Karimabad is where Hunza happens. The former capital of the Hunza kingdom — once called Baltit — climbs a sunny hillside in terraces of stone houses, apricot orchards and poplar lanes, crowned by the 700-year-old Baltit Fort. Almost every traveler in the valley sleeps here, and with good reason: the views alone are worth the trip.
Stand anywhere on the upper bazaar and you face a wall of giants. Rakaposhi (7,788 m) fills the southern horizon across the river, Diran rises beside it, and behind town the Ultar Sar massif and the slender spire of Ladyfinger Peak hang almost overhead. At sunset the whole amphitheatre turns gold, then pink — the daily show locals never tire of pointing out to guests.
The sloping bazaar is the social spine of the valley: handicraft shops selling Hunza embroidery and gemstones, bakeries piled with walnut cake, rooftop cafés pouring apricot juice and proper coffee. English is widely spoken, women run many of the businesses, and the atmosphere is as relaxed as anywhere in Pakistan. From the top of the bazaar a short walk leads to Baltit Fort; a pleasant hour's path along an old irrigation channel connects to Altit Fort and its Royal Garden below.
Karimabad is also the valley's best base. Attabad Lake is 45 minutes north, Eagle's Nest at Duikar is 30 minutes up the hill for sunrise, and day trips run to Hussaini Suspension Bridge, the Passu Cones and the Khunjerab Pass. Hotels range from family-run guesthouses to boutique heritage stays, so it suits every budget.
