Naltar Valley., Hunza

2 more images

he green and forested Naltar Valley receives more rainfall than other areas in the Hunza Valley, and its alpine scenery is a refreshing change in the arid Karakoram. The Naltar Valley runs north-west from Nomal village, on the west bank of the Hunza River 25 km north-east of Gilgit. Naltar was a hill station for the Brifish and has some military facilities, including a Paki­stan Air Force winter survival school. The peaks above the upper valley attract climbers each year. Sentinel (5260m) is a moderately difficult alpine climb, while Shani peak (5887m) is a very serious mixed rock and I snow climb. Trekkers enjoy the meadows up valley, and the Pakora Pass trek from Naltar to Pakora has become a popular walk. Shina­speaking Naltar villagers are both Sunni and Shia Muslims and some tension exists between these communities. Pakora villag­ers in the Ishkoman Valley are mostly Khowar-speaking Ismaili and Sunni Muslims, and welcome trekkers.

Naltar is a wonderful valley just about 2 hrs drive from Gilgit. It has green fields and lush green alpine trees. The green and forested Naltar Valley receives more rainfall than other areas in the Hunza Valley, and its alpine scenery is a refreshing change in the arid Karakoram. The Naltar Valley runs north-west from Nomal village, on the west bank of the Hunza River 25 km north-east of Gilgit. Naltar was a hill station for the British and has some military facilities, including a Paki­stan Air Force winter survival school. There is also a ski-lift at Naltar Valley and there are a few Naltar lakes higher up in the valley.