Autumn's love affair with Hunza - a treat to behold

There are a few words in English dictionary that are more versatile than the word ‘Autumn’. Literary writers and poets around the world seem to be in love with this magical word. Some will personify Autumn as bad-news bearer before winter sets in while others think that it instills hope of another spring. No matter how you see Autumn, you cannot deny the natural beauty it brings. The colors of Autumn are a treat to the eyes. Albert Camus, a French philosopher from the 20th century has rightly said, ‘Autumn is the 2nd spring when every leaf is a flower’.

If there is one place on the planet where I would like to spend all Autumns of my life, it will be in Hunza, a famous tourist destination in northern Pakistan. If you happen to visit Hunza in Autumn season, you will witness the love affair between the season and the valley. When Autumn sets in the Valley, it paints it in colors that ooze beauty, and leave you dazzled. It is a love affair you will seldom witness anywhere else. It is nature at its very best.

I do not have enough words to describe the beauty that Autumn brings to this amazing valley, so I would take refuge in what my camera has managed to preserve.

Just another roadside view of Hunza in Autumn

Overlooking Karimabad, a tourist center-point in Hunza, is the ancient Baltit Fort. Views from the wooden balconies of this UNESCO heritage site are just spectacular and with the valley painted by Autumn, they become simply sublime.

The Majestic View of the Valley from Baltit Fort

Rakaposhi, the mother of mist is a gorgeous seven-thousander overlooking Hunza and Nagar Valleys. The Mountain simply adds serenity to the stunning valley beneath. Standing at 7,788 meters above sea level, it is also the tallest (not highest) mountain on land. It rises a staggering 5,900 meters measured from the base to to the summit in just 11 kilometres of horizontal distance.

Another view from Baltit Fort, with Rakaposhi in the background

Attabad lake, a lake formed by a brutal force of Nature, a landslide in 2010 is a stunning beauty. The Amber color of it's freezing cold waters attract thousands of tourists every year. When Autumn arrives with it's own pallet of colors, the lake transforms into a piece of art that only the Almighty can create.

The majestic Attabad lake as seen from Gojal in Autumn

Ganesh Bridge on Karakoram Highway connects Hunza Valley with Nagar. If you are coming from Karimabad, cross the bridge and take a right turn for Nagar. If you intend to visit Attabad lake and its tunnels, Gojal, Passu, Shimshal or Khunjerab (Pak - China border), keep left and stay on the KKH.

Ganesh Bridge on KKH with Karimabad in the background, oozing colors

Passu Cones, a Picturesque sub-range of the Mighty Karakorams, perhaps the most photographed mountains in the region. Passu Cones are particularly famous among rock climbers for the challenges they offer in the climb. Passu Cathedral is the highest peak of this range, standing at staggering 6,106 meters above sea level.

Passu Cathedral stands tall and proud

At the bottom right of the above picture, you can see the famous Hussaini Bridge, a suspension bridge made out of wood planks. The Bridge is particularly famous for it's notorious length and dangerous looking built with about 1 foot distance between each of it's wooden planks. If you are looking for some mild adventure, you should try your luck and cross the bridge.

Hussaini Bridge & Passu Cathedral

Once you cross this scary bridge, you realize that it was well worth the effort as you are rewarded with stunning views of Shispere peak and Ultar Sar. Both these mountains feature themselves in elite club of 7,000+ meter mountains, like Rakaposhi. The picture below captures Shisper peak (elevation 7,611 meters above sea level) and the autumn colored valley beneath..

Shisper Peak as seen from other side of Hussaini Bridge

If you want to experience the Autumn live in Hunza, the best time to visit is between 25 October - 10 November. Please feel free to leave a comment if you need any further details.

I hope you liked this short photo-tour of Hunza Valley, please don't forget to bookmark the blog and keep coming back for more on Pakistan's stunning North.