The exotic Hunza valley is nestled amidst the westernmost mountainous lap of the Great Karakoram ranges. This former princely state was an in independent entity for nearly 900 years until the occupation of the principality by the British forces in the period 1889-1892 following intense military confrontation from both sides. It was difficult to fight this land locked region due to its inaccessibility. The narrow paths, ‘hanging passageways’ with weak cliffs atop the susceptible highway below, the fear of falling rocks and bad weather terrorized the travelers from entering the region since time immemorial. The Mirs referred to as Tham of Hunza and that of the adjoining Nagar regularly sent yearly homage to the Maharajas of Kashmir to express their solidarity and loyalty to the Maharaja. This practice was observed till 1947 when India was partitioned.
Hunza currently falls in the Aliabad tehsil of Gilgit in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The state capital is the beautiful town of Karimabad formerly called Baltit. This spectacular valley lies at the height of 2,440 meters and provides shortest route to Gandhar and Swat in the NWPF in Pakistan. Khunjerab Pass through the Karakoram Highway opened in 1978 helps connect Pakistan with China. The spectacular valley is known for its lovely green meadows dispersed with varied color flowers amidst the lofty mountains and clear lakes. It is clearly the hot tourist destination for true nature lovers who enthrall in visiting special places and take pleasure in its awesome exquisiteness.
The valley welcomes its guests with the stunning view of some of the most amazing and out of the world gorgeous mountain ranges including the Ghenta Peak, Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Darmayani Peak and the Ladyfinger peak all of which rise as high as 6000meters to 8000 meters. The guest are actually stunned and lost in this paradise vibrant with the gentle sways of the junipers, the popular, deodars and the pines set on the green grass carpet interspersed with lovely blossom in the backdrop of the sky reaching snow capped mountain ranges. The people are friendly and speak the local Wakhy, Shina and Brushiski. They are forward looking and have shown the literacy rate as high as 90 %. Hunza people understand Urdu and English.
Hunza valley is surely the inspiration behind the legendary Shangri-la of the ‘Lost Horizon’ penned by James Hilton in 1933. The original inhabitants of Hunza referred to as the Hunzakuts are light eyed and fair skinned having close resemblance with their Greek ancestors who once comprised Alexander’s lost army following his invasion in the western part of Indian subcontinent. Linguists claim that their language Brushiski is not related to any of the languages known to man.
Hunzakuts have shown to have longitivity of average 80 years. These figures are much higher than national average of most regions of the world. They attribute this to eating simple food consisting of minimal meat, unprocessed foods high on dietary fiber, seasonal, local fruits, veggies, dry fruits besides of course pure mountain water and fresh air. In the spring the sight of the Hunza is simply magical with the blossoms of apricot, walnut and almonds adorning the entire landscape blessed by the blue clear skies from above with white clouds wandering as if to inspect their suitable placement at the most enchanting spot below. The crisp, fragrant and cool air of the valley is the key to mythical health of its inhabitants. The Hunza River following meandering course along the valley adds to the beauty of the land.
A visit to such places provides tranquility to one’s being. It helps connect a hassled city dweller to the long lost he; disconnected from his own self amidst stress, tension and fast pace that life demands. The simple, uncomplicated living of the mountainous people who are no less forward than their city counterparts hailing any where in the world teach every human being the necessity to stay attached to mother nature and come to its lap from time to time. This perhaps is the only mantra to live life- one that is happy, healthy and wise.
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