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.

ULTER PEAK












best view of ulter peak reflections in the rush lake. Ulter is the beautifull peak of hunza.

LADY FINGER

Lady Finger (left) & Hunza Peak (right)
Slightly foreshortened view of Lady Finger (6000m, left) & Hunza Peak (6270m, right). These are among Hunza's most famour peaks. The photo was taken from Ultar Meadow which is a couple of hours climb from Hunza's capital, Karimabad. I took the photo mid-June. During July/August there is little snow on these faces.

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.

ALTIT FORT


Altit Fort which is situated in the village of Altit, about 3 km from Karimabad. It has been built on a sheer rock-cliff that falls 300 meters (1000 feet) into the Hunza River, and is about 100 years older than the nearby Baltit Fort.

RAKAPOSHI















Rakaposhi stands at 7,788m (25,550 feet) and is the 27th highest mountain of the world. Although not the highest, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains of the world.