Baltit Fort Hunza - sakhi
Baltit Fort stands at some 28,000 feet above sea level in Karimabad in the Hunza valley. The fort is a unique piece of architectural diversity, the foundations of which were laid some 900 years back. It represents not only the Hunza culture but the entire range of ethnic groups living in the remote reaches of the Himalayas. Facing Rakaposhi Peak, one of the highest in the world, it is poised majestically above the present day capital of Hunza.
Located on the rocky upper level of the Hunza Hill and surrounded by Ulter Bar to the east, the Hyderabad Har to the west, Mount Ulter and its subsidiary range to the north, it offers awe-inspiring views of the glorious high mountains as well as a bird's eye view of the villages in the valley.
Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value for the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally, with some buildings dating back to the 12th century, it is a testimony of the architectural progress of the region.
The main building is an imposing stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its structural design is a significant example of Pakistan's diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence such as a Tibetan ‘sky-light' in the roof.
The fort and the surrounding settlements are reminders of man's imagination and perseverance in overcoming an adverse and hostile natural environment for the purpose of survival. Legend has it a long time ago a Hunza prince went to Baltistan and returned with a Baltit princess. She brought Baltit masons and artisans to build this fort as dowry. The fort remained the palace and family home of the Mirs till 1960.
Baltit Fort is a three-storey structure with 53 rooms. The main gate opens into a dark corridor. There are guest rooms, kitchens, storerooms, prisons and living rooms attached to this corridor. A wooden staircase goes up through a square opening in the floor above.
The fort is the best spot to view the famous peak of Rakaposhi that rises straight out of cultivated fields and reaches 7,788 metres in the sky.
Behind the fort, the Karakoram has its series of needle-sharp peaks. The most famous of them is Lady's Finger. Locals call it Bulbuli's peak after a legendary Hunza princess. The peak is so steep that snow slides off it. The black peak stands in contrast with its snow-covered neighbours.
Located on the rocky upper level of the Hunza Hill and surrounded by Ulter Bar to the east, the Hyderabad Har to the west, Mount Ulter and its subsidiary range to the north, it offers awe-inspiring views of the glorious high mountains as well as a bird's eye view of the villages in the valley.
Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value for the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally, with some buildings dating back to the 12th century, it is a testimony of the architectural progress of the region.
The main building is an imposing stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its structural design is a significant example of Pakistan's diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence such as a Tibetan ‘sky-light' in the roof.
The fort and the surrounding settlements are reminders of man's imagination and perseverance in overcoming an adverse and hostile natural environment for the purpose of survival. Legend has it a long time ago a Hunza prince went to Baltistan and returned with a Baltit princess. She brought Baltit masons and artisans to build this fort as dowry. The fort remained the palace and family home of the Mirs till 1960.
Baltit Fort is a three-storey structure with 53 rooms. The main gate opens into a dark corridor. There are guest rooms, kitchens, storerooms, prisons and living rooms attached to this corridor. A wooden staircase goes up through a square opening in the floor above.
The fort is the best spot to view the famous peak of Rakaposhi that rises straight out of cultivated fields and reaches 7,788 metres in the sky.
Behind the fort, the Karakoram has its series of needle-sharp peaks. The most famous of them is Lady's Finger. Locals call it Bulbuli's peak after a legendary Hunza princess. The peak is so steep that snow slides off it. The black peak stands in contrast with its snow-covered neighbours.
