7 Must Visit Places in Hunza

Hunza is a great picturesque place and is often on the bucket list of travelers around the globe – thanks to its landscapes, culture, and hospitable people. It is among the top 5 most beautiful valleys of Pakistan, as per a report. However, when you go to explore even a small town let alone a massive valley, there is always so much to see and experience. People who are visiting the place for the first time find themselves in so much fuss and confusion. We are here to cut the clutter and direct you to those must-visit places in Hunza which would complete your Hunza exploration to a great extent. So without further ado, let’s dive into the blog.

1. Baltit Fort

Built in the 8th Century C.E., the Baltit Fort is a testament to the traditional lifestyle of Hunza. Rulers of Hunza used to live in this fort till the 1940s before migrating to a new place in the valley. In ancient times, this fort also acted as a strategic point and was used to safeguard the famous ‘silk route’ of trade connecting China with Afghanistan and Central Asia through the Wakhan Corridor. Currently, it is serving as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must visit place in Hunza due to its historical importance, and magnetic attraction. Make sure to hire a guide while roaming in the fort to fully grasp the amazing history of this valley. It also has an entry fee of around 500 PKR which is spent on the maintenance and protection of this fort.

2. Karimabad Bazaar

Tired of absorbing so much history of the Hunza people? Time to visit Karimabad Bazaar! It’s situated right across the Baltit Fort. Karimabad Bazaar is a must-visit place in Hunza due to its vibrancy and cultural touch. Talk about mouth-watering food dishes to exquisite cultural dresses and shawls to beautiful souvenirs, Karimabad has got it all covered. Walk around the historical bazaar, treat yourself to amazing food, interact with locals, buy antiques as souvenirs, and take a lot of pictures. What else traveling is for, Right? Most often than not, it is the place where tourists choose to stay when they visit by road from Islamabad

3. Attabad Lake

If you drive on the Karakoram Highway towards the China Border, Attabad Lake comes on the way in the Gojal region. The first view of the lake appears – just after crossing a long tunnel – giving visitors a heaven-like feel. It was formed as a result of a major landslide in 2010 when the path of River Hunza was blocked. Since then, it has become a major tourist destination and a must-visit place in Hunza. Lake offers a range of activities including boating, jet skiing, fishing, and more. Predictions have it that this lake would cease to exist in some 10-year time. Therefore, enjoy it as long as it exists.

Some solo travelers who are seeking adventure also stay at the bank of the lake at night and enjoy nature.

4. Lady Finger Peak View Point

Lady Finger peak is a unique rock in the Batura Glacier. It is known as the lady finger due to its pointy nature. However, it is famous due to its associated folklore. Legends have it that a young prince came and married a princess here. Then he got to know that his first wife has been kidnapped. He left to rescue her first wife leaving the princess here at the mountain. People believe that the princess is still there at the top of it. You would find the viewpoint at the Karakorum Highway past Attabad Lake.

5. Passu Cones

If you drive past Attabad Lake sticking to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which itself is considered the eighth wonder of the world, Passu cones would arrive. Passu cones are mountain peaks in the Karakoram range. These are famous due to their shape which is very much cone-like – hence the name Passu Cones. There is one interesting fact about it that no climber has ever been able to summit them. A few years ago, Pakistani Climber, Abdul Joshi was about to achieve this incredible feat, however, he had to return just before the summit due to his reasons. These cones, nonetheless, present a spectacular view. Tourists love to come here and take pictures.

6. Hussaini Bridge

Hussaini Suspension Bridge famously known as Hussaini Bridge is located in the Hussaini village of Hunza near incredible Passu cones. Unfortunately, the hanging bridge over the Hunza River isn’t the most looked after bridge with most of its planks missing. Yet, tourists test their nerves and try to navigate it carefully. Speaking strongly from a traveler’s perspective, no Hunza tour is complete without visiting this amazing Bridge. There is also an entry fee for this bridge which is very minimal. You would find some local stalls nearby with some fresh juices which are a must try.

7. Khunjerab National Park

Enough of visiting lakes, forts, and bridges! Let’s go find some snowy mountains in the Khunjerab National Park. As you would ride towards the China Border – exploring Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Bridge along the way – you’d soon enter Khunjerab National Park. In case you are traveling with the family, it is your personal decision whether to visit this place or not due to its high altitude. It is among the biggest national parks in Pakistan primarily made for the protection of wildlife. It’s the home to Markhor – the national animal of Pakistan. Other than this, Snow Leopard, Marco Polo Sheep, ibex, and brown bears, among others, are some of the jewels in the crown of this incredible park.

Another monument that you’d find in the Khunjerab National Park is Khunjerab Pass – a pass connecting China and Pakistan. From here onwards, the territory of Pakistan ends and China starts. You’d find trucks and trade cargo coming from China and entering Pakistan via Khunjerab Pass. It’s also a great tourist attraction. People come and take pictures as a souvenir.

Last but not the least monument you’d find at Khunjerab Pass is an ATM of the National Bank of Pakistan which arguably is the World’s Highest Altitude ATM. Although it doesn’t function most of the time, a picture here might tick off something on your bucket list. Don’t forget to post it on Instagram and tag us because, after all, it would be THE Picture in front of the highest Altitude ATM in the world ☺

Now that you know about all the travel details you needed, what are you waiting for? Go visit this amazing valley filled with love, passion, hospitality, and adventure. Liked reading the blog? Let us know in the comments and share it on your Social Media with your friends. Don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram story ☺ Happy Traveling.

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