Overview
A gem of beauty that God has created in his free time. A visit to Hunza Valley, for many, maybe once a lifetime offer. a mountainous valley lying in the Northern part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It shares its border with Ishkoman to the Northwest, Shigar in the Southeast, Afghanistan to the North, and China to the Northeast. Hunza valley is believed to be formed by the Hunza river. Hunza valley is situated at a height of 2,438 meters above sea level. After knowing about its height you must be able to imagine the environmental conditions prevailing in the area. The area enclosed by Hunza Valley is 11,660 square km.
People Of Hunza Valley
Several people including many scientists who lived with the people of Hunza Valley praised their simplicity, honesty, charm, intelligence, and physical stamina. You might be astonished to know the fact that the life expectancy of the people of Hunza Valley exceeds 90 years. You might find people aged 120 years.
Diet Of The People
The people living here consume raw vegetables and fruits with low protein content. They perform a lot of physical work. Their physical work, simple diet, the fresh and pure water are considered to be the reasons behind their high expectancy rate. The water found in Hunza Valley contains many minerals like Potassium, Calcium, Iron, etc, which may the reason for their anti-aging.
Another astonishing fact is that they live a disease-free life. The scientists who lived with them to find the reason behind their high life expectancy rate deduced the same outcome. It has been a mystery for doctors and scientists all over the world.
A scientist, Dr. Henry Coanda, who lived with them, concluded that the glacier water used by the people for drinking and bathing is the main reason for the longevity rate of the people as it contains many minerals and extracts of several herbs and shrubs having medicinal properties.
Another Scientist Dr. Robert Maccrison who lived with the people of the valley revealed that he couldn’t reveal even a single person suffering from diseases like cancer, ulcer, diabetes, appendicitis, or any other disease.
Languages Spoken
The main languages spoken in this area are Burushaski, Wakki, and Shina.
Education
The people of Hunza Valley are highly educated. You must be surprised to know the fact that the literacy rate of the people residing here is about 95%.
Location And Religion
Hunza Valley lies in the Northern part of Pakistan. This area has a history of migrations, conflicts, and resettling of tribes. Shina ( Muslim ) community is the most prominent community in the area. These people are also known for their customs and traditions which they have been following generation after generation. Some people belonging to Wakhi, also a Muslim community reside in the area. These Wakhi are believed to be migrated from Northern Afghanistan. In short, we can say that it is a Muslim-dominated area. Most of the residents belong to the Muslim religion.
Life Span
The life span of the people of this valley is above 90 years. You may find many people even 120 years old.
History Of Hunza Valley
It has been proved that Buddhism used to be the main religion of this valley. A number of shreds of evidence related to the presence of Buddhism have been found here. Sacred Rock of Hunza is one of the several pieces of evidence that proves this fact. This area also used to be a famous trading route from central Asia to the subcontinent one time. Hunza valley once used to be a center of transmission of Buddhism throughout Asia.
Buddhism remained in the majority till the 15th century. In the late 15th century Islam came into existence in this area. After the arrival of Islam, most of the Buddhists converted to Islam whereas the rest of the Buddhists moved to Leh. Because of the absence of Buddhists, the pieces of evidence of their existence are now left ignored, destroyed, or forgotten.
How To Reach Hunza Valley From Pakistan?
1. By Bus
If you travel by bus, Hunza Valley is 100km away from Gilgit. A bus from Islamabad will drop you at Gilgit in 2-3 hours. From Gilgit, it will take 24-25 hours to reach Hunza Valley by bus. Most people prefer to travel by road.
2. By Plane
You can also opt for Air transport. A flight from Islamabad to Gilgit Airport will take 45-50 minutes. For the onward journey from Gilgit to Hunza valley, you can use the local bus services that can drop you at your destination in 2-3 hours. There are regular PIA flights from Gilgit to Islamabad and from Islamabad to Gilgit. During the winter season flights are delayed by several days because of foggy conditions.
By Private Car
You can use a private car. you can also hire a jeep, which is the standard mode of transportation in Hunza Valley. In order to roam in the nearby cities, you can use the bus service also.
Activities You Can Do In Hunza Valley
1. Camping.
2. Shopping.
3. Horse riding.
4. Gliding.
5. Fishing.
6. Safari rides.
7. Skiing.
8. Mountain Biking.
9. Mountaineering.
10. Swimming.
11. Hunting.
12. Trekking.
Famous Hotels/Inns In Hunza Valley
1. Backpackers Inn.
2. Hunza View Hotel.
3. World roof Hotel.
4. Hunza Serena Inn.
5. Eagle’s Nest Hotel.
6. Hotel Hunza Embassy.
7. Darbar Hotel.
Best Travel Agencies Plying From Pakistan To Hunza Valley
1. Pakistan travel guide.
2. Nomadic tours Pakistan.
3. Hunza Trek and Tours.
4. Trip advisor.
Must Visit Places In Hunza Valley
Hunza valley is home to many exotic places in Pakistan. Several high mountain peaks are the main source of attraction for many tourists. The height of these mountain peaks ranges from 6000m to 7788m. Other places worth visiting are:
1. Castle of Baltit.
2. Ancient watch towers in Garnish.
3. Baltit Fort.
4. Altit Fort.
5. Buddha Figure.
6. Borith Lake.
7. Rush Lake.
8. Batura Glacier.
9. Chipursan Valley.
10. Shrine of Baba-e-Ghund.
Famous Local Dishes
1. Yak meat.
2. Pitti.
3. Harissa.
4. Ground meat.
5. Gyaling.
6. Buroshapik.
7. Tumoro Tea.
8. Hoilo Garma.
What For Hunza Valley Is Famous?
Hunza Valley is famous for its natural beauty, mountains, glaciers, and rich culture. It is a valley situated in the extreme North of Pakistan.
Is Water In Hunza Alcoholic?
No, not at all. It is just drinking water without any alcoholic properties. Instead, it has many medicinal properties.
What Makes Hunza Valley Unique?
The life expectancy rate of the people in Hunza Valley is above 90 years. People live simple and healthy life without suffering from any chronic diseases. You might find people even 110-120 years old in this valley.
Reasons Behind Their High Life Expectancy
A clean environment, healthy and natural food, physical activities, and glacier water having many medicinal properties are the reasons behind their high life expectancy.
Things To Carry On A Trip To Hunza Valley
1. Full-sleeved shirts.
2. Jackets/sweaters.
3. Warm socks and shoes.
4. Warm trousers.
5. Hats.
6. Sunglasses.
7. Sleepwear dresses.
8. Makeup kit.
9. Scarf
10. Mobile charger.
Old Name Of Hunza Valley
Kanjut.
Favorite Part Of Hunza Valley
An adventurous and favorite part of Hunza Valley is Duiker Valley.
What Is The Behaviour Of Local People Towards Visitors?
The local people of Hunza Valley are very humble and simple. They show immense hospitality to the visitors.
Are Hunza Women Beautiful?
Yes, they are beautiful. They use natural oils which help them in looking young and beautiful.
How Long Do People Of Hunza Valley Live?
The average age of people in Hunza Valley is 100 years. You may also find people of age 120 years.
Hope you must enjoy reading this article. Stay connected to read my next articles. Till then Bye! God bless you.