22 Top Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
Located in the astonishing Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan, Hunza Valley stands as a heaven nestled in earth. With its rocky and snow-covered peaks, lush green fields, rich historical sites, most hospitable and friendly people in the world, picturesque lakes, unique culture and local organic cuisine, gigantic Karakoram Highway, numerous trekking and hiking destinations, luxurious hotels and resorts, Hunza Valley has so much to explore. Whether you are an avid backpacker or a luxury comfort seeker, the features and adventures are endless.
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The well-developed and progressing tourism industry of Hunza Pakistan has something for everyone, no matter you are an international traveller or a local one. We have a wide range of Hunza Tour Packages tailored for all kinds of travellers around the world. Whether you are looking for a Hunza by air tour package for a quick scenic flight to Gilgit or a Hunza Tour package by road to explore at your own pace, our perfectly curated Hunza Tour Packages 2025 have you covered.
One of the most impressive aspects of Hunza Valley is the warm hospitality of its people. The people of Hunza, predominantly Wakhi and Burusho, are well-known for their friendliness, wide smiles and hearts. Their long life expectancy is often attributed to their organic diet (which you can try from many cafés in Hunza) and healthy lifestyle. The valley also boasts the highest literacy rates in Pakistan, as people have a strong emphasis on education and cultural preservation.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN HUNZA VALLEY
There are too many top places to visit in Hunza Valley that cater to all kinds of interests of an adventure enthusiast. These really famous places to visit in Hunza Valley are drawing millions of tourists each year to the region of Gilgit Baltistan. So, it’s time for you, too, to get ready to design your next Hunza Valley Tour 2025 with team NatureHikePakistan.pk. If you are planning a trip to Hunza Valley, here are the top places to visit in Hunza Valley that are not to be missed:
1. Attabad Lake
First on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Attabad Lake, it is a 21 km long glacial lake that was formed in 2010 following an earthquake in the area. Since then, it has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Hunza Valley. The lake is approximately 25 km from Karimabad Village in Hunza. It has an amazing landscape featuring a turquoise lake surrounded by towering rocky mountains.
There are several 3 to 5-star hotels, rest houses, and resorts around the lake providing state-of-the-art services to the visitors. If you yearn for some adventure, you can also camp by the lake for the night. There are a variety of touristy activities available at the, including boating, jet skiing, and ziplining, and a range of food stalls are open near the lake to munch in while exploring the lake.
2. Khunjerab Pass Pakistan-China Border
Second on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Khunjerab Pass, it is a mountain pass situated along the Karakoram Highway, sketching the border between Pakistan and China in the Gilgit Baltistan province of Pakistan. It stands as the highest-paved international border crossing in the world, with an elevation of 4693 meters, making it the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. Khunjerab Pass is also home to the highest ATM in the world. After the construction of KKH, Khunjerab Pass provides a road connection between Cina’s Xinjiang province and Gilgit Baltistan. It is used for trade, travel, and tourism purposes between the two nations. Sost Town in Upper Hunza serves as a dry port for all trading.
Due to the high elevation of Khunjerab Pass, it receives a lot of snowfall, making it inaccessible during winter. Khunjerab Pass is located within the Khunjerab National Park and spans from Sost Town to the border with China. During the summer months, if fortunate enough, visitors can witness wildlife such as Yaks, Himalayan Markhor, and Ibex. Your tour to Hunza Valley will be incomplete without a visit to Khunjerab Pass.
3. Karimabad Hunza
Third on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Karimabad. It is located in the heart of Hunza Valley, and the Karimabad market is a treasure for visitors. It stands out as the premier tourist destination in the area if you want to engage with the locals of Hunza Valley, enjoy their scrumptious local food, witness their unique culture, or buy any souvenirs or artefacts from the local shops in the market.
The Karimabad bazaar (market) features many local shops vending a wide variety of antique and handcrafted artefacts, dry fruits, traditional clothes, shawls, handbags, shoes, and rare gems.
Additionally, you will find charming local restaurants offering a delightful mix of traditional, desi, and continental cuisines. If you need a comprehensive guide on the restaurants in Hunza Valley serving local food, visit Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Hunza. You can expect to encounter friendly locals welcoming you with their big smiles. A trip to Hunza is incomplete without exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Karimabad Bazar.
4. Baltit Fort Hunza
Fourth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Baltit Fort. It is an ancient fort in Karimabad Village Hunza Valley, approximately 700 to 800 years old. It is a three-story building structure that resembles the Tibetan construction style. The fort became the residence of Mirs Hunza after they vacated the Altit Fort.
It was strategically built at a higher elevation than Altit to serve as a watchtower over the Silk Route to control trade and protect the kingdom from predators or attacks.
Baltit Fort provides an extraordinary view of Hunza Valley and the surrounding mountains. The Mir of Hunza left this fort in 1945 and donated it to the Baltit Heritage Trust. A new residence was built downhill from Karimabad. Unfortunately, the fort began to fall into despair due to negligence. However, with the help of the Agha Khan Trust fund, the fort was restored to its original state. Today, Baltit is well preserved and open for tourists to visit. You can also do a guided trip to the fort. Baltit Fort is included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
5. Altit Fort Hunza
Fifth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Altit Fort. It was strategically built atop a massive rock in the old town of Altit Hunza Valley for the Rulers of Hunza (Mirs) Valley. It also has a 200-meter-high watch tower that looked over Hunza Valley and the old Silk Route. This nearly 1100 years old fort is one of the oldest structures in Gilgit Baltistan. The Mirs of Hunza resided in the fort for nearly three centuries. Later, they moved to the newly constructed Baltit Fort.
The old Altit Town near the fort has been the residence of people from Central Asia, China, and the surrounding areas throughout the different eras, showcasing the historical significance of this place. It is believed that Alexander The Great came here with his soldiers back in time.
This fort was granted to the Baltistan Heritage Trust by the Mirs of Hunza. The trust later restored it to its current state with the help of the Agha Khan Trust. Today, it is open to tourists. Guided tours are conducted at the fort everyday, which is included in the fort’s entry ticket. These guided tours are vital in educating people about the history of the region.
A small café at the foothills of Altit Fort serves traditional food and is run by local women of Hunza Valley, known as the Kha Basi Café. Learn more about it in: Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Hunza
6. Kha Basi Garden
Sixth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Kha Basi, which is also known as the Royal Garden Altit. It’s an approximately 1100-year-old garden that is located in the foothills of Altit Fort in Karimabad. This garden was used by the royals of Hunza Valley, the Mirs when they were residing in the Altiti Fort.
Kha Bashi Garden is a heaven for nature lovers. It is well-preserved, and the tourists are only allowed to view it from a distance. This restriction helps in maintaining the purity and nature of the garden. There are several fruit trees, like apricots, cherries, almonds, and mulberry. Royal Garden shows off an astonishing landscape during the Cherry Blossom Spring and Autumn Seasons.
7. Eagle's Nest Hunza (Duiker View Point)
Seventh on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Duiker. It is the highest village in Hunza Valley which stands at 10,000 feet above sea level. This place has a rock that naturally resembles an Eagle bird; hence, this place is known as the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint. It offers an out of this world panoramic view of Hunza Valley, Nagar Valley, Rakaposhi Peak, Golden Peak, Ultar Peak, Diran Peak, Lady Finger Peak, and a total of 11 peaks.
It can be accessed using small cars on a 6 km steep metalled road and is around 15 to 20 minutes from Karimabad Village. You can also hike to the top from the Altit Fort. It will take you almost 1-1.5 hours. To get the most out of Eagle’s Nest Point, visit it at sunset or sunrise.
8. Hopper Valley
Eighth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Hopper Valley, it is the district headquarters of the Nagar Valley in Gilgit Baltistan. It is located approximately at a distance of 9 km from Nagar Valley. It takes about 50 minutes to an hour to travel from Karimabad Village to Hopper Valley. The road leading to Hopper is accessible for 4×4 vehicles, minivans, small cars, and bikes.
Hopper Valley, also known as Hooper or Hopar, is home to some of the early human settlements in the region. Visitors can find a few ruins of ancient forts in the valley, where the rulers of Nagar Valley used to reside. Hopper is also home to several glaciers like Barpu Glacier, Miar Glacier, Daranci Glacier, and Geentur (Supulter) Glacier.
9. Borith Lake
Ninth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Borith Lake, it is located approximately 2 km from Hussaini Village in Upper Hunza. It stands about 2600 meters above sea level. The road track for Borith Lake starts right from the edge of KKH and can be accessed in around 15 to 20 minutes using all types of vehicles.
From Borith Lake, one can trek to Passu Glacier, Gulkin Glacier, Batura Glacier, and Hussaini Glacier. These are beginner to moderate level treks.
Borith Lake attracts many ducks, geese, and swans that fly from different regions here, and when they visit, it is a site to be witnessed. There are a few local houses and hotels around the lake. Boating and kayaking are also available at the lake.
10. Passu Cones Viewpoint
Tenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Passu Cones. Passu Cones are known for their pointed and conical structure, also known as Tupopdan or Passu Cathedral. Passu cones are at 6106 meters above sea level. Passu Village is located in the foothills of Passu Cones on the Karakoram Highway, offering a panoramic view of these mountains. Passu Village is one of the most popular destinations in Hunza Valley for domestic and international tourists. This place is relatively peaceful as compared to Karimabad or Aliabad.
11. Passu Glacier Viewpoint
Eleventh on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Passu Glacier. It is located south of the mighty Passu Cones. This glacier can be seen from Karakoram Highway while traversing towards the Passu Village. Passu Peak is situated at the rear of this glacier, sitting there like a crown. It is approximately 0.5 km long, spread over 1.5 sq km, and joins the Batura Glacier. One can reach the glacier from Borith Lake, starting from the zero point. It takes almost 1 to 2 hours to get to the glacier using a steep track.
12. Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Twelfth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Hussaini Suspension Bridge. It is built over the Hunza River, which forms by the confluence of the Khunjerab, Shimshal River, and Chipursan Rivers. If seen from a distance, it looks like a thin, long, rope-like structure hanging from one mountain to another with a backdrop of gigantic cathedrals of Passu Cones and the widespread Hunza River.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge is around 750 meters long and 43m in height above the ground. Hussaini Suspension Bridge is famous for the thrill it offers while crossing it. The wooden planks on the bridge are loosely spaced to minimize the risk of twisting or breaking by the strong winds of Hunza. These planks are also unevenly arranged, requiring you to focus on them as you cross, and you eventually get a glimpse of the fast-flowing Hunza River, which makes one feel dizzy and makes it more difficult to cross.
For more details, visit: Hussaini Suspension Bridge: World’s Most Dangerous Bridge
13. Passu Suspension Bridge
Thirteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Passu Suspension Bridge. Although the Hussaini Suspension Bridge is considered to be the most dangerous bridge in the world, but Passu Suspension Bridge is no exception and even surpasses when it comes to the danger factor. The wooden planks are more unrefined, unevenly cut and placed on the steel ropes, as you can see in the picture swaying in the air over the Hunza River.
You have to climb down the rocky, unmarked path to reach the starting point of the bridge. It is not very common among tourists for this very reason.
14. Rainbow Suspension Bridge Passu
Fourteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Rainbow Suspension Bridge, it is a newly constructed bridge located right in the foothills of Passu Cones. It is a comparatively smaller and safer bridge. But the glacial river gushing below the bridge gives an adrenaline rush when crossing it. The bridge planks are coloured in rainbow colours, which justifies its name.
There is a small family-run café by the bridge where you can try local Hunzai food.
15. Old Village of Ganish
Fifteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Ganish Village. Ganish translates to Gold in the Burushaski Language, and the village is said to be the oldest human settlement of Hunza Valley, around 1000 years old. This village has received two UNESCO World Heritage awards over the years. The people of Ganish have preserved this site while still living here, predominantly the way they used to in the old days.
The houses are tiny to cater to the harsh weather of the region. There are spaces dedicated to the livestock in the houses. This village is built with 2-3 watch towers and protective walls in order to protect from intruders who especially used to attack at night in the dark. There is a pool beside the tiny walkways. This pool serves as a water source and air conditioner for the village homes. The walkways are made with stone and mud and are narrow, designed in a way to make it difficult for the invaders.
Four old mosques in Ganish village date back around 400 years, and their main feature is the wooden carving on the front panels. These carvings include Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu patterns that show the background of the craftsmen during the Central Asian Silk Route trade era who settled here and embraced Islam.
You can have guided tours of the village by Mr. Shabir Ahmed, a humble and knowledgeable man of the village, who has been working there as a guide for years.
16. Villages of Gojal Upper Hunza
Sixteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Gojal, it is the largest sub-division of Gilgit Baltistan, consisting of various villages that can be seen along the Karakoram Highway. Gojal borders with Central Hunza to the South. The following villages are a part of Gojal Valley: Gulmit (Gul-e-Gulmit), Ghulkin, Hussaini, Passu, Shishkat, Ainabad, Sost, Passu, Gircha, and Nazaimabad. These villages are extremely beautiful and enriched with nature, culture and history and are home to thousands of Ismaili Muslims. If you want to experience real Hunza, spend a few days in these villages on your next visit.
17. Ondra Poygah
Seventeenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Ondra Poygah, it is located in the Gulmit Village in Hunza Valley. There was once an old fort named Ondra located in Gulmit. However, the ruins remain to date at that location and in the local language, Poygah means stairs.
A while ago, the local people from Gulmit, including men and women of all ages, volunteered to build almost 1655 stairs using stones to reach the fort at the top. It is said to be the longest staircase in Pakistan. From Ondra Fort, one can have an aerial view of Attabad Lake, Gulmit Village, Gulmit Tower, Passu Cones, Shisper Peak, Ghulkin Village, and Ghulkin Glacier.
18. Shimshal Valley
Eighteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Shimshal Valley, which borders China, is for raw adventure lovers. It is the highest-altitude settlement in Hunza Valley, with an elevation of around 10,000 ft. It also comprises the largest area in Gojal Upper Hunza Valley. Shimshal River, fed by the nearby glaciers, passes through the valley.
It has a few small villages which are self-sufficient in electricity generated by the hydroelectric power plants. You will even find internet with sufficient speed in these villages. Shimshal is is culturally and historically rich valley in Hunza. The people are educated and belong to the Shia Ismaili sect of Islam.
The jeep trek to Shimsla Valley starts from the Passu Village. It takes hours to reach Shimshal from KKH. Shimshal has some of the most challenging treks in Hunza Valley and is loved by off-the-beat travelers around the world. Shimshal Pass trek is the most famous among them.
19. Chipursan Valley
Nineteenth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Chipursan, or Cupursan Valley, it is located in the far northernmost part of Gojal Valley and borders Afghanistan through the Wakhan Corridor. People living in the valley are Wakhi and have migrated here through Afghanistan. They speak the Wakhi Language. There are around 8 small villages in the valley.
The jeep track for Chipursan starts from Sost Town, which is the last town in Hunza before Khunjerab Pass. This valley has an enormous natural beauty. The valley is wide, and the mountains are rocky. The last point on this Chipursan trail is Baba Ghundi Shrine, which is a place not to be missed. There are several lakes, trekking trails and passes in the valley. It is recommended to hire local porters or guides before setting your foot on these trails.
20. Misgar Valley
Twentieth on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Misgar Valley, it is also located in the northernmost part of Gojal Valley, Upper Hunza. The jeep track for Misgar starts near Sost Town. Misgar shares its boundary with China through Mintika Pass (4709m) and Kilik Pass (4827m) and Afghanistan through the Wakhan Corridor. Both Mintika and Kilik were used to traverse into China during the Silk Road Central Asia trade. Now, Khunjerab Pass has taken over as the primary pass to go to China using KKH.
Misgar has been strategically important for military functions due to its boundaries. There is a watch tower at the corner of the fort. The British had built the Qalandarchi Fort during the Great Game to govern the area. Pakistan Army now maintains this fort.
21. Avgarch Boiber Valley
Second last on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Avgarch Valley. It has its name derived from the Persian Language. Ab translates to water, and garch translates to a hut. As by the locals, there used to be a campsite in the valley with a small hut and a clear spring flowing by it.
The jeep track to Avgarch starts from Jamalabad Village of Gojal Valley. It is a 10km track and leads to the Avgarch Village. This village was settled by Wakhi people from Afghanistan hundreds of years ago. There is an old Jamatkhana and a fort with a watchtower in the village. This valley is also famous for its old Juniper forest, especially one tree that is believed to be the oldest in the region.
22. Karakoram Highway
Last on the list of the top places to visit in Hunza Valley is Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was built by the governments of Pakistan and China to enhance trade between the countries, and it represents exemplary relations between the two countries. Karakoram Highway is approximately 1300 km long in Pakistan. It crosses through Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan regions in Pakistan and enters China at Khunjerab Pass, the Pak-China border.
This highway is also known as National Highway 35 (or N-35) and becomes China National Highway G314 as it enters China. It is a part of the project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC. It is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. KKH is a complete package for nature lovers. It offers glimpses of mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, cities, villages, agricultural life, and much more.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HUNZA VALLEY
Coming soon….
Best Restaurants to Visit in Hunza Valley:
Hunza Valley is a place that boasts its mighty and rugged mountainous landscapes, huge glaciers, and breathtaking turquoise lakes that create a picturesque setting. But this is not the only thing that makes Hunza special; it is also a place where culinary delights await you at every turn. Dishes in Hunzai Cuisine are made from organic, pure and healthy ingredients. Their motto is tasty, locally grown and all organic. So don’t worry if you eat a little too much while in Hunza Valley.
Here is the list of the 11 Best Restaurants in Hunza Valley to satisfy your cravings for local Hunzai Food with a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountains of this region.