Fun Facts About Hunza Valley

Abdullah Khan

Introduction

Hunza is a small district in Gilgit-Baltistan and is known for its spectacular mountain scenery. The valley was once part of the great Silk Road, which connected China and the Middle East with Europe. The area is also home to some of Pakistan's highest peaks and has an outstanding biodiversity with over 1,100 species of flora and fauna including endangered species like snow leopard or Himalayan ibex.

Topographical and hydrographic surveys were carried out in the area, giving a fairly detailed picture of the high valleys. The most important surveys are:

Survey of Hunza Valley from 1953 to 1955 by Dr. G. A. Khan, which showed that Hunza River flows through three different valleys called North, South and Central Hunza Valleys respectively;
Survey of Gilgit-Baltistan from 1931 to 1935 by Col (R) M.A. Malik; The survey showed that Gilgit-Baltistan consists of three main ranges: Karakoram Range (Karakoram Pass), Braldu Range and Kunar Valley Range;

A survey team headed by Major R.E. Callendar, CBE, led by Maj. H.K Adamson, MC (1920-1924), found that Hunza had two distinct features - the main river (Shandu) which runs north and south from east to west across the middle of the valley like a narrow isthmus between two large arms of land; and the main river (Karan) which runs north-west and south-east into Tibet through the eastern and western arms of land that separate Hunza from Baltistan.

Hunza is a valley in Pakistan, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The name Hunza comes from an old phrase meaning "to make oneself small".

The main river (Shandu) which runs north and south from east to west across the middle of the valley like a narrow isthmus between two large arms of land; and the main river (Karan) which runs north-west and south-east into Tibet through the eastern and western arms of land that separate Hunza from Baltistan.

Most of the population live in these large fertile valleys and depend on agriculture.

The Hunza valley is a large fertile valley located in the center of Pakistan. Most of the population live in these large fertile valleys and depend on agriculture. The valleys are located in mountains, which provide them with water for irrigation purposes. They are very beautiful places to visit if you have time!

The headwaters of Hunza River are located on the glaciers of Himalayas.

The source of water for Hunza River is located on the glaciers of Himalayas. The glaciers are fed by snow and ice, which make them melt during summer season and form a river which flows towards south direction.

The altitude of Hunza ranges from 3000m to 5000 m above sea level, while Baltistan range is mainly between 900 m to 1700 m above sea level.

The difference in altitude between Hunza and Baltistan is significant. The average elevation of the valleys are quite low and it can be seen that there is less difference in heights between these two valleys than what you might expect considering their climatic conditions and terrain.

The word "Hunzakut" is derived from a combination of two Urdu words "Hunz", meaning eater; and "Aazak" meaning native or inhabitant of Hunza Valley.

It was first mentioned in the Gazetteer of Hunza Valley by Colonel Henry Yule (1870) who stated that: “The inhabitants of this valley are called Hunzakuts, or eaters of flesh”.

It's fun to find out about things you don't know about before you go there.

You can learn more about the culture, history and geography of a place.
You may find that your expectations are wrong because they were based on a movie or book which is not true at all.
The food in Hunza Valley is delicious!

Conclusion

The Hunza valley is one of the more fascinating locations in the world. The people, culture and history are unlike anything else one might find on a travel to Pakistan. Whether it's tasty fruit, breathtaking views or an ancient civilization that fascinates you, this valley has everything that a traveler may need.

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Fun Facts About Hunza Valley