July 03, 2009
HUNZA VALLEY
Hunza Valley, Pakistan Paradise on Earth
Hunza Valley
* Hunza, a remote mountain kingdom, may have been the inspiration behind James Hilton's "Shangri-La." The area opened up in the 1970s following the completion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH); an engineering marvel tracing the old silk route from Pakistan into China. The fair skinned and light-eyed Hunzakuts claim to be descendants of soldiers lost from Alexander's army as he invaded India. Their language, Burushaski, provides linguists an enigma as it is unrelated to any other language known to man. The beauty of this mountain paradise is matchless; from the soft blossoms of the apricot trees to the dark snowcapped rock monuments of Rakaposhi (7788 m.) and recently climbed Ultar (7388 m.) jabbing a vivid blue backdrop high above..
* People of Hunza
* The fair skinned and light-eyed Hunzakuts claim to be descendants of soldiers lost from Alexander's army as he invaded India. Their language, Burushaski, provides linguists an enigma as it is unrelated to any other language known to man.
* These people are known world over for their amazing longevity and health. They live well beyond 100 years and have commonly been known to still father children at the age of 110. The Hunza has no known incidence of cancer
One of the main activities of the locals is the cultivation of apricots. So that is why all the roofs in this neighborhood are coloured orange, because of the apricots who are drying in the sun. Maybe a good idea for a gift, a portion of dried apricots. But be careful when you make such a picture, as it is kind of prohibited to make pictures of the local ladies in this region, and the drying of the apricots is their duty
When you stand on the terrace of the Baltit Fort in Karimabad, it is almost impossible to stop looking around to those magnificent high mountains. But stop looking up, you must also look down, because from the terrace of the Baltit Fort you also have a splendid bird's eye view on the houses of the village Karimabad. What a great view, you should not miss that.
Most littoral sense of the word. Just walk down the Karokoram Highway staring at the awesome mountains. just incredible. these photos dont do them justice
The Hunza Valley, at around 8,500 feet, is enclosed by mountain peaks as high as 25,550 ft is located in the far northeast of Pakistan, is a lush valley of fruit trees and fertile land. Over the years, many studies have been done on the longevity of the people of Hunza, reports have stated that it is the fitness of the elderly that is so unsual. Although there are few written records of births or deaths most families know the season when they were born and the year. Many elderly say that it is the pure foods, lack of stress in their life and clean air that has allowed them to live a healthy lifestyle.
July 02, 2009
DIRAN PEAK
Diran(7273m) also known as Minapin Peak is situated between Rakaposhi and Haramosh Massif of Karakoram Range offering one of the most beautiful sceneries in Hunza valley. Diran stands prominently offering a Panoramic view to Hunza valley adding to its rugged beauty. The South face is dominating the Bagrot valley
also visible from Karakoram Highway. This face is little more difficult yet safer for snow and ice avalanches. It is situated in the Rakaposhi and Haramosh region in the vicinity of Minapin, Hinarchi and Baultar glaciers. The entire ascent is on snow slopes with bare rock only peeping here and there. The higher slope is smooth but wind-blown. It is very easily accessible because of its proximity to the Karakoram Highway.
LADY FINGER
KARIM ABAD VALLEY
Karimabad is the capital of Hunza in Northern Areas, Pakistan. Karimabad is also known as Baltit. It is named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Shia Ismaili community. It is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and it swarms with tourists from all around the world during summers. It provides spectacular views of many beautiful mountains like Rakaposhi.