About
Perched on a hillside above Karimabad, Baltit Fort is the most recognisable landmark of Hunza Valley. For over seven centuries it served as the seat of the Mirs who ruled Hunza, and its timber balconies, stone walls, and carved wooden windows still carry the character of the royal era. The fort remained the residence of the ruling family until 1945, when the last Mir moved to a new palace further down the hill. Restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture began in 1990, and the fort was reopened in 1996 as a museum and cultural centre. The project went on to receive the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2004. Inside, visitors can walk through old royal rooms, a traditional kitchen, and a viewing balcony. From the rooftop and balconies, the whole valley opens up: green terraces, the Hunza River far below, and snow-covered peaks all around. It is one of the best places in Hunza to understand the history and culture of the valley.