Karimabad, formerly called Baltit, is the main town of central Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan. It climbs a hillside above the Hunza River, with terraced orchards below and views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar and Lady Finger peak all around.
Crowned by the restored Baltit Fort, it is the most popular base in Hunza for exploring forts, viewpoints and the Karakoram Highway north towards Attabad Lake and Passu.
Plan your visit to Karimabad
- Entry: town free; forts charge a fee
- Open: forts daily, daytime
- Time needed: 2+ days
History of Karimabad
For centuries Karimabad was the capital of the Mirs of Hunza, rulers of a small mountain state on routes linking the region with Central Asia. The princely state was dissolved in 1974, and the town was renamed Karimabad after Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims who make up most of the local population.
Ancient rock carvings near Ganish (the Sacred Rock of Hunza) show the valley’s earlier Buddhist heritage. The opening of the Karakoram Highway in the late 1970s brought trade and tourism, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture later restored Baltit and Altit forts.
Attractions at Karimabad
- Baltit Fort: the former palace of the Mirs, several centuries old, restored and opened as a museum in 1996, with guided tours and views over the valley.
- Altit Fort: an even older fort above the Hunza River in nearby Altit, with the Royal Garden beside it; restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
- Eagle’s Nest: a viewpoint in Duikar above Karimabad, known for sunrise and sunset over the peaks.
- Ganish village: an old settlement with traditional houses and watchtowers, close to the Sacred Rock of Hunza carvings.
Things to Do at Karimabad
- Fort tours at Baltit and Altit (guided visits).
- Hiking: the Ultar meadow trail starts behind Baltit Fort, but it is steep and the path has suffered flood damage, so go with a guide.
- Bazaar browsing: handicrafts, gemstones and dried apricots.
- Cafés: try local walnut cake and apricot dishes.
- Day trips north along the Karakoram Highway.
Karimabad – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Town: free to visit.
- Forts: Baltit and Altit forts charge entry fees (separate rates for foreigners and Pakistanis); check the current price at the gate.
- Fort hours: open daily from morning to late afternoon; times vary by season.
- Best time: April to October; spring blossom and autumn colours are highlights.
How Long to Spend at Karimabad
Spend at least 2 nights in Karimabad: one day for the forts and viewpoints, and one for trips to Attabad Lake and Passu. Add more days for hiking.
How to Get There
- From Gilgit: about 100 km on the Karakoram Highway, roughly 2–3 hours by car or minibus; minibuses stop at Aliabad below Karimabad.
- By air: fly from Islamabad to Gilgit (about 45 minutes, weather-dependent and often delayed) and continue by road.
- By road from Islamabad: a long journey of a day or more via the Karakoram Highway or (in summer) the Babusar Pass.
Flying into Islamabad? Book a fixed-price airport transfer to your hotel, then fly or drive north (flights to Skardu/Gilgit are weather-dependent)
Eateries Nearby Karimabad
The bazaar near Baltit Fort has several cafés and restaurants serving Hunza dishes, Pakistani food and Western snacks; Cafe de Hunza is a long-standing favourite for walnut cake and coffee. Many hotels also have restaurants with valley views.
Other Attractions Nearby Karimabad
- Attabad Lake: the turquoise lake formed by the 2010 landslide.
- Passu Cones: the jagged peaks above Passu village in Gojal.
- Khunjerab Pass: the high border crossing with China.
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge: a famous rickety footbridge near Passu.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Karimabad (Hunza): stay in Karimabad or Aliabad for easy access to the forts and the Karakoram Highway; Gilgit is the option if you arrive late.
- Get a Pakistan eSIM before you land (foreign phones may need PTA registration for long stays).
Karimabad is the heart of Hunza: an old capital of the Mirs with the restored Baltit and Altit forts, orchards and some of the finest mountain views in Pakistan. Give it at least two nights.
From here it is an easy drive to Attabad Lake and the Passu Cones.
