Pakistan Hunza Valley Review from a Retired Singaporean Teacher
Reflections of My Trip to Hunza Valley, Pakistan 25th October – 2nd November 2024
It was unbelievable to find a travel agency that offers soft adventure tours for seniors.
Hunza Valley—my friends and family had to Google it to find out where it is. For me, the key word that caught my attention was “Karakoram,” which has been on my bucket list for years. I signed up without a second thought when I discovered there were still vacancies available for the Mountain Adventure Travels October 2024 Tour.
The stunning and majestic sights of the mountains and rivers more than made up for everything. During our stays in Chilas, Hunza Valley, and Skardu, I opened my windows to see breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and lakes.
I felt humbled and appreciative of all that I have, in the presence of such grandeur. Besides the scenery, the people of Hunza Valley were hospitable, resilient, and beautiful. I wish they would remain this way and not be tainted by the worldliness that creeps into their homeland through tourism.
Highlights of the Hunza Valley, Pakistan Tour:
1) Junction of the Three Mountain Ranges (Hindukush, Karakoram, Himalayas):
I was visibly emotional to see the three mighty mountain ranges at the same time.
2) Hussaini Bridge and Rainbow Bridge:
For someone who has a fear of heights and bridges due to past trauma, I was amazed that I crossed not one but two suspension bridges in a single day! I wouldn’t have been able to do so without the encouragement and support of our tour leader, Pritam, and tour guide, Zahid, who were with me throughout the crossing of Hussaini Bridge, amidst the howling wind and roaring water below.
3) Altit Fort:
This 11th-century monument offers great insight into the culture and history of Hunza Valley.
4) Lok Virsa Museum:
This sprawling ethnology museum presents the history and living traditions of the people of Pakistan. Besides archaeological findings, it also showcases neighboring states that have had substantial influence and trade with Pakistan.
Areas for Improvement:
ACTIVITY:
It would be lovely to have a short trek or walk to experience the mountain range. There was no chance to go down to the river and touch the water.
(Note from Pritam Singh: often times the rivers are in the deep mountain valleys or ravines and it takes a long time to go down to the river and walk back up. This trip was in autumn of October 2024. In summer from May to September, we travel to different places where we are right by the rivers.)
Time Management:
Keep to a viable time at each spot so there is sufficient time to visit other places in daylight. Given that daylight is shorter in autumn, we should be mindful of this and even consider setting off earlier in the morning.
(Note from Pritam Singh: Thank you for this valuable insight. Our usual daily set off time is usually nine in the morning or if we have to travel further, we leave at eight in the morning after having breakfast at the hotel.
LATE MEALS:
Daylight is critical, so food planning ahead of time is necessary. Given that water boils at a lower temperature at high altitude, it takes longer for food to cook. I am very happy with the cuisine served throughout the trip. Perhaps it would be good to highlight to travelers during the briefing what to expect regarding food.
(Note from Pritam Singh: I am happy that you like the Pakistani cuisines along with a variety of Western and Chinese food. We have taken note of your keen observation of altitude, pressure and the boiling point of water. We aspire to travel to recommended restaurants where the food is served fresh, hot and palatable.
CITY TOUR:
See more sights of Islamabad, other than Murree Hills, Giga Mall and the Lok Virsa UNESCO World Heritage Museum
(Note from Pritam Singh: We will look into this. We must be aware that Islamabad is a beautiful sprawling city and travel distances from Point A to Point B takes a long time.)
LONGER DURATION:
Nine days is way too short!
(Note from Pritam Singh: Absolutely YES, nine days is way too short to explore the vast mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. Our current trips are 12 days in 2025. There are options for customized trips.)
Overall, I want to thank Pritam Singh of Mountain Adventure Travels for organizing this tour and offer my sincere thanks to his team—Zakiel, Zahid, Murad, Mehtab, and the two skilful drivers. Their dedication to their job is admirable, and I appreciate how hard they worked to keep us safe and happy.
Mountain Adventure Travels Hunza Valley, Pakistan Tour
Dates: 25th October – 2nd November 2024
– EC, ex-teacher from Singapore
