Hunza Valley Travel Guide (Gilgit-Baltistan/Pakistan/South Asia/Asia)

Hunza Valley Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Hunza Valley
Introduction to Hunza Valley
List of Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Hunza Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hunza Valley
Best Things to Do in Hunza Valley: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Hunza Valley
Food and Drink Scene of Hunza Valley
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Hunza Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Hunza Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Hunza Valley
Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley
Do’s and Don’ts of Hunza Valley
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Hunza Valley
- Health in Hunza Valley
Getting to Hunza Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Hunza Valley
Where to Go Next from Hunza Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Hunza Valley Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Hunza Valley

Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, the Hunza Valley is a stunning destination, famous for its natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. If you are planning a trip to Hunza Valley, this comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the best attractions, food, and cultural practices in the valley.

Introduction to Hunza Valley

At an altitude of 2,438 meters, the Hunza Valley is situated in the Karakoram mountain range. The valley is surrounded by peaks ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 meters, making it a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. The valley is also known for its lush vegetation, clear rivers, and fruit orchards.

List of Places to Visit in Hunza Valley

There is no shortage of attractions in the Hunza Valley. From natural wonders to cultural heritage sites, here are some notable places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Baltit Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 8th century, this fort has been restored and converted into a museum, showcasing artifacts of the Hunza Valley’s history and culture.
Altit Fort: Considered one of the oldest forts in the region, Altit Fort is also converted into a museum that exhibits ancient art, pottery, and weaponry.
Ganish Village: Known for its ancient settlement, Ganish Village is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Natural Attractions of Hunza Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Attabad Lake: A beautiful lake that was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide, attracting tourists for its translucent blue water and stunning surroundings.
Passu Glacier: One of the largest glaciers in the region, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Passu Cone while trekking to the glacier.
Eagle’s Nest: A vantage point in Hunza Valley that offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley is hiker’s heaven with various hiking and biking routes suitable for all levels of expertise. Here are the most notable routes:

Shimshal Pass Trek: This trek is an ideal choice for seasoned hikers, as it is a challenging route that takes you through picturesque high-altitude valleys and glaciers.
Karimabad to Hopper Trek: This hiking trek takes you through the historic Baltit Fort and the terraced fields of Hopper Valley, where you can witness the unique culture and traditions of Hunza Valley.
Hunza Bike Tour: A thrilling way to explore Hunza Valley, the biking tour allows you to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying a workout.

Best Things to Do in Hunza Valley: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to enjoy while in Hunza Valley. Here are some not-to-miss experiences:

Apricot Blossom Season: Every spring, Hunza Valley is covered in the beautiful pink and white blossoms of apricot trees. This is the best time to visit the valley and witness the blooming beauty.
Local Cuisine Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Hunza dishes like Chapshoro, a savory pastry filled with meat.
Hunza Cultural Tour: Take this guided tour to gain insight into the unique heritage of Hunza Valley, with visits to ancient forts, local markets, and museums.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hunza Valley

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Hunza Valley:

Day 1	Arrive in Gilgit, check into hotel, explore local markets
Day 2	Visit Hunza Valley and the Baltit Fort
Day 3	Hike to the Passu Glacier
Day 4	Drive to Sost and visit the Khunjerab Pass
Day 5	Enjoy the scenery at Attabad Lake
Day 6	Participate in a cooking class to learn local cuisine
Day 7	Depart from Gilgit

Food and Drink Scene of Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley has a unique culinary tradition that emphasizes the use of fresh, vegetarian ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Chapshoro: Meat-filled pastry
Momo: Steamed dumplings filled with minced vegetables or meat
Harisa: A smooth porridge made of wheat and chicken

Local Beverages

Hunza Tea: A blend of green tea, mint, apricot, and honey
Burusho Milk: Raw cow milk mixed with salt and pepper

Where to Stay in Hunza Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are various options for accommodation in Hunza Valley. Here are some notable choices:

Serena Hotel Hunza: A luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of the valley.
Golden Peak Hotel: A budget-friendly option with spacious rooms and friendly staff.
Hunza Darbar Hotel: A traditional-style guesthouse featuring classic Hunza Valley architecture.

What to Buy in Hunza Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hunza Valley is famous for its traditional crafts, including handmade carpets, jewelry, and embroidered clothing. You can find these products in local markets, such as the Karimabad Bazaar.

Local Culture and Customs of Hunza Valley

The people of Hunza Valley are proud of their unique cultural heritage, and you can observe their customs while visiting the valley. Some notable traditions include their unique music and dance, local festivals, and religious practices.

Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley

The best time to visit Hunza Valley is between April and October (except for July and August due to heavy rainfall), when the weather is mild and sunny, making it great for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hunza Valley

Do:

Respect local customs and wear modest clothing.
Have a taste of the local cuisine.
Carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drastically drop at night.

Don’t:

Take photographs of locals without their permission.
Wear revealing clothing.
Give candy or money to the children begging on the street.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley is one of the safest destinations in Pakistan, with friendly locals and low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and travel with a reputable guide or tour operator.

Health in Hunza Valley

The region is entirely safe for tourists when it comes to epidemics and diseases, as the region has a robust health care system. It is suggested to carry a first aid box, water filtration apparatus, and required medication in case of minor emergencies.

Getting to Hunza Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

You can access Hunza Valley by air or road, while the nearest airport is Gilgit Airport, which is around 1.5 hours drive from the main town. Moreover, numerous inter-city bus services connect Hunza Valley to several cities in Pakistan.

Airports Near Hunza Valley

Gilgit Airport: Around 93 km from Hunza Valley

Bus Stations Near Hunza Valley

Gilgit Bus Station
Rawalpindi Bus Station

Other Options

Shared Taxis: An affordable and convenient option for local transportation in Hunza Valley.

How to Get Around in Hunza Valley

Some popular modes of transportation available in Hunza Valley include:

Walking: A great way to explore the picturesque valley on foot.
Rental Cars: An option for those who want to explore the valley at their own pace.
Local Transport: Shared taxis and buses are available to travel to various destinations in Hunza Valley.

Where to Go Next from Hunza Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some additional time, here are some nearby destinations that can be explored further:

Skardu: A picturesque city located in the southeast of the valley, famous for glaciers and mountain ranges.
Khaplu: Located southeast of Skardu, this former kingdom is worth visiting to see historic buildings and unique culture.
Islamabad: The capital of Pakistan, which is the best starting point to explore the rest of the country.

Conclusion

Hunza Valley offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure, providing an unforgettable travel experience. This comprehensive travel guide aims to help you discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and experience in Hunza Valley, to make your stay memorable and enjoyable.