EXPERIENCES

Perched on two boulders cresting a thousand feet over the gushing Hunza river, the stunning 11th century Altit Fort is the oldest surviving monument of the region and the birthplace of the Hunza Kingdom. Altit, translating to ‘this side down’, was the first royal dwelling for the Tham (the traditional ruler) or Mirs of Hunza. The fort and the surrounding village settlement of Altit Khun have been restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture through its Historical Cities Programme. The fort is the recipient of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.

Altit Fort has been home to a flourishing women social enterprise named CIQAM since 2003 ever since restoration work began on the Altit Fort. The word Ciqam [she-kum] means ‘greenery’ in Brushaski and stands for growth and prosperity. The enterprise was created in 2003 as a project developed under Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan (AKCSP), and co-funded by the Royal Norwegien Embassy in Pakistan (RNE).

The Leif Larsen Music Center is situated within the Royal Garden of the Altit Fort compound. The Center provides facilities for traditional musicians and performers of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to train youth in different traditions and genres of mountain music. It was set up under the Aga Khan Music Initiative in partnership with Royal Norwegian Embassy. Following the Ustaad-Shagird (teacher-apprentice) model of music education, the Center offers students short courses for training in local music instruments, music education and production as well as short residencies for visiting artists, writers, historians and environmentalists. The Center also helps local communities organize different festivals and music events. 

Wander around in the ancient cobbled streets of the heritage restored village of Altit Khun, and discover the community gathering space (jataq) and water pond. Support the local businesses by purchasing some handicrafts or local produce.

Be transformed back 700 years and explore the royal seat of the ruler of Hunza – the Tibetan influenced UNESCO award winning Baltit Fort and the surrounding bustling

Karimabad Bazaar. Enjoy lunch or a coffee at one of the local restaurants or cafes whilst soaking up the incredible views over Karimabad

A famous archeological site recording 2000 years of travels along the silk route to and from China. The inscriptions are in Kharaoshthi, Barhmi, Gupta, Sogdian & Tibetan and depict many an Ibex. The rock is on a top of a hill which lies in east to the Hunza River and is accessible on the N-35 in Nagar-Khas, Hunza Valley.

• Walk to Queen Victoria’s Monument - a 3 hour return walk through villages and a steep climb to the monument where you will have incredible views of the entire valley.
• The Water Channel Walk - an easy walk for as little or as long as you like. Up to 3 hours.
• Trek from Altit Fort up to the charming hamlet of Duikar (Eagles Nest) – a fantastic 3-hour hike. Watch the sunset over Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, Diran, Lady Finger & Ultar peaks and feel on top of the world!