Spring Season (March-April) Spring sets towards third week of March and continues till end of April in Hunza. It is time of the year when Apricot, Almond, Cherry and Apple trees burst into different colors with hues of Pink, White, Red and Purple in the terraced fields and orchards of Hunza. For farmers in Hunza it heralds the start of new season and a busy start of farming in Hunza.Men, women, children of all ages flock to their farms and orchards.21 March,is a festive day known as the “Navroz” marking the start of the new season where families gather and unite with their loved ones and cook special meals for the occasion. For women it’s time for swinging on ropes tied to Mulberry and Apricot Tress in orchards in large gatherings and putting Henna(Clolour on their hands). Spring season attracts many tourists who come to witness blossom colors from all over the world especially tourist from Japan flock in high numbers to witness Apricot blossom. It’s believed that British author James Hilton’s famous novel “Lost Horizon” and depiction of Shangrila was inspired from Hunza valley, famous for the hospitality and average life expectancy of its inhabitant .Hunza existed as an independent princely state until 1974 before it acceded to Pakistan. The kingdom was ruled by a monarchy for well over 1200 years in the recorded History of Hunza. The Karakoram Highway cuts through the lofty mountain of Hunza and is at the cross-roads of the ancient Silk route. Hunza Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan Territory of Pakistan bordering Xingjian province of China to the North-East and the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan. Today it’s the most popular tourist destination in Pakistan attracting tourist from all over the world. It offers historical views of Altit Fort(9oo Years Old) and Baltit Fort(800 Years old) both UNESCO award winning heritage sites. It’s covered by high peaks namely Rakaposhi(7.7788 m),Lady finger(6,000 m),Ultar Sar(7,388 m) and Golden Peak(7,027 m).All of the above peaks can be seen from the town.Hunza has a rich pre-Islamic history. Islam came for the first time in 15ht century. Hunza is spread over an Area of 38,000 km2 (15,000 sq mi). As of today Hunza has a literacy rate of well over 90 % ..The Major towns include Karimabad(capital), Altit, Ganesh, Aliabad, Gulmit, Shimshal, Passu, Sost and Chipurson. We strongly believe that our “Spring Tour to Hunza Valley,” will create an amazing life long memory for you.
Day 01: Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
On this day your flight will arrive as per schedule at the Islamabad International Airport. Our representative/Guide(s) will meet and greet you .You will be transferred to your hotel. This day you’ll relax and recover from the Jet-lag and Journey. Later on the day all members of the group will be briefed about Spring Tour to Hunza Valley (NT-102). Depending on the time available there may be an option of doing some sightseeing later in the day in the capital city, Islamabad.
Day 02: Drive to Naran
After Breakfast we will drive towards Narran .After Check in to the hotel we will spend the day exploring the local market. Overnight stay in Naran.
Day 03: Drive to Hunza Valley
Today we are off on an epic epic road Journey towards Hunza Valley on Karakoram Highway driving through Babusar Pass ,along the Indus river passing through small villages along Karakoram Highway. During the drive we will make frequent stops for photography and Tea, the view from the road is truly incredible. Major stops during the drive include Rock art(Petroglyphs)from Buddhist era along the KKH,view point of Nanga Parbat ,Junction point of the karakoram-Himalaya-Hindukush mountain range, and Rakaposhi view point besides various others.
Day 04: RRest day & Sightseeing in Majestic Hunza Valley
This day will be the higlights of your trip.You will wake up to some incredible views from the window of your room. We will start our day by walking on a uphill climb (15-20 minutes) to Baltit Fort, built in the 8th century BC .It’s majestic location being surrounded by snowy mountains, makes this fort one of the most photogenic spots in Pakistan. Guest can do shopping from the famous local handicraft and gemstones market in Karimabad, try local food in a local café owned by local women. Followed by a visit to Altit Fort (900 years old) Royal garden and Eagles nest (Highest viewpoint) in town for sunset(Golden hour)witnessing a total of five snow covered Peaks above 6000 m.
Day 05: Exploring Hunza valley
On day two in Hunza we will drive towards Passu valley passing through the turquoise color Attabad lake, 7 Km new built Tunnel through mountains, Hussaini suspension bridge, Passu cones,Batura Glacier and will enter the Khunjerab You will have plenty of time in Karimabad,Gulmit and Passu to take photos of the blooming orchards with hues of different colors and interact with locals who are very hospitable and welcoming.
Day 06: Drive towards Naran
Day 07: Drive to Islamabad
Day 08: Departure Day-Fly Home