Explore The Valley
The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in the northern part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, formed by the Hunza River, bordering Ishkoman to the northwest, Shigar to the southeast, Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor to the north and the Xinjiang region of China to the northeast.[2] The Hunza Valley floor is at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). Geographically, the Hunza Valley consists of three regions: Upper Hunza (Gojal), Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza (Shinaki).
The Hunza Valley is famous for its mountains – snow capped and rugged. Even though Rakaposhi is situated in the neighboring Nagar Valley, most people come to Hunza just to get a few glimpses of the shining ice wall of the Rakaposhi Mountain. You can see the peak towering in front of you from Karimabad, Hunza.
Hunza is also known as the land of festivals. If you want to savor the rich culture of Hunza, you should attend one of the annual cultural festivals during the summer season. If you are lucky enough, you may catch up with one of the following popular festival of the Hunza Valley. Most of these festivals are held every year.
Silk Route Cultural Festival
Khunjerab-Pamir Cultural Festival
Pakistan Independent Day Celebration
Ginani Festival
Baba Ghundi Festival, Chipursan
Hunza is popular for its traditional cuisines, which are available at selected restaurants in Central Hunza and at a few hotels in Upper Hunza. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t get the chance to consume your favorite Pakistani dishes. Restaurant chefs in Hunza are also well versed in preparing Pakistani and Chinese dishes.
In Central Hunza, you’ll come across abundant hotels to give your taste buds a treat. However, in Upper Hunza you’ll have to eat at restaurants owned by the hotels where you may lodge. People have now realized the opportunity and are in the process of starting restaurants in Gulmit and Sost, though.
The Main Attractions
The Khunjerab Pass and Khunjerab National Park are yet additional reasons why you should visit the Hunza Valley. Khunjerab Pass is situated at an elevation of 15,397 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest mountain passes in the Karakoram Mountains, and in Pakistan. And of course it is Khunjerab where Pakistan meets its brother China. The government has declared Khunjerab and its surrounding areas as a national park.
The Khunjerb National Park boasts rich biodiversity. Wild animals like ibex, lynx, markhor, blue sheep, fox, wolf, chakor, snow leopard and brown and black bear are found in the Khunjerab National Park. If you were lucky, you’d spot an ibex or maybe a snow leopard in the park.
Upper Hunza, famous as Gojal Valley, is famous for its lakes. Who doesn’t know about the Attabad Lake? Yes, the famous lake is situated in Gojal Valley. The lake was formed as a result of a massive landslide in 2010 that blocked the water flow in the Hunza River, creating the Attabad Lake, which now happens to be a very famous tourist landmark and picnic spot. The Attabad Lake is a great place for boating-lovers.
And then there is the famous Borit Lake, nestling beautifully on an elevated place above the KKH called Borit village. The lake is a hot spot for migratory birds (especially Siberian ducks), and a good opportunity for you to put your swimming skills to the test.
