The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters. The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation.
The visitor of Hunza are overwhelmed by the rigged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful popular trees and the velvet like green carpet to wheat fields, set against the background of snow covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October.
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. The local language is Burushaski. English & Urdu are also under- stood by number of people.
Karimabad is the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 meters and as well as view of Ulter Peak 1 and 2, Ladyfinger, Daran Peak and Golden Peak. The snow of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
Spectacular Scenery in Hunza
Hunza is one of the most exotic places in Pakistan. Several high peaks rise above 6,000 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), Ghenta Peak (7,090 m), Hunza Peak (6,270 m), Darmyani Peak (6,090 m) and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) (6,000 m). Hunza Valley is also host to the ancient Baltit Fort and Altit Fort. Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley.
The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon.
Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley near Gilgit in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The Hunza valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres (7,999 feet). The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 km² [3,050 sq, miles]. Karimabad is the main town which is a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains like Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar (7,388 m), Bojahagur Duanasir II (7,329 m), Ghenta Peak (7,090 m), Hunza Peak (6,270 m), Darmyani Peak (6,090 m) and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) (6,000 m).
The fairy tail like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is Hunza landmark built 800 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden look out over the valley.
Geography of Hunza Valley
The Hunza valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres (7,999 feet). For many centuries, Hunza has provided the quickest access to Swat and Gandhara for a person traveling on foot. The route was impassable to baggage animals; only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals.
Hunza was easily defended as the paths were often less than half a metre (about 18") wide. The high mountain paths often crossed bare cliff faces on logs wedged into cracks in the cliff, with stones balanced on top. They were also constantly exposed to regular damage from weather and falling rocks. These were the much feared "hanging passageways" of the early Chinese histories that terrified all, including several famous Chinese Buddhist monks.
Climate of Hunza Valley
The temperature in May is maximum 27 oC (81 oF) and minimum 14 oC (57 oF) and October maximum is 10 oC (50 oF) and 0 oC (32 oF). Hunza's tourist season is from May to October, because in winter the Karakoram Highway is often blocked by the snow.People of Hunza Valley
As much as the valley is famous for its beauty, the people of Hunza are noted for their friendliness and hospitality. The local language is Brushuski but most people understand Urdu and English. The literacy rate of the Hunza valley is believed to be above 90%, virtually every child of the new generation studies up to at least high school. Many pursue higher studies from prestigious colleges and Universities of Pakistan and abroad.
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness the Aga Khan. The Hunza region is home to people of three ethnicities:
• The Gojal area is mainly populated by Wakhi speakers;
• The Shinaki area is mainly inhabited by Shina speakers;
• The Karimabad area is mainly inhabited by Burushaski speakers.
• The Shinaki area is mainly inhabited by Shina speakers;
• The Karimabad area is mainly inhabited by Burushaski speakers.
The Burushaski language is understood throughout Hunza. It is a language isolate. In addition to Burushaski, there also speakers of Wakhi, Shina and Domaaki.
The people of Hunza are collectively termed Hunzakuts, while Burusho refers only to the speakers of Burushaski. The majority of the people are Ismaili Shia Muslims who are followers of the Aga Khan. The present Aga Khan has provided a lot of funding for the area to help with agriculture and the local economy.
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