Hunza

Hunza

Hunza Valley is a string of terraced orchards and stone forts on the Karakoram Highway, and a Hunza tour brings you face to face with Rakaposhi, Attabad Lake and the Passu Cones. Come for spring blossom, long summer days or autumn colour, and stay in Karimabad to explore the lower and upper valley.

Why visit Hunza Valley

Hunza follows the Hunza River north from Gilgit towards China, with Karimabad as its main town. Its villages are known for apricot and cherry orchards, stone-lined water channels and a long tradition of welcoming guests. Few places in Pakistan put so many high peaks in view from a village street, and the Karakoram Highway makes it one of the easiest mountain valleys in the country to reach.

Things to do in Hunza

  • Baltit Fort: the 700-year-old former seat of the Mirs of Hunza, above Karimabad and now a museum.
  • Altit Fort: the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan, with a tower about 900 years old, restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
  • Attabad Lake: the turquoise lake formed when a landslide blocked the Hunza River in January 2010.
  • Passu and Gulmit: the jagged Passu Cones, the Hussaini suspension bridge and walks near Passu Glacier in upper Hunza, known as Gojal.
  • Khunjerab Pass: a day trip to the China border at 4,693 metres, usually open to visitors from April to November, snow permitting.

Best time to visit Hunza

  • Late March to mid-April: blossom season. Apricot, cherry and almond trees flower first in lower Hunza and a little later around Karimabad.
  • May to September: long, warm days and the best conditions for walks and the drive to Khunjerab.
  • October: Hunza is famous for its autumn, when the poplars and orchards turn yellow and red.
  • Winter: Hunza weather is bitterly cold, Khunjerab closes and the valley is very quiet.

How to reach Hunza from Islamabad

The Karakoram Highway runs about 600 km from Islamabad to Hunza through Besham, Chilas and Gilgit. It is a two-day drive for most people, and on the way you pass the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the meeting point of three mountain ranges near Jaglot. In high summer, once it is clear of snow, the Babusar Pass road through the Kaghan Valley is a shorter alternative. You can also fly to Gilgit and drive about two hours to Karimabad.

Hunza tour packages

Hunza is part of most of our northern routes. The 11 Days Lahore Islamabad Hunza Skardu combines it with Skardu and two of Pakistan's great cities, and the 11 Days Hiking and Trekking Adventure suits keen walkers. Close by in Nagar, Rakaposhi base camp is a rewarding addition to a Hunza stay.

Plan your trip to Hunza

Choose a tour above, or tell us your dates. We will match the route to the season you have in mind and arrange a driver, a local guide and stays in Karimabad and upper Hunza.