Overview – Hunza Valley

Hunza valley is a beautiful valley, which is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan. The valley is located in the karakoram ranges of Pakistan, making it hard for people to reach through mountainous roads. Its borders are connected with China, Afghanistan and the famous Wakhan Corridor. It is believed that most of the people living in Hunza valley has migrated from central asian areas. The languages spoken in these areas are Shina, Burushaski and Wakhi.

Hunza valley was ruled under a monarchy until 1973, when it was finally dissolved by the government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Hunza valley was an independent principality for more than 900 years, the argument can be back by the 800 year old Baltit fort and 900 year old Altit fort. The British gained control of Hunza valley after taking control over its neighbor Nagar Valley, between 1889 and 1891. Hunza valley is geographically divided in to three parts by locals; upper hunza, lower hunza and center hunza.

The main villages of Upper Hunza valley are Gulmit, Passu, Sost, Shimshal, Jamalabad, Gircha, Chipurson, Khyber and Misgar. Wakhi language is spoken in almost areas of upper hunza, except for some parts of Khyber and Misgar. Lower Hunza valley consists village like Khanabad, Nasirabad, Mayoon, Khizerabad and Mayoon. Shina language is spoken in these areas. Center Hunza valley villages consists of Altit, Baltit (Karimabad), Aliabad, Burusho, Ganish and Dorkhun. Burushaski is spoken in these areas.

According to recent government studies made, the literacy of Hunza valley is believed to be more than 90 %. It has also been noted that the life expectancy of the people of Hunza valley is somewhere around 110 years form men and 120 years for women. However no evidence has been found regarding life expectancy, the claim was entirely based on the statements made by the Mir of Hunza. Hunza valley has a rich history of conflicts, mass migrations and resettling of tribes and ethnicities.