The Hunza Valley is considered one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, with its scenic views and crystal-clear lakes. The locals are also renowned for their hospitality and friendliness towards all visitors.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, has compiled a comprehensive travel guide to tell you everything you need to know about Hunza Valley before your next visit.
Where Is Hunza Valley?
The Hunza Valley, fittingly called ‘Paradise Valley’, is a mountainous region in the Gilgit-Baltistan division of Pakistan. It is situated in the Himalayas and is bordered by the Karakoram range in the northeast.
Upper Hunza, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza are the three geographical subdivisions of the Hunza Valley, with Central Hunza attracting the largest number of tourists.
Karimabad, Hunza’s state capital, offers a spectacular view of the Rakaposhi mountains.
The Weather of Hunza Valley
The weather of Hunza Valley can range from scorching temperatures in the summer to frigid temperatures in the winter with high-blowing winds.
Hunza Valley temperature can range from 0 degrees in winters to 31 degrees in summers because of its extreme height of 2438 metres above sea level. Due to road closures (owing to the snow), the official tourism season is from May to October (during the summers).
How to Go to Hunza Valley
There are a few options you can choose to travel to Hunza Valley.
By Air
The first option is to fly directly to Gilgit Airport and then drive on a short 2-3 hour journey to Hunza Valley, which is only around 100 km away. There are also several options available for rental vehicles.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates daily flights between Gilgit and Islamabad; however, it is important to note that they are subject to frequent cancellations or delays due to abrupt weather changes.
By Bus or Car
The most appropriate choice for taking in the scenic views is the 24-hour journey on a bus or car from Islamabad to Hunza Valley. You can catch sight of the Karakoram, Skardu, and Kaghan valleys on the way.
There is no direct bus service between Lahore and Hunza Valley.
During the journey from Islamabad to Hunza Valley by road, you can also plan an overnight stay in Naran, where you can visit the local markets for shopping and food.
Top Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
Eagle’s Nest
Eagle’s Nest is one of top Hunza Valley places to visit. It is situated 6 kilometres and 20 minutes away from Karimabad town.
It offers a spectacular view of the entire valley, especially during sunrise and sunset. A total of 11 peaks are visible from this point. The most famous ones include Rakaposhi, Ultar Peak, Golden Peak, Diran Peak, & Lady Finger.
Eagle’s Nest got its name from a hotel situated nearby. It has a total of 30 fully furnished rooms, two restaurants, a lobby, and an open terrace. So, if you consider spending a night in the area, this hotel is a suitable option.
Baltit Fort
The Baltit Fort was built in 800 BC. It rests on the top of a hill overlooking Karimabad and is one of the valley’s most awe-inspiring sites, surrounded by snowy mountains.
You would have to climb a rugged slope for around 15 minutes to reach Baltit Fort. Tourists can have a spectacular view of Karimabad, its surrounding valleys, and the Rakaposhi highlands from the fort.
Altit Fort
Altit Fort, like the Baltit Fort, is an ancient Hunza landmark but not as well preserved.
The Altit Fort and its adjacent settlements are located at the foot of the Hunza Valley and accessible through the Sultanabad road.
It was initially home to ‘Mir of Hunza’ and is around 900 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in Gilgit Baltistan.
Attabad Lake
Another place worth visiting is Attabad Lake, one of the most visited lakes in Pakistan. It is located 23.9 km away from Karimabad and 124 km away from Hunza Valley.
The lake was formed in 2010 because of a colossal landslide in Attabad Village, halting the flow of the Hunza river.
It is one of the major tourist attractions in Hunza Valley, offering various activities, including boating, jet-skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities.
There are many hotels and resorts built around this lake. If you are considering staying at this beautiful place, Luxus Hunza is one of the top options for visitors and amongst the best Hunza Valley hotels.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge
The original Hussaini Hanging Bridge was a wooden structure that was destroyed by a flood in the early 1930s.
It was then reconstructed by the authorities in the early 1900s, as directed by the president of that time, Ayub Khan.
It was used to transport goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Passu Cones
Lastly, Passu is another stunning place in Hunza. It is located along the Hunza river, about 20 kilometres away from Gulmit and 56.5 kilometres away from Karimabad.
Passu is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and attractions like Passu Sar Mountain, Passu Glacier, and Mount Tu Popdan (also known as Passu Cones), the highest mountain in the region that is 6,106 metres above sea level.
If you are considering staying at this place, Sarai Silk Route Passu Hotel, Passu Tourist Lodge, and Passu Ambassador Hotel are highly-rated hotels where you can stay.
Conclusion
There are a lot of national tourist places in Pakistan, among which the Hunza Valley is definitely worth visiting, with its traditional culture and heritage sites.
If you’re looking for more places to visit, check out Graana.com for more travel guides. Get to know famous souvenirs of Pakistan.
