Hunza realize us the existence of paradise on Pakistan. Pakistan being came into 1947. During partition of united India, many Muslims regions are not involved in the new independent state, Pakistan. There are many countries in the world which don’t have a good geological and geographical structure and composition but Pakistan is not of them. Amazing geological structure of Pakistan can differentiate them with many countries. Due to its geographical location, there are four seasons, summer, winter, spring and autumn. Many archeological ancient sites are also present in Pakistan. Pakistan was the part of many ancient civilizations, which can be seen in many historical sites in Pakistan like Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, Gilgit Baltistan and Lahore etc.
Pakistan has sensitive relation with tourism. Many people claim that Pakistan is not a good country for tourism so, I must say about those people that they didn’t explore the tourist hubs in Pakistan. I will recommend to explore just the northern areas of Pakistan like Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu, swat valleys, naran kaghan, kalam, mahodand and many more for tourism.
This spectacular valley is one of them lies on the northern areas of Pakistan.
Location of Hunza
This District (Urdu: ضلع ہنزہ) is a district of Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan in the disputed Kashmir region.
Short History of Hunza
It was an independent princely state for centuries which were ruled by Mir known as king. It plays a vital role in the gateway of trade between central Asia and south Asia. In 1891, this state came under the British rule and became a part of Gilgit agency. Then in 1974, this state lost its status of Being independent and became a part of the Pakistan.
People of Hunza
Burusho people are mainly linked to Hunza. We can say that people of this valley are called Burusho people. People of this ethnic group can be seen everywhere in Gilgit.
Well, there are many ethnics groups of people in Gilgit according to their culture, tradition, norms, values, behaviors and lifestyle.
Language in Hunza
Burushaski language can be spoken widely in Hunza by the people of Burusho. Apart from its Urdu can be also spoken language of there.
Culture of Hunza
Religion
The majority of people (95%) are Ismaili Muslims. Ismaili Muslims is a branch of Shia Islam.
Traditional practices
We can see the rich culture of this valley in traditional music, festivals, dance, handcraft, embroidery, woodcarving and weaving.
Diet
The diet of people of the area is mainly linked with fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nuts, whole grains and foods free from cooking oil. That’s the main reason of the longevity of Gilgit people. Food plays a vital role in the maintenance of the body and health.
Now most of us will say that we also eat fresh vegetable but still we are not be able to free ourselves from diseases so, I must say that first of all its on ALLAH hands to do whatever he wants in the world and universe as well. But we can follow the good guideline for keeping ourselves from diseases.
Its true that we eat plenty of vegetables but it’s not beneficent to us because of the cooking oil. We need to avoid the cooking oil in the vegetables because of the chemicals which can be found in cooking oil.
Visit places in Hunza
Hunza Valley
The region’s centerpiece, this gorgeous valley is home to glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and verdant valleys. In the valley, you may go fishing, walking, climbing, and camping.
Baltit Fort
With breathtaking views of the valley, this 700-year-old fort is built on a rock above Karimabad. The fort is home to a museum featuring items from the Hunza area and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Altit Fort
Another historic fort with traditional architecture and artefacts, this one is from the eleventh century.
Attabad Lake
A landslip in 2010 created this turquoise-colored lake, which is currently a well-liked location for camping and boating.
Passu Cones
Towering over the Karakoram Highway is a remarkable group of granite spires known as the “Passu Cathedral.”
Khanjerab Pass
The highest paved border crossing in the world, Khunjerab Pass, links China and Pakistan and provides stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Hunza Eagle Nest
An eatery with breathtaking views of the Valley that is built above a rock. It’s a wonderful spot to eat while admiring the view.
Discover Skardu.
Activities in Hunza
Trekking
This valley offers the wide range of trekking opportunities and trials which are ranging from easy to challenging, leading through the high mountains, glaciers and valleys.
Mountaineering
Experts of climbing can tackle peaks like Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak.
Cultural experience
Visitors can explore the culture of Hunza by visiting to the local villages, participating in the dance and music festivals, and learn the skills of handicraft from the skilled people of the area.
Scenic drives
The Karakoram highway, which passes through honza can add more attraction to the tourism purpose. It offers the stunning view which can please your soul for a while.
Best time to visit Hunza
As we know that everyone has their own personal choices and personal preferences so it’s all up to your choices, which season do you like, what activities do you like and what is your purpose of the tour.
In summer, from May to September, it is the best season to visit Hunza because of the several reasons. You can enjoy the trekking, hiking and explore the area very well in the pleasant and moderate temperature. Another advantage of visiting in summer to this area is that, days are longer in summers and there will be no fear of glaciers and destructive snowfall.
In winters you can just enjoy the snow fall and all the activities which can be done in winters. Days will be short so you may not be able to explore the Northern areas of Pakistan in very short time.
I recommend you to visit in summer because you will be able to explore each and everything in northern areas of Pakistan in the daylight and the days are generally longer in summer so, you will get more time as compared to winters. And there is high risk of becoming ill in winters so that’s why I recommended to visit in summer instead of winters.
How can I get to Hunza?
You can travel in two ways.
By air
You can travel from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar to Hunza, skardu and Gilgit. Pakistan international airlines and airblue has daily flights to skardu and Hunza. You can enjoy the beautiful stunning views of Himalayas from plane.
By Road
You can also travel to Northern areas of Pakistan by road but it will be longer and little bit tiring because of the long distance. But you will explore many other tourist hubs on the way. If you are comfortable with driving and want to explore more of Northern areas so, traveling by road is the best option for you.
My Opinion
If you have some physical and mental issue and wants to reach quickly so, then traveling by plane is must for you but if you have a big plain, budget and time and don’t be hesitate too much of driving in car so than traveling by road Is waiting for you.
I must say to keep your friend’s group well so, you will not be bored because of the company they provide.
Distance from Islamabad to Hunza
Distance from Islamabad to Hunza is nearly 332 KM. You can also travel by plane from Islamabad to Skardu. So its depend on your purpose and choices that what you wants to do.
Famous foods of Hunza
- Chapshuro.
- Gyaling/Gral.
- Buroshapik/Ghilmindi.
- Diram Pitti.
- Tumoro Tea.
- Hoilo Garma.
- Buttering Doudo.
- Harisa.
These are the main famous foods which are widely used there in Northern areas.
Advices before visiting Hunza
- Keep warm clothes with yourself for protection against coldness.
- Blankets, hoodies, masks, food, water, medicine, extra clothes, extra petrol extra money should be with you.
- Be respectful to the culture, traditions and festivals of Northern areas.
- Don’t eat too much in a journey otherwise you will may face the shortage of bathrooms and the distance is too long.
- Travel by plane if you have some physical and mental issues.
- Watch movies if you are movies lover and your time will spend quickly.
- You can also read books, Quran for passing of time quickly.
- Try to share extra food with the needy people.
- Snacks, biscuits and juices should be with you for avoiding bathroom issues.
Discover the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Conclusion
In this blogpost or article, I discussed the paradise of Pakistan, Hunza. Furthermore, I discussed the Hunza location, people, language, culture, tradition, pictures, tourists’ hubs, activities, famous food, specialty, and tips before visiting to there. it is a district in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the disputed Kashmir region. It was once an independent princely state ruled by Mir, and played a crucial role in trade between central and south Asia.
In 1891, this area became part of Gilgit agency and lost its independence in 1974. The Burusho people, mainly associated with this area, have their own culture, traditions, and language. The majority of Gilgit people are Ismaili Muslims, a branch of Shia Islam. Hunnza’s rich culture includes traditional music, festivals, dance, handcraft, embroidery, woodcarving, and weaving. Their diet is primarily based on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and foods free from cooking oil, contributing to their longevity.
FAQS
What is the specialty of Northern areas of Pakistan?
The lush mountains, snow capped mountains, thick forests, stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and the diet of people are well known in all over in Pakistan. Due to these features the northern areas of Pakistan are considered the backbone of Pakistan tourism.
What is the best time for tourism?
Generally, summer is the best season for visiting and exploring. I recommend to travel in summer because the days will be longer, weather will be completely fine i mean there will be no fear of falling glaciers and stones from the mountains of northern areas.
what is the most expensive thing in trip to northern areas of Pakistan?
The expanses of petrol is the most expensive thing now a days in Pakistan. Many people lost their interest in traveling just because of the expensiveness of the petrol prices in Pakistan as compare to price before in Pakistan.
Can I travel by plane?
Yes you can travel by plane to northern areas of Pakistan. Traveling by plane is highly recommended for those who are some serious problem of mentality or physicality.
What are the traveling advices to Hunza?
Keep warm clothes with yourself for protection against coldness.
Blankets, hoodies, masks, food, water, medicine, extra clothes, extra petrol extra money should be with you.
Be respectful to the culture, traditions and festivals of Northern areas.
Don’t eat too much in a journey otherwise you will may face the shortage of bathrooms and the distance is too long.
Travel by plane if you have some physical and mental issues.
Watch movies if you are movies lover and your time will spend quickly.
You can also read books, Quran for passing of time quickly.
Try to share extra food with the needy people.
Snacks, biscuits and juices should be with you for avoiding bathroom issues.
Are northern areas are best for living?
If you are addicted to the modern world then you are not suitable for living in northern areas of Pakistan but if you are far away from the modern world and facilities and purely nature lover, then these areas are the best option for you to live. If you want to keep yourself very close to the nature then go on.
What type of improvement needed in Hunza?
Government just need to pay attention to these tourist destinations. Provide facilities to the locals and visitors by establishing industries there, by doing it many families and businessmen’s will migrate to the northern areas of Pakistan and thus the barren land will turn into green lush plains.
If you want to know in more details about the valley then visit here.
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