Karimabad (aka Baltit) is the capital of Hunza Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Get in

The Capital of Hunza Valley - Karimabad is just 100 KM drive from Gilgit, and most people arrive by road and it takes almost 2 - 3 Hours to reach Hunza from Gilgit. The main bus stand is on the KKH - Karakoram Highway 'Aliabad'. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses & jeeps along the KKH. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.

Gilgit Airport (GIL ^IATA) is small and has 45 minute flights to Islamabad on PIA

From Kashgar (China) there is a ¥270 regular bus service to Hunza via Sost crossing over the Khunjerab Pass (about 5000 meter high). Across river Hunza at Sost, there is a village called Khuda Abad. People usually do not stop at Khunjerab Pass, they just carry on their journey to Sost with the bus. From Sost, you can do a number of activities around like trekking in the valleys, or drive to Hunza-Karimabad (2 hours), where the Baltit Fort is standing. The Khunjerab Pass is open from May 1st to Dec 30th, but closed in winter.

By Bus

• To China

Thrice-weekly bus service was scheduled to begin crossing the border from Gilgit, Northern Areas, to Kashgar, China, and road widening work was scheduled for 600 kilometres of the Karakoram Highway. There were also plans for one daily bus in each direction between Sust and Taxkorgan in the border areas of the two countries.

• To Islamabad

Via the Karakoram Highway, popularly known as the Silk Road.

• To Gilgit

Via the Karakoram Highway, popularly known as the Silk Road.

By Plane

PIA offers regular flights on Boeing 737s between Gilgit and Islamabad. All flights, however, are subject to weather clearance, and in winters, flights are often delayed by several days.

Get around

Private vehicles are normally used as local transport. Renting jeeps is also a common way of moving around. You can go to nearby cities on buses and by air.

See

• Baltit Fort
• Altit Fort
• Ruby mines
• Spectacular sceneries
• Rock Carvings

Do

• Karakoram Air Safari is the scenic air journey offered by PIA

• Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking: The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.

• Fishing at Lakes. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.

• Biking

• Walking

Eat

• Cafe de Hunza, Hunza (Near Baltit Fort). 

Sleep

• The Eagles Nest above Karimabad is highly recommended.

• Hunza Baltit inn. 
• Haider Inn (behind Zero Point). Homely feel, ensuite doubles and dorm rooms with hot water. Fantastic set meal at 8pm Rs125. Ali Haider, the owner, is extremely helpful and makes everyone welcome 

• Karimabad Inn, Zero point Karimabad. Budget hotel 
• Darbar Hotel, Zero point Karimabad. Claims three stars 
• Mulberry Hotel, Main road Karimanad (between Zero point and the main bazzar of Karimabad). Budget Hotel