Hunza Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan

Bakhsh Ur

Tour Guide, Islamabad, Pakistan

21 Oct 2022 | 5 mins read

Hunza Nagar is a hamlet surrounded by the most mesmerizing mountains of the Karakorum group including Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden, Shisper and Passu Peaks. The views are simply breath taking and feeling of a paradise on earth. The two kingdoms of Hunza and Nagar coexisted as rivals and this barbaric tradition kept them battle hardened and creative. The ancient Silk Route also passes through the valley and its traces are found at many places; it used to connect Indus Civilization with the Chinese Civilization.

Modern time Hunza Nagar is synonymous with women empowerment and cultural emancipation. Winter sports including Ice Hockey is a new addition to the atlas of the region and has added color to the otherwise dull winter life in the region. Cherry blossom and autumn dry leaves are the unforgettable scenes. Attabad lake and Altit/Baltit Forts are places of special significance in the region.

The traces of the global warming and climate change have been seen firsthand on the glacial slopes. All these beauties and traces are along the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and the place is a comfortable rendezvous for the travelers.

Why to Visit Hunza Nagar Valley?

• The adventure lovers can find extreme ventures closer to the main road including, river rafting, rock climbing, glacier/snow trekking, para gliding, river crossing on suspension bridge, mountaineering, wild polo playing, yak riding and trophy hunting.

• The nature lovers can find peace and happiness in a pollution and noise free environment. Attabad Lake, Borith Lake, Qarchnai Lake and Shimshal Pamir lake can give you the opportunity to see your shade in the deep blue water. The ‘flora and fauna’ on the high pastures of Khunjrab Pass, and other places can give you the soothing fragrance not found in any cologne or body perfume.

• The geography/geology/genealogy students can follow the traces of bygone gypsies found along the routes leading to and beyond Khunjarab Pass, Shimshal Pass, Mintika Pass, Klik Pass connecting Pakistan and China, similarly Chilangi Pass and Irshad Pass connecting Afghanistan. Altit Fort, Baltit fort, Nilt Fort speak of the bygone glories of Hunza Nagar. The gold sand particles along Shimshal river, ruby and aquamarine in central Hunza and Nagar are of value to the customers.

• The ‘religious travelers’ can search for inner peace in the mountains of the Karakorum. God has created the mighty mountains and rivers to challenge the character and faith of the believers. Let the human of faith, accept the challenge and find the lasting peace within and without. The Buddhist rock carvings and Muslim Astans (place dedicated to some religious personality) are the main attractions along the KKH. The mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Shams at Shimshal, mausoleum of Hazrat Baba Ghundi at Chipurson and mausoleum of Shah Wali at Nagar are places of devotional pilgrimages in Hunza Nagar.

• The corporate gurus and marketing researchers may find the ‘Sost Dry Port’ , Karimabad/ Gulmit Hunza and Minapin Nagar a lucrative business opportunity.

• The social scientists and women enthusiasts may be fascinated by the women emancipation and women empowerment in Hunza and visit all women hotels and carpentry shops.

• The Sports zealots may find it fascinating to play winter sports in Hunza Nagar. Ice Hockey, Ice Skating and skiing are the new fascinations in the region and it has transformed the dull winter season into a lively season of sports and social networking. Ghulkin , Altit, Khyber, Chipurson, Shimshal and Hoper are the main winter sports venues. Passu, Minapin {Pisan}, Asqurdas and Sharisubz are the summer cricket/football playing grounds.

• The ‘trophy hunters’ can visit Hunza Nagar for hunting of Ibex and Blue sheep. The Hunting season starts in October and end by April. Special license is offered by the Government in conservancy areas. 80% of the income generated through this activity goes to the local villagers who take care of the wildlife and conserve it for trophy hunting.

• The mountaineers find Hunza Nagar a heaven for mountaineering. The beautiful slops of Rakaposhi, Deran, Shisper, Passu Peak and many others attract the adventure lovers. Of late downhill ski, para gliding and other extreme sports have also come up.

• Honeymoon couples find Hunza Nagar a place of peace, love, and care. They identify with the mesmerizing views of Doiker, Attabad, Mamobakor, Hussaini bridge and Borith lake. A chat with some Chinese love birds on Khunjrab is an added happiness for these young and fascinating couples.

• The performing art lovers will find the dancing Shamans an interesting event. All folk in Hunza Nagar is a dancer and they dance with full zeal and enthusiasm. You find some music and are welcome to join in the dance.

When to Visit Hunza Nagar Valley?

• Hunza Nagar is an all-weather visiting place, however certain time/seasons are dedicated for special visits.

• Cherry Blossom Tours, from 10 Match to 10 May (10 March starts at the southern end and 15 May Northern end).

• Autumn Tours, 15 October to 30 November.

• Winter Sports Tours, 20 December to 20 February.

• Trophy Hunting Tours, 15 October to 15 April.

How to Visit Hunza Nagar Valley:

Pakistan famous places – Hunza Nagar Valley

• Khunjrab Pass (16000 Meters), Boarder crossing between Pakistan and China.

• Shimshal Valley. Boarder crossing between Pakistan and China and also connecting Shimshal and Baltistan and Nagar through the snow lake and Braldo glaciers.

• Irshad Pass. Boarder crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• Rakaposhi Mountain.

• Shishper Peak.

• Deran Peak.

• Passu Peak.

• Nilt Fort/Baltit Fort/Altit Fort/ Ondra Fort (remains).

• Baba Ghundi Astan.

• Attabad Lake