Hunza Valley (Gilgit Baltistan)

 

Hunza, a mountainous valley in Gilgit Baltistan, is situated at a distance of 98 km from Gilgit city. There are several high peaks above 20,000 feet in Hunza Valley and provides a splendid view of many high mountains such Rakaposhi (25,551 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II (24,045 ft), Ghenta Sar (19, 980 ft), and Hunza Peak (20, 571 ft).

Hunza valley has a number of important and popular tourist places such as Larimabad, Baltit Fort, and Altit Fort.

The climate of Hunza is cold, in winter, heavy snow blocks every access to the valley whereas summer is cool and pleasant and attracts tourists in this area.

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.

Gojal is the largest district of the Gilgit-Baltistan and its the homeland of highest mountain valleys and hills. Shimshal valley is the largest and highest valley in the region, at the altitude of 10,170 feet above the sea level. Shimshal is the most favorite place for tourists. Distaghil Sar in the Karakorum Range, the seventh highest mountain in Pakistan, is the highest hill in the Shimshal Valley. Other prominent hills in the Shimshal Valley are Kunjut Sar, Trivor, Pumari Chhish, and Yukshin Gardan Sar. It is also known as the Valley of Mountaineers.

Gulmit is another most important tourist spot in the Upper Hunza at the altitude of 7,900 feet above the sea level. It has number of facilities like hotels and shops for tourists. There are number of beautiful lakes in the Gulmit valley.

Passu is situated on the Karakorum Highway in the Karakoram Range. It is the most dangerous place due landsliding and flood in rivers. It is also known the most ancient village in the region. Two gigantic glaciers, Batura and Passu Glacier, are also located in Passu. Batura Glacier, 56 km long, is the third longest glacier of Pakistan. Passu Cones, the most beautiful range of mountains, are also located in Passu. A magnificient and beautiful view of Passu Cones is clearly visible from the Karakoram Highway.

Shishkat is a beautiful place in the Gojal district that attracts number of tourists. Attabad Lake is also located in the Shishkat that is formed accidentally in 2010 due to massive landslide in the Hunza River.

Sost, the village on the Pakistan - China Border, is an important town in the Gojal. The importance of this town is due to the dry port which is the main hub of trade between China and Pakistan. The highest Khunjerab Pass, a gateway to China, is also located there. The Khunjerab Pass has its international importance, as it is a trade gateway between Pakistan and China.

The Karakoram Highway is the most wonderful adventure while traveling toward Khunjerab Pass from Hunza. One can see number of beautiful and attractive peaks and scenic valleys while traveling among the highest peaks in the Karakoram Range. One can also enjoyed the scenic views of the Hunza River that is fed by number of small rivers and streams in the region. Then finally, it merges with the Gilgit River in Gilgit.