Daily Times

In the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, lies a valley where education is a priority and hospitality is a duty. People in this valley are peace-loving, educated and resilient. Along with other beauties, this valley exudes a special taste in autumn when the leaves turn yellow and red giving the sign of the arrival of winter.

Hunza is 16-hours’ drive from Islamabad, two hours’ drive from Gilgit and five hours’ drive from China’s Xinjiang. Hunza is the last populated valley in Pakistan after which starts the Khunjerab National Park and the Pak-China border. Khunjerab is the world’s highest border which is closed for three to five months due to heavy snowfall whereas it is open for the rest of the year for trade.

Hunza Valley provides views of several high mountains namely Rakaposhi, Lady Finger, Ultar Sar and many more peaks covered with snow. This valley receives enough snowfall in winters when the temperature drops to -15; the whole valley wears a sheet of white with frozen lakes, pathways and roads buried in snow.

Hunza is enriched with countless fresh fruits like apple, cherry, apricot, grapes and peaches are top of the list whereas dry fruits like walnuts, almonds, pine nuts are also grown here in wide variety. Traditional dishes like Chap choro when served in a stone utensil comes with an exceptionally good taste. Apple jam and honey completes the menu of Hunza.

Living in one corner of the world and so high up in the mountains, yet these people are connected with the world while following the trends of fashion, sports and e-commerce. Women in Hunza are working equally with men to earn a living. Wood carving, stones and gems, teaching, cafes and hotels are the industries in which most of the women are indulged.

The valley was always in main stream as the Old Silk Route passes through Khunjerab and Hunza but since China and Pakistan have agreed on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a new chapter is beginning and trade will double through this route, making it more secure, accessible, main stream and facilitated.

Historically, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and the sacred stones gives this valley a huge significance in the region as these forts are more than 800 years old whereas the carvings on stones are even older. This area was once ruled by the British as well but mostly the culture is inherited from Tibet and China. People in Hunza are Muslims from the Ismaili sect of Shia. Despite a vast variety of culture and different languages, these people strongly stick to the values and morals of Islam.

Markhoor, the national animal of Pakistan, is also found in these areas, whereas the snow leopard, Yalk, Marmot and Ibex can also be seen in this area. Trophy-hunting competitions are held to increase awareness in locals and tourists about the animals, a lot of foreigner’s take part in the competition, which boosts the funds further used for the preservation of these animals.

Eagle Nest or Duikar point is a must visit place when you are on a tour to Hunza and Khunjerab where as Attabad Lake, Ganesh Village, Passu Cones and Rakaposhi View point are also very fascinating view points to cover.

The locals are well-mannered and well aware of the hospitality traditions continued from generations as the main source of this area comes from tourism. Foreigners feel comfortable over here due to the serene beauty and comfortable accommodations with the best of facilities and excellent communication from the locals.

Last but not the least, owing to global warming and power shortages, these people have started to rely on renewable resources like solar energy and currently one village of Hunza is completely shifted on solar technology which makes them one step ahead of the rest of the country.

Seeing is believing, so in order to experience whatever you read above you need to visit Hunza and Khunjerab Pass.