Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with artistic and natural beauty. It has a lot of places which are deadly covered with attractive scenes. Hunza the mountainous valley is located in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan, with most beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. The Hunza is situated in the extreme northern part of the region, bordering with the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan and the Xinjiang region of China. The much famous Hunza valley is often referred to as heaven on the earth.
How to get there?
You can live a pretty comfortable life while being in your home in a large urban city or maybe you are stressed about city busy life, traffic, pollution and get tired of the rat race in your life. But as soon as you travel to the Hunza valley, you find that real peace of mind lies within these mighty mountains, away from hustle and bustle with healthy fresh air. So don’t be too exhausted by life and explore the mother of nature “The Hunza Valley”.
Route 1 – Islamabad to Gilgit Via Babusar Pass:
It takes approximately 12 hours (600 km). The route from Islamabad to Abbottabad to Balakot to Naran to Babusar Pass to Chilas to Gilgit to Hunza Valley. Relatively, a short route but is open only in summers.
Route 2 – Islamabad to Gilgit Via KKH:
It takes approximately 22 hours (715 km).The route from Islamabad to Abbottabad to Besham to Kohistan to Chilas to Gilgit to Hunza. Relatively, along the route but remains open all over the year.
Gilgit to Hunza :
It takes 2 hours 3 minutes (100.3 km) via Karakoram Highway.
The Roof of the World -Hunza Valley
The Hunza valley attracts tourists from all over the world by its aesthetic beauty, the beautiful landscapes, the snow-clad mountains, the Glaciers, a scenic view of lakes, green lush fields all around, and the highest mountain range. The Hunza valley is surrounded by some of the high peaks namely Rakhaposhi, Hunza peak, Darmyani peak, Ghenta Sar, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger.
Honored Historical Background :
In addition, the Hunza valley is also famous for its historical background, tradition, and hospitality of the people of Hunza. Besides its scenic beauty, tourists visit this valley to have a glimpse of two famous forts of Hunza known as Altit and Baltit fort. The 1100 years old Altit Fort is the oldest fort in northern areas which is located in Altit village. While entering the Altit Fort there is a beautiful garden of cherries and apricots, lush green grass, walk away, beautifully designed small cafes running by females and an ancient fort. It is built with great architectural design on a rock where the Hunza river flows at its back. The 750+-year-old Baltit Fort is another beautiful fort in Hunza which is built at the top of the Karimabad. Once inside the fort premises, you can see the ancient cannon on display as well as a number of artifacts. And the view of Karimabad from Baltit Fort is worth watching.
Kha-Basi :
Altit Fort:
Baltit Fort :
Queen of the season:
Gilgit Baltistan is known as Queen of the seasons. Allah has gifted Gilgit Baltistan with so many beautiful sights and four seasons. The Hunza valley from winters to summers, nature seems to be in a transition state. This place remains remarkable with every changing season. Every season has its own charm. Spring is the season of colors and growth. Flowers bloom and new leaves out as the weather become so pleasant that everything has a new life. The summer has its own taste as the natural beauty reaches its peak. The summer in Hunza is of greater attraction, valleys decorated with lush green fields, cornfields, seasonal fruits, and vegetables. During Autumn the landscape of Hunza valley looks like a painting, the trees throughout the valley turn to gold, top of the mountains covered with snow and blue water of the river flows all around the valley. The winter in Hunza valley is harsh but its own taste. The small water streams and lakes freeze up. This brings an opportunity to attract sports players from all over the world for skiing, ice hockey, and football.
Duiker Viewpoint:
Duiker is a small village also known by eagle nest as the hotel situated there and offers a panoramic view of the whole Hunza. Duiker valley located in Hunza valley, at a height of about 10000 feet above the sea level, there is a viewing point from where tourists witnessing the view of sunrise and sunset and other views of Rakaposhi,Ultar , Golden peak, and other snow-capped mountains.
Pak-China Friendship tunnel:
Gojal valley is the upper part of district Hunza. Starting from Shiskat, the valley stretches up to the Pak-china china border. Here are some eye-catching places which you can visit while visiting the upper Hunza. Pak-China Friendship tunnel- Shishkat which is a 7km tunnel divided into five parts crafted along the 24km portion of Karakoram highway. It is also part of CPEC and is marked with slogans of Pak-China friendship.
Attabad Lake:
Attabad Lake has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Hunza valley due to its unique blue water and dramatic background of mountains. In winters, the lake is frozen whereas, in summers, its clean blue color of water catches the attraction of tourists.
Borith Lake :
While exploring the nature of Gulmit valley which is also known as the valley of flowers, you will also explore the saline lake of Borith. The lake is beautiful and surrounded by the vast plain. The altitude of Borith is roughly 8500 feet above the sea level.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge:
Hussaini Suspension Bridge is located in the upper Gojal valley, often famous as the most dangerous bridge in the world. Hussaini Suspension Bridge is a hand made a bridge with the help of the local community and considered the world’s second-longest man-made hanging bridge. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The crossing the bridge is not less than an adventure. It is recommended that who is traveling to the upper Hunza must visit this adventure place.
Passu Cones:
Passu is a small village located in Gojal. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes and offers a view of some of the most panoramic views of Passu cones. The alternative name of Passu cones is Tupopdan (“sun-swallowing mountain”).
Famous mountain passes of Hunza region :
- Khunjerab Pass (4,693 M)
- Shimshal Pass (4,735 M)
- Chillinji Pass (5,335 M )
- Lupghar Pir Pass (5,190 M)
- Mintaka Pass (4,709M)
- Kilik Pass (4,827M)
- Wakhjir Pass (4,923 M)
- Hon Pass (4,257 M)
- Kermin Pass
- Khurdopin Pass
- Boisam Pass
- Chapchingal Pass
Khunjerab pass :
Khunjerab pass is the last destination of Karakoram highway in Gilgit Baltistan. Its altitude is about 4,693 meters or 15,397 feet. It is 180km away from Hunza and 87km away from Sost. Many people from across Pakistan visit GB just to visit Khunjerab Top. The Khunjerab Pass is worth visiting with its scenic beauty, awesome mountain views, and amazing destinations. It is also a remarkable place to see unique wildlife.
Exploratory trips for Adventure Lovers :
Hunza is full of surprises for adventure lovers. Here you can explore many hidden views, glaciers, and mountains, and maybe you don’t even know the name of those places. Additionally, Hunza valley has many exciting adventures like hiking in a jungle, mountain trekking, camping in the mountain, the stunning night view under the shining star and moonlight, crossing the hand made bridges and explore the culture of the village. Here is the list of some eye-opening natural wonders for Adventures lovers and once in a lifetime experience sure to blow your mind.
- Trek to Rush Lake
- Trek to Rakaposhi base camp
- Trek to Ghulkhin Glacier
- Trek to Batura Glacier
For more details about the trekking, you must visit the link below 🙂
https://karakorumadventure.com.pk/tour/shimshal-chapchingal-pass-trek/