Posted: 2006-06-05 12:49:00
Hunza
The Hunza valley was once in the media hype during the 1970's. People from all over the world wanted
to have a glimpse of the people of Hunza. What was so special about this place?
Well there are many many things. Here are the most important ones.
The people of Hunza are famous for their longevity. Even now you will find people of age 100+
though their numbers are reduced. The people who manage to cross 100 can still walk on their own.
The food and lifestyle of Hunza is the main constituent in making them a 100 years old.
Their hardworking lifestyle makes them hard as rock. They spend most of their time working
in the fields. Men and women have no difference and share each others work.
Hunza water is world renowned as experts have taken sample from Hunza water and have said that
it contains high concentration of minerals. May be it is true as all the water sources in Hunza and
its surroundings are pure glaciers.
Food of Hunza has a very very special appeal , not just for the locals but also for the people who visit
these areas. You may even find on the internet about foreigners about selling Hunza water and food!
About 98% of Hunza people are the followers of the Aga Khan and are known as Ismaili Muslims.
The people of Hunza have the highest literacy ratio than any other place in Pakistan. More than 90%.
Hunza itself places in a unique place. Surrounded by 5 peaks thare greater than 7000meters!
There are several tourist spots, day hikes, regular trekking routes, camping grounds and not mention
hand-gliders fly over the Hunza valley. May be one can be lucky enough to get a lift from a hand-glider!
One more thing that is the hall mark and is simoultaneous with Hunza, is the700 years Baltit fort
Baltit fort was the old palace of the Mir (Local ruler) who donated in to the Aga Khan Cultural Services.
After 6 years of hard work, it was restored. It gained so much international fame that in year 2000, it was
awarded the British Airways "Tourism For Tomorrow" award.
Hunza and Baltit fort are still the most visited areas in Pakistan and around the world. 90% of the tourists
visit Hunza.
Hunza is located at a wonderful 100kms from the admininstrative headquarters of northern areas of Pakistan.
The part of Silk Route from Hunza and Gilgit is wonderful and is the most enjoyable part of ones journey along
the silkroute starting from Islamabad.
Posted: 2006-06-05 13:46:00
Thanks for the useful info... It will be my destination soon. How about inexpensive accommodation in Hunza? Do you know also about access to Hunza from Karakoram Highway (China)?
Thanks
Wojtek
--- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D.
Posted: 2006-06-05 18:40:00
[quote]
On 2006-06-05 13:46:00, wojtekd wrote:
Thanks for the useful info... It will be my destination soon. How about inexpensive accommodation in Hunza? Do you know also about access to Hunza from Karakoram Highway (China)?
Thanks
Wojtek
[/quote]
Hi Wojtek
Thanks for the kind reply indeed. I am happy to post a reply.
Well there are many many hotels that are very cheap. Even you can find hotels that are cheap as 1 USD per night!
Well I will never recommend such a hotel as when you wake up in the morning, you may find yourself feeling itchy.
I this forum moderator won't mind the names of the hotels that I am going to post.
Here are some of the hotels
Karim Hotel 5-10 USD per night.
Rainbow Hotel 5-10 USD per night.
World Roof Hotel 5-10 USD per night.
Mountain Refuge 10 - 15 USD per night
You will find these hotel in Karimabad. The main town in Hunza valley from where baltit for, hotels, cars etc are accessible.
The rates may var a bit, but they shall suite you.
Now for the information of other people who may read these posts, I am posting some very nice hotels that are expensive than the above mentioned.
Hunza Baltit Inn (Also known as Serena Hunza) 40 -50 USD per night
Hotel Hunza Embassy 40 -50 USD per night
Darbar Hunza 40 -50 USD per night
Hunza View Hotel 40 -50 USD per night
Well accessing Hunza from China (if this is what you mean)
You will travel from Tashkurgan (China) on a governement run public transport to enter Pakistan. You will cross the Pak-China border at Khunjerab Pass which at an elevation of 15000ft. From there you shall be driven onto the first Paksitani check post at Sost. The service now goes upto Gilgit, so may be you can travel onwards and drop off at Hunza rather than sost. But I recommend a drop at sost. IF you have hired a guide someone on the Pakistan end, he will pick you up at sost and from there, you should travel to Shimshal, Passu, Borit Lake and many intresting places. Once that is completed better to travel to Karimabad, Hunza.
This is the best way to do it.
So I hope this helps you and if you have any questions, ut would be my pleasure to answer them.
