Fort
Baltit Fort
Hunza district · 2,500 m
Seven hundred years old, and beautifully restored between 1990 and 1996 by the Aga Khan Cultural Service.
Baltit Fort stands guard over Karimabad, as it did when it was the seat of the ruling family. Hunza was ruled by the same family for about 960 years, and the foundations of the fort are said to date to the 13th century.
Kind FortDistrict HunzaElevation 2,500 mPosition 36.325° N, 74.670° E
About Baltit Fort
The work that gave the fort its present shape was carried on by Balti craftsmen, brought in the dowry of a princess of the Maqpon dynasty when she married the Mir of the time, Ayesho II, the great grandson of the legendary Ayesho. That is why the architecture shows Tibetan influence and links with Baltistan.
Later touches are British in character. Under Mir Nazim the exterior was painted white and balconies were added, after Hunza became a princely state under British rule.
Between 1990 and 1996 the fort and the houses around it were renovated under the Aga Khan Cultural Service, and the project won the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow award in 2000.
Climb to the roof for a view over the whole valley, and look out for the Victoria monument set on a cliff at the back of the village, put up by the same Mir. The fort management can also host special dinners for groups, which is a lovely way to spend an evening.
Elsewhere in Hunza
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Town or village · 2,450 m
Karimabad
The old seat of the Mir of Hunza, and the heartbeat of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- 2,350 m
Fort
Altit Fort
The older of Hunza's two great forts, on the edge of a cliff above the river.
- 7,388 m
Summit
Ultar Sar
7,388 m directly above Karimabad, and the glacier that waters most of Central Hunza.
Lake or water · 2,450 m
Attabad Lake
A turquoise lake on the Karakoram Highway, with boat rides, lakeside camping and a new road through the tunnels.
- 2,500 m
Town or village
Gulmit
Gojal headquarters, Wakhi speaking, with the old Mir's summer residence and a village full of charm.
- 2,480 m
Town or village
Hussaini
The famous suspension bridge over the Hunza river, planked at intervals and a treat for adventure lovers.
- 2,500 m
Town or village
Passu
Between the Passu and Batura glaciers, with the Cathedral Peaks in view and some of the best walks in the valley.
Summit · 6,106 m
Passu Cones
Tupopdan, 6,106 m. The serrated wall every photograph of Upper Hunza is taken against.
- 2,600 m
Lake or water
Borith Lake
An emerald green lake above Ghulkin, where migrating birds stop in spring and autumn.
- 2,800 m
Town or village
Sost
The dry port and the last Pakistani customs post before China, and the base for Khunjerab and Chapursan.
- 3,100 m
Town or village
Misgar
Up a side valley off the highway, below the Mintika Pass on the old silk route from China to India.
- 3,300 m
Town or village
Chapursan
A Wakhi valley running west to the Afghan watershed, with the shrine of Baba Ghundi and a famous festival.
- 3,100 m
Town or village
Shimshal
Pakistan's most remote valley, home to great guides, a mountaineering school and yak pastures above 4,700 m.
- 4,735 m
Pass
Shimshal Pass
The gate onto the Pamir pastures, walked by Shimshali herders twice a year.
- 4,735 m
Base camp
Shuwerth
Summer pasture on the Pamir, and blue sheep ground in winter.
Pass · 4,693 m
Khunjerab Pass
4,693 m. The Chinese border and the highest paved border crossing in the world.