Gilgit-Baltistan (abbreviated as GB) is Pakistan's far northwestern province. It is home to Hunza, which has some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet, and spending a day there is like living in a dream. Hunza’s beauty is worth seeing for all the visitors.
Scenery, culture, history, and, of course, a lot of real and local Hunza food would be required for a comprehensive Hunza experience (traditionally known for its long life properties).
Let's get this party started, shall we?
About Hunza Valley
Here are 5 things to do in the Hunza Valley to make the most of your day.
Hunza is a hilly valley in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan autonomous area. Hunza is in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, and borders Ishkoman to the northwest, Shigar to the southeast, Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north, and China's Xinjiang region to the northeast.
Would you be amazed if I told you about trekking to the top of a 6,000-meter peak? I'm sure you would if you were anywhere else, but not Hunza! Most peaks under 20,000 feet in Hunza Gilgit Baltistan aren't even lofty enough to get a name.
Three of the world's tallest mountain peaks, Bublimotin or Ladyfinger Peak (7,400m), Ultra Sar (7,500m), and the beautiful Rakaposhi, may be seen from the town of Karimabad (7,788m).
On a bright day, gaze south from Karimabad town (the sun's rays will be coming from your left) and you'll see Rakaposhi, a towering white shape that looks down on the Hunza valley.
Even if the mountain top is not visible, getting up early is still worthwhile since it allows you to become enthusiastic about breakfast.
Try a Hunza breakfast known as ‘Gyal' (7 AM)
Gyal is a typical local breakfast dish consisting of wheat pan-fried cakes topped with honey or fruit jam and apricot oil, which is a local favorite. The sweet scent of the apricot oil complements the smokey tastes of the charcoal or wood used in the cooking.
Gyal comes in a variety of flavors, but the one I like best is how basic and hearty it is, making it the ideal accompaniment to a cup of buttered hot milk tea in the morning.
Oats from the neighborhood (Muesli)
This is honestly one of the most delicious breakfast meals I've ever had, yet I'm not sure I can name all of the ingredients. Almonds, Walnuts, Brown Flaxseed, and Apricot Seeds, all properly roasted and crushed, sprinkled over a mixture of barley and a local wheat germ species.
With a scoop of fresh locally made cream or yogurt and a teaspoon of honey, it's just divine.
Additional Alternatives
We stayed at the Serena Hotel, which has all of these items and more available for breakfast.
If you are not staying in a hotel, the Karimabad market is the best bet for finding the delicacies described above. Mantu/Mantou is also worth trying if you go to this market (a Chinese-style meat-filled wheat dumpling).
Ascend to the fort of Baltit (9AM)
Karimabad's Baltit Fort is a stunning sight to see (the largest town in the Hunza Valley).
It has stood above the valley for almost 700 years, formerly the royal seat of the Hunza Kingdom. It also implies that this is one of the greatest spots to see both Karimabad and the Hunza Valley from afar.
Although the ascent may be difficult for some, remember to give your body time to acclimate to the Hunza elevation. The short but steep hike is worthwhile, though, because the views from this vantage point are spectacular. You're also at the ideal location to stop for a few nibbles on your way down as a quick reward for your morning workout.
Use "Hunza Water" to extend your life span.
The life-giving advantages of the water that Hunza people consume for free much outweigh the cost of expensive bottles of mineral water. Scientists have designated this glacial drinking water as the number one life-prolonging secret to Hunza residents, who include some of the world's longest-living people.
Hunza Water isn't a joke; it's made from Himalayan glacier melt, has an abnormally high pH, and "exceptional amounts of active hydrogen." Because of the mountains' isolation, the Hunza location makes this ultra-pure feasible (ever remaining free of pollution).
Other nations have figured out how to ionize their water to make it seem like Hunza Water, allowing them to perfect things like tea ceremonies and hospital-grade cleanliness.
During the journey from Gilgit Town to Hunza Valley the day before, we drank directly from a glacial stream pouring down Mt. Rakaposhi. The water is crystal clear, ice cold, and quite pleasant.
Dried Fruit or Apple Snacks (10 AM)
Apples and Apple Juice are two of the most common fruits consumed in the United States. Apples are arguably Hunza Valley's most well-known product, and orchards can be seen climbing up the mountainsides in every direction.
If you encounter an apply tree, try eating one while it's still attached to the stem. They come in a variety of flavors: sweet, crunchy, sour, and juicy. Not only are the apples cheap here, but a local acquaintance joked that they're so excellent that you'll never want an apple again.
Hunza's Dried Fruit
Hunza Gilgit Baltistan is situated at an ideal height for the cultivation of a variety of fruits that are frequently prohibitively expensive in other areas of the globe.
Try the almonds, walnuts, apricots, and grapes grown right here in the area. Look for the highly sour but delicious-smelling native variety of quince (also known as a queen Apple') if you're looking for a taste experience.
Dried fruits are widely available in local shops, and the Karimabad Market sells a large quantity of them. Because they are also exported to larger stores around Pakistan, purchasing them here generally results in a reduced price. Large bags of dried mulberries, grapes, persimmons, walnuts, and almonds can set you back 300-500PKR, while dried apricots will set you back 150-350PKR, depending on quality.
Hunza Attabad Lake Boating (11 AM)
You must select a choice following lunch. I would propose a quick excursion to Attabad Lake, one of the genuinely magnificent sites surrounding Hunza Valley, whether you have your own transportation or have access to a rental vehicle.
If not, simply finding a lovely location to take in more of the valley's breathtaking landscape is never a bad way to get in some lunch prep time. Consider a hot beverage at Cafe de Hunza as well (more details below)
Hunza Attabad Lake
A huge landslide in 2010 created the magnificent beauty of Attabad Lake (also known as Atta Abad). The Karakoram Mountain Range, which surrounds the lake on all sides, is known for its starkness.
The lake's surface reflects the brightest blue I've ever seen, a hue so striking that you have to see it to believe it. Stop for a cup of steaming dud path milk tea and take in the panoramic lake vista at a beautiful eatery located close to a roadside overlook above the lake. Finally, there are boats waiting to take you on a 15-30 minute tour around the lake if you stroll down to the lakefront.
Eat a hearty Hunza lunch (2 PM)
Walking outside in the cool Hunza air is a refreshing break from the sweltering and humid Indus River Valley, and you'll be eager for a substantial Hunza lunch right about now.
I recommend dining at Hunza Food Pavilion, where the wonderful Aunty prepares fully original Hunza Valley meals, all of which are prepared in-house and fresh. It is generally managed by two females who do not begin cooking until after you have placed your order, ensuring that each meal is prepared fresh.
The Aunties are eager to point out that their cuisine is completely organic, with the majority of the ingredients being farmed on their own property. Scroll down to read about some native Hunza dishes you may sample when you visit.
Dowdo is a type of hand-cut wheat noodle that is typically served with minced chicken meat. The soup became a golden, buttery liquid after adding a few slices of onion and cilantro and flavoring with cardamom and cumin.
Dowdo is one of the Hunza Valley's must-try dishes. Out of all the variations we sampled, I believe Hunza Food Pavilion delivered the finest single bowl.
The bowl of dowdo served here is very comforting; the lightly spiced minced beef smells great, and the soup is buttery and creamy without being heavy.
Although this ‘Hunza Pizza' may be advertised, I believe that chapshurro is a fantastic meal on its own. While minced beef is commonly used, the original chapshurro recipe calls for seasoned yak meat. With chopped onions, red chilies, small local tomatoes, and coriander leaves, the seasoning is basic.
This meal exemplifies how indigenous foods may be combined with Central Pakistani culinary techniques. One of the most frequently accessible (and delicious) meals in Hunza is the boiling hot, extremely full chapshurro beef pies.
Another hearty meal for people living and working in colder alpine climates is this cheese-filled flour cake. The goat's milk cheese used in this dish is a traditional Hunza and Balti staple.
Before lightly frying the cake on a hot iron pan, flour is laid out and apricot oil is generously distributed on each side. The cheese filling is then spread on top, followed by another thin flour cake, which is then sliced crosswise into triangles before serving.
The ladies who work here occasionally collaborate, while on other days, they take turns cooking. If you didn't go to the Hunza Attabad Lake, you may have some spare time before your hike to the Hunza Eagle's Nest to see the Hunza Altit Fort. However, don't linger too long because you don't want to miss the spectacular sunset over the valley.
The ascent to the 'Hunza Eagle's Nest' region begins at Altit Fort. Built around 1100 AD, this was the Hunza Valley's first fort construction. It served as the kingdom's seat until it was relocated to the Baltit Fort a few hundred years later.
If you must pick, I would suggest the Baltit, simply because it is larger and offers a greater perspective, yet both are rich in Hunza Valley history and old kingdoms.
Hunza coffee
If you're anything like me, you'll be seeking the next ‘something warm to drink' as soon as the weather gets colder.
Coffee has just lately become popular in Pakistan, but due to the large number of international visitors that visit Hunza Gilgit Baltistan (typically on their route to a hike in the Karakoram mountains), it is readily accessible.
Cafe de Hunza's walnut cake is excellent, and they provide both local and European-style appetizers with coffee. Try the local herbal tea, which uses botanicals from the Pamir Plateau.
Sunset at Eagle's Nest Hunza (5 PM)
This is one of those sights that you'll remember for the rest of your life, and it's also one of the best things to do in Hunza Valley.
It takes a lot of effort to get to the Eagle's Nest, but the view is worth it. Even in the sub-zero conditions, I was awestruck by the sight of seemingly endless rows of razor-sharp 7,000-8,000 meter high snowy peaks, and I almost forgot about the cold.
This is something you should not miss on your day in the Hunza Valley, and it was one of the highlights of my entire trip.
Note: It can become dark quickly up here; there are security officers on the lookout with torches, but keep an eye on your surroundings as there are multiple winding and unmarked trails to get lost on.
Hunza Valley's Authentic Cuisine (8 PM)
Sharing lunch with a local family is the best way to get a true sense of the Hunza Valley's culture. I owe a debt of gratitude to our good friend Ali at Pakistan Travel Diaries for making the arrangements and allowing us to partake in this extraordinary supper.
Expect late-night rounds of tea and after-dinner nibbles, which turned out to be another of my favorite memories from my fantastic Pakistan vacation. I recommend seeing the video of our experience or reading the complete story about the lunch here.
I won't go into detail about each item, but in a nutshell, it was an incredible supper accompanied by a kind greeting. However, the specifics of some of my favorite dishes from the evening may be found just below.
These creative dumplings have a rose form but do not contain actual rose flowers, and you may have already seen signs for them in little stalls in the Karimabad market.
Due to the time, it takes to produce each rose dumpling by hand, this is a unique dish that is normally only served on special occasions if not purchased.
Harissa
Chefs shred meat (typically goat meat) into strips after pre-boiling it and peeling local brown wheat before blending it. These strips are added to a dish with the wheat and healthy portions of apricot oil, and the stew is cooked until it is thick and delicious.
Another cuisine that Baltistan eats on a special occasion is this simple dish with few ingredients. It's such a luxury to be able to eat traditional Hunza cuisine with such a wonderful group of people, and it turns out to be the highlight of our trip to Hunza Gilgit Baltistan, probably even more so than the grandeur of the mountains itself.
Extra Credit - Hunza Valley Nightlife
If you're interested in going out and experiencing the local nightlife, there are a few establishments in Karimabad's major streets that stay open until midnight or later.
While these aren't my personal highlights, I do recommend taking a few minutes to step outdoors and breathe in the fresh mountain air. You can enjoy some of the most spectacular stargazing you'll ever see any place since the air is so clean and thin.
Light pollution is exceptionally low here due to the high altitude, low humidity, and distance from any big metropolis. Find a dark area, adjust your eyes, and allow the number of stars visible in the Hunza Valley night sky to lend a whole new dimension to this magnificent region.
Traveling Specifics
I'd like to provide a few more insights about how to travel in the Hunza Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan to wrap up this guide to local food and top things to do in Hunza Valley.
Safety
Part of the appeal of visiting places like this, no matter how isolated or otherworldly they may appear, is that it is still very possible to visit and to do so safely.
Outsiders are only now beginning to visit this area, and Pakistanis themselves are only now beginning to do so. People are only now realizing how inaccurately the media portrays these locations, as well as many others throughout the world - the people here are really delightful.
Road Travel Because the first roads to GB from Islamabad's capital are still under 40 years old, there is only one way to get there by land.
Between Gilgit and the Hunza Valley, many bus companies run, or you can rent a car or your own van (with a driver). There are also alternatives for renting more adventure-capable cars to tour the beautiful glaciers around this region.
Flying
We flew from Islamabad to Skardu, then drove to Gilgit and saw the Deosai National Park, which was breathtaking. If your day in the Hunza Valley is part of a longer journey, there are 1 or 2 direct flights daily between Islamabad and Gilgit (click here), as well as flights from Islamabad to Skardu.
Note: Depending on your passport, you may be required to sign into a local immigration office at any regional airport. Keep care of your arrival card because you'll need it again for your exit (the police will ask for it at road checkpoints throughout your stay in the GB region).
The Hunza Valley offers adventure travel and trekking. I can't speak for the trekking or adventure travel in this area, but we did witness a number of adventurers on their way up the massive Nanga Parbat. Karimabad is the final station on the way to base camp, which is a week-long journey.
You'll almost certainly need to be a guest of a local organization (like Pakistan Travel Diaries) or a tour company to obtain a visa.
After learning some interesting facts about Hunza Gilgit Baltistan and all about Hunza beauty you might be planning to have a trip to Hunza. Let’s do it! Chose one of your suitable package.
Hunza Tour Package from Lahore
Hunza Tour Package from Karachi
Hunza Tour Package from Islamabad
Hunza beauty
Many visitors came to capture the spectacular and uncommon animals of the Hunza Valley. For the patient and fortunate photographer, there are Markhor and Ibex, huge mountain goats, and even snow leopards.
Always check for the most recent information on drone and aerial photography. Drones and drone photography are prohibited in the Northern Province of the United Kingdom.
Hunza Gilgit Baltistan – Some Facts
The Hunza Valley is home to a diverse range of organizations, as well as a large number of solitary tourists and volunteers. We met a group of doctors who were on their way to promote health and good living by raising awareness about issues such as water and sanitation. Another organization active in the area can be found here.
I hope you find this Hunza Valley travel guide useful in planning your vacation to the Hunza Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan. The environment is unearthly, the food is distinct and refreshing, and the locals will offer you the hospitality that will warm your heart.