Heavenily Hunza Valley

The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheet 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. The temperature in May is maximum 27oC and minimum 14oC. The October temperatures are: maximum 10oC and minimum 0oC.

Most of the people of Hunza are Islamili Muslims, followers of Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski. Urdu and English are also understood by most of the people. Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi (7,788 meters). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hanza landmark built about 600 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. This valley is composed of terraced ridges running from the high pastures down to the river, with

extensive irrigation channels bringing meltwater from the glaciers to the terraced fields and villages. A wide variety of crops are grown here; including potatoes, barley, wheat, and vegetables - along with apricots, apples, cherries, almonds, and other fruit/nut crops. We hiked the valley during the apricot tree bloom, a beautiful time of spring of planting and blossoms.This area has been easily accessible since in1986 when the Karakoram Highway was completed, running through the Khunjerab Pass and into China. This has opened the valley to increasing tourist visits and the social transformation that occurs along with this. Evidence of this transformation is found throughout the central valley, though away from the highway the valley is more primitive.

Tourist Destinations in Pakistan

Pakistan is a great mix of metropolitan cities, natural beauty and a very attractive culture hat results in a lot of people visiting Pakistan every year. When it comes to travelling, everyone has different taste. Some people like to visit metropolitans which are culturally rich but offer all facilities to the tourists. Our bigger cities and cultural destinations like Lahore and Karachi attract both foreign tourists and local tourists from extreme southern part or from northern part.

The people who have interest in archeology have places like Taxila or Harrapa and Moenjodaro to cater to their interest. Mountain trekkers have K-2 and Nanga Parbat as their key interest. Both of these peaks are above 8000m. In a nutshell it can be stated that northern areas of Pakistan attract a lot of foreign tourists to Pakistan every year. In fact majority of foreign visitors visit northrn mountain ranges of Pakistan as their primary interest. When one talks particularly about local tourists, there is one big misconception. Many people from Pakistan consider all mountain ranges of Pakistan as Northern area of Pakistan which is not true. Pakistan in fact has numerous mountain ranges located in various parts of the country. North of Pakistan is truly rich in its tourism potential. With world’s highest mountain peaks, some great lakes, biggest glaciers and the valleys of huge rivers which make Pakistan an agrarian economy, Pakistan has a lot to offer.

Pakistan is a great mix of metropolitan cities, natural beauty and a very attractive culture that results in a lot of people visiting Pakistan every year. When it comes to travelling, everyone has different taste. Some people like to visit metropolitans which are culturally rich but offer all facilities to the tourists. Our bigger cities and cultural destinations like Lahore and Karachi attract both foreign tourists and local tourists from extreme southern part or from northern part. The people who have interest in archeology have places like Taxila or Harrapa and Moenjodaro to cater to their interest. Mountain trekkers have K-2 and Nanga Parbat as their key interest. Both of these peaks are above 8000m.There are many reasons for Pakistani tourist’s major interest in travelling to lower Himalayas and not to actual northern Pakistan. One reason is their busy schedule. Another reason could be budget. As a result the following regions are the most popular tourist attractions for Pakistani travellers.

Snow glows Hunza valley

The Hunza valley received record snowfall after two years on December 7-8, 2008. Snow was recorded from 1-8 inch to one foot in different parts of Gojal valley. Chipurson and Shimshal valley,Karimabad,Aliabad and shinaki remained cut -off for many days from other parts of the region.