Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
HunzaTravel Guide: Hotels, Car Rental & Tours
Hunza is a valley on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan, about 100 km north of Gilgit. Its main town, Karimabad, faces Rakaposhi (7,788 m) and is the usual base for visitors.
Most travellers come for Baltit and Altit forts, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the drive to the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan–China border. Spring blossom and autumn colours are the busiest seasons.
Hunza at a glance
- Main town
- Karimabad (about 2,500 m)
- From Gilgit
- About 100 km, 2–3 hours by road
- Best time
- April–May and September–early November
- Getting around
- Car or jeep with driver; Karimabad is walkable
Things to do in Hunza
Baltit Fort
A restored hilltop fort and museum above Karimabad, roughly 700 years old.
Altit Fort
Believed to be the oldest standing monument in Gilgit-Baltistan, with views over the Hunza River.
Eagle’s Nest, Duikar
A viewpoint above Karimabad known for sunrise over Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar and Ladyfinger peak.
Attabad Lake
A turquoise lake formed by a landslide in 2010, with boating and lakeside hotels.
Passu Cones and Hussaini Bridge
The jagged Passu Cathedral peaks and a famous suspension bridge in Upper Hunza (Gojal).
Khunjerab Pass
The Pakistan–China border crossing at 4,693 m, one of the highest paved border crossings in the world; usually open from spring to late autumn.
Best time to visit Hunza
April to May for apricot and cherry blossom, June to August for warm days and high-altitude trips, and late October to early November for autumn colours. Winters are cold and some hotels close, but Karimabad stays accessible.
How to get to Hunza
Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit (about an hour, weather permitting) and drive about 2–3 hours to Karimabad, or travel the whole way by road on the Karakoram Highway. A car with a local driver is the most practical way to cover Attabad Lake, Passu and Khunjerab in one trip.
Travel tips
- Carry cash in PKR; card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels.
- Khunjerab is cold even in summer; take a warm layer.
- Book blossom and autumn weekends early; Karimabad fills up.
Hotels and stays in Hunza
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Car rental in Hunza
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Hunza tours and trips
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Hunza FAQs
How many days do you need in Hunza?
Three to four days covers Karimabad, the forts, Eagle’s Nest, Attabad Lake and Passu. Add a day for the Khunjerab Pass.
Where should I stay in Hunza?
Karimabad is the most central base, close to Baltit Fort and the bazaar. Aliabad sits on the main highway, and Attabad Lake and Passu suit travellers who want quieter stays in Upper Hunza.
How far is Hunza from Gilgit?
Karimabad is about 100 km from Gilgit, a 2–3 hour drive on the Karakoram Highway.
Can I rent a car with driver in Hunza?
Yes. BookGB lists cars and jeeps with drivers for Hunza, Gilgit and the rest of Gilgit-Baltistan, priced per day in PKR.