Story of Hunza – Chronicle Tale of Local Hunza People

Story of Hunza – Chronicle Tale of Local Hunza People

Hunza Valley of Gilgit Baltistan is nestled in the mountains of the Karakoram and the Himalayas. In 1980, National Geographic published its title page cover with a girl holding a wooden cart in her hands and Mighty Rakaposhi in her backdrop.

The Page cover read, “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 from the City of Gilgit. Its beauty casts 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 drank wine and ate 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 and his soldiers entered Hunza. He wanted to deploy a contingent in the Valley of Hunza. It was a setback for English soldiers living 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 Altit Fort.

Ganesh Village Hunza Valley

In 1890, under the command of Colonel Durand, the British Army attacked and captured Altit 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 Altit fort.

After the Altit fort, they laid siege to Baltit Fort after a great fight by the Hunza people. Mir Safdar of Hunza fled to China with his family. The British Army destroyed Baltit Fort in search of Royal Treasure but could only find a handful of abandoned gunpowder.

Mir Safdar’s Brother was awarded as Hunza’s New MIR (king). 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 live in a busy world with 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 and have peace of mind and soul purification. 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 to Hunza Valley to gain physical health. My problem is not physical but also mental as I go to Hunza again and again. The love of Hunza for 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 is the most amazing season for Hunza Valley. It is the season of flowers and colors. I still remember my first visit to Hunza during the spring season.

When I was 22 years old, in April 1998, I left for Hunza. It was spring season, and 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 reported on Hunza Valley, so people did not visit such beautiful valleys then. I sat on the bus with 5000/-  in my pocket. I reached Gilgit and spent a few days there, which was good, but I was not happy because 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 heard Hunza’s name, so I sat on the bus en route to Hunza.

Royal Garden Hunza Valley

It was a bright, sunny April, and I was going to Hunza on a local bus. When my bus reached Altit, the landscape started changing fast. There, I saw a 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 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

Ejaz Hussain

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]