Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort is situated on Old Fort Road in Karamiabad just at the distance of one kilometer on a big rock. It was constructed in 8th century for the daughter of the balti ruler on the top of hill. Fort is presenting in Balti-style with balconies, windows, fireplaces, etc. Tourists can have beautiful scenery view of the fort with broader view of the Ultar Sar Peak behind.

History of Batlit Fort

Baltit Fort is the historical master piece of Cator and Cribbage construction style by using interlocking wooden frames those are filled with mud and stones to protect the building from massive earthquakes. It is a multi-story building including throne room, royal dining hall, and watchtowers. It is also served as a royal residency by the Mir of Hunza. Fort also shows Ladakhi style of construction in its renovation in 14th century on the occasion of marriage between Mir of Hunza and princess of Baltistan. Museum also presents the historical weapons, jewelry, carpets, and photographs during the British colonial era. Emerge onto the flat, open stone terraces right outside the fort's main wooden gate. Turn around to catch a breathless, bird's-eye panorama across the entire green valley floor, with Rakaposhi mountain standing directly in front of you. The Mirs of Hunza left the fort in 1945 due to its bad conditions. Then fort was preserved in 1996 by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme. Now fort and its museum is under the supervision of the Baltit Heritage Trust.

Fort Visit Timing & Ticket

Fort is open for general public from 9AM to 5:30PM in summer season and 9AM to 4PM in winter season. Ticket charges will be different for different type of visitors. The ticket charges are 500 rupees local general public, and it is 1,500 rupees for foreigner visitors. The ticket also includes the charges of guided tour. The local guide will guide you about the history and purpose of various components and rooms of the fort.

How to Access Baltit Fort

For can be accessed from Karimabad through the cobblestone streets of the main market at a walking distance. In market, you can also explore local handicraft shops, dry fruits, walnut cake bakeries, and gemstone stalls. Follow the narrow and steep pedestrian lane toward the Ultar Sar peak. You can enjoy the beautifully constructed traditional stone houses scattered in the lush green fields and orchards. In few minutes, you are on the flat and open stone terraces outside the main wooden gate of the fort. A panoramic view of the fort will be now in front you with Rakaposhi mountain in the background.

Searching the best hotels, traditional rooftop restaurants, and local artisan shops just below the fort trails, read our Karimabad Hunza Travel.

About Gojal Upper Hunza

Gojal is the largest city in Baltistan next to Hunza, having a border with China and Afghanistan. It connects with China through the Khunjerab Pass and with Afghanistan through the Chapursan Valley. Gojal, also known as Upper Hunza, is the highest mountains area in the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, at an average elevation of 4,000 meters.