Wonderland Guides TeamWhy Hunza Valley Captivates Everyone Who Visits
Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan is one of those places that renders people speechless on first sight. The valley floor sits at around 2,400m, surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks — Rakaposhi (7,788m), Ultar Sar (7,388m), Diran, and Lady Finger peak visible from town. The people are famously warm, the culture rich, and the landscape — particularly at blossom time in spring — is the stuff of postcards.
Hunza was once a semi-autonomous kingdom ruled by a Mir (prince) whose Baltit Fort still dominates Karimabad town. The Hunzakuts speak Burushaski, an ancient language with no known relatives anywhere in the world — a linguistic mystery that adds to the valley's mystique.
Key Towns in Hunza Valley
- Karimabad: The main tourist hub — old town with bazaar, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Eagle's Nest viewpoint
- Aliabad: Practical base with hotels, ATMs, and transport connections
- Gulmit / Gojal: Upper Hunza — gateway to Attabad Lake, Khunjerab Pass, and the Chinese border
- Passu: The spectacular Passu Cathedral (or Passu Cones) towers above this small village
Top Attractions
Baltit Fort
Perched above Karimabad, this 700-year-old fort was the seat of the Hunza royal family and is now a UNESCO-recognised heritage site. The views from the fort battlements over the valley and towards Rakaposhi are extraordinary. Well worth the entry fee and the uphill walk.
Altit Fort
Even older than Baltit (estimated 900 years), Altit Fort is in the village below Karimabad with arguably better mountain views. Less visited than Baltit but equally impressive.
Eagle's Nest Viewpoint
The single best viewpoint in Hunza — a 45-minute drive and short walk above Duikar village. From here you see the entire Hunza Valley laid out below, with Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar, and the surrounding peaks. Sunrise here is genuinely life-changing. Our tours build in an early morning trip to Eagle's Nest.
Attabad Lake
This stunning turquoise lake was created in 2010 when a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River, flooding three villages and creating a 20km lake. Today it's one of Pakistan's most photographed spots. Boat rides on its electric-blue water with mountains reflected in the surface are surreal.
Passu Cones
The jagged spires of the Passu Cathedral (Cathedral peaks) rising from the valley floor near Passu village are among the most dramatic geological formations in Pakistan. The classic photograph shows their reflection in a flooded meadow near the village — aim for morning for the best light.
Khunjerab Pass (4,693m)
The world's highest paved international border crossing — between Pakistan and China. The drive up from Sost through the Khunjerab National Park is spectacular, with real chances of seeing Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and marmots. The pass itself has a dramatic isolated beauty at that altitude.
Food to Try in Hunza
Hunzakut cuisine is distinct from the rest of Pakistan:
- Chapshuro: A stuffed bread (like a thick flatbread pie) with meat and vegetables filling
- Diram Phitti: A sweet dish made with wheat flour and dried mulberry
- Mamtu: Steamed dumplings similar to momo
- Hunza water: The local term for their glacier meltwater — famously pure and cold
- Dried apricots, mulberries, and walnuts: Sold everywhere, excellent quality
Getting to Hunza
- By air: Fly Islamabad → Gilgit (45 minutes, stunning flight past Nanga Parbat), then drive ~2 hours to Karimabad
- By road: Drive the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad — approximately 14–16 hours but scenically spectacular. Most travellers break the journey at Besham or Chilas.
Our Hunza Valley Cultural & Heritage Tour (7 days, PKR 95,000) covers all highlights with comfortable hotels and experienced guides. Contact us to customise your Hunza experience.