Karimabad
South Asia · Pakistan
Did you know?
- Zero Point is a hotel zone below the main market.
- Baltit Fort served as the seat of Hunza's Mirs for centuries.
- The walk from Zero Point to the KKH takes about 20 minutes.
See also
Overview
Karimabad is Hunza Valley's historic center, combining Karakoram views, restored forts, accessible hikes, and a compact hotel-and-market zone. Walks toward Baltit and Altit, local food, and the KKH make it a rewarding mountain stop.
Languages: English, Urdu
Why Go
Karimabad (also known as Baltit) serves as the capital of Hunza Valley in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. The town sits below the main market at the so-called Zero Point, a hotel zone offering spectacular views of the surrounding Karakoram peaks. Visitors come for the well-preserved historical forts, accessible hiking trails like the hike to Ultar meadow, and the unique cultural blend of the region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Private vehicles and rented jeeps serve as the primary local transport options in Karimabad. The Zero Point area functions as a hotel zone situated slightly below the main market, where no residential houses are located. To reach further destinations, visitors typically walk down from Zero Point to the Karakoram Highway (KKH), approximately a 20-minute walk, or arrange jeep transportation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation clusters around Zero Point in Karimabad. Budget options include Tourist Cottage & Restaurant (doubles with breakfast Rs 2500), Hunza Backpacker's Inn (200 metres from Zero Point with WiFi and hot shower), and Haider Inn (behind Zero Point with en suite doubles, dorm rooms, and a set meal at Rs 125 at 8PM). Mid-range options include Karimabad Inn and Darbar Hotel at Zero Point.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Food options line Karim Abad Road, particularly between Zero Point and Baltit Fort. Hunza Food Pavilion (Lal Shehzadi) near the polo ground serves local food made by a local woman and her company, known for being inexpensive and tasty with staff speaking Burushaski. Cafe de Hunza near Baltit Fort offers free WiFi and is popular with travelers. Pizza Pamir provides great mountain views from its seating area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Baltit Fort served as the seat of the Mirs of Hunza for centuries and features knowledgeable tour guides and numerous artefacts (entry similar to Altit Fort at Rs 1650). Altit Fort predates Baltit by a hundred years with an impressive setting but less restoration. Eagle's Nest requires a long hike or car ride from Altit Fort and offers spectacular sunset views of Hunza Valley. The hike to Ultar meadow through the steep canyon above the town provides views of Lady Finger peak, though as of July 2019, floods have washed away part of the path—hiring a guide is advisable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
WiFi availability is limited to specific establishments; Cafe de Hunza is noted for offering free WiFi to customers. Mobile coverage exists but can be unreliable in more remote hiking areas. Visitors should plan for limited connectivity when trekking to places like Ultar meadow or Rakaposhi Base Camp.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the main route for onward travel—walk 20 minutes down from Zero Point to reach it. Consider visiting the old Ganish village en route. Passu offers good hikes and mountain views reachable by minivan or hitchhike, with Attabad Lake along the way en route to Sost and onward to Kashgar. Rakaposhi Base Camp makes an excellent day hike starting from Minapin village, with Manokur-e-Basa Hotel (doubles Rs 3500 with breakfast) at the village end. Gilgit is reachable by minivan from Aliabad.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Darbar Hotel
Claims three stars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Eagles Nest Hotel Hunza
Mountain-top hotel with spectacular views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Haider Inn
Homely feel, en suite doubles and dorm rooms with hot water. Fantastic set meal at 8PM Rs125.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hunza Backpacker's Inn
Hotel, wifi, hot shower.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hunza Baltit inn
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hunza Serena Inn
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Karimabad Inn
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Mulberry Hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget doubles with breakfast start around Rs 2500; dorm rooms and budget meals available at Haider Inn for Rs 125.
Activities
Fort visits cost around Rs 1650; hiking to Eagle's Nest offers sunset views; permits required for mountaineering from Islamabad.
Food
Local Hunza food is available at Hunza Food Pavilion near the polo ground; cafes along Karim Abad Road serve Western and local cuisine.
Transport
Private vehicles and jeeps serve as local transport; walking to the Karakoram Highway takes about 20 minutes from Zero Point.