The most beautiful trips in the Hunza Valley
What to visit in the Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is without a doubt one of the most beautiful mountain areas in Pakistan. The river has broken through the main ridge of Karakoram, so the views from the valley on the glacier and the high peaks are absolutely breathtaking. In addition to difficult treks and day trips, you will also find comfortable walks with amazing views directly from the local towns.
Visit of Baltit Fort
The largest castle in the valley of Hunz
Above the Old Town in Karimabad rises beautiful ancient castle – Baltit – the most formidable fortress in the valley of Hunza. Its visit is not only associated with exploring the old days, but also serves as a splendid lookout of the surroundings – of the local monumental mountains such as Rakaposhi or Diran and the valley of Hunza. The most beautiful view of the fort is from the way to Ultars meadows and then from the bottom of the town. continue reading
By boat across the lake Attabad
Lake which killed
Only eleven kilometers north of Karimabad is a beautiful turquoise lake, which came into existence in January 2010 by a gigantic landslide. The whole mountain slid here, which perfectly dammed Hunza river. Within a very short time this new world wonder was created – 21 km long and 109 m deep lake Attabad. Dozens of houses, thousands of trees and also the only link to the north – the Karakoram highway ended buried under the ground. The lake surface ends today in steep slopes of the mountains, so it is not possible to pass through the valley otherwise than by a ship. continue reading
Walk in Passu
Walk under the Passu Cathedral
Along the Karakorum Highway a few kilometers behind Gulmit is located only a few scattered houses, mostly tiny guest houses and this all is Passu ( 2460 m asl). Even so, it’s worth to stop here and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery. Wide Hunza valley is encircling here by the sharp peaks and directly at the road end Passu and Batura glaciers. Just the fact that the River Hunza managed to break through Karakoram from the north to the south and surrounding mountains also exceed it by more than 5 km – all this speaks for itself. continue reading
Ascent to Ultars meadows
Ascent high above the valley of Hunza
Ascent to Ultars meadows is the most popular day hike leading straight up above the narrow and steep canyon at the upper part filled up by the glacier and take you to the magical place overlooking the surrounding steep peaks and a small waterfall. Most photogenic mountain here is the famous "Lady finger ". This hike can be managed either without backpack or by staying in a small mountain hut or possibly get even higher to Honn pass. continue reading
Hike Passu - Lake Borit
Hike between two glaciers
If you want to undertake a little more adventurous half-day hike in Passu, it is best to walk from the glacier Passu to lake Borit lying above the village of Hussaini. You can admire the views of two glaciers and two different lakes during this hike. But the path is in some places not very clear and you will need your own intuition. But on the other hand, you cannot lose your way completely. To the north from you is a wall of Karakorum and to the south Karakorum Highway, where you can run down if you get lost on the upland plain between glaciers. Earlier this trek led even further to the bridge of „Indiana Jones“, but everything has disappeared under the waters of Lake Attabad. continue reading
Visit of Karimabad
Heart of Hunza valley
If Gilgit is a gateway to Hunza valley, then Karimabad (2435 m asl) is his heart. This town wonderfully located in almost 350 vertical meters above the river surface offers spectacular views of the fertile valley bisecting the majestic ridge of Karakoram and bonus view of Rakaposhi (7788 m asl). It is not only the perfect place to relax after a mountain trek or jeep tour around northern Pakistan, but also great starting point for exploring the surrounding attractions. continue reading
Visit of Fort Altit
Castle over the Hunza valley
On a small rocky cliff high above the river Hunza stands an ancient watchtower that guarded the trade route. It is also a very nice view of the surrounding mountains and also of the roofs of the old town in Altit, where piles of apricots dry in the season. It is an ideal destination of walks from Karimabad. continue reading
Drive Gilgit - Karimabad
Long short drive through the Hunza valle
Hundred kilometers along the Karakoram Highway between Gilgit and Karimabad can easily stretch to five hours. This travel in a crowded Pakistani minibus with its rule of three people sitting on two seats can be quite exhausting. The length of the way depends mainly on the current road conditions. Views of the surroundings and the destination are definitely worth the suffering, if you are lucky and sit near the window. continue reading
A walk to Altit
Easy walk from Karimabad
If you would like to explore the old town and fortress in Altit, the best way to go there from Karimabad is by walk along not busy little road leading high above the Hunza valley. The views of the valley and in the direction of Ultar meadows or at Diran peak are very nice. In addition, it makes altogether only five kilometers to get there and back. continue reading
Visit of Gilgit
Dusty crossroads
Gilgit ( 1470 m asl) has more than 200,000 inhabitants and is the largest town in the north of Pakistan. Although there is almost nothing to see, practically every tourist traveling to Karakoram on land (to Skardu or Hunza valley or up to China) minimally change here the transport line or must sleep here. Most of them therefore stay here only the shortest possible period before their next transport line arrives. continue reading
