Attraction Guide

Places to Visit
in Hunza

From a 700-year-old fort to a lake born from a landslide. Six sites that justify the journey to Hunza.

📍 Hunza Valley, GB
🏰 Baltit Fort
🌊 Attabad Lake
Passu Cones
By Faisal Zaman·Local from Gilgit-Baltistan·Updated June 2026
Attractions

Places to
Visit in Hunza

Fort · 2,500m · Karimabad

Baltit Fort

700-year-old royal fort restored by Aga Khan Trust. Entry Rs.400–800. Best views of Rakaposhi from upper terrace.

Fort · 2,400m · 4km from Karimabad

Altit Fort

Even older than Baltit (900+ years). Preserved old village attached. Views of Hunza River gorge.

Lake · ~2,500m · ~30km north

Attabad Lake

Electric turquoise lake formed by 2010 landslide. 21km long. Boat trips Rs.500–800/person.

Viewpoint · 2,900m · Karimabad

Eagle's Nest (Duikar)

Sunrise viewpoint above Karimabad. Rakaposhi, Diran, Lady Finger all visible. 45min hike or jeep.

Landmark · ~6,100m · ~45–47km north

Passu Cones

Six vertical limestone spires. Hussaini suspension bridge viewpoint. No entry fee.

Lake · ~2,500m · near Passu

Borith Lake

Small alpine lake near Passu. Batura Glacier views. Free camping. Almost no visitors.

Distances

From
Karimabad

Altit Fort4km · 20 min drive or 45 min walk downhill
Eagle's Nest2km · 45 min hike or 15 min jeep
Attabad Lake~30km · ~0.5–1h drive on KKH
Passu & Passu Cones~45–47km · 1–1.5h drive on KKH
Borith Lake~50km · 1.5h + short walk from Passu road
Khunjerab Pass~120–135km · 3–5h drive on KKH (confirm conditions)
Planning

How to
See It All

Hunza's sights split neatly into two clusters. Around Karimabad you have Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at Duikar — all close enough to cover in a day or two on foot and by short jeep ride. The forts pair naturally: an hour at each, with the old village at Altit worth the extra time. Sunrise at Eagle's Nest is best tackled as its own early start.

The second cluster lies north along the Karakoram Highway: Attabad Lake at roughly 30km, then Passu and the Passu Cones at about 45–47km, with Borith Lake a short walk beyond. Because the northern sites are spread along a long drive, most travellers give them a full day, or better, an overnight in Passu. With three to four days in the valley you can see everything on this page without rushing.

Local Tips

Visiting
Smart

Pair the fortsBaltit and Altit are only 4km apart and easily done on the same day — one hour at each is plenty.
Go north earlyAttabad, Passu, and Borith are a long drive up the KKH. Start early or stay a night in Passu to avoid rushing back in the dark.
Carry cashEntry fees and boat trips are paid in cash. Banking is limited in the valley, so bring enough rupees for the whole trip.
Allow buffer timeThe KKH can be slowed by roadwork or weather. Build in a spare half-day rather than packing every site into a tight schedule.
FAQ

Common
Questions

What are the top places to visit in Hunza?

The main sights are Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at Duikar, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and Borith Lake. The forts and viewpoint are near Karimabad, while the lakes and Cones lie north along the Karakoram Highway.

How many days do you need to see Hunza?

Three to four days lets you see everything on this page without rushing — a day or two around Karimabad for the forts and Eagle's Nest, plus a full day or an overnight in Passu for Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and Borith Lake.

How far is Attabad Lake from Karimabad?

Attabad Lake is roughly 30km north of Karimabad, about a 30-60 minute drive along the Karakoram Highway. Boat trips on the turquoise lake cost around Rs.500–800 per person.

Do Hunza's forts charge an entry fee?

Yes. Baltit Fort costs around Rs.400–800 and Altit Fort around Rs.300–600, with rates differing for Pakistani and foreign visitors. Both are paid in cash and include access to the restored fort interiors.

Can you visit Baltit and Altit forts on the same day?

Yes, very easily. The two forts are only about 4km apart, so most visitors see both in a single day, spending roughly an hour at each, with extra time for Altit's preserved old village.