Hunza Valley is a hidden gem of Pakistan, located in the Gilgit Baltistan province. It is a secluded valley, sitting between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges. This fertile valley has agricultural land that has always been a great tourist attraction. It has breathtaking views and is home to warm, hospitable people.
In the mountains of Hunza, there is a sense of tranquility and seclusion. The raw and rugged mountains make you feel like you’re in paradise. This is a must-visit for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
2.Attabad lake
A massive landslide thundered down the sides of the remote Hunza Valley in the Gilgit Baltistan Region of Northern Pakistan. The village of Attabad was buried, killing 20 people and destroying 26 homes. The disaster, however, was far from over. The landslide had dammed the Hunza River, and the rapidly rising waters of the newly formed lake threatened villages both below and above the dam.
The waters behind the newly formed natural dam soon rose to a depth of more than 300 feet, creating a lake that eventually measured 13 miles in length. As the lake grew, it displaced some 6,000 people from upstream villages and flooded a 12-mile stretch of the Karakoram Highway, leaving the region stranded.
3.Hussaini Hanging Bridge
IT IS BELIEVED THIS bridge was washed away in a 2011 monsoon storm.
In a world of commercial space-flight and super sonic jet flight it can be easy to forget just how hard it can be to traverse certain parts of this planet.
But those living in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan were cut off from the rest of Pakistan until 1978 due to the mountainous terrain and lack of roads. You could take a small airplane, but that was reserved for only the richest citizens.
For everyone else, the only way to travel was by walking across mountain passes to Rawalpindi. In 1978, the Karakoram Highway was completed and the region was connected, but inter-region travel remains as difficult as it was 100 years ago.
Regular aspects of travel through this region include the rickety cable and plank bridges which cross Northern Pakistan’s mountain streams and rivers. Among these is the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, crossing Borit Lake in the Upper Hunza. This rope bridge is both long and poorly maintained. Many planks are missing, and strong winds shake the bridge as you cross it. As of now, there is only one suspension bridge connecting the Hussaini Village with Zar abad (located across the Hunza River)
Despite its dangerous looks, however, the Hussaini is is a relatively safe bridge and has become one of the most sought after tourist attraction, with hikers testing their nerves as they carefully work their way across.
4.Altit Fort
Hailing from one of the world’s biggest metropolitan cities, I have always been fascinated by the rural lifestyle and topographical features of Pakistan's northern areas.
The strong cultural values and the connection that the natives feel with their history is something we lack in the cities. So struck I was by this phenomenon that I decided to make a journey to the valley of paradise, Hunza.
Altit Fort was on top of my to-see list, I had been told it would be the best place to learn about the origins of its people. While staying at a hotel in Hunza I met Kassim, a local guide who turned out to be a great help in my quest.
The exterior view of the Altit Fort.
The valley's inhabitants are the Burusho — they claim to be the descendants of Greek soldiers who were part of Alexander the Great's army. The same is also commonly accepted about the Pakhtuns of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The people of the ancient city of Altit are said to be the descendants of the progressive agricultural Turkic tribe of Huns from the Persian Empire, A.D 47. It is believed that the first name of the city was Hunukushal, meaning the village of Huns. Considering their mixed ancestry, it is no wonder that the locals have such striking features.
View of the Hunza Valley from the fort. Apricots have been left on the roofs to dry — a traditional method of preserving the fruit for various uses.
The great Altit Fort was built by the Mirs (ruling family) of Hunza as a display of power to the Mirs of Nagar (twin state) and has stood tall in front of Karakoram since the 11th century.
Not only has it survived many attacks from aggressors but also withstood several earthquakes since it was built, perhaps making it one of the most astonishing architectural structures of its time.
Interior of the great fort. These doors were purposefully built to be only five feet in length so that if the enemy was able to breach security, they would have to bend down to enter the fort hence making it easier for the guards to decapitate them.
Looking at this mammoth structure, constructed on top of a high cliff, I was struck with awe at the kind of effort and architectural genius that went into completing it. Keeping in mind the technology of the time, it is unthinkable that a task like this was even conceivable in the 11th century.
A testimony of advanced engineering, the walled fort is the strongest structure of its time and is considered to be the birthplace and capital of Hunza city.
The unique structure is over 1,000 feet above the Hunza River, and its only tower known as the shikari Tower (hunters' tower) was built strategically to monitor the entire land, especially during war time. The Hunza valley used to be under constant threat from Kaiven Rus (Russian) and Chinese troops of that time.
Standing on top of the tower gave me an idea of how critically important its positioning was. With such high elevation, all of the surrounding mountains, woods and the river stream could be easily monitored, giving the army of Altit city a fair margin to prepare for their defense.
A view of the valley from a window of Altit Fort's tower. Intricate wood work, or at least what is left of it, can be seen.
During a conversation with one of the locals, I found out that the tower was not only used to keep an eye out for threats, but was also used to throw off prisoners who were serving their death sentence.
The fort became controversial some 400 years after its construction. In late 1540’s a dispute between two royal brothers of Hunza’s royal family, Prince Shah Abbas, aka, Shabos, and Prince Ali Khan, saw the rise of another fort called the 'Baltit Fort' which soon became the new capital of Hunza.
Prince Ali, the younger brother made Altit Fort his strong hold and launched offensives against his elder brother. Legend has it that Ali was buried alive against a pillar inside the watch tower by Shabos.
The standing grave of Prince Ali Khan.
In 1891, British forces marched on the streets of Altit, in an attempt to eliminate any potential Russian involvement in the region. As per British norms of occupation, Hunza remained in the hands of the trusted half brother of the ex-chief.
Even after the Indo-Pak partition, Hunza was governed as a princely state but succession continued only till 1972, when socio-politic reforms took away power from the royal family. Altit Fort was later gifted to the Aga Khan Foundation in 1990. Their cultural service department has done a commendable job in restoring the fort which has been operating as a tourist museum since 2007.
In its earlier days, the fort was surrounded by the settlers of the city and traders who would bring along goods from across the world making their way to the land from China through the ancient Silk route, and soon it became a cultural hub of the region.
It is incredible to note that traces of ancient life are still evident in Altit Fort as I looked at the lands from atop the shikari tower and took a stroll inside the fort.
Pots used by the royal family.
As I strolled inside the fort, I was delighted to find the vessels and utensils used by the royal family on display.
5.Passu Glacier
You can easily go to Passu Glacier by yourself and hike along the side of it but if you plan to get on the glacier it’s best to take a guide for the day.
The guide will know the best way to get on the glacier and cross the more dangerous precipes that are on the side of the glacier.
To get up there to the start of the hike by the glacier you have 2 options.
Walk up from the main Karakorum Highway road on the dirt road passing villages with fresh fruit gardens and the scenic Borith Lake. The walk will take 1-2 hours depending on fitness.
If you have your own transport drive up, it takes around 15 minutes. If you don’t have your own car you will have to pay 1000 rupees for a one-way ride up (2000 for return). Jeeps wait at the turnoff waiting to take people.
One nice way to do it is to take a car up there and walk back to the main road after the hike (if you don’t have your own car that is).
At the start of the hike is a small outdoor scenic cafe where you can grab a hot chai before (or after) the hike.
Starting off after the little cafe you head uphill for 5 minutes before the trail evens out and you walk along the side of a cliff for 10 minutes until the first proper view of the glacier comes into sight.
The first view of Passu Glacier.
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If you don’t have time then this will allow you to see the glacier from a distance, take your pics, then head back.
Otherwise, walk another 15 minutes and you will be able to walk down the side of an embankment (follow the pipeline down) and get right up close to the glacier.
You can walk on the glacier a bit but don’t go too far without a guide as it can get slippy and glaciers can be sharp as it is after all rough ice.
The best option (with time) is to not go down the embankment but to continue ahead up the steep slope ahead of you. It takes around 30-45 minutes to climb it but the views at the top are worth it as the glacier becomes much clearer.
The view after climbing the steep slope.
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Getting closer.
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You walk on for several minutes along the side of the trail before another short steep climb brings you to the top area of the glacier and from where you can scramble down and walk across the precipes of the glacier itself.
Only go on the glacier if you have a guide as they are experienced and will find a good route across.
If you have time you can cross the whole glacier, otherwise, it’s fun to just get on part of it and explore around.
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View down to Passu.
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When we were there (mid-September) the local farmers and herders were taking their cattle down from the summer grazing pastures and back to the villages for winter.
They had to herd the cattle across the glacier which was quite a sight to see. If you are there around that time ask and try to find out when it may be happening.
Cattle being herded over the glacier.
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That moment the peaceful glacier walk gets interrupted. But was worth it!
Hunza Valley is a hidden gem of Pakistan, located in the Gilgit Baltistan province. It is a secluded valley, sitting between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges. This fertile valley has agricultural land that has always been a great tourist attraction. It has breathtaking views and is home to warm, hospitable people.
