Karimabad

Karimabad, also known as the Capital of Hunza Valley, is located at the distance of 100 km from Gilgit city on the west bank of the Hunza River. It is one of the best tourist spots in Pakistan due to historical Baltit Fort and Karimabad village.

Karimabad Town & Market

Karimabad town is fascinated due to the huge steep sloping terraces of fields over the slopes of mountains. The beautiful views of these fields and orchards with background of brownish high-altitude mountain give an eye-catching scenic view. After reaching Karimabad, one must perform a walk in the irrigation channels. It is an irrigation system on Ultar Nala, and attracts tourist to enjoy a walk along the channel with beautiful scenery views around it. The velvety color of channels also adds more attraction in the beauty of the valley. While passing over the steeper paths toward the top, you can see beautiful town Karimabad within the shades of green fields and orchards.

In the evening at Karimabad, the most exciting thing is the walk in the Karimabad market. Bazaar is lined with artisan & gem shops, local hotels and cafes, and best quality dried fruit shops. Taking a cup of tea or coffee in the traditional balti styled cafe will become the past in your memories.

Baltit Fort - a Gem of Karimabad

Baltit fort was constructed in 17th century for the daughter of the balti ruler on the top of hill. The fort architecture presents the Balti-style with balconies, windows, and fireplaces. Tourists can have beautiful scenery view of the fort with broader view of background snow-capped mountain ranges. A narrow and steep pathway is leading upward through the traditional stone-and-timber houses and irrigation channels. Trek finally emerges to the base of the historical Baltit Fort on the high rocky ridge over the entire valley below it.

Altit Fort - 700 Years Old Palace

Altit Fort, a historical landmark almost 1100 years old, is located on a big rock in Altit town in the Hunza valley. It is located at a distance of 5 km from Hunza Valley on the bank of the Hunza River. It was the old residency of Rulers of Hunza before Baltit Fort and it is also considered as the oldest building in Gilgit-Baltistan. Going downhill from Karimabad, the oldest settlement of the valley, in Altit village. A splendid architectural landmark of Altit Fort is located on the sheer cliff tower with an adjacent royal apricot garden. One can also visit the local museum where one can learn the historical evidence by observing various artifacts belonging to ancient Hunza valley and family of Mirs.

Magnificent Sunset View at Eagle's Nest

Duikar is a peaceful alpine meadow at an elevation of 600 meters to upper part of the Karimabad town. Eagle's Nest is the famous viewpoint to observe the sunlight with a 360-degree view over the tops of the Rakaposhi, Diran, and Golden Peak. You need to hire a 4x4 jeep from the Karimabad Bazaar to crawl over the height of the Duikar plateau. Trek leads toward the high ridge of Duikar, known as Eagle's Nest. Jeep can be hired in the range of 4000 to 6000 repees for a roundtrip to observe the sunset view over the 7,000 meters high mountain peaks.

Queen Victoria Monument

At end of Karimabad town, The Queen Victoria Monument is erected on a rock. It is accessible by trekking for about one hour. It is an important landmark that indicates the beauty of Hunza Valley that attracted the Queen of England.

Want to explore the oldest settlement in the Hunza Valley and historical landmark to read our complete Altit Fort Guideline.

About Hunza

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).