Hunza Valley of Gilgit Baltistan is nestled in the mountains of the Karakoram and the Himalayas. National Geographic, in 1980, published its title page cover with a girl holding a wooden cart in her hands and Mighty Rakaposhi in her backdrop. The name of the Page cover was “Hight Road to Hunza.” It was my first introduction to the extreme beauty of Hunza Valley.
Hunza peak and lady’s finger
Hunza Valley is 100 Kilometers away from the City of Gilgit. The beauty of Hunza cast a spell on visitors. If we rewind history, we will learn some interesting facts about Hunza and the people of Hunza Valley. By 1890, Britishers were drinking wine and eating boiled potatoes in Gilgit City. They thought the people of Hunza, who were only 60 miles away from Gilgit, had been ignorant and wild, yet they were beautiful and looted convoys leading towards Kashghar and Kandahar.
The same year, a Russian officer named “Grompje Pki,” along with his soldiers, entered Hunza. He wanted to deploy a contingent in the Valley of Hunza. It was a setback for English soldiers who were having lavish lives in Gilgit. British Army had a formal understanding with Mir of Hunza “Mir Safdar Ali” that he would let the Postal mail go to Kashgar, and in return, he was awarded a notable amount. The presence of Russians alerted the British Army, so they started thinking about capturing NILT Fort.
Ganesh Village Hunza Valley
In 1890, under the command of Colonel Durand, the British Army attacked and captured NILT Fort. They faced huge inconvenience from the people of Hunza, who had a small number of Guns and firepower. The size of the British Army was so great that few soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross just for capturing the NILT fort.
After the NILT fort, they laid siege on Baltit Fort after a great fight by the Hunza people. Mir Safdar of Hunza fled to China with his family. British Army destroyed BALTIT fort in search of Royal Treasure but could only find a handful amount of abandoned gunpowder.
Mir Safdar’s Brother was awarded as the New MIR(king) of Hunza. From then on, the Hunza was ruled by the Maharaja of Kashmir, but Hunza was too far away from Kashmir, which did not become a hassle for the Hunza people as they were only ruled by the Mir of Hunza. Hunza also got freedom during the subcontinent Freedom Movement in 1947.
Hunza is my center of Gravity. When I first saw Hunza Valley, I was spellbound. Hunza was my first introduction to the love of mountains and nature. We remain in a busy world, having very tough schedules, boring lives, power issues, Gas issues, water issues, family problems, traffic noise, and so much more.
We can have a great life in Hunza Valley, where we can have peace of mind and soul purification as well. You feel relaxed and happy there. All positive energies you get in Hunza Valley and negative approach vanishes.
Baltit Fort , Hunza Valley
In the past and even now, people go there to gain physical health in Hunza Valley. My problem is not physical but also mental as I go to Hunza again and again. The love of Hunza for the visitors is such that you can not forget it. Currently, the Winter season is leading into the Spring season. The weather is changing, and April is fast approaching. Spring season is the most amazing season for Hunza Valley. The Spring season is the season of flowers and colors. I still remember my first visit to Hunza; it was during the spring season.
When I was 22 years old, in April 1998 I left for Hunza. It was spring season. The weather had changed in Punjab. I approached the bus, which was going to Gilgit. My family was not happy that I was going to such a remote area of Pakistan as, by then, people had less awareness about the Northern Areas of Pakistan. No media were reporting on Hunza Valley, so people did not visit such beautiful valleys then. I sat on the bus with 5000 Pak rupees in my pocket. I reached Gilgit and spent a few days in Gilgit, which was good, but I was not happy as Gilgit was not as beautiful as you could imagine, being a busy city even by then. My money started diminishing fast, and I was about to return home when I heard a “Shimshalli” boy chanting Hunza!! Hunza!!. I had heard the name of Hunza so I sat on the bus en route to Hunza.
Royal Garden Hunza Valley
It was April, a bright sunny day, and I was going to Hunza on a local transport bus. When my bus reached NILT, the landscape started changing fast. There I saw, spring of colors. White, pink, and Orange flowers were in great abundance.
While I was fast reaching Hunza, I got painted in Hunza colors. I never thought Pakistan had such a beautiful valley with such awesome weather and landscape. From Hussainabad to Aliabad on both sides of the road, Trees were fruit-laden and their aroma was spreading I was spellbound I could not believe my eyes. Hunza was my first love, and it can not be forgotten. Hunza Valley is for all those who want peace of mind and a getaway from hard city life.
Rakaposhi Peak
The Writer, CEO & Founder of Pakistantourntravel.com is a passionate traveler with a deep love for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems of Northern Pakistan. From the majestic mountains to the vibrant cultures, he takes great delight in immersing himself in the rich experiences and sharing captivating tales from his journeys. You can catch him as he unravels the wonders of this enchanting Pakistan and inspires fellow adventurers to embark on their own unforgettable expeditions. Connect with him @ [email protected]
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