It’s the valley of snow clad Rakaposhi peak that dominates Karimabad with Baltit Fort in sight the valley booming with fruit orchards such as apple, apricot, walnut, mulberry and cherry. Hunza valley bordering China to the north-east and Pamir to the northwest is situated at an elevation of 2,438 m. All the mountains surrounding the valley are higher than 6,000 ft. It is a land of eternal optimism and natural wonder, and Hunza Karimabad is the only town, where you can view the five famous peaks on a clear day; Rakaposhi 7,788 m, Golden peak 7,027 m, Diran 7,256 m, Ultar (I) 7,388 m, Ultar (II) 7,310 m and Ladyfinger peak 6,000 m. Ladyfinger is the most exceptional peaks of all in the valley and remains my favourite to date. The grandeur of Rakaposhi has no match and you fall in love with the mountain every morning when the first rays of the sun fall on it. The glorious rugged mountains, the soft blossoming fruit trees, the graceful birch and poplar trees and the carpeted wheat fields against the snow covered peaks, situated at an elevation of 2,438 m.
When to visit Karimabad, Hunza Valley
The best time to visit Hunza valley is from April to October, you must witness the spring and autumn here that will melt your heart. The temperature here is normally low during the day in summers. It’s mostly crowded especially from June to August since Karimabad is the hub of shopping complexes dealing in handicrafts, good quality mountain equipment, dry fruit and honey, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
How to reach Karimabad
After you reach Gilgit city, you can take a public transport or opt for carpool directly to Karimabad from the bus stop. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach your destination.
Where to stay in Karimabad
Many options available in this part of Hunza. I personally love places away from the market place. You will find budget-friendly and high-end places. Reasonable and standard accommodation options in Karimabad are, Halga – near Japan Chowk; my personal favourite, Tourist Cottage Hunza, Hotel Swans Hunza, Hotel Blue Moon, World Roof Hotel to name a few. You will also find quite a few upscale options such as, Roomy Daastaan Karimabad, Hunza Darbar Hotel, Hilltop Hotel, Mulberry Hotel, Hunza Embassy Hotel.
Daily Budget
This place is quite cheap compared to other tourist attractions. This is dependent on your style of travelling and food choices. If you decide to stick to a budget, expect to sleep in economical but comfortable accommodations, eat out only a few times, and it is best to use the cost-effective and most convenient way of transportation, which often times involves walking or taking a public transport.
Internet in Hunza Valley
Internet and electricity is unreliable in Hunza valley. Even if you have a local sim card or a WIFI connection don’t expect smooth and speedy internet at all times. Most phone services work here and is possibly the best way to stay in touch with family and friends.
What to pack for Karimabad, Hunza
It always depends on the nature of your travel, weather and the number of days you plan to stay.
Walking/Hiking Shoes: Whether you decide to go for short hikes, long treks or just a stroll, I highly recommend you take a good pair of comfortable shoes with you.
Breathable Shirts: Depending on the weather it is still always a good option to pack multiple breathable shirts that you can wear during the day.
Stretchable Trousers / Comfortable Bottoms: Since you will be walking around along different paths, I recommend you pack a few pairs of stretchable, comfortable and breathable slacks along with a warm pair. This works for both hot and cold climates.
Fleece Jacket: Always carry something warm as the temperature lowers after evening.
Rain coat: You never know when it rains!
Out and About in Karimabad
Enjoy the town on foot. You can’t help falling in love with the stone walls, the narrow, steep cobblestone slopes between low wooden houses and orderly orchards. Stroll across the terraced fields where wheat, barley, lentils, maize and other vegetables are cultivated alongside willow, fir, birch and poplar trees, the roses, lilies and the zinnias.
Things to do in Karimabad
Climb up to Baltit Fort: The grand 700-year-old Baltit fort is the cultural and historical asset of Gilgit Baltistan – a fine example of Balti architecture. Having seen seven centuries of Hunza‘s history, today it stands as an enduring symbol of its rich culture and eventful past. Following a power struggle seven centuries ago, Baltit Fort became the royal residence of Mirs of Hunza. The British conquered Hunza in 1892. They demolished high walls surrounding the fort, exposing its structure to the valley hence diminishing its significance as a stronghold against the attacking enemy. Baltit Fort remained a royal residence until 1945. Baltit was the capital of Hunza for over 750 years. This was later shifted to the lower part of the hills to Karimabad where buildings were erected and the town developed into a tourist site, following the development of the KKH.
Good to know: The Ottoman ‘s placed carved cobblestones on streets to collect water for the thirsty birds and animals to drink water from.
Take a break and shop: As you hike towards the majestic Baltit Fort, you will come across shops selling amazing antiques and local handicrafts. You will also find a range of souvenirs and collectors’ items such as traditional jewellery, gemstones, postcards, new and preloved books, stuffed animals, exquisite hand knotted carpets, handcrafted wooden crockery. Also the best place to purchase mountain equipment, shawls, clothes and local woollen caps for men and embroidered caps for women; Chogha (in winters men wear a special long coat made of wool to keep themselves warm). Many prefer buying organic herbs, dry fruits, local delicacies, homemade jams, oils, honey and of course fresh off the tree fruits.
Explore the art of wood carvings and artisans: There are a few shops that deal in stunning handcrafted wooden products like spoons, forks, knives, bowls etc. Hunza Wood Art and Hunzo-e-Hayan are two worth-visiting places. These places exhibit amazing craftsmanship by the artisans Ismail Jatoori at Hunza Wood Art and Shafqat Karim at Hunzo-e-Hayan. Everything is handcrafted in the shop cum workshop with a display of all kinds of wooden craft made with mulberry, apricot, cherry, birch, walnut, pear trees, proudly hanging in all shapes, sizes and designs. Each has its own distinct smell, texture and colour.
Finest places to enjoy local food: Karimabad has some of the pre-eminent restaurants and cafés to relax and enjoy the majestic snow-capped mountains, especially Rakaposhi, the 12th highest peak in Pakistan and 27th highest in the world. My favourites are Pizza Pamir for fast food and pizza cravings, Hidden Paradise for chamus (dried apricot juice) and traditional foods Café de Hunza for the famed walnut cake and honey, Highland Cuisine and Rainbow Hotel and Restaurant for everyday desi food choices.
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