This page is about the town of Hunza in northern areas of Pakistan. is also the Muisca name of the city of Tunja located in Colombia .
( in the northernmost part of the
Northern Areas of
Pakistan , which existed until 1974. The state bordered the
Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east,
China to the north and
Afghanistan to the northwest. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as
Karimabad ). The area of Hunza now forms the Aliabad
Tehsil of Gilgit District.
Hunza was an independent principality for 900 years. The
British gained control of Hunza and the neighbouring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892. The Tham (Chief) of Hunza escaped to China.
The British retained Hunza's status as a '
Principality ' until
1947 . According to
Habib R. Sulemani , the people of Hunza were ruled by a local
Mir for more than 900 years, which came to an end in
1974 .
Although never ruled directly by neighbouring
Kashmir , Hunza was a vassal of Kashmir from the time of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of
Jammu And Kashmir . The Mirs of Hunza sent an annual tribute to the Kashmir
Durbar until
1947 , and along with the ruler of Nagar, was considered to be among the most loyal vassals of the Maharaja of Kashmir.
The state was governed by hereditary rulers who took the title and were assisted by a council of
Wazirs or
Ministers . Details for early rulers are uncertain with the first definite dates available from 1750 CE onwards.
, the former residence of the Mirs of Hunza]]
The Hunza valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres (7,999 feet). For many centuries, Hunza has provided the quickest access to
Swat and
Gandhara for a person traveling on foot. The route was impassable to baggage animals; only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals.
Hunza was easily defended as the paths were often less than half a metre (about 18") wide. The high mountain paths often crossed bare cliff faces on logs wedged into cracks in the cliff, with stones balanced on top. They were also constantly exposed to regular damage from weather and falling rocks. These were the much feared "hanging passageways" of the early Chinese histories that terrified all, including several famous Chinese Buddhist monks.
The temperature in May is maximum 27 C (81 F) and minimum 14 C (57 F) and Octber maximum is 10 C (50 F) and 0 C (32 F). Hunza's tourist season is from May to October, because in winter the
Karakoram Highway is often blocked by the snow.
Today, the famous
Karakoram Highway crosses Hunza, connecting Pakistan to China via the
Khunjerab Pass . Travelling up the valley from the south, Hunza is the land to the left, and the former state of Nagar to the right of the river. Regular bus and van services operate between
Gilgit and
Karimabad .
PTDC Office at
Gilgit and
Islamabad arranges tours and transport for visitors.
From Hunza there are spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world which include
Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft),
Ghenta Peak (7,090m),
Hunza Peak (6,270m),
Darmyani Peak (6,090m) and
Bublimating (6,000m).
Hunza Valley is also host to the ancient
Baltit Fort and
Altit Fort .
Baltit Fort stands on top of
Karimabad whereas
Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley.
As much as the beauty of the valley is famous for its beauty, the people of Hunza are noted for their friendliness and hospitality. The local language is
Brushuski but most people understand
Urdu and
English . The literacy rate of the Hunza valley is believed to be above 90%, virtually every child of the new generation studies up to at least high school. Many pursue higher studies from prestigious colleges and Universities of
Pakistan and abroad.
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness the Aga Khan.
The Hunza region is home to people of three ethnicities:
- The Gojal area is mainly populated by Wakhi speakers;
- The Shinaki area is mainly inhabited by Shina speakers;
- The Kanjut area is mainly inhabited by Burushaski speakers.
The
Burushaski language is understood throughout Hunza. It is a
Language Isolate . In addition to Burushaski, there also speakers of
Wakhi ,
Shina and Domaaki.
The people of Hunza are collectively termed ''Hunzakuts'', while ''
Burusho '' refers only to the speakers of Burushaski. The majority of the people are
Ismaili Shia Muslim s who are followers of the
Aga Khan . The present
Aga Khan has provided a lot of funding for the area to help with agriculture and the local economy.
