MOUNTIANS IN HUNZA

Ladyfinger Peak

is a distinctive rock spire in the Batura Muztagh,
the westernmost subrange of the Karakoram range in Pakistan. It lies on the southwest ridge of the Ultar Sar massif, the most southeasterly of the major groups of theBatura Muztagh. The whole massif rises precipitously above the Hunza Valley to thesoutheast. Bublimotin, while having little prominence above the saddle with near byHunza Peak, is particularly notable for being a sharp, relatively snow less rock spire among snow peaks. This, combined with its height above the valley, makes it
quite eye-catching; hence the distinctive name. It provides a 600m (1830 ft) rock climb (with a very serious alpine approach) and has been the scene of some notable
paragliding.
Rakaposhi Peak
is one of the most magnificent and easily climbable peaks in Pakistan.

With the height of 7,788 meters, Rakaposhi is a delight to ascend for a mountaineer. The peak is situated near Gilgit and one can see the

majestic peak

from the Karakoram Highway. Its beauty and easy ascendance attracts a number of

adventure lovers to its scenic heights.
Mountaineers can scale the peak from all the sides. The Rakaposhi Peak is
surrounded by beautiful valleys and glaciers, which add to the beauty of themountaineering experience. So far a number of expeditions have been made to ascend
the Rakaposhi Peak.Pakistan is wonderful destination for adventure sports. The country providesimmense opportunities for mountaineers and adventure lovers. There are a number of
majestic mountains and valleys that are a great experience to travel.
Tour to Pakistan brings you complete information on various tourist destinations
in Pakistan. Pakistan is popular for adventure sports and Tour to Pakistan offers
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ultra Peak  While not one of the highest peaks of the Karakoram, Ultar Sar is notable for its dramatic rise above local terrain. Its south flank rises over 5,300 metres (17,388 feet) above the Hunza River near Karimabad, in only about 10 km (6 miles) of horizontal distance. Combined with its strategic position at the end of the Batura Muztagh, with the Hunza River bending around it, this makes Ultar a visually striking peak.
Ultar Sar also gained fame in the 1990s as supposedly the world's highest unclimbed independent peak. This was incorrect, as Gangkhar Puensum in Bhutan is higher, and remains unclimbed (and off-limits) in 2007. (Two other higher peaks are also reputedly unclimbed and of independent stature.) However that perception did add to the appeal of the peak, and a number of expeditions attempted to climb it. During the 1980s and 1990s over 15 expeditions made attempts, resulting in no success, but in a number of fatalities; the peak proved to be quite difficult. The first two ascents were made in July 1996 by two separate Japanese expeditions, the first (from the Tokai section of the Japanese Alpine Club) led by Akito Yamazaki (who summitted, but died on the descent) and the second led by Ken Takahashi. The first summit team comprised Yamazaki and Kiyoshi Matsuoka (who died one year later on the nearby peak Bublimotin). They climbed the peak from the southwest in alpine style, doing much of the climbing at night to avoid danger from falling rock and ice. After their successful summit, they faced strong storms and bivouaced several days without food before returning to basecamp. However, Akihito Yamazaki died at basecamp of an internal disease due to the severe stress of climbing.
The second summit team comprised Takahashi and four others: Masayuki Ando, Ryushi Hoshino, Wataru Saito, and Nobuo Tsutsumi. They climbed the south ridge. Since 1996, there have been no recorded ascents of the peak.
Hunza Peak
lies in the westernmost subrange of the Karakoram range along with the Ladyfinger Peak (Bublimating). It lies on the southwest ridge of the Ultar Sar massif, the most southeasterly of the major groups of the Batura Muztagh. The whole massif rises precipitously above the Hunza Valley to the southeast.
Bublimating, while having little prominence above the saddle with nearby Hunza Peak, is particularly notable for being a sharp, relatively snowless rock spire among snow peaks.
This peak has at least two known routes, both climbed in 1991. Both routes where done in alpine style, the first by a Swedish expedition and the second by a British team, which included Caradog Jones and Mick Fowler.
Golden Peak
boundry Hunza-Nagar and Baltistan, is known by various names all depicting different aspects of its splendor and opulence. The northwestern face on the Nagar side is called “Ghenish Chhish”, which in Brushaski (local language) means Golden Mountain. Viewed from Hunza-Karimabad, the sun setting on Golden Pillar is a truly remarkable sight Local people also call it Queen Mountain. From the Baltistan side at the head of CHOGOLUNGME GLACIER the mountain is less intimidating and offers a NORMAL ROUTE to the summit . The summit on clear days presents magnificent views of neighboring Rakaposhi, Diran, Malubiting, Ultars, Battura Group, Haramosh, the entire Shimshal Mountains, and K2 far beyond and many more.

HISTORY OF HUNZA

Human’s 30,000 inhabitants have been ruled by the same family for 1960 years. They long believed themselves the equals of the great powers, years. Probably because of their impregnability. A legend states that the Hunzakuts, as the people of Hunza are known, are descended from five wandering soldiers from Alexander’s army. It is true that some of the people are fair- haired with blue or green eyes. In central Hunza the people speak Burushaski, Wakhi and aboriginal language.
Hunza retained its isolated independence until the British conquered it; on the fruits of caravan raids slave trading and attacking it’s neighbors. It did not become par of Pakistan until 1974, and even now the Mir of Hunza retains much of his traditional importance. The society is co-operative rather than competitive; there is remarkably little difference in the people’s weather, each family growing enough corn, apricots and walnuts for its own use. The economy used to be entirely self-sufficient, but this is rapidly changing as the Karakoram Highway opens up the valley.
Hunza was the likely model for the Shangri-La of James Hilton’s novel ‘Lost Horizon’ where he describes it as a country of peace and contentment where the people do not ago. The myth of the longevity of the Hunzakuts probably stems from the fact that it was selected by the National Geographic magazine as the kingdom where people loved longest, free from social stress and succored by their high intake of apricots and low intake of animal fat. Fruit was, and is, the staple diet. During the summer the people used to eat nothing else; in order to conserve fuel and precious cereals cooking in the summer months was forbidden. In winter the people ate flour made from apricot kernels and drank brandy distilled from mulberries, and wines from the grapes that used to grow everywhere, smothering the poplars and roofs.
You see in Hunza a large number of old people, most of them apparently in good health, but few, if any, live to be 120. Life is as hard in Hunza as it is elsewhere in the northern areas, particularly in the early spring when the supplies of stored food are running low.

ALTITFORT

The majestic historical Altit fort is center of attraction due to its architectural design and strategic location. Altit is one of the oldest settlements of Hunza valley. During the time when Hunza was under the central government of Gilgit principality, Altit served as the capital and sitting place of Hunza. Altit is the birth place of the Hunza Kingdom and Altit fort is the first fort of the region. During early period of former Hunza state Altit was the capital. The artisans from Baltistan who accompanied the wife of Mir Ayasho II constructed this fort during 1540s A.D. The fort has been constructed in six different stages by using various natural levels of the rock. The construction has been made right on the edge of a sheer rock cliff that drops 1000 feet straight down to the Hunza River.
In the beginning it was built as a palace, soon after the addition of the watch tower a defensive architectural element it transformed to a fort. There is great possibility that different stages of the fort have been constructed during different times because the actual age of the fort is said to be more than 800 years. However, the date of construction on the fort tower is written as 955 A.H/1548 A.D thus the age is calculated as 458 years. This fort is said to be around 50-100 years older than the Baltit Fort. When the state capital transferred to Altit it remained vacant and occasionally used as a guest house. The fort was in disposal of Raja Amin Khan who donated it to Aga Khan Cultural Services, Pakistan (AKCSP) in 2001. AKCSP after some emergency repairs is now working to preserve this historical heritage.

HISTORY OF BALTITFORT

In olden times a number of small independent states existed in the history of Northern Areas of Pakistan. Among them Hunza and Nager were the traditional rival states, situated on opposite sides of the Hunza (kanjut) river. The rulers of these two states, known as Thámo / Mirs (Thάm=S), built various strongholds to express their power.
According to historical sources {Ref: Tarikh-e-Ehd Atiiq Riyasat Hunza by Haji Qudratullah Baig, Pub: S.T.Printers Rawalpindi 1980 Pakistan}, the Hunza rulers initially resided in the Altit Fort, but later as a result of a conflict between the two sons of the ruler Sultan, Shah Abbas (Shάboos) and Ali Khan (Aliqhάn), Shaboos shifted to the Baltit Fort, making it the capital seat of Hunza. The power struggle between the two brothers eventually resulted in the death of younger one, and so Baltit Fort further established itself as the prime seat of power in the Hunza state. Hunza Baltit Fort During Winter 2006 The rich beauty of Baltit Fort can be traced to over seven hundred 700 years ago. Ayasho II, Tham / Mir of Hunza in the early 15th fifteenth century married Princess Shah Khatoon (Sha Qhatun) from Baltistan (In Moghul history Baltistan is called Tibet Khurd mean, little Tibet), and was the first to modify the face of Altit and, subsequently Baltit Fort. Baltistan meaning land of Balti people had a very strong cultural and ethnical relation with the Ladakh territory of India then. Consequently, the structure of Baltit Fort was influenced by the Ladakhi / Tibetan architecture, with some resemblance to the Potala palace in Lahasa. Then additions, renovations and changes to the building were being made through the centuries by the long line of rulers of the Hunza that followed.
A veritable treasure house for ancient forts, the Northern Areas of Pakistan lost most of its glorious built heritage around the 19th century as a result of the destructive attacks by the Maharja of Kashmir. Altit Village & Fort, January 2006
However, in this regard people of Hunza were exceptionally fortunate to successfully defend against the invasions of Maharaja Kashmir four times.
{Ref: Tribes of Hindoo Koosh by John Biddulph Chapter: II Page: 29, Pub: The Superintendent of Government Printing-Calcutta India 1880, Reprint: Ali Kamran Publishers, Lahore-Pakistan 1995. First attack 1848, 2nd attack: 1865, 3rd attack 1866 and 4rth attack 1888 Ref: Beg Qudratullah One of the biggest changes in the structure of Baltit Fort came with the invasion of British in December 1891. Tham / Mir Safdarali Khan, ruler of Hunza his wazir Dadu (Thara Baig III), fled to Kashgar (China) for political asylum with their fellows and families. With the conquest of Hunza and Nager states by the British forces in December 1891, the fortified wall and watch towers of the old Baltit village and watch towers of the Baltit Fort on its north-western end were also demolished as desired by the British authorities.
Hunza & Nager with the backdrop of Rakaposhi 7788 meter, January 2006 (Photo by: E.U.Baig)
Mir Safdar Ali Khan in exile Yarkand China (d.1930) Courtesy: Prince Salim Khan Mir Azur Khan in exile Hari Parbat (Kashmir) Source: Baig
The British installed his younger brother Tham / Mir Sir Muhammad Nazim Khan K.C.I.E, as the ruler of Hunza state in September 1892 {Ref: History of Northern Areas of Pakistan by Prof. A.H.Dani, Page:285 Pub: Sang-e-Meel Publications, Lahore Pakistan

During his reign, Tham / Mir Nazeem Khan made several major alterations to the Baltit Fort. He demolished a number of rooms of third floor and added a few rooms in the British colonial style on the front elevation, using lime wash and colour glass panel windows.Baltit Fort remained officially inhabited until 1945, when the last ruler of Hunza, Mir Muhammad Jmamal Khan, moved to a new palace further down the hill, where the present Mir of Hunza Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan (Current Chief Executive of Northern Areas) and his family are residing.
With no proper authority entrusted to care for it, the Fort was exposed to the ravages of time and over the years its structure weakened and began to deteriorate. His Highness Aga Khan IV initiated the restoration efforts for Baltit Fort in 1990, when Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan the son of last ruler of Hunza, Tham / Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan and his family generously donated the Fort to the Baltit Heritage Trust, a public charity formed for the explicit purpose of owning and maintaining the Fort.
Sir Mir Muhammad Nazim Khan K.C.I.E & Khan Bahadur Wazir Humayun Baig Dehli Darbar 1911 Mir Mohd Jamal Khan (d. 1976) Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan (Current Chief Executive of N.A’s) The restoration undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Geneva in association with the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (Pakistan), took six years to complete.
The project was supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture as the main donor through its Historic Cities Support Programme, as well as by the Getty Grant Program (USA), NORAD (Norway) and the French Government. The restored Fort, resplendent in its regal glory was inaugurated on September 29, 1996 in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan IV and the president of Pakistan Farooq Ahmad Khan Laghari. It is now operated and maintained by the Baltit Heritage Trust and is open to visitors. Preservation at its best, the Baltit Fort serves as a perfect example of culture restored and preserved for the future generations of the mountain people.

WELCOME TO HUNZA VALLEY

The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges

of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters.
Administratively divided with five districts, which runs by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary. The chief secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad.
Gilgit the capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the Indo Aryans in 1700 BC.
From the 1st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the trade center from all places as its now. From 4th century to 11th century AD, It was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central Asia-China.
Northern Area is connected with air and road with other cities of Pakistan including Islamabad the Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It’s linked with Karakorum highway through the Indus valley. 620 Kilometers to Gilgit and 832 Kilometers to Skardu. It’s a two days drive to reach Gilgit & Skardu.
Northern Areas is the fairy land, which covers thousands of Square Kilometers if high snow capped mountain, surrounded by Lashed green valleys rivers, Glaciers- High meadows –high passes –Pine Dev Dar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, Fruit orchards, which offer Spectacular panoramic view of natural disaster. Northern Area is a tourist paradise for Trekkers, Climbers –Skiers –Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing –White Water Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Route Travelers –Mountain Bike Tours and many many.

The visitor of Hunza are overwhelmed by the rigged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful popular trees and the velvet like green carpet to wheat fields, set against the background of snow covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is Maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C as well as July is max & min 30 C.
The temperature in October are maximum 10 C and minimum 5 C.
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. The local language is Burushaski. English & Urdu are also under- stood by number of people.
Karimabad is the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 meters and as well as view of Ulter Peak 1 and 2, Ladyfinger, Daran Peak and Golden Peak. The snow of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
The fairy tail like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is Hunza landmark built 800 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden look out over the valley.
Mountaineering And Hiking
Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Special permits are required for mountaineering.
How to Go There
Regular Buses and Van services operate between Gilgit and Karimabad. Hunza Travels & Tours office at Gilgit, arrange tour and transport for visitors.


TODAY'S HUNZA

Today Hunza is in progress in education agriculture, orchard, business small industries, automobile, wooden work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery, Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc.
The actual changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China & Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province, the rapid changes happened in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of people of Hunza.
There are self-help schools in every second village in the valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the reason, why Hunza people are different from other valleys in North of Pakistan.

The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza has been a tourist destination from a long time.