Top 10 Places to Visit in Hunza
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Hunza:
Khunjerab Pass
The Khunjerab Pass (also referred to as Pakistan-China Border) is at an altitude of 4,733m (15,528ft). It is one of the most beautiful borders in the world and is also home to the world’s highest situated ATM on the Pakistani side. The Khunjerab Pass itself is the highest paved border-crossing in the world. Khunjerab Pass is in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic location on the northern border of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan Hunza-Nagar District. This is on the southwestern border of the Xinjiang region of China.
Here is how long it takes to reach Khunjerab Pass from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass Time: 16hrs 13mins
Lahore to Khunjerab Pass Time: 19hrs 48mins
Karachi to Khunjerab Pass Time: 31 hrs 10mins
Faisalabad to Khunjerab Pass Time: 19hrs 17mins
Gilgit to Khunjerab Pass Time: 5hrs 36mins
Hunza to Khunjerab PassTime: 3hrs 39mins
The journey to Khunjerab Pass is fairly easy due to the well-paved roads. However, because of the high altitude, one is at risk of altitude sickness as well. There are some police checkpoints along the highway. Along the way, you could visit the Khunjerab National Park and get to see the wildlife, e.g. Ibexes and Yaks.
Altit Fort
Altit Fort is situated above Karimabad in the Hunza Valley. The word ‘Altit’ refers to ‘this side down.’ It is an old Hunza fort, once home to the inherited rulers of the Hunza state. The Altit Fort is around 1000 years old. It is known for its architect and design. The Fort now serves as a museum and tourist site open for the public since 2007. The Altit Fort has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award.
Here is how long it takes to reach Altit Fort from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Altit Fort Time: 12hrs 55mins
Lahore to Altit Fort Time: 16hrs 40mins
Karachi to Altit Fort Time: 28hrs 10mins
Faisalabad to Altit Fort Time: 16hrs 5mins
Gilgit to Altit Fort Time: 2hrs 26mins
Hunza to Altit Fort Time: 18mins
Baltit Fort
The Baltit Fort is another Hunza fort above Karimabad, Hunza Valley. Its foundations date back 700 years. Over time, there have been rebuilds and alterations to the building. Just like the Altit Fort, the rulers of Hunza stayed there. The rulers abandoned the Baltit Fort in 1946. The Fort serves as a museum and cultural destination, open all year round. It has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2004. The Baltit Fort is surrounded by famous mountains and peaks such as Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, Golden Peak, Ultar, and Lady Finger.
Here is how long it takes to reach Baltit Fort from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Baltit Fort Time: 12hrs 48mins
Lahore to Baltit Fort Time: 16hrs 31mins
Karachi to Baltit Fort Time: 28hrs 5mins
Faisalabad to Baltit Fort Time: 15hrs 55mins
Gilgit to Baltit Fort Time: 2hrs 18mins
Hunza to Baltit Fort Time: 11mins
Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake is located in the Attabad Village, Hunza. It is half an hour away from Karimabad. The lake has been considered one of the best tourist sites in Pakistan. Many recreational activities take place on and around Attaad Lake such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing. The weather here is quite pleasant all summer, with evenings being a bit windy and chilly. In winters, the weather is cold, and temperatures drop to less than 0 degrees celsius. The lake freezes over. Mostly, tourists visit Attabad Lake when it is ice-free.
How Attabad Lake was formed?
Attabad Lake was formed due to a landslide in the area which led to the destruction of the area and loss of lives. That being said, the catastrophe was anything but over. The landslide had dammed the Hunza River and villages both below and above the dam was threatened by the swiftly rising waters of the recently created lake. In May 2010, local authorities excavated a spillway to guide the flow over the dam. By August 2010, the spillway was beginning to perform well. The government provided aid to the victims, but many remained in fear of further disaster. And from the disaster came an unexpected attraction: The Attabad Lake.
Here is how long it takes to reach Attabad Lake from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Attabad Lake Time: 13hrs 32mins
Lahore to Attabad Lake Time: 17hrs
Karachi to Attabad Lake Time: 29hrs 25mins
Faisalabad to Attabad Lake Time: 16hrs 35mins
Gilgit to Attabad Lake Time: 3hrs 05mins
Hunza to Attabad Lake Time: 1hr
Passu Glacier
The Passu Glacier is one of the white glaciers and sources of water in Hunza Valley situated in the South of Passu Village. Passu Sar is situated on the back of the Passu Glacier. This very glacier links to the Batura Glacier with other glaciers of the area and is a major tourist attraction. Many tourists visit the Passu Glacier every year as it is a short walk away from Sarai Silk Route Hotel.
Here is how long it takes to reach Passu Glacier from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Altit Fort Time: 14hrs 02mins
Lahore to Altit Fort Time: 17hrs 30mins
Karachi to Altit Fort Time: 29hrs 55mins
Faisalabad to Altit Fort Time: 17hrs 05mins
Gilgit to Altit Fort Time: 3hrs 35mins
Hunza to Altit Fort Time: 1hr 30mins
Passu Cones
The Passu Cones is an iconic landmark that’s magnificence leaves many astonished. The Passu Cones also knows as the Cathedral Range, are a spectacular sight to behold from Sarai Silk Route Hotel. Along the Karakoram Range, their one of a kind structure & appearance makes them stand out. The Passu Cones’ height is approximately 6, 106 meters (20, 033 feet). They are the most photographed peak of the region.
Here is how long it takes to reach Passu Cones Viewpoint from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Altit Fort Time: 14hrs 02mins
Lahore to Altit Fort Time: 17hrs 30mins
Karachi to Altit Fort Time: 29hrs 55mins
Faisalabad to Altit Fort Time: 17hrs 05mins
Gilgit to Altit Fort Time: 3hrs 35mins
Hunza to Altit Fort Time: 1hr 30mins
Karimabad
Karimabad is located on the west of the Hunza River. It is located at an altitude of 2500m. The village was home to the royal family of Hunza in the past. Previously it was named Baltit but then switched to Karimabad. It serves as the capital of Hunza. The literacy rate here is very high, around more than 90%. The landmarks around the Karimabad Hunza are the Baltit Fort, Queen Victoria Monument, Channel Walk, and the snow-clad mountains of Rakaposhi and glaciers of Ulter Nala.
Here is how long it takes to reach Karimabad Hunza from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to KarimabadTime: 12hrs 45mins
Lahore to Karimabad Time: 16hrs 34mins
Karachi to Karimabad Time: 28hrs
Faisalabad to Karimabad Time: 16hrs 05mins
Gilgit to Karimabad Time: 2hrs 15mins
Rakaposhi Viewpoint
Rakaposhi is a mountain located in the Karakoram Mountain Range, Gilgit Baltistan. Rakaposhi is also known as Dumani (“Mother of Mist”). The mountain is 7,788 meters high and ranked 27th highest in the world. The Rakaposhi range mountain area has been made a community park. It is home to animals such as snow leopards, brown bears, wolves, and Marco Polo Sheeps. Rakaposhi is surrounded by several glaciers such as Barpu, Biro, Bagrot, and Pisan.
Here is how long it takes to reach Rakaposhi Viewpoint from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 11hrs 58mins
Lahore to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 15hrs 46mins
Karachi to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 27hrs
Faisalabad to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 15hrs 09mins
Gilgit to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 1hrs 29mins
Hunza to Rakapsohi Viewpoint Time: 45mins
Ladyfinger Peak Viewpoint
The Ladyfinger Peak is a distinctive rock spire in the Batura Muztagh, the westernmost subrange of the Karakoram range in Pakistan. It lies on the southwest ridge of the Ultar Sar massif, the most southeasterly of the major groups of the Batura Muztagh. The best place to view Ladyfinger Peak is Duiker, which offers spectacular views of the area.
Here is how long it takes to reach Ladyfinger Viewpoint from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 13hrs 07mins
Lahore to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 16hrs 55mins
Karachi to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 28hrs
Faisalabad to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 16hrs 15mins
Gilgit to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 2hrs 37mins
Hunza to Ladyfinger Viewpoint Time: 30mins
Rush Lake
Rush Lake is a high altitude lake near Rush Pari Peak. It is over 4, 694 meters. Rush Lake, Pakistan is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. The lake can be reached via Nagar and Hopar. It can also be reached via the Hopar Glacier (Bualtar Glacier) and Miar Glacier. Trek to Rush Lake is a light adventure for first-timers. The trek offers spectacular views such as K2, Broad Peak, Baintha Brak, and Gasherbrum IV. The Rush Lake trek provides a great chance to connect with nature and the wildlife.
Here is how long it takes to reach Rush Lake from different areas of Pakistan:
Islamabad to Rush Lake Time: 13hrs 48mins
Lahore to Rush Lake Time: 17hrs 34mins
Karachi to Rush Lake Time: 29hrs
Faisalabad to Rush Lake Time: 16hrs 54mins
Gilgit to Rush Lake Time: 3hrs 36mins
Hunza to Rush Lake Time: 1hr 10mins