Warm, literate and famously hospitable — the communities of Hunza are as memorable as the mountains. Here is who they are and what shapes their way of life.
Hunza is home to two main communities: the Burusho of central Hunza (Karimabad, Altit, Ganish), who speak Burushaski — a language isolate unrelated to any other in the world — and the Wakhi of Upper Hunza / Gojal (Gulmit, Passu, Chapursan), who speak Wakhi. Most Hunzakuts are Ismaili Muslims, a community known for its emphasis on education, tolerance and the involvement of women in public life.
The result is one of the highest literacy rates in Pakistan and an unusually open, welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Language, faith, food and festivals.
Burushaski in central Hunza and Wakhi in Gojal, alongside Urdu and often English.
Ismaili Muslim community with strong traditions of education and gender equality.
Apricots in every form, walnuts, mulberries, buckwheat and hearty local breads and stews.
Nowruz in spring, the Ginani harvest festival, and music and Silk Route celebrations.
Hunza is famous worldwide for the idea that its people live extraordinarily long, healthy lives. The reality is more nuanced. There is a genuine tradition of active outdoor living, a diet rich in apricots, whole grains and fresh produce, and low rates of some modern diseases. However, popular claims that Hunzakuts routinely live to 120 or more are folklore rather than verified fact — historically there were no birth records to confirm such ages. What is true is a culture of healthy, active ageing that visitors still notice today.
The best way to connect with Hunza's culture is through its people — a guided visit to Baltit and Altit Forts, a homestay or family meal, a stop at Ganish village, or timing your trip with a festival. We can build cultural experiences into any itinerary.
Burushaski in central Hunza (a unique language isolate) and Wakhi in Upper Hunza, along with Urdu and often English.
That is folklore rather than verified fact — there were no historical birth records to confirm such ages. Hunza does have a real tradition of active, healthy living and a wholesome diet.
Most Hunzakuts are Ismaili Muslims, a community known for education, tolerance and the active role of women.
Apricot-based dishes, walnuts, mulberries, buckwheat, fresh produce and hearty breads and stews.
Tell us your dates and group size and we will build a private itinerary with hotels and a quote in PKR or USD.