Valley of forts, orchards and seven-thousand-metre peaks
Hunza Valley from Eagle’s Nest Hotel. Photo: Muhammad Khurram Shahzad / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hunza is the best-known valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Karakoram Highway runs through it from Nagar to the Chinese border at the Khunjerab Pass, below peaks such as Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar and the Passu Cones.
Central Hunza, around Karimabad, is known for its two old forts, terraced orchards and views across the valley. Upper Hunza, called Gojal, is wider and wilder, with Attabad Lake, long glaciers and the Wakhi villages of Gulmit, Passu and Shimshal.
Popular Activities
- Fort and village walks
- Glacier and meadow treks
- Boating on Attabad Lake
- Blossom and autumn photography
- Local food and music
Places to Visit in Hunza
9 places chosen by our local guides.
Altit Fort and Royal Garden
The oldest fort in Hunza, on a cliff above the river, with a shaded garden and an old village beside it.
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Eagle’s Nest, Duikar
The classic viewpoint of Hunza, high above Altit, best at sunrise and sunset.
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Attabad Lake
A deep turquoise lake on the Karakoram Highway, formed by a landslide in 2010.
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Hussaini Suspension Bridge
A long bridge of cables and wooden planks across the Hunza River, with the Passu Cones behind.
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Passu Cones and Passu Glacier
The jagged peaks known as the Passu Cathedral, and a glacier that comes almost down to the road.
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Khunjerab Pass
The border with China at about 4,693 m, the highest paved international border crossing in the world.
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Shimshal Valley
The highest settlement in Hunza, reached by a dramatic jeep road and known for its mountain guides.
More detailsWhere to Stay in Hunza
Hunza Serena Hotel
Comfortable hotel in Karimabad with views over the valley and Rakaposhi, close to Baltit Fort and the bazaar.
Eagle’s Nest Hotel
Family-run mountain hotel on the Duikar ridge above Altit, famous for sunrise and sunset views over Hunza Valley.
Serena Altit Fort Residence
Heritage stay in the Royal Garden at the foot of Altit Fort, with valley views and Kha Basi Café on site.
Treks in Hunza
Patundas Trek
A glacier crossing and a steep climb to the Patundas ridge, a high meadow between the Passu and Batura glaciers.
Shimshal Pass Trek
A week-long trek from Shimshal, the highest settlement in Hunza, to the yak pastures and lakes of the Shimshal Pass.
Ultar Meadow Trek
A steep hike from Karimabad up the Ultar ravine to a shepherd meadow below Ultar Sar and Lady Finger.
