 Nestled
close to the Chinese
border, this
immortalized Kingdom
lends considerable
age to the myths
attached to it.
Famous for, the
longevity of its
people, its `Hunza
Water`, its fresh
fruits, its
atmosphere - for
almost everything.
Which of these
rumours is true?
Hunza beckons you to
find the answer
yourself, and it is
assured that though
you face the road
winding under the
auspicious Rakaposhi
with trepidation,
you will return
firmly convinced and
believing in the
majestic wonder that
is Hunza.
Though remained
important throughout
known history for
its strategic
location, Hunza was
first introduced in
Europe in modern
times, by British
officers who
traveled in the
region in the 19th
century. Inspired by
the splendour of
nature, these
missions gave
graphic accounts of
Hunza in their
travelogues and
other publications
and coined phrases
like ‘Shangri-La’
and ‘the most
spectacular mountain
valley on the
earth’. Erec Shipton
called Hunza ‘the
ultimate
manifestation of
mountain grandeur’.
Today Hunza is a sub
division of Gilgit
District with 48000
population. It
neighbours Chinese
Xinjiang Region and
Afghanistan's Wakhan
Corridor in the
north and runs along
the Hunza River
originating from
Khunjerab, Kilik,
Mintika and Shimshal
passes. The
hospitable and
friendly people of
Hunza speak three
different languages.
The aboriginal
Burushaski, spoken
in central Hunza, is
the main language
while in lower Hunza,
language spoken is
Shina and Wakhi, an
archaic Iranian
language in upper
Hunza or Gojal which
is also spoken in
parts of Xinjiang,
Wakhan and
Tajikistan. The
legendary toughness
and vegetarian diet
of Hunzukuts, has
perhaps contributed
to the myth of their
longevity.
Hunza was an
independent state
until 1891 when
British colonized
it. However it
remained autonomous
in its internal
affairs until 1974
when this mountain
princely state was
abolished and merged
with administration
of Northern Areas.
Spectacular Altit
and Baltit forts
that stand guard
depict its centuries
old history. Baltit
For has been
recently opened to
visitors after
renovation with a
collection of local
antiques and
artifacts displayed
in its museum.
Baltit renamed as
Karimabad, is the
capital of former
state with
commanding views of
entire central Hunza.
Its terraced fields
lining poplar trees,
apricot and apple
orchards and
irrigation channels
along with
awe-inspiring views
of Rakaposhi, Diran,
Golden, Ultar Peaks,
present the most
magnificent
combination of
natural and men made
beauty.
The perpetual
glacier of Rakaposhi
on the opposite side
gives a majestic
appearance and adds
thrill of delight
that belongs to
Hunza. Once in Hunza
you can explore the
beauty of nature and
mythical legends of
Hunzokuts walking in
the village and
trekking to some of
its spectacular
meadows and
glaciers. |
