# Central Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan

> Central Hunza is the heart of the valley and the best base for a first visit, with the town of Karimabad, the old forts of Baltit and Altit, the bazaar at Aliabad and the oldest village, Ganish, all on the same terraces above the river.

- **Page:** https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza
- **Type:** Valley
- **Province or region:** Gilgit-Baltistan
- **Part of:** Hunza Valley (https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley)
- **Best season:** March to November; blossom in spring, colour in autumn
- **Altitude:** 2,500 m

Central Hunza is where most people base themselves. Karimabad, Aliabad, Altit and Ganish stand on a series of terraces above the river, with Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Lady Finger and Golden Peak across and above them, and the old forts of Baltit and Altit look down on the villages from their rocks. The pace is relaxed and everything is within walking distance or a short drive.

## What to see

Baltit and Altit forts are the two historic sights, and both are open to visitors. Eagle's Nest, a viewpoint above Duikar, is where people go for sunrise and sunset. Ganish, one of the oldest villages in the valley, is a short walk from Karimabad, with old stone houses and narrow lanes. The old trails between the villages make good half-day walks.

## Planning your days

Aliabad has the main bazaar, shops and services, and the footpaths between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish make easy half-day walks. Most travellers plan two days here and stay for four.

## Highlights

- Baltit and Altit forts
- Eagle's Nest viewpoint at sunrise and sunset
- Aliabad bazaar and Karimabad shops
- Ganish, the oldest village
- Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Lady Finger and Golden Peak from the terraces

## Places inside Central Hunza

- [Karimabad](https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/karimabad.md): The main town of Hunza, below Baltit Fort
- [Aliabad](https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/aliabad.md): The commercial centre of Central Hunza
- [Ganish](https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/ganish.md): One of the oldest villages in Hunza, a short walk from Karimabad
- [Baltit Fort](https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/baltit-fort.md): The old seat of the Mirs of Hunza, above Karimabad
- [Altit Fort](https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/hunza-valley/central-hunza/altit-fort.md): The older fort, on a cliff above the Hunza River

## 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.