Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, the valley of Hunza is a mountainous area, elevated 8200 ft. (2500 metres) above the sea level. Spread across the territory of 7900 sq. metres, Hunza is full of natural landscaping and an important attraction for aesthetically active people, having great passion for tourism.Hunza remained an independent territory for around 900 years before British controlled the valley between 1889 and 1892. The territory came under the control of the Government of Pakistan after the separation of Pakistan from Indian Sub-continent.
May to October is the tourist season for Hunza’s tourists, as in winter, the Korakoram Highway that leads to Hunza Valley gets blocked by the snow. The Korakoram Highway also connects Pakistan to China through Khunjerab Pass. Hunza is regarded as a spectacular tourist destination, as it provides the view of various mountains that surround this valley.
The temperature in summer usually ranges between 14°C and 27°C. However, in winter the temperature falls below the freezing point and ranges between -10°C and 10°C. This variation in temperature is also an attraction for the tourists from inside and outside the country. Recently, in 2010, Hunza River was blocked due to a landslide and it resulted in the formation of a lake, which was named as Attabad Lake.
The valley is famous for providing views of some beautiful mountains, including Ultar Sar 7,388 metres (24,239 ft.), Rakaposhi 7,788 metres (25,551 ft.), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 metres (24,045 ft.), Hunza Peak 6,270 metres (20,571 ft.), Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 metres (19,685 ft.) and Darmyani Peak 6,090 metres (19,980 ft.).
The people of Hunza called as Hunzakuts, are noted for their hospitality and friendliness. It is remarkable to mention that the literacy rate of the valley is 90%, with every child earning education up to high school level and some of them pursue higher studies as well. Hunzakuts abundantly feast on fresh and dry fruits along with unpasteurized milk, leafy green and root vegetables.
Hunza is an important source of beautifying Pakistan with its stupendous views and serene environment. Tourists are always on the lookout for great finds and Hunza is one such tourist’s resorts. Hunza is regarded with admiration for its beautiful mountainous peaks that soar high in the sky. Even though the Attabad Lake was a disaster, but currently it adds to the beauty of the Valley. The upper layer of the lake gets frozen in the winter and it becomes an ice ground for the people to play various games. The same lake becomes a boating attraction in summer.
If you are planning to spend your vacations in the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan, then you should spend some days in Hunza Valley. The place has so much to offer you ranging from awe-inspiring high peaks to beautiful waterfalls and a huge lake. If you are aesthetically active for relishing the beauty of nature, then Hunza is a must- visit place for you. Visit the place and you will surely be in for a treat.