Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan
The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges
of
Himalaya arakorum indu Kush indu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500
m to 8600 meters.
Administratively divided with five districts, which runs
by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary.
The chief secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad.
Gilgit the
capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various
invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants
was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the
Indo Aryans in 1700 BC.
From the 1st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the
trade center from all places as its now. From 4th century to 11th century AD, It
was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later
Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central
Asia-China.
Northern Area is connected with air and road with other cities of
Pakistan including Islamabad the Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and
Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It linked with Karakorum highway through
the Indus valley. 620 Kilometers to Gilgit and 832 Kilometers to Skardu. It a
two days drive to reach Gilgit Skardu.
Northern Areas is the fairy land,
which covers thousands of Square Kilometers if high snow capped mountain,
surrounded by Lashed green valleys rivers, Glaciers- High meadows high passes
DevDar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, Fruit orchards, which offer
Spectacular panoramic view of natural disaster. Northern Area is a tourist
paradise for Trekkers, Climbers Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing Water
Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Route Travelers Muntain Bike Tours and many
many.
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. The temperature in May is Maximum 27 C and
minimum 14 C as well as July is max & min 30 C.
The temperature in
October are maximum 10 C and minimum 5 C.
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.
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.
Mountaineering And Hiking
Hunza is ideal for
mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Special permits are required for
mountaineering.
How to Go There
Regular Buses and Van services operate between Gilgit and
Karimabad. Hunza Travels & Tours office at Gilgit, arrange tour and
transport for visitors.
TODAY'S HUNZA
Today Hunza is in progress in
education agriculture, orchard, business small industries, automobile, wooden
work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health
programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery,
Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc.
The actual
changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China
& Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province,
the rapid changes happened in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into
border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of
Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of
people of Hunza.
There are self-help schools in every second village in the
valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the
reason, why Hunza people are different from other valleys in North of
Pakistan.
The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism
was in Hunza valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza has
been a tourist destination from a long time.