The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley located in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
It’s often described as a “Heaven on Earth.”
Hunza has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world due to its rich culture, and friendly people.
This hidden gem continues to captivate the hearts of those who seek natural beauty, adventure, and serenity.
A famous saying
Do you want to visit Hunza Valley? Here is everything you need to know, from famous points to visit and reasonable hotels to stay in, to helpful tips for making the most of your trip.
Why Visit Hunza Valley in 2024?
Hunza Valley which is located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, is a spot where time seems to have stopped.
Are you an adventure lover?
Hunza is an ideal destination for you.
The valley is home to some of the most magnificent scenery on Earth, such as the soaring peaks of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger.
Whether your goal is to hike across breathtaking mountains, discover historic forts, or just relax in peaceful surroundings Hunza has enough to offer everyone.
What is the Hunza Valley famous for?
The Hunza Valley is well-known for its extraordinary natural magnificence. Trekkers and lovers of the great outdoors will find pleasure here, surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and pure rivers.
Moreover, the valley is well known for the ancient Baltit Fort, which stands witness to the area’s lengthy past, and its apricot flowers, which bloom in the spring.
What language do the Hunza people speak?
Burushaski is the main language spoken in the Hunza Valley.
It is a distinct language with no known relation to other languages. Furthermore, a large number of residents speak Urdu and English well, which facilitates contact with visitors.
Famous Points that You Should Visit in Hunza Valley
For centuries, travelers, merchants, and mountaineers have been attracted to the Hunza Valley because of its natural beauty and location along the Central Asian Silk Route.
The region is not only known for its glaciers, apricot farms, and turquoise lakes but also for its rich cultural heritage.
A tour of the Hunza Valley will give you the chance to discover the local culture, experience local food, and see history come to life before your eyes. You will become a great traveler if you combine these elements.
Visit the places of different points of Hunza Valley to explore its beauty.
Each point is wonderful, presenting the natural beauty of Hunza along with the culture of the region. You can also go on some amazing tours about culture and traditions
1. Karimabad
Image(Karimabad)
Karimabad is the capital of Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan.
This town in the Hunza Valley is home to stunning natural scenery and golden sands.
Swinging cherry trees and colorful apricot trees give the location a laid-back party air.
Whatever your preference for entertainment or poolside relaxation, Karibabad has something for everyone to do.
Karimabad’s small market allows you to experience Hunza’s lively shopping culture every day. Former members of the Royal family live in the village due to its history.
The stone construction of the village’s streets and homes gives them an old world charm.
Karimabad also has some famous landmarks, such as:
- Queen Victoria Monument
- Channel WalkOther than that, the glacier of Ulter Nala falls in Karimabad
2. Passu Cones
Image(Passu Cones)
Passu Cones is located about 15 kilometers from Karimabad.
The Passu Cones are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Hunza. It is simply amazing to see the mountains that form a cone along the Karakoram highway.
Passu Cones and Passu Peaks are two names for the cones. At 6,106 meters, they are the highest mountains in the region.
- Passu Glacier
A short trek from the village of Passu takes you to this stunning glacier.
Passu Glacier can be reached easily and hiked beside it, but if you want to get on it, you need a guide for the day.
If you wish to hike by the glacier, you have two options for getting up there. From the main Karakorum Highway road, take a dirt road that passes villages with fruit gardens and the picturesque Borith Lake. Depending on your fitness level, it will take longer.
If you have your own transportation, you can drive up in about 15 minutes. Unless you have a personal vehicle, you will have to pay for a one-way ride. A Jeep is waiting for passengers at the turnoff. If you don’t have your own car, you can drive up there and get off on the main road (if you don’t have one).
The small outdoor scenic cafe at the hike’s start is a great place to grab a cup of hot tea before (or after) the hike. After passing the little cafe, the trail begins to climb for about 5 minutes before leveling off and taking you along the cliff for about 10 minutes until you see your first glimpse of the glacier.
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge in Hunza, Pakistan, is a thrilling experience for adventurers. With six cables on one side, four on the other, and gaps between the wooden planks, some even missing—it crosses the Hunza River and is among Pakistan’s oldest and most iconic bridges.
However not officially named the world’s most dangerous bridge, it offers a heart-pounding walk you shouldn’t miss while in Hunza.
3. Attabad Lake
Image(Attabad Lake)
Attabad Lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landsliding incident. Hunza was cut off from the North by the incident.
In the Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake Hunza has become a popular tourist destination.
People go to the lake and take pleasure in boating there.
Attabad Lake is one of the many breathtaking locations in the Hunza Valley.
The blue sparkling water captivates you among the massive Karakoram mountains. Apart from the breathtaking shades of springtime, a large number of people visit the area every year.
It is also 13 miles long and over three hundred fifty feet deep. it’s one of Pakistan’s best lakes because of its beauty. You can do the following activities on this lake:
- Activities:
Boating: Take a boat ride across the serene waters of Attabad Lake.
Jet Skiing: For those seeking adventure, jet skiing on the lake is an exciting option.
4. Khunjerab Pass
Image(Khunjerab Pass)
Khunjerab Pass is a mountain pass in northern Pakistan that lies at an elevation of 4,693 metres above sea level.
It is situated in the Karakoram and occupies a key strategic location on Pakistan’s northern border.
Pakistan and China are connected by the Khunjerab Pass.
It is a destination with amazing views and a must-see on any trip to Hunza.
- Things to Do:
Border Visit: See the breathtaking scenery at the Karakoram Highway’s highest border crossing.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep that inhabit the region.
5. Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Image( Rakaposhi Viewpoint)
Rakaposhi also known as Dumani. It is a mountain within the Karakoram range in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan.
It is situated in the middle of the Nagar Valley and the Bagrote Valley. The mountain is extremely broad, measuring almost 20 km from east to west.
Rakaposhi is the only mountain in the world with more than 5,000 meters in height.
Things to do:
Café and Rest Area: Enjoy tea or lunch with a view of the majestic Rakaposhi.
Photography: Capture the beauty of Rakaposhi in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect.
Top 5 Traditional Foods to Enjoy in Hunza
One of Pakistan’s most fascinating northern regions is the Hunza Valley, which is surrounded by green mountains and snow-capped peaks.
This stunning valley is widely recognized for its attraction. The residents of this valley are good-natured and friendly.
The languages that they frequently speak are Burushaski, Wakhi, and Shina, but they also have an understanding of the national language as well.
Hunza Valley is famous all around the world for the prolonged existence of the people living in this Valley.
Many researchers have also worked to uncover the most important factor contributing to these individuals’ extended lifespans. Too many of them think that their longevity and good health are only attributable to eating a clean, balanced diet.
There are many different types of traditional foods in Hunza for various occasions.
The food in this region is full of delicious tastes. You will feel the real flavor of nature and purity in these foods. If you ever tasted the food of Hunza then only you can realize the feel of these mouthwatering dishes.
Some of the traditional items are:
- Chapshuro
- Gyaling/Gral
- Harisa
- Molida
- Shopen
1: Chapshuro
Chapshuro is a must-try dish in Hunza, resembling a crustless pie filled with minced beef, mutton, or yak meat, mixed with onions, coriander, chilies, and tomatoes.
These half-circle delights are traditionally baked in local ovens, giving them a richer flavor than the pan-fried versions.
While expensive restaurants in Karimabad sell them for nearly 1000 PKR, the tastiest chapshuros are found at modest street stalls.
2. Gyaling/Gral
Gyaling, also known as Gral, is a thin, stretchy wheat bread resembling stacked pancakes, commonly enjoyed in Hunza.
Typically served with apricot oil or local cow butter, this dish is a breakfast staple, paired with namkeen (salty) or herbal chai.
It’s the perfect way to fuel up before embarking on one of Pakistan’s many hikes.
3. Harisa
Harissa is one of the rarest items on this list because it’s not something you’ll find every day and is typically prepared for both marriages and deaths.
Even so, from Chapursan Valley to Karimabad, you can find it anywhere.
Harissa, a hearty dish made with wheat, rice, and lentils, has a weird flavor and is occasionally served with pieces of meat mixed in.
4. Molida
This classic Hunza Valley dish is resembling macaroni and cheese. This is well-liked in Gojal and Central Hunza.
The unique flavor of molida is created by combining tiny bits of wheat shapik, (the term for bread in the area), with milk, butter, and apricot oil.
5. Shopan
In Hunza, shopan is a delicious dish.
The stomach of a sheep or goat or minced meat combined with flour, salt, red chile, coriander, onion, mint, water, salt, and oil are essential ingredients for this recipe.
Meat is usually marinated with vinegar or lemon juice so that the smell goes out of it. It is served with rice or wheat bread.
Famous Hotels in Hunza Valley: Incredibly Low Price
- Famree Resort Hunza
Famree Resort Hunza offers 5-star beachfront accommodations in Hunza Valley, featuring a garden, terrace, and restaurant.
The resort provides room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
Facilities:
- Traditional Hunza architecture and decor.
- Comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
- A continental, Full English/Irish or Asian breakfast is served daily
- The resort also offers bike and car rentals, with hiking popular in the area.
- The nearest airport is Gilgit Airport, 74 miles away.
Price From: PKR 19,550 per night.
- Baltit Heritage Inn
Offering free WiFi, Baltit Heritage Inn is located in Hunza Valley. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The property has a shuttle service, while a bicycle rental service is also available. The nearest airport is Gilgit Airport, 61 miles from the hotel.
Price From: PKR 35000per night.
- Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake resort
Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort features a fitness center, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Hunza Valley.
Free private parking is available and the hotel also provides car rental for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.
With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms are equipped with a mountain view.
At Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort each room comes with bed linen and towels. You can play pool and table tennis at this 5-star hotel, and the area is popular for hiking.
Price From: PKR 27000per night.
- Venus Mountain Resort,Hunza
Star Rating: 4-star
Facilities:
- Shared kitchen
- 24-hour front desk
- Mountain views
- Terrace
Room Features:
- Balcony with river view
- Private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries
- Some rooms with city view
- Bed linen and towels provided
Breakfast: Asian breakfast available each morning
Nearest Airport: Gilgit Airport, 63 miles away
Price From: PKR 9000per night.
- Hunza Serena Hotel
Located in Hunza Valley, Hunza Serena Hotel features a garden, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi.
A 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The nearest airport is Gilgit Airport, 60 miles from the inn.
Facilities:
- Spacious rooms with balconies.
- Restaurant serving a variety of cuisines.
- Conference and meeting facilities.
Price From: PKR 12000 per night.
Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley in 2024
| Season | Weather | Best Activities | Crowds |
| Spring (April – June) | Mild and Pleasant | Trekking, Cherry Blossom Viewing | Moderate |
| Summer (July – August) | Warm, Ideal for Outdoor Activities | Trekking, Festivals | High |
| Autumn(September – October) | Cool | Photography, Trekking | Low |
| Winter (November – March) | Cold, Snowy | Skiing, Winter Photography | Low |
Tips for Visiting in Each Season
Travel Tips for Hunza Valley
By Air
The nearest airport is in Gilgit, about a 2-hour drive from Hunza. Regular flights operate from Islamabad.
By Road
The Karakoram Highway is the main route to Hunza. It’s a scenic drive but can be challenging, especially during winter.
Packing Essentials
- For Summer: Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Don’t forget a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- For Winter: Heavy jackets, thermals, gloves, and snow boots. Pack extra layers to stay warm.
- For Trekking: If you plan to trek, bring durable boots, a backpack, a first-aid kit, and a refillable water bottle.
Why Hunza Valley Should Be on Your 2024 Travel List
Hunza Valley is one of the most charming travel destinations in Pakistan.
Whether you are captivated by its rich cultural past, serene lakes, or stunning mountains, Hunza offers an experience that is unlike any other.
Moreover, Hunza Valley truly is a heaven on earth that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list due to its natural beauty, adventure, and hospitality
If you plan your journey to this mesmerizing region, remember to consider the best times to visit, choose your accommodation wisely, and prepare adequately for the high-altitude environment.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, Hunza Valley gives you an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.
So pack your bags, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, and discover why Hunza Valley is truly a paradise on Earth.
