The Best Touristic Places in Hunza Pakistan

Hunza according to James Hilton’s is the lost Shangrilla that people have forever searched. Even if this is not true, Hunza still is pretty incredible. Many travelers and tourists are surprised by Hunza. Here is a basic guide to understanding the Hunza Region and its best tourist attractions. First, Hunza is divided into upper and lower part. The upper Hunza region is Wakhi and few brushaki speakers and the lower Hunza region is Brushaski and some Shina speaker.  The Region is very famous for the two Forts Baltit and Altit which were seat of the Hunza Kingdom before independence.

The Hunza Valley:

Karimabad:

The most popular place for tourist in lower Hunza is Karimabad which was previously the seat of the kingdom (until it was made democratic) That is not its only charm, The village is a teerace that faces the splendid Rakaposhi. The Baltit Fort was the last residnet of the last Mir aka Ruler of Hunza. The fort has been preserved in its form which allows people to have a glipse into the lives of the Hunza people. 

Hunza Valley and the Rakaposhi

Baltit Fort:

Baltit was the capital city during the rein of Mir of Hunza. The fort was constructed at pivotal point that sees the whole valley. The fort has been resored and rennovated to showcase the time and hsitory. A guided tour wil take you back to the old times of Hunza.

Baltit Fort Hunza

Ultar Meadows:

The second most amazing and popular toruistic location is the Ultar Mountain and Ultar Glacier. The Ultar Mountain is a rocky mountain very few people dare to climb. Lady Finger Mountain is an amazing looking mountain you dont want to miss. Hun Pass in the Ultar Meadows is a 3 hour trek from the Ultar basecamp which provide an amazing panorama of the valley. Ultar is one of the challenging mountains  that only few people have climbed. 

Ultar – Hunza Valley

Ganesh Village:

Ganesh Village in Hunza is a historically significant town. Obe of the attraction in Ganesh is the ancient settlements. 

Scared Rocks of Hunza: 

Haldeikish is town just outside Aliabad where the ‘scared rocks are located. The rocks have insriptions related to Budhhist travellers and monks who used to travel through from China to reach Taxila and other areas. 

Sacred Rock of Hunza

Altit Fort

Altit Fort is one of the two main forts of Hunza. The Fort build as the seat of power of the Hunza Mir. Altit was the capital Hunza before it was moved to Baltit in Karimabad. The fort has been resored and rennovated for visitors. A guided tour of the old palace and visit of the royal gardens is not be missed.

Altit Fort Hunza

Duikar 

Duikar is 30 minutes drive from Karimabad and is a popular touristic location. From Duikar you can get perfect view of Hunza Valley as well as the Ultar Peak. 

View of Hunza Valley from Duikar

Apart from these popular locations, Some less known passes and mountain in the Lower Hunza include:

Upper Hunza

Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake due to its history of it came to be and its beauty,  attracts a lots of visitors. Located in the upper hunza region it was created after a landslide blocked the river stream. 

Attabad Lake Hunza

Borith Lake

Borith Lake is one of the mysertious lakes that seems to have no source. Many people think that it is filled by unground water channels. The water is extremely satly with only few kind of planktons growing around it. The Borith area is eerily quiets with occational balsting off of the music by the guesthouse people. 

Suspension Bridge

This humble locally made foot bridge is one of the scary looking suspension bridge. It is loacted in Hussaini Village. A short walk from the main Karakoram Highway will take you to the suspension bridge.

Passu Glacier

located in Passu this is one of the largest glaciers that is has an easy access. It is linked to Batura Glacier and many others in the region. Many trek to till the white glacier or to the galcial lake at its foot. A more difficult trek will take you to further ahead to lup Ghar and then to Paundas.

Lup Ghar

Trek to Lup Ghar on Passu glacier is first stop in many treks that go further ahead to Patundas or to Yunz. at this poit one can stop for some spectacular view. 

Patundas 

Move further ahead from Lup-ghar one can reach Patundas on a 2 to 3 day trek. This point is famous for mountain sighting of the Karakoram. The passu glacier is notorious and takes many lives. The cravesses and shifting glacier ice are very dangerous. Going alone wiith guide is not advised. 

Patundas Trek

Avedegar

At an alevation of more than 3000m Avedegar provides spectecular sights of the amazing Karakoram Mountains. It is a steep climb and can be reach in 3 hours from Khurambad – Passu. 

View From Avdegar

Batura Glacier and Meadows

Batura Glacier is one of the longest glaciers in the world outside the polar region. It is 57km long and the heighest point is 7,795 meters. Local frequently cross the glacier in summer to reach the meadows and pasture land. 

Chipursan Valley

Chipursan Valley is one of the secluded and border areas. The remote and unique landscape attarcts many adventurers. Few of the main attarctions in the valley are:

Baba Ghundi

1. Baba Ghundi Ziarat: The Ziarat attracts many people to come and pay respect and offer their wishes. Festival named after it is celebrated in Summers. 
2. Chilingi Pass: The pass connects Gojal (upper Hunza) to Yasin and Chitral region.  ( to Yasin or Iskoman or Broghil Pass)
3. Lupgar Pir Pass: Another pass starting in Chipuran goes toward Raminij Village and further goes to  Whertum Pass and finally reaches Batura in Pass.

Shimshal Valley 

Shimshal is one of the best trekking destination in Pakistan. The trek are not easy and requires several day to complete. The following three trek are the most popular among travellers. 

1. Trek to Snow Lake via Kurdopin Pass
2. Lupke La (trek from lower Pamir
3. Trek to Small Pamir (lower Pamir)

Shimhsal Trek

Misgar

Misgar Valley is an hour jeep ride from the main KKH. The valley is small but lead to two amazing pass that go towards China. Kilik pass and Mintaka Pass were the old route that connected China and the Hunza region. It is a 6 day trek from Misgar. 

1. Kalamderchi Fort
2. Kilik Pass
3. Mintaka Pass

Mintaka Pass

Sost

Sost is town known for its Bazar. It is the first stop for traders and travllers coming to Pakistan from China. Due to the traders and transporter the markets are busy. Sost has immigration office and Dry Port. 

Pak China Border

Khunjerab Pass – Pak-China Border

The Final and last stop in Hunza is the Pak-China Border or the Khunjerab Top. The region was made a National Park and is one of the heightest in the world. The border remains closed during winter seasons. People from both country travel to reach the heighest borer crossing in the world.