The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheet fields, set against the background of snow-covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27oC and minimum 14oC. The October temperatures are: maximum 10oC and minimum 0oC.
Most of the people of Hunza are Islamili Muslims, followers of His highness the Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski. Urdu and English are also understood by most of the people. Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi (7,788 meters). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hanza landmark built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used the resistance of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers) of Hunza.
Hunza, a remote mountain kingdom, may have been the inspiration behind James Hilton's "Shangri-La." The area opened up in the 1970s following the completion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH); an engineering marvel tracing the old Silk Route from Pakistan into China.
The fair skinned and light-eyed Hunzakuts claim to be descendants of soldiers lost from Alexander's army as he invaded India. Their language, Burushaski, provides linguists an enigma as it is unrelated to any other language known to man.
The beauty of this mountain paradise is matchless; from the soft blossoms of the apricot trees to the dark snowcapped rock monuments of Rakaposhi (7788 m.) and recently climbed Ultar Peak(7388 m.) jabbing a vivid blue backdrop high above.
Gilgit Airport (IATA: GIL) is small and has 45 minute flights to Islamabad on PIA
From Kashgar (China) there is a regular bus service to Hunza via Sost crossing over the Khunjerab Pass (about 5000 meter high). Across river Hunza at Sost, there is a village called Khuda Abad. People usually do not stop at Khunjerab Pass, they just carry on their journey to Sost with the bus. From Sost, you can do a number of activities around like trekking in the valleys, or drive to Hunza-Karimabad (2 hours), where the Baltit Fort is standing. The Khunjerab Pass is open from May 1st to Dec 30th, but closed in winter.
Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.
Hunza is one of the most exotic places in Pakistan. Several '''high peaks''' rise above 6,000 m in the surroundings of Hunza valley. The valley provides spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world which include ''Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m (24,045 ft), Ghenta Peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft)''. Hunza Valley is also host to the '''ancient watch towers in Ganish''' , '''Baltit Fort''' and '''Altit Fort'''. Watch towers are located in heart of Ganish Village, Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley. Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge '''Buddha figure''' surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along the valley. '''Borith Lake''' is located in upper Hunza and '''Rush Lake''' is located near Nagar.
The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. As one travels up on the '''Karakoram Highway''', the beautiful sceneries keep on revealing themselves.
On the way one can witness the ''65 km long 'Batura' '''glacier''', the second longest in Pakistan'', surround by ''Shishper, Batura and Kumpirdior peaks''. On reaching ''Sost'' one can continue the journey up to Khunzhrav or turn west to witness the mystic beauty of ''Chipursan'' (also Chapursan) valley. Chipursan valley has some of most exotic tourist spots in the area. In ''Yarzerech'' (also Yarzirich) you can have a look at the majestic ''Kundahill peak (6000 m''), or trek along the ''Rishepzhurav'' to the ''Kundahill'' to experience the soothing sceneries. Beyond Yarzerech you can travel further to ''Lupghar, Raminj, Reshit, Yishkuk up to Bobo Ghundi (Oston), the shrine of Baba-e-Ghund'', a saint from Afghanistan near the border between Pakistan and Wakhan region of Afghanistan.
Two-days in Hunza Valley
'''Day 1''': Stay at Hunza Baltit inn, Enjoy sceneries, , See Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, eat at Cafe de Hunza and relax.
'''Day 2''': Visit the Village located near the Chinese border.
PIA offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Gilgit and Islamabad. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.