HUNZA TRAVEL GUIDE

Hunza is one of the best-loved valleys in Pakistan, set along the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan. Visitors come from all over the world for its old forts, turquoise lakes, glaciers and the peaks that rise around the valley — Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar and the Passu Cones among them — and for the warm welcome of its people.

Karimabad, the heart of the valley, sits at about 2,438 metres below Baltit Fort. Upper Hunza, beyond Attabad Lake, takes in Gulmit, Passu and Sost on the road to the Khunjerab Pass and the China border. Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina are spoken in the valley, and Urdu and English are widely understood.

Getting There

By air, fly from Islamabad to Gilgit — about an hour, weather permitting — and then drive about 100 km, 2 to 3 hours, to Karimabad. Flights can be cancelled in bad weather, so keep a spare day in your plans.

By road, Hunza is 550 to 650 km from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway via Besham, Chilas and Gilgit, a long, scenic drive with an overnight stop on the way. In summer you can also travel via Naran and Babusar Top.

Road Conditions

The Karakoram Highway is a good road for most of the way, but it runs through steep mountains, and heavy rain can cause landslides and delays. Travel with an experienced driver, start early, and check the weather before you set off. Naltar and some side valleys are reached by jeep.

Hunza Weather

Summer is the greenest time, with warm days and cool nights. Spring brings cherry and apricot blossom, and autumn turns the poplars gold under clear skies. Winter is snowy and very cold, and the Khunjerab Pass is closed — Hunza is still open, but some hotels close for the season.

Things to Do in Hunza

• Explore Baltit Fort and Altit Fort in Karimabad
• Watch the sunset over Rakaposhi from the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint
• Go boating on Attabad Lake
• See the Passu Cones and cross the Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Drive up to the Khunjerab Pass and the China border in summer
• Visit Hopper Village in Nagar for its glacier views

Travel Tips

Pack warm clothes even in summer, keep your CNIC or passport with you, and book early for the peak season. Hunza is a conservative place, so dress modestly and always ask before taking photos of people.

Where to Stay

Karimabad and Aliabad have hotels for every budget, with views across the valley, and there are resorts on the shore of Attabad Lake and quieter stays in Gulmit and Passu. Our tour packages include your hotel stays, chosen to suit your budget.

Plan Your Trip

See our Hunza tour packages — private trips by road or by air for families and honeymoon couples, with transport, hotels and an experienced driver — or rent a car with driver in Gilgit and Hunza. For routes and places, read our Hunza travel guide and the best places to visit in Hunza.