Discover the Best Places to Visit in Hunza in 2024

Hunza, a treasure trove of natural beauty, lies in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. With a diverse array of mesmerizing scenery including breathtaking mountains, lush green areas, captivating lakes, and historical landmarks, the incredibly beautiful place has attracted a lot of travelers, merchants, and mountaineers for centuries. 

Hunza got the title of “Heaven on Earth,” offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, awe-inspiring beauty, and the warm hospitality of locals. Stick to this article to learn more about the best places to visit in Hunza. 

List of the top 10 Beautiful Places in Hunza

Here is the list of the top beautiful places in Hunza. 

1. Karimabad 
2. Attabad Lake 
3. Gulmit Village Upper Hunza Valley
4. Passu Cones
5. Hussaini Suspension Bridge
6. Khunjerab National Park
7. Borith Lake
8. Hopper Valley
9. Ondra Poyga
10. Baltit Fort Hunza Valley

1. Karimabad Hunza Valley

Karimabad is a village of stone walls and steep-sloping terraces, situated on the western bank of the Hunza River. It is also known as Baltit, and the capital city of Hunza District in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Karimabad was named after Karim Aga Khan, the current spiritual leader of the Shia Ismail Nizari Community. This incredible place is set against the backdrop of snow-clad mountain peaks like Rakaposhi, offering a natural landscape that comprises golden sand, peak mountains, and greenery. With significant rainfall, the valley’s weather remains chilly and moderate. 

Karimabad Hunza Valley is serving as a caravan stop for travelers, journeying through the Hindu Kush mountains en route to the Kashmir Valley. It is a gateway to explore nearby attractions in the Hunza Region. 

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape or want to dive in a pool, this place surely has something for you! 

Best Time to Visit: June to August 

Read Also: Most Beautiful Places in Azad Kashmir

2. Attabad Lake 

Nestled amidst the gigantic mountains of Karakoram, Attabad Lake is one of Pakistan’s enchanting treasures, situated in the Gojal valley of Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan. After a natural disaster of landslide, the 14 km long lake was formed, filled with chilly blue water and became a proof of heaven on earth.  With the turquoise water, Attabad lake has become a popular attraction for boating and photography. 

The chilly blue water slits the Attabad lake from nearby glaciers, as well as from the Hunza River. The lake gets frozen in winter and transforms into a snowy wonderland where adventure enthusiasts can experience skating while enjoying the awe-inspiring beauty of God’s creation. Swimmers can enjoy swimming in its deep blue water during the summer. If you’re not a good swimmer, use swimming accessories for a better experience. 

Best Time to Visit: April to September 

3. Gulmit Village Upper Hunza Valley

Gulmit is a popular village, nestled in the hearts of Hunza Valley and poses the gateway to five more valleys. It is a centuries-old historic town, and a famous tourist spot full of mountains, peaks, and glaciers. You can catch the first glimpse of Passu Cones while crossing the attractive Gulmit-Shishkat bridge, and spot the colors of nature in their enormous splendor. 

Explore the many historic places, museums, hotels, and shops as well in an idyllic village on Karakoram Highway. The Gulmit’s mountains and peaks, pleasant climate and ancient monuments, come together to form a complete package for tourists. 

Best Time to Visit: March to April 

4. Passu Cones 

Passu Cones are an awe-inspiring nature spectacle, offering a unique blend of impressive scenery, several outdoor adventurous activities, and local culture. It is about 6,106 m high, and presents a pyramid-like structure. The hilly place is a great tourist attraction, located along the Karakoram Highway in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. 

This mesmerizing site is renowned for its landscape and incredible views of the Passu Star, the Passu Glacier, and the Passu Cathedral, which attract visitors from all across the globe. Climb the peaks of the mountain range and experience the serious endeavor. 

Best Time to Visit: July to September 

5. Hussaini Suspension Bridge 

Hussaini Suspension Bridge is one of many precious rope bridges in Pakistan, considered as the world’s most dangerous bridge. The bridge offers an adrenaline-pumping experience through its stunning natural beauty, tall mountains, and green hilly areas. 

This suspension bridge is 100 ft high from the river bed, consisting of 472 wooden planks, and is about 660 feet in length. Hussaini bridge stretches over the Hunza River, giving access to the surrounding villages and serves as a crucial connector. 

The bridge not only caters to the needs of villages but is also a major tourist attraction worldwide. A unique blend of crystalline-clear water, and breathtaking mountains under the roof of blue sky combine together to leave people in awe. 

Must experience this daring bridge even for once in a lifetime to witness the thrill in reality. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit this place because the moderate temperature is ideal for outdoor activities here. 

Best Time to Visit: April to June 

6. Khunjerab National Park

Khunjerab National Park is the country’s third largest national park, and adjacent to the Taxcorgan Natural Reserve in China. Amidst the Karakoram Range Mountains on Pakistan-China border in Upper Hunza Valley, the park is a home to alpine flora along with many endangered species and boasts to be the third largest park in Pakistan. 

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto established this park on April 29, 1975, and said “It must become a world-famous park.”  The primary purpose was to protect the Marco Polo Sheep, snow leopards, and bharal. 

Khunjerab National Park houses around 16 species of mammals, 45 avian species, and two species of reptiles as well. If you’re interested in wildlife, you’ll not find a better spot in Hunza than Khunjerab National Park.  

Best Time to Visit: June to September

7. Borith Lake 

Borith Lake is a saline body of water, occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2,600 meters. Adjacent to the Gulmit Village, the captivating lake lies in the Hunza Valley of Gilgit Baltistan region, Pakistan.  Bird-watchers and nature lovers most often visit this lake, renowned as a sanctuary sight for wildfowl. 

From March to June, a large number of ducks arrive from the southern parts of Pakistan and rest on their way northwards. A one-hour trek will bring you closer to Husaini Glacier. Hikers love to follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake and prefer to return by the same route. 

It is the best place to rest out of your busy daily life in Hunza. Camping near the lake isn’t a bad idea, offering a tranquil-filled atmosphere under the blue sky.  

Best Time to Visit: May to September 

Read Also: Most Beautiful Places in Balochistan

8. Hopper Valley  

Hopper Valley is a lush green area, situated approximately 10 km from Nagar Khas in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The valley is well-known for Spantik and Hopper glaciers. Along a bend of Baltoro Glacier, its beautiful landscape comprises a group of villages within a natural bowl formation.

Discover the five glaciers including Hoper glacier, Barpu glacier, Miyar glacier, Daranci glacier, Guntur glacier in the Hopper Valley. You must explore the mesmerizing path to Hopper Glacier. Despite its scenic beauty, the valley is also home to several high mountains such as Bawaltar peak, Spantik peak, Rush peak, and Miar peak. You can have a sight of other mountain series from Rush Peak like K2, Passu Cones, Rakaposhi, and Diran Peak. 

Best Time to Visit: April to September

9. Ondra Poyga 

Ondra Poyga, the world’s highest stairs, is basically situated in the popular village of Gulmit in Hunza. The word Ondra refers to the name of an ancient fort, while Poygah means stairs. From the historical Polo ground to the site of an old Ondra hilltop fort, the stairs of 1655 steps lead everyone. At an elevation of 1562, this 1.3 km trek route was built in 60 days during the harsh winter of 2020 and 2021. 

If you’re planning to visit Hunza Valley, you must experience the Old House, 1500-year-old settlement, local food, and the longest staircases in Pakistan. See the pop of pink and white colors as the cherry blossoms bloom along the trail in the spring season.  Tree leaves change colors in autumn, and provide a more colorful view with red, orange, yellow, and brown shades. 

Best Time to Visit: Spring Season

10. Baltit Fort 

Baltit Fort is one of the most famous places of Hunza that lies near the town of Karimabad in the Gilgit Baltistan region, Pakistan. This place was founded in the 8th century CE, and has been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The 700 years old was once the royal residence of the Mirs of Hunza, who ruled the region for centuries. 

Baltit Fort is a significant example of ancient architecture and an emblem of the historical legacy of Hunza. While surrounded by the majestic peaks, this remarkable fort boasts a rich past and story of legends that lived once here. It was rebuilt and modified numerous times over the centuries, but still a must-see destination in Hunza.  

Best Time to Visit:   April to June 

Conclusion 

Pakistan is a blessed country, enriched with natural beauty and cultural heritage. There are many places in Pakistan that will surely leave you in awe. One of them is Hunza, a “Paradise on Earth” known for its entrancing scenery. It is a beautiful mountainous valley located in Gilgit Baltistan, surrounded by high peaks including Rakaposhi, Hunza Peak, BojahugurDuanasir II, Darmiyani Peak, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak.

From Karimabad to Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Hopper Valley, and Baltit Fort, each destination offers unparalleled natural beauty through lush green meadows, majestic snow-capped peaks, and pristine rivers. Get ready to discover a hub of adventure tourism to unveil trekking routes, and mountaineering opportunities, and avail a chance to witness the local festivals. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or a trekker, this slice of Heaven is a perfect retreat for you all!    

FAQ’s

What Is the Beauty of the Hunza Valley?

Hunza Valley has attracted many visitors for centuries via natural beauty and location along the Central Asian Silk Route. It is not only famous for apricot farms, turquoise lakes, and glaciers, but is also well-renowned for its rich cultural tapestry. 

Why Do People Visit Hunza?

People love to visit Hunza because it explores its natural scenery, ancient forts, traditional villages, and distinctive way of life. 

What Is Interesting About Hunza?

Its environment is mountainous and has extremely rough terrain. There are some villages more than 100 years old, where you’ll see rough passages, steep ridges, and long walk journeys to their agricultural fields. 

What Is Your Favorite Part of Hunza Valley?

Altit Fort is a historic architectural gem that dates back over 900 years, located in Hunza Valley, Gilgit Baltistan. 

What Are the Hunza People Famous For?

The people of Hunza are famous for their distinctive lifestyle, based firmly on agriculture and self-sufficiency.