There is no debate on this that Hunza Valley is one of the most breathtaking and wonderful assets of Pakistan. Considering Hunza Valley heaven on earth due to its breathtaking scenery is totally not wrong. It is called home to one of the healthiest people as it has an abundance of fruit, and fresh air.
Besides all this valley is amazingly full of a lot of surprising facts. The facts are many in numbers but here we enlisted the top 6 facts of Hunza valley so that you can feel and visualize the valley environment insightfully.
Let’s shed light on these facts step by step:
Facts No 1
The Hunza Valley is located in the northern part of Pakistan and has borders with China and Afghanistan.
Specifically, the Hunza Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Geographically, it is a mountainous region, which is regularly praised for its beautiful landscapes. A glimpse of Hunza valley make you sure that the view is worth seeing
Fact No 2
Here comes the most amazing fact, Do you know? The people of the Hunza Valley live over 90 years without suffering from chronic diseases.
The Hunza are the inhabitants of the valley. To the rest of the world, they are known for their exceptional health. Some researchers believe they stay healthy through a clean environment, organic food, and physical activity.
Moreover, the residents of the Hunza Valley can eat between 1,600 and 1,800 calories per day. Whereas Americans consume over 3000 calories per day. Hunza valley people use a very healthy diet that derived from many organic sources.
- Fact No 3
There are two ancient forts in the Hunza Valley, Altit Fort, and Baltit Forts.
Altit Fort in the Hunza Valley
Altit has a tower called Shikari. The Hunza army used to monitor surrounding areas and alert residents of threats. According to some legends, the Hunza State authorities used the tower to hunt prisoners on death row. Also, during all these years, Altit Fort was able to resist several enemy attacks. More surprisingly, it has withstood several major earthquakes. This means Altit Fort was built to last and will be around for centuries.
Baltit Fort
The Hunza Valley is also home to the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, which has also stood the test of time. He remained hidden in the mountains of the region. The first engineers built it on a high cliff facing it towards the valley. Fort Baltit is located in the capital of the Hunza Valley, Karimabad. Similar to Altit Fort, it was a home and command center for the rulers of Hunza. Since the fort is located on the heights, the defenders of Hunza could monitor the surrounding areas against enemy threats.
Fact No 4
Hunza Valley is considered the best place for a digital escape.
City dwellers who are filled with digital smog from sitting at a computer all day can come here to break away from the digital realm. Being away from your computer and detaching yourself from time-consuming social media sites, and being closer to nature makes you feel lighter and energized.
Fact No 5
The Hunza Valley consists of three regions: Upper Hunza, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza.
Upper Hunza is also known for its many populated villages. Namely, Ayman Abad, Gulmit, and Sost. Gulmit is the capital of Upper Hunza, while Sost serves as the commercial heart line due to its conveniently located dry port.
The Hunza Center is the administrative center of the Hunza region. Historically, the ruling Hunza family lived in this region. And it is considered the most populous sub-region. About 97% of the population of central Hunza are Burushaski speakers. The rest of the 3% speak the Domki language. The center of Hunza includes many beautiful villages which start with Murtaza Abad and end with Attabad.
Shina speakers dominate most parts of Lower Hunza, and it borders the Nagar Valley to the south and east. The area is known for its delicious fruits and the celebrations of occasions such as Novroz, Gianni, and Salgirahs. The region is particularly known for its quality grapes and its mulberry tree. Plums, apricots, and cherries are also famous in this region.
Fact No 6
Besides the breathtaking landscapes, the Hunza valley also has magnificent rubies.
Rubies are one of the rarest gemstones in the world. The vibrant colors of rubies make it demanding and valuable in almost all societies. Hence, jewelers all over the world are using them to create luxury wearable items.
After the discovery of rubies in the Hunza Valley, locals began to run their own mining operations independently. Usually, locals sell their finds in local markets or sell them to local agents who in turn take them to the markets of Gilgit and Peshawar.
Hunza Valley Trivia
Most areas of the Hunza Valley were dominated by the Brusho.
Brusho is just another name for the Hunza people. Since most of the inhabitants are Burusho, the main language of the valley is Burushaski. It is the mother tongue of the Brusho people.
Final Words
Hunza valley is abundant with lots of facts and it cannot be cover in one article. Above are presented top 6 facts about it that will definitely amaze you and will urge you to visit that place as soon as possible