# Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan

> Karimabad is the main town of Central Hunza, formerly called Baltit and renamed in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, with a lively bazaar, restaurants and Baltit Fort above it.

- **Page:** https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/karimabad
- **Type:** Village
- **Province or region:** Gilgit-Baltistan
- **Part of:** Central Hunza (https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza)
- **Best season:** March to November
- **Altitude:** 2,500 m

Karimabad is the main town of Central Hunza and the centre of most visits. It was once called Baltit, after the fort that stands above it, and was renamed in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, who have supported many projects in the valley. The main street has restaurants, handicraft and gemstone shops, and a view up the valley to Ultar Sar.

Baltit Fort is a steep ten-minute climb from the bazaar, and the footpaths to Altit and Ganish start from the town.

## Highlights

- The bazaar and the shops
- Baltit Fort above the town
- Walks to Altit and Ganish
- The view of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar

## Seasons in Gilgit-Baltistan

- **Spring (March to April):** Apricot and cherry blossom in the lower valleys, mostly in April. The higher villages are still cold and the high passes are closed.
- **Summer (May to September):** The main season. Every valley is open, and this is the time for trekking, Deosai, the Khunjerab Pass and the K2 approach.
- **Autumn (October to November):** Golden leaves in the orchards and the clearest light of the year. Nights are cold and the first snow reaches the high valleys in November.
- **Winter (December to February):** Cold and quiet. Hunza and Gilgit stay reachable by road, but the high valleys and passes are closed.