Hunza

LOCATION
Hunza is situated at distance of 100km form Gilgit.It can be reached through KKH which runs thruogh some of the most magnificent mountain ranges of the world. All the way from Gilgit to central Hunza you will be able to see snow capped peaks with glaciers that virtually stretch down to the road.

REGION
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects the Silk Route oasis of Kashgar with Rawalpindi and Islamabad via the 4730 meter Khunjerab Pass, the semi-mythical Hunza Valley and the trading post to Gilgit. Despite half a dozen languages the region crossed by the highway has an identity of its own, defined by religion, commerece and a demanding enviroment with in the reach of the KKH is some of the most mind-bending mountain scenery anywhere and, in the Karakoram, the heighest concentration of lofty peaks and longest glaciers in the world, some virtually at the edge of the road. The Xingian province of China connects with Pakistan at Khunjerab at a height of 15000ft above sea level.The KKH runs all the way from Nothern Pakistan upto China's Xingiang province

HISTORY
The region is dense with history and arifacts, from Alexander's campaign to the 20th century's rivarly between British and the Russian empires. It was through this region thar Buddhism reached China. Baltit has always been the capital of Hunza. It consists almost entirely of of Baltit fort and a comapct village. Karimabad is just a modern extension of Baltit,with fine hotels cafes and a bazaar.The historic Baltit fort, built some 800 years ago on the moraines of Ulter glacier, towers over the town of Karimabad and faces the Rakaposhi peak,and is a wonderful tourist spot. Hunza falls under the cold desert mountainous ecosystems where the average rainfall rarely exceeds 200mm. The valley recieves most of its precipitaiton in the form of snow. The winter is fery cold and frost while the summer is pleasurely cool.The people of Hunza known as "Hunzukutz", are well known  for thei hospitality and freindliness. The people are also known for their longlivity.

 
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Hunza is the heart of beauty of Northern Pakistan.The scenic breath taking views of Mount Rakaposhi  7788M, with it sloping glaciers is a must see for every nature loving person. Apart from Rakaposhi, Hunza is also well known for Ulter peak 77388M,the second heighst peak in Hunza after Rakaposhi with snow all over it it represents the mightiness of this region. Glaciers running down are almost upto the edge of the roads.During full bloom in the months of April and May, Hunza is full with bloomong trees giving a real breathtaking scene. Walking through the Hunza valley has a pleasure of it's own.In the evenings you can walk around  Karimabad, the capital of former Hunza state, shop around take a break or simply enjiy the beauty of Hunza. You will have access to the most delicious friuts of Hunza, ranging from sugar-sweet apples to juicy apricots and much more. Dry friuts is a speciality of Hunzukutz.One of the most special kind and tastiest dry fruits are dried apricots.
The people of Hunza are well known for their hospitality and well behaviour. They are very freindly, kind and helpful.It has been a long tradition of the Hunzukutz to be well mannered and helpful,even G.lorimer in his book "Language hunting in the Karakurum"(1920), wrote about the freindly nature of the Hunza people.
You can also enjoy the local food which is almost available in every hotel. The local food is the secret of the long livity of the Hunzukutz. People of Hunza can grow old as 100 years plus! and will be still quite healthy.
One can just take a walk to Ulter (with the assiatnce of a guide) and see the scenic beauty of Ulter peak or walk to Duicker and stay for a night or two at a hotel.At Duicker have a chance to view rest of Hunza during sunrise and the picturesque view of Hunza at sunrise is really breath taking.Duicker is high above Karimabad, right on top of Altit. Just as Karimabad is the heart if Hunza, Baltit is the heart of Karimabad.
You can visit the 800 years old Baltit fort which has been recently restored. You will have a guided tour of the Baltit fort by a Baltit fort guide. You will see the ancient way of living of the rulers of Hunza who ruled Hunza till 1970. The rulers of Hunza were called "mirs" (singular "mir").You will also have the chance of seeing antiques and handicrafts.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
If you are an antique collector or like handicrafts then Hunza is the right spot for you. You will be able to see a variety of a antiques and handicrafts. You simlpy step in an antique shop and you will find yourself flooded with antiques and handicrafts
Refinement, elegance, workmanship and inventivetenss are some words which describes the arts and crafts of this region. The embroidery tradition of Hunza is well known for its elegance and master craftsmenship. The embriodery tradition in most of the households was porbably brought from the Central Asian region. For a long period it has remain a popular pastime for the ladies of the aristocracy.
Cross-stitch, known as "Iraghi chuk" in central and lower Hunza, and "Palm kok" in upper Hunza, is the most common stitch used on women's caps. Besides this "Qalmi", "Zarduri" and "Mushkilan" are the also traditinal stitches. A large array of wonderfull products carrying traditional enbroidery motifs is available; wallets, purses, robes and carpets.

TRADITIONAL RUG WEAVING
Sharma or Paloos
Simple techniques are used for weaving traditional rugs from yak and goat hair. It is said that humming mothers weave their melidious lullabies into these traditional pieces of craftsmanship. Widely used in all households of Hunza,products from yak hair are supposed to be a deterrent for ghosts.
"Pattu" is the traditional fabric of Northern Areas. In norhtern and lower Hunza the product is known as "Philam" and in upper Hunza "Sargaz".Most common products are traditional robes known as "Chogha" or "Beit". It is said that the julahoo-weaver has learnt this skill by oserving a spider weasing its fime gossamer web.

WOODWORK AND CARVINGS
The artistary of woodwork can be seen in traditional homes as well as in the ancient Baltit fort. Some of the largest collection of woodwork is displayed in Baltit fort. The traditon of woodwork came from Central Asian amd Baltistan. When a prince of Hunza was married to a princess of Baltitstan around 200 artisans came to Hunza with her and Built the Altit and Baltit forts.

So, if you are planning to visit Hunza then simply let us know about it we shall be pleased to assist you in your plans and our experienced staff will handle every request of yours. Or if you have already planned a visit to Hunza, then just let us know about it we will be pleased to assist you while you are visiting Hunza and we make sure that you have the time of your life while you are in Hunza. You will see this part if the world with a difference via Pamir Tours.