Known as “Heaven on Earth,” Hunza Valley was formed by glacial action during the last Ice Age. This jewel of Pakistan’s Upper North is situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters and borders the Wakhan Corridor in the west and the Xinjiang region in the north, covering an area of 7,900 square kilometers.
Most of Hunza’s residents are Ismaili Shia Muslims, who follow Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. Over 90% of the people in Ganish Village are Shia Muslims. The main language spoken in the valley is Burushaski, the native language of the 60,000-strong Burusho people.
Hunza is a place of extreme longevity, with villages and cities in the valley including Karimabad, Aliabad, Ganish, Gulmit, and Altit. Altit is home to a 900-year-old fort with majestic views. Hunza is also known for its vibrant colors, snow-capped peaks higher than 6,000 meters, soft blossoms, crisp breezes, apricot trees, fruits, and delicacies. It has a literacy rate of 95%.
The Rakaposhi stands out for its exquisite architecture and historical value. Its ancient villages have been honored by UNESCO for their 800-year-old mosques. The valley’s ethereal sights and hospitality have made it a significant tourist destination. We highly recommend a 2-day hike to Fairy Meadows and Naga Parbat base camp.
Activities
Kharga Buddha
Altit Fort
Baltit Fort
Trek the leopard trail in Shishkat
Passu Glacier
Ganesh Village
Borit Lake and Attabad Lake (water sports)
Ondre Poyga, an interesting trek trail
Scenic villages where you can interact with locals, eat the local cuisine and hear their stories.
Wellness & Sustainability
Korgah, Gulmit – women carpet weaving center
