See Hunza key spots with our knowledgeable local guides
Landscape paintings; we all have in our homes hung by the walls, but what’s attractive about these paintings is ‘THE MAGNIFICENT VIEW’ it offers. Something so serene and scenic, it’s almost hard to believe that such beauty exists in the world.
Well, the northern areas of Pakistan are full of it, and HUNZA VALLEY is indeed the WINNER. Located at the Pakistan-China border in Gilgit Baltistan, Hunza is a paradise on earth, a fairy-tale land surrounded by snap-capped mountains and beautiful lakes.
Let’s check out some of the best places to visit in Hunza valley, along with the MUST-DO tourist activities in the area.
The most mesmerizing places in Hunza Valley is Attabad Lake. Crystal turquoise water, surrounded by gigantic Karakoram Mountains, ranked in the list of most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, Attabad is undoubtedly a must-visit place in Hunza. The lake offers many activities to the tourists, and who doesn’t want to have some adventure in the unique blue water of the lake and between the dramatic mountain drop. So Surreal. Boat riding and Jet Skiing are the most loved activities by the tourists in Attabad Lake. And lastly, if you’re on your honeymoon and you need to have a perfect spot to stay, there’s a 5-star hotel right on the neck of Attabad Lake. Honestly, give the vibes of Maldives Luxury resorts, with the added beauty of gigantic mountains around.
Hussaini Bridge, another most visited tourist spot in Hunza located about 30 minutes drive from Attabad Lake. It is a 400 steps long bridge, scary to some, thrilling to others, but one thing is for sure, the place is truly a spot to take stunning photos for your Instagram.
Next comes Borith Lake, which can be reached via a 2km unpaved jeep route from the Hussaini village. If you’re up for some adventure, you can reach the lake via a 2-3 hour-long trekking route directly from Ghuylkin.
This place is one of the best camping sites in Hunza, a go-to-spot for bird watching community, and if you’re visiting it between March to June, you will bear witness to the glorious and mind-boggling migration of thousands of ducks from South to North.
Karimabad is the leading tourist destination in Hunza Valley and has many different tourist spots to visit, which we will talk about below. This place has a very laid-back vibe, many exciting places to explore, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, excellent cafes, and a small local market from where you can get gifts for your loved ones back home.
History is always intriguing, and forts in Karimabad are genuinely historical. Baltit fort was built 700 years ago, and its historical value has made it a busy tourist spot. The location of Baltit is MAJESTIC, as it is surrounded by snowy mountains, making it a pretty photogenic place for tourists. If you’re visiting Baltit fort on a clear day, you can see the mighty peaks of Rakaposhi and Diran.
Small tip: Make sure to wear a comfy pair of shoes, as you will be walking on a 20-minute steep uphill cobblestone path from Hunza Serena Inn.
Altit Fort, the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan, located at the bottom of Hunza Valley, was constructed 1,000 years back. YES, you read it right, and we didn’t say it metaphorically because it is 1,000 years old. There is a beautiful grassland and a viewing café that is cozy, comfy, and a nice spot to take pictures.
Inside the Altit Fort, you will see a worship hall, Kashmiri samovar, an amazingly carved antique wooden chest, and many other captivating things.
If you’re visiting Hunza Valley, you can’t miss wandering the ancient cobbled streets of Karimabad. It’s always lovely to explore the culture of places you’re visiting. Karimabad local market has a lot of things to explore. You can spend hours visiting shops; you will see many unique handicrafts, gemstones, antiques, local jewelry, and dresses.
The bazaar also has small coffee shops that every tourist love is visiting. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee while seeing the breathtaking views of the Hunza Mountains.
Note: Don’t forget to purchase some handicrafts for your loved ones back home. You can also buy anything for yourself to add to your souvenir collection.
Passu is located about 30 minutes drive from Attabad Lake and is considered one of the most scenic tourist spots to visit Hunza Valley. It is a peaceful town, surrounded by magnificent mountains, with a river flowing through it. If you’re looking to spend some quality time with your family, this is your place. You can walk, trek, hike, and take photos of the serrated peaks of Passu Cones.
Khunjerab pass, also known as Pak-China Border, is a worth visiting place for tourists visiting Hunza. Located at a 3 hours’ drive from Karimabad Hunza, the Khunjerab pass is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway's architectural marvel. Tourists spend a lot of their time taking pictures in front of the majestic gateway between the jagged peaks of the mesmerizing Karakoram Range.
A little tip for you all, make sure to take eatables with you since there’re no restaurants or shops there.
Fun fact: It is the highest border-crossing globally, situated at an elevation of 15,528 feet above sea level. So do you want to miss visiting it? We don’t think so.
Departure from Lahore 10:30 pm and travel via motorway
Pick members from Islamabad 3:30 am
Travel via beautiful Hazara and Thakot Motorway
Breakfast in Besham 8:00 am
Travel along Indus River on Karakorum Highway (Silk Route)
Stopover at Dassu and Samar Nala
Arrival in Chilas 6:00 pm
Dinner 8:00 pm
Overnight stay in Chilas (Hotel Grace Continental / Hotel Panorama / Hotel Regal inn if Similar)Note: If Babusar opens then we will travel through Naran and Babusar route.
Breakfast 7:00 am
Departure from Chilas 8:00 am (Sharp)
Short stay in Nanga Parbat View Point, Mountain Junction Point
Arrival in Hunza 3:00 pm
Visit Altit fort & Royal Garden
Drive to hotel
Free time to visit Karimabad Bazar for shopping / local food
Dinner in Karimabad 9:00 pm
Overnight stay in Hunza, Karimabad (Rainbow Hotel / Baltit Heritage / Baltit Home / or Similar)
Breakfast 8:00 am
Departure towards Khunjerab 11:00 am
Whole day trip to visit Ataabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Hussaini Bridge, Sost and Khunjerab Pass Pak China Border
Drive back to Hunza, Karimabad
Dinner 9:00 pm
Overnight stay in Hunza, Karimabad (Rainbow Hotel / Baltit Heritage / Baltit Home / or Similar)
Breakfast 8:00 am
Visit Baltit fort 9:00 am
Drive to Nomal 10:00 am
Visit Naltar and Naltar Lakes (satrangi and blue) on 4x4 vehicles
Drive back to Nomal and departure for Chilas
Arrival Chilas and transfer to hotel
Dinner 9:00 pm
Overnight stay in Chilas (Hotel Grace Continental / Hotel Panorama / Hotel Regal inn if Similar)
Breakfast 8:00 am
Departure for Islamabad
Travel through same route on KKH with couple of stopovers on the way
Lunch cm dinner in Besham
Continue journey
Arrival in Islamabad 10:00 pm
Arrival in Lahore 3:00 am next day
End of services