagur Duanasir II, Ghenta Peak, Hunza Peak, Passu Peak, Diran Peak and Bublimotin (Ladyfinger Peak), all 6,000 metres (19,685 ft) or higher.

Karimabad:

Karimabad is the capital of Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. Karimabad is also known as Baltit. It is named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Shia Ismaili Nizari community. The Guardian ranked it as the 12th Best Tourist Site in Pakistan.The capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 metres. The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.

Mountaineering And Hiking:

Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Most of the treks in Hunza area are in open zone, for which tourists do not need any permit. However special permits are required from the Ministry of Tourism, Islamabad for mountaineering, trekking in restricted zone & climbing peaks over 6000 metres.

Attractions:

There are two main villages in Hunza, Altit, and Baltit. Here you will find the ancient Baltit Fort of Hunza that has recently been restored and converted into a museum . Tour guides are available at the fort answering visitor’s queries and giving tours. For the more adventuresome, climb to the top of the mountains where the hills are covered in snow, cross country ski transversely or just take in the scenery and have a snowball fight. First rate Jeep Safaris, Trekking Tours, Cultural Tours, and terrific Tour Guides are available to provide a marvelous experience in this historic area.

How to Visit the Hunza Valley?

The famous Karakoram Highway crosses Hunza, connecting Pakistan to China via the Khunjerab Pass. Travelling up the valley from the south, Hunza is the land to the left, and the former state of Nagar to the right of the Hunza River. Regular bus and van services operate between Gilgit and Central Hunza (Ganish Village, Aliabad and Karimabad) and also between Gilgit and Sost Gojal. PTDC Office at Gilgit, Sost and Islamabad arranges tours and transport for visitors.

A vacation in Hunza Valley is an unforgettable experience!

What to eat?

If your visiting in the summer you have a few of Pakistani and Cinese food restaurants in Karimabad bazars.

Where to stay?

There are reasonably priced hotels, motels and rest houses at Aliabad, Karimabad, Passu, Gulmit and Sost including PTDC Motels in Hunza and Sost. But I would recommend that you go with a guide. For PTDC Motel Booking Office Islamabad (For All Over Pakistan PTDC Motels) , Tel: (0092-351) 9223223 Fax: (0092-351) ??????.

When to go?

Tourist season in the Hunza Valley begins in May and closes in October. The summer climate in May is maximum 27 °C and minimum 14 °C. is ideal. The October temperature are: maximum 10 °C and minimum 0 °C.