Hunza Valley
Hunza is situated 112 km north of Gilgit on the west bank of the Hunza River. It lies in the Northern area of Pakistan adjoining the Xinxiang autonomous regions of China.
Elevation 2,500 meter
Climate The weather remains pleasant from April to September, requiring light woollen clothes. Winters are extremely cold and heavy woolen clothes are recommended.
Tourists Season Best time to visit Hunza is from 1 st May to 15 th October.
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| Nanga Parbat base camp Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
People
The people of Hunza are Muslims. Most are followers of His Highness the Agha Khan .The women of Hunza wear colorful, knee-length shirts and ‘shalwars’, and cover their heads with embroidered caps. The men wear ‘shalwar qamiz’ and caps made out of hand-woven woollen material called ‘pattu’. In winter they wear loose gowns as overcoats.
Language The local dialect is Brushaski, while Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.
History of Hunza
For the past 960 years, Hunza has been ruled by the same family, known as the Mirs of Hunza. ‘Hunzakuts’ are thought to be the descendants of ‘five wandering soldiers’ of the legions of Alexander the Great. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
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| Peoples of Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
Throughout its history, the rulers of Hunza resisted external control of their state. They expelled Kashmir garrisons, threatened Gilgit and formed an alliance with the rulers of Kashgar where the Russians were gaining influence. This troubled the British who took direct political control of Gilgit in 1889 to 1891 fought a decisive battle against the Mirs of Hunza. They remained garrisoned at Aliabad till 1897 when Hunza became a princely state protected by the Government of British India. Hunza became a part of Pakistan after independence in 1947.
Places of Interest
Hunza is a land that offers much picturesque beauty to those who visit it. It has majestic, snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and beautiful orchards. The people of Hunza are well-known for their longevity which they attribute to their diet. This consists mainly of fruit, vegetables and Hunza Water, which, according to the locals, carries traces of gold apart from its high iron content. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
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| Altit Fort and Hunza River Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
Karimabad
This is the capital of Hunza. It offers an awe-inspiring view of the snow-covered Rakaposhi Peak (7800 meter.)
Baltit Fort
Located at Baltit the former capital of Hunza, Baltit Fort is about 1-1/2 Km from Karimabad. This castle was rebuilt a number of times during the 1000-year reign of the Mirs of Hunza. The present structure was constructed some 600 years ago and the architecture reflects a marked Tibetan influence.
Altit Fort
Altit fort is situated in the village of Altit, about 3 km from karimabad. It has been built on a sheer rock-cliff that falls 300 meter (1000 ft) into the Hunza River, and is much older than the baltit Fort.
Buddhist Rock Carvings
The rock-carvings and inscriptions around ganesh village, near the Altit Fort, give proof of buddhist influence in the area. The inscriptions are in four different scripts; Kharoshi, Gupta , Sogdian and tibetan, and are carved with human and animal figures. The most famous among these is the Hunza Rock. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
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| Peak Rakaposhi Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
The Ruby Mines
The Ruby Mines of Hunza are a popular tourist attraction. Precious and semi-precious stones may be bought at the sales centre at Aliabad.
Batura glacler
Distance from Karimabad : 48 km (3 hours by jeep)
Hopar and Hispar Glaciers
Distance from Karimabad: 25 km (2 hours by jeep) part of the road is navigable by jeep, but the last 10 km have to be travelled on foot.
Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking
Hunza offers many opportunities for mountaineering, trekking, camping and hiking. Special permits are required for mountaineering. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
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| Attaabad lake attaabad lake Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
Access
Hunza is accessible by road from Gilgit (112 km), which is connected by air and the Karakoram Highway with Rawalpindi, Islamabad
Most of the roads are gravel-topped, and navigable by jeep except the Karakoram Highways which is metalled. In some parts the roads have been carved out of the steep mountain sides, and are just wide enough for a jeep to pass. Good tyres, brakes and careful driving are recommended. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
Accommodation
There are may comfortable hotels, motels and rest houses in Hunza. In order to avoid disappointment, it is a advisable to reserve accommodation at least a week in advance.
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| Handi Crafts Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan |
Handicrafts
Hunza is famous for hand-woven woollen cloth known as ‘Pattu’. This is colorful, intricately embroidered and used to make ladies caps, gowns and waistcoat etc.
Cuisine
The local specialty ‘fittis’ are worth sampling. These are cakes of wheat flour, milk, butter and salt, baked on a hot stone. A variety of fresh fruit like apricot, apple, plums, peaches, cherries and grapes also constitute a large part of the local diet. Grape extract known as ‘Hunza Water’s is popular with foreign visitors. Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan.
What Not to Do
Do not Photograph bridges and military installations,
Do not swim in the rivers
Do not Travel without your passport and other travel documents in the Northern Areas.
Do not Photograph local women without his permission
Do not Drive on mountain roads at night.
Hopar and Hispar Glaciers
Distance from Karimabad: 25 km (2 hours by jeep) part of the road is navigable by jeep, but the last 10 km have to be travelled on foot.
mY farvet Place of hunza