Pakistan Hunza Valley Review from a Singaporean World Traveler and Tour Leader

June 16, 2025

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Pakistan Hunza Valley Review from a Singaporean World Traveler and Tour Leader

A Journey Through Paradise – My Wonderful Time in Hunza -test-

In northern Pakistan lies a place often referred to as “Heaven on the Roof of the World”—the Hunza Valley. Over the past few days, I finally experienced the breathtaking beauty of this magical land through Mountain Adventure Travels, a Singapore based travel agency.

In Karimabad, mornings began with golden rays of sunlight illuminating the majestic Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks in the distance. Evenings were spent strolling around the enchanting Altit Fort, overlooking the serene and stunning valley below.

Driving along the famous Karakoram Highway, I was left in awe by the scenery: snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and terraced fields that looked like rainbows scattered across the hillsides.
At the base of the Passu Glacier, I marveled at the towering “Passu Cones,” a testament to the raw power of nature’s artistry. Near Attabad Lake, the emerald-green waters reflected the blue skies and white clouds—a sight so mesmerizing I couldn’t help but pause to take it all in.

On Attabad Lake, I joined a captivating boat ride. Surrounded by towering mountains and gliding over the serene, emerald waters, I felt as if I had entered a hidden paradise. The gentle breeze, the sparkling reflections on the lake’s surface, and the tranquility of the moment made time seem to slow down.

One of the highlights was the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, known as “the most dangerous bridge in the world.” This bridge, made of loosely spaced wooden planks and ropes, stretches over a raging river, connecting the two sides of the valley. Even standing at the edge of the bridge, its swaying motion was enough to get my adrenaline pumping.

Gathering my courage, I stepped onto the bridge, each step feeling like an adventure. With the river rushing below and the bridge trembling with every movement, my heart raced. But when I finally
crossed to the other side, the sense of accomplishment and exhilaration made it all worthwhile.

After crossing the bridge, I took on another thrilling challenge—the zip line nearby. Soaring above the valley, I looked down at the suspension bridge, the roaring river, and the majestic landscape surrounding me. The rush of adrenaline as I zipped through the air was indescribable. The blend of wind in my ears and the unparalleled views made this an unforgettable adventure.

Hunza Valley isn’t just about its awe-inspiring natural beauty—it’s also a haven for hiking enthusiasts. With trails ranging from gentle walks through the hills to challenging high-altitude treks, there’s something for everyone.

Near Attabad Lake, we chose a beginner-friendly trail. Along the way, we were treated to stunning views of the emerald lake, encircled by towering mountains. Though it was just a short hike, I felt connected to the raw power of nature. Breathing in the crisp mountain air, walking along winding paths, and gazing at distant snow-capped peaks made me feel at peace.

Every time I stopped to look back, the view shifted, revealing new perspectives and leaving me in awe of Hunza’s pristine beauty. This hike brought me closer to the valley’s magnificence and added a deeply immersive touch to the entire journey.

Every moment in Hunza felt like walking through a dream. Leaving this magical valley was bittersweet, as it gifted me unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the vastness and diversity of our world.

Khunjerab, Here I Am!

My original plan for October’s journey in Xinjiang was to visit Kashgar and Tashkurgan, then explore the Khunjerab Pass from there. However, as we traversed the Tianshan Mountains via the
Duku Highway, my mother experienced altitude sickness. For her safety, we had to abandon most of our Southern Xinjiang itinerary and exit the region through Eastern Xinjiang instead. Despite this change, visiting the Khunjerab Pass remained a dream of mine. So, when a friend invited me to join her on a trip to Pakistan, I didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity and view this iconic landmark from a different perspective.

We began our journey from the Hunza Valley and passed through the town of Sost. As Pakistan’s closest settlement to the border, Sost is a bustling trade hub. Here, I saw convoys of Chinese trucks, familiar Chinese signs, and shops packed with goods from China. Though still some distance from the border, this town is where Pakistan handles its immigration formalities, exuding a vibrant atmosphere of Sino-Pakistani trade and cultural exchange.

After leaving Sost, we entered Khunjerab National Park. This hidden gem, nestled among the snowy mountains, is a showcase of nature’s raw beauty and vitality. The scenery was breathtaking: towering snow-capped peaks loomed in the distance, golden highland meadows shimmered under the sun, and crystal-clear streams snaked through the valleys like ribbons of silver. As we wound our way up the mountain roads, the views constantly changed, each more stunning than the last, leaving us in awe.

Finally, we arrived at the Khunjerab Pass—the world’s highest paved border crossing at an altitude of 4,693 meters. Standing here, I felt the grandeur and stillness of this frontier, as if I had reached the roof of the world.

This place is not only the meeting point of China and Pakistan but also an awe-inspiring tourist destination. Under the bright blue sky, the national flags of both countries fluttered proudly against the backdrop of majestic snow-capped peaks. The serene silence of the surroundings evoked a sense of peace and detachment from the world. Pakistani border guards were incredibly warm and welcoming, walking us to the border, helping us take photos, and eagerly answering our questions—almost like “tourist ambassadors.” In contrast, the Chinese guards on the other side,
though equally diligent, were focused and reserved, embodying the spirit of guardianship over the frontier.

I learned that the Khunjerab Pass closes from December to April each year due to weather conditions, but even during these months, many visitors make the trip to the Pakistani side to marvel at this iconic landmark.

Despite the biting cold and thin air at this altitude, the moment I stood at this historic pass, all discomfort melted away, replaced by a profound sense of wonder and accomplishment. This majestic borderland will forever hold a special place in my heart.

A Brief Encounter with Skardu (30th November 2024)

Bidding farewell to beautiful Hunza, we continued our journey through Pakistan, with Skardu as our next destination. Driving along the Karakoram Highway, which connects Kashgar in China to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, we were traveling on the only overland route linking the two countries. This highway, a modern extension of the ancient Silk Road, passes through three of the world’s highest mountain ranges—the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush, and the Karakoram—earning its reputation as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

The breathtaking scenery along the way captivated us. Steep cliffs revealed remnants of the ancient Silk Road, while glittering gemstone mines added a touch of mystery. Torrential rivers carved their way through deep gorges, their raw power complementing the serene beauty of snow-capped peaks and the azure sky. Every view along the journey seemed to tell a story of this land’s grandeur and history, leaving us spellbound.

Upon reaching Skardu, we wandered through the bustling local markets, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of daily life. The market was alive with colorful displays of handcrafted artifacts, soft woolen shawls, dried fruits, and aromatic spices, each exuding the distinctive charm of the Baltistan region. As evening fell, a faint smoky aroma filled the air, mingling with the sight of rising chimney smoke against the setting sun. We eventually found respite in a quaint local restaurant, savoring an authentic Balti meal rich in spices and unique flavors—a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Originally, we planned to stay in Skardu for two days, but our return flight to Islamabad was canceled, forcing a change of plans. Early the next morning, we made a quick trip to the Sarfaranga Desert, where we briefly marveled at its majestic and unique landscape before beginning our long journey back.