Hunza – Where Mountains Smile and Time Slows Down

Welcome to Hunza

Hunza isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.

Tucked high in Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza Valley is where glaciers kiss apricot trees, time slows to the rhythm of river songs, and people live longer than most. It’s not hard to see why: the air is clean, the food is fresh, and stress seems to dissolve in the mountains.

Hunza is a favorite among nature lovers, photographers, hikers — and those who just want to sit quietly and breathe beauty.

Whether you come for the peaks or the peace, Hunza will meet you with open arms and a cup of salted butter tea.

 A Glimpse into Hunza’s History

Hunza has been inhabited for over a thousand years. For much of its history, it functioned as a small princely state ruled by the Mir of Hunza.

Its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road brought traders, monks, and explorers from Central Asia, Tibet, and Kashmir. Remnants of this legacy live on in the Altit and Baltit Forts, in the Tibetan-style stone homes, and even in the languages spoken.

Hunza’s people — the Burusho and Wakhi communities — are known for their hospitality, storytelling, and surprising longevity. Many Hunzakuts live healthy, active lives well into their 90s.

 Hunza at a Glance

• Region: Gilgit-Baltistan

• Best Time to Visit: April to October (spring blooms, summer green, fall colors)

• Languages: Burushaski, Wakhi, Urdu, English

• Daily Budget: PKR 3,000–6,000

• Getting There:

  • Fly to Gilgit, then 2.5–3 hours by road to Hunza

  • Or drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway (18–20 hrs — breathtaking but long)

• Greeting Phrase: “Haile gi shukriyah” – Thank you in Burushaski

 Places to Visit in Hunza

 Baltit Fort

Perched above Karimabad, this 700-year-old fort was once home to the ruling Mir. Restored with UNESCO support, it offers stunning views and insights into Hunza’s regal past.

 Altit Fort

Even older than Baltit, Altit is a window into medieval mountain life. The cobbled streets around the fort have a magical stillness.

 Duikar Viewpoint (Eagle’s Nest)

Wake up before sunrise and head here. You'll see golden light touch Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak — an experience you’ll never forget.

 Attabad Lake

A tragic landslide in 2010 formed this turquoise lake. Now, it’s one of the most photogenic places in Pakistan. Rent a boat, sip tea by the shore, or just let the breeze do the talking.

 Passu Cones & Glacier

Spiked like dragon teeth, the Passu Cathedral is iconic. Nearby is the Passu Glacier, and the famed Hussaini Suspension Bridge — one of the world’s most dangerous (and Instagrammed) bridges.

 Hopper Valley

Known for pink-blossomed apricot trees in spring and deep golden leaves in fall. Hopper is quieter, perfect for walks and picnics near glaciers.

 What to Eat in Hunza

Hunza’s food is simple, fresh, and good for the soul.

• Chapshuro – Like a meat-filled pie, baked on stone

• Diram Pitti – Sweet wheat cake rich in nutrients

• Harissa – A winter dish made with meat and grains

• Burus Sapik – Cheese and greens wrapped in flatbread

• Hunza Walnut Cake – Found in local cafés — you’ll crave it after you leave

• Apricot oil – Used in cooking and skincare, it’s a local treasure

• Butter tea (Noon chai) – Salty, strange, and warming

Try at:

• Café de Hunza (best walnut cake!)

• Hidden Paradise Café

• Yak Grill Karimabad

 Where to Stay

• Budget: World Roof Guest House, Old Hunza Inn

• Mid-range: Hunza Elites, Mulberry Hotel

• Luxury: Serena Hunza, Luxus Hunza Attabad

Pro tip: Book early during cherry blossom or autumn season — rooms fill up quickly!

 Things to Do in Hunza

• Hike to Ultar Base Camp (day hike from Karimabad)

• Cross the Hussaini Bridge (if you dare)

• Visit a local music night — traditional rubab and drum sessions

• Learn to make Chapshuro in a local home (ask your host!)

• Buy handwoven shawls, gemstones, and dried apricots at Karimabad Bazaar

• Cycle around Attabad Lake or book a paddleboard session

• Stargaze — Hunza has some of the clearest skies in Pakistan

 Local Life & Culture

Hunza is deeply rooted in community and nature.

The people are progressive — many are multilingual, and education levels are high. The Aga Khan Development Network has helped uplift health and education here. Women in Hunza are active in farming, business, and tourism.

Festivals you may catch:

• Ginani Festival – Celebrating the harvest in summer

• Nowruz – New Year festivity with dances and feasts

• Spring Blossom Festival – Music, sports, flowers, and colors

 Useful Phrases:

• “Haile gi manik” – Hello

• “Tu beshak aye Hunza gi mehman” – You’re truly Hunza’s guest

• “Chai piyon?” – Want some tea?

 Sample Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1:

• Arrive in Karimabad, check into hotel

• Explore Baltit Fort & Karimabad Bazaar

• Sunset at Duikar (Eagle’s Nest)

Day 2:

• Day trip to Attabad Lake

• Visit Passu Glacier and Suspension Bridge

• Try chapshuro lunch at Passu village café

• Return to relax by bonfire with local music

Day 3:

• Early morning walk in Altit village

• Optional hike to Ultar or visit Hopper Valley

• Try walnut cake and buy souvenirs

• Evening bus or drive back to Gilgit

 Travel Tips

• April–May is cherry blossom season (pink and white flowers everywhere)

• September–October is autumn — golden valleys and crisp air

• Pack warm layers — even summer nights are chilly

• Respect local customs — ask before photographing people

• Travel slowly — the journey is part of the beauty

• Hydrate and rest — Hunza is high altitude (2,500m+)

 Final Thoughts

Hunza doesn’t need filters. It doesn’t need captions either.

It’s the kind of place where kids play in apricot orchards, glaciers sparkle in the distance, and elders smile with the wisdom of mountains. You come here with a camera — and leave with calm.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about feeling more.

So let Hunza slow you down. Let it teach you stillness. Let it show you what happens when nature and culture live in harmony.