Ever imagine waking up to see mountains that seem to kiss the sky while the surrounding air is so still?The Hunza in summer​ is dream that one can only imagine. Located in the northern area of Pakistan in the Gilgit Baltistan region, this beautiful valley is a perfect fusion of greenery, snow, and moderate climate perfect for summer.

The charm of Hunza Valley in Summer

During the summer, Hunza is often referred to as the “Heaven on Earth” and Hunza Valley in summer has its own charm with respect to culture and sightseeing. Adventure or quite time, the wilderness or luxury camping, which do you choose? This location has it all.

The temperature in the warmer months generally ranges from 15°C to 31°C and thus, the valley attracts many tourists, explorers, archaeologists and nature lovers. This location perfectly suits the most exciting summer adventures, such as trekking to Passu Glacier, boating at Attabad Lake, or visiting the Altit and Baltit Forts.

Accessibility Via the Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway also famously known as the Eighth Wonder of the World has brought the valley within the people’s reach and it is easier to visit Hunza Valley in summer than ever before.

Best Time to Visit

Every season in Hunza Valley is unique from the other and the Hunza summer festival is ideal for outdoor activities. Spring lasts from March to May, and the Spring Blossom Festival characterises this season as the valley glows with cherry and apricot blossoms.

September, October and November are the best time to photograph the colours of the valley in autumn. Winter is from December to February and despite the freezing weather, this is the best time to be alone in the snow.

Top Activities

Here are the top activities which can be done at Hunza Valley:

Trekking Adventures

Trekking and hiking are magnificent in this area and thus if you would wish to go to Hunza valley then the best time to do it is during summer season. It is widely regarded as one of the most stunning areas for walking, hiking, or trekking anywhere in the world and irrespective of the skill set of a walker.

The Karakoram Range encloses Hunza and includes some of the world’s prominent highest mountain peaks, such as Rakaposhi (7788 metres) and Ultar Sar (7388 metres).

Passu Glacier

The Passu Glacier is one of the best trekking trails which has the scenic beauty of mountains and beautiful view. As popular for its sexually appealing looks, this glacier trek will take one to nature’s bosom in the best way possible. On the trail you get to view the whole Karakoram Range including the Passu cones which are marvellous for photographic evidence.

Ultar Sar

This is a great experience for those who want to hike to the Ultar Sar. This mountain has a height of 7,388 metres and continues to attract climbers. The trail to the base is through beautiful village, beautiful meadows, and wonderful viewpoints.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand on trails where the mountains seem to stretch endlessly?

Boating and water sports (Attabad Lake)

Every tourist cannot afford to miss the beautiful Attabad Lake when in Hunza Valley in summer. Established in 2010 by a landslide that affected the Hunza River, this Attabad Lake has emerged to be one of the best for water activities such as boating, kayaking and jet skiing.

Covering a total area of 21 kilometres, the lake has a maximum depth of 358 feet, which makes it one of the deepest lakes of Pakistan. The water is extremely clean, the shore is lined with rocks, it is a perfect place to spend the day.

As revealed in the latest tourism statistics, about 200,000 tourists visit Attabad Lake every year, thus making it one of the most visited areas in the region.

Did you know that Attabad Lake’s water changes its hue depending on the season and sunlight, ranging from emerald, green to deep blue?

Historical Exploration (Altit and Baltit Forts)

Hunza Valley is a beautiful place with a long history and the remains of the forts reflect its culture. The forts are not just a work of art; they are history in the concrete which tells the story of how the Hunza people fought and led.

Altit Fort

Altit Fort, a 900-year-old structure, is a fine example of architecture in Hunza. Located on the cliff, it provides an excellent view of the whole valley. The fort also has the royal garden where people, both the local and tourists, may take a leisurely walk. It has been restored with the help of funding from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the fort retains its original look.

Baltit Fort

Another historic site, Baltit Fort is over seven centuries old. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which combines Tibetan and native architectural styles and has a museum that tells the storey of Hunza valley’s former rulers. This is because a guided tour of the fort is like a trip back in time.

Which historical fort would you love to explore first?

Hunza Wildlife spotting (Himalayan ibex, snow leopards)

Hunza Valley is blessed with rich wildlife due to its eco system. In summer, the animals in the region can be easily spotted and therefore, this is a perfect time for anyone interested in wildlife.

The valley is home to Himalayan ibex, an elegant goat with large and curved horns and snow leopard, also known as the ghost of the mountains. The Snow Leopard Foundation estimates that there are about 200 snow leopards in the Karakoram Range making it an important area for their conservation.

For birdwatchers, the region offers a variety of species, including golden eagles, Himalayan monals, and lammergeiers.

Cultural Festivals in Hunza Valley

Hunza valley is famous for cultural celebration where people witness beauty of culture of the people living in that valley. The Ginani Festival, a harvest festival, holds the most importance among these. People celebrate it every year on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. They participate in traditional music, dancing, and feasting to give thanks for the new harvest.

There is also the Uchal Festival celebrated by the Kalash people in the adjacent valleys. Held every August in honour of the barley and wheat harvests, Uchal features dance, music, and other activities in which the tribe pays homage to its gods. These festivals help the visitors to get the hands-on experience of the culture of the region.

Local culinary experiences (Local Hunza Cuisine)

Your journey to Hunza in summer wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its traditional cuisine. The food here reflects the simplicity and richness of the valley’s culture.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Chapshuro: A savory pie stuffed with meat and vegetables, often enjoyed as a hearty meal after a long day of trekking.
  • Hunza Walnut Cake: A delectable dessert made with local walnuts and organic ingredients.
  • Tumoro Tea: An herbal tea infused with wild thyme, offering a refreshing taste of the mountains.

These dishes are prepared in numerous small cafes and guesthouses, so tourists can taste the local Hunza’s cuisine.

Which of these dishes would you love to try first during your visit to Hunza?

Travel Tips

Some of the travel tips that might be helpful at Hunza Valley:

Seasonal precautions

Pack appropriately

In summer, the daytime temperature in Hunza Valley varies between 15°C to 31°C, however, night temperature can be quite low especially in high altitude areas. One should dress in layers because sometimes outdoor activities are done and when you are at camps near Passu Glacier or the Karakoram Range.

Hydration is key

The higher altitude of Hunza Valley can lead to dehydration, even in cooler weather. Always carry a reusable water bottle and make sure to get clean water from local sources or from hotels.

It is very important to drink a lot of water particularly when out for long walks or visiting places such as Attabad Lake or Ultar Sar Base Camp.

Sunscreen

The mountain terrain makes the visitors receive stronger ultra-violet rays to an extent. To prevent sunburn or damage to the skin one should ensure they apply high SPF sunscreen before leaving for the outdoors. Especially, this is crucial for the activities, for instance, boating in Attabad Lake or trekking in the open space.

Best times for activities

Hunza Trekking and Wildlife Spotting

The morning is an excellent time to hike through trails like Passu Glacier or Ultar Sar since the temperature is still low and there is high possibility of coming across animals such as the Himalayan ibex and golden eagles. In addition, the early morning light makes the area more beautiful for those who love taking pictures or are interested in photography.

Attabad Lake Boating

If you plan to boat, kayak, or jet ski at Attabad Lake, visit in the afternoon. The still water and perfect weather make it ideal for photographing the lake’s aqua blue colour, which contrasts sharply with the brown peaks of the Karakoram Range.

Hire local guides

To ensure a safe and enriching experience, enlist the services of certified local guides. They have great knowledge of history, culture and geography of the area especially Hunza Valley much more than any guidebook affords to the tourists.

From visiting the stunning Altit Fort to watching the magnificent Passu Glacier, to hiking through unknown paths, guides from the area exhibit great importance.

Obtain permits

Some of the treks and wildlife areas require permits to avoid destruction of the environment and for control of tourist influx. Always ensure you have arranged for the permits for doing things such as the Ultar Sar Base Camp trekking or going into the snow leopard territories.

This preparation saves a lot of time and guarantees compliance with all the set legal requirements to avoid any visit mishap.

Travel Packages and Accessibility

For the convenience, different travel agencies are offering cultural tours Hunza valley packages without any difficulty. These packages usually include transport, meal and accommodation, tours and other activities and experiences.

For example, the tours offered are from 3 days to 14 days packages to suit the different clients that have different preferences and schedules. Such packages help the tourists to visit all the significant areas of the valley without much hassle and the hassle of on-the-spot search.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

It is therefore important to embrace sustainable tourism in the Hunza Valley as the number of tourists visits the area increases. It is suggested that the visitors should refrain from littering and should avoid using plastics and should stay in environment friendly accommodations.

Travelling with guides enables one to get a true experience as well as benefit the local people. Thus, respecting the rules of eco-tourism, every traveller can contribute to the preservation of Hunza’s landscapes.

Which cultural festival in Hunza Valley would you be most interested in experiencing firsthand?

From hiking in the Passu Glacier to tasting the delicious food of Hunza, Hunza Valley in summer is always a treat for every traveller. The stunning beautiful sceneries, the cultural and historical background and the welcoming people make it one of the places to visit.

Hunza Valley also known as “Heaven on Earth” awaits your visit, so don’t delay your plans and go explore. It doesn’t matter if you are an explorer, a historian or just in need of some rest – summer in Hunza holds a particular experience for you.

Are you ready to explore this magical valley?