Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley

Hunza is a mountainous valley in the autonomous Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Hunza is situated in the northern part of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, bordering with Ghizer to the North west, Shigar to South-east, Afghanistan to North, and the Xinjiang region of China to the north-east.

The Hunza valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). Geographically, Hunza consists of three regions, Upper Hunza (Gojal), Central Hunza and Lower Hunza ("Shinaki").

History

ki Buddhism, and to a lesser extent, Bön, were the main religions in the area. The region has a number of surviving Buddhist archaeological sites such as the Sacred Rock of Hunza. Nearby are former sites of Buddhist shelters. Hunza valley was central as a trading route from Central Asia to the subcontinent. It also provided shelter to Buddhist missionaries and monks who were visiting the subcontinent, and the region played a major role in the transmission of Buddhism throughout Asia.

The region was Buddhist majority till the 15th century, before the arrival of Islam in this region. Since then most of the people converted to Islam, the presence of Buddhism in this region has now been limited to archeological sites, as the remaining Buddhists of this region moved east to Leh where Buddhism is the majority religion.[citation needed] The region has many works of graffiti in the ancient Brahmi script written on rocks, produced by Buddhist monks as a form of worship and culture. With the majority of locals converting to Islam, they had been left largely ignored, destroyed or forgotten, but are now being restored.

Hunza was formerly a princely state bordering Xinjiang (autonomous region of China) to the northeast and Pamir to the northwest, which survived until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south and the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad); another old settlement is Ganish Village which means "ancient gold" village. Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years until the British gained control of it and the neighboring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1891 through military conquest. The then Tham (ruler), branch of Katur Dynasty, Safdar Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what would now be called political asylum.

Mir/Tham

The ruling family of Hunza is called Ayesha (heavenly). The two states of Hunza and Nagar were formerly one, ruled by a branch of the Shahreis, the ruling family of Gilgit, whose seat of government was Nagar. First muslim came to Hunza-Nagar Valley some 1000 years (At the time of Imam Islām Shāh 30th Imam Ismaili Muslims). After the introduction of Islam to Gilgit, married a daughter of Trakhan of Gilgit, who bore him twin sons, named Moghlot and Girkis. From the former, the present ruling family of Nager is descended. The twins are said to have shown hostility to one another from birth. Thereupon their father, unable to settle the question of succession, divided his state between them, giving Girkis the north/west, and to Moghlot the south/east bank of the river.

Attaction Place

Hunza is one of the most exotic places in Pakistan. Several high peaks rise above 7,000 m in the surroundings of Hunza valley. The valley provides spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world which include:

Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m (24,045 ft), Diran peak (7,266), Spantik (7027m), Ghenta Peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft).

Many 7000m mountains are present in Hunza like Distaghil Sar, Batura, Batura II, Batura III, Muchu Chhish, Kunyang Chhish, shispare, Passu Sar, Kanjut Sar, Yukshin Gardan Sar, Pumari Chhish, Momhil Sar and many more.

The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hunza landmark built about 800 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used the resistance of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers) of Hunza.

Hunza Valley is also host to the ancient watch towers in Ganish , Baltit Fort and Altit Fort. Watch towers are located in heart of Ganish Village, Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley. Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along the valley. Some Lakes like Attabad lake, Borith lake, Shimshal lakes, Hassanabad lake are located in hunza.

Khunjerab Pass is a 4,693-meter-high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains, in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan and on the southwest border of China is also located in Hunza.

Eco-friendly Hiking treks like Ondra poygah Gulmit and Leopard Trek Shiskhat are also famous for its scenic views.

The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. As one travels up on the Karakoram Highway, the beautiful sceneries keep on revealing themselves.

On the way one can witness the 57 km long Batura Glacier, the Fifth longest in World outside polar region is present here, surround by Shispare, Batura and Kumpirdior peaks. On reaching Sost one can continue the journey up to Khunzhrav or turn west to witness the mystic beauty of Chipursan (also Chapursan) valley. Chipursan valley has some of most exotic tourist spots in the area. In Yarzerech (also Yarzirich) you can have a look at the majestic Kundahill peak (6000 m), or trek along the Rishepzhurav to the Kundahill to experience the soothing sceneries. Beyond Yarzerech you can travel further to Lupghar, Raminj, Reshit,Zood Khun, Yishkuk up to Bobo Ghundi (Oston), the shrine of Baba-e-Ghund, a saint from Afghanistan near the border between Pakistan and Wakhan region of Afghanistan.

Hunzai People

The local languages spoken include Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina. The literacy rate of the Hunza valley is more than 95%.The historical area of Hunza and present northern Pakistan has had, over the centuries, mass migrations, conflicts and resettling of tribes and ethnicities, of which the Dardic Shina race is the most prominent in regional history. People of the region have recounted their historical traditions down the generations. The Hunza Valley is also home to some Wakhi, who migrated there from northeastern Afghanistan beginning in the nineteenth century onwards.

The longevity of Hunza people has been noted by some, but others refute this as a longevity myth caused by the lack of birth records.There is no evidence that Hunza life expectancy is significantly above the average of poor, isolated regions of Pakistan. Claims of health and long life were almost always based solely on the statements by the local mir (king). An author who had significant and sustained contact with Burusho people, John Clark, reported that they were overall unhealthy.

F&Q - About Hunza Valley Gilgit Baltistan.

 Why is Hunza Valley famous?

The Hunza valley is popular for its snow-capped and rough mountains. Many people came to Hunza just to get a few glimpses of the shining ice wall of the Rakaposhi Mountain. Other popular mountains in Hunza include Passu Peak, Ultra Peak, and Kuksel Sar.

In which country is Hunza Valley?

Hunza ہنزہ is a mountainous valley in the autonomous Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

What is Hunza known for?

Hunza, known as Heaven on Earth, is a beautiful mountainous valley located in the Gilgit- Baltistan region of Pakistan. ... The valley has different beautiful natural sights which are the attractions for tourists. Among these attractions the Baltit and Altit fort are also well known.

What is the best time to vist Hunza Valley?

The best time to visit Karimabad and the Hunza Valley is from Apirl to October but avoid June to August if you do not like crowds. The Hunza Valley can get quite crowded during the midsummar months as both the local and the Chinese tourists flock the place when the temperature is nice and warm.

What language is spoken in Hunza Valley?

Burushaski language, Wakhi language & Shina.

Burushaski language, also spelled Burushaki or Burushki, language spoken primarily in the Hunza, Nagar, and Yasin valleys of northern Pakistan. It is estimated to have some 90,000 speakers. Burushaski is a linguistic isolate, a language whose genetic relationship to other languages is not yet clear.

Which is more beautiful Skardu or Hunza?

Comparing the climate, road infrastructure or the hospitality Skardu gain more points than Hunza. Hunza has comparatively less places of attraction than Skardu. The beauty can never be compared by human scale, there are more gigantic views in Skardu with more of the treat for trekker and hiker.

What is Hunza culture?

The Burusho or Brusho, also known as the Hunza people or Botraj, live in Hunza, Nagar, Chitral, and in valleys of Gilgit–Baltistan in northern Pakistan, with a smaller group of around 350 Burusho people residing in Jammu and Kashmir, India as well. Their language, Burushaski, has been classified as a language isolate.

Hunza Gallery

Hussaini Gojal

Hunza Valley Gilgit

Attabad lake Gojal

Altit Hunza