Hunza is the northernmost part of a region known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It is a real life green paradise on earth.For many centuries it has provided the quickest access to Swat and Gandhara (in modern north Pakistan) for a person on foot. The route was impassible to baggage animals, only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals.Most of the people of Hunza are Islamili Muslims, followers of Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski.

The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hanza landmark built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used the resistance of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers) of Hunza.Travelling up the valley from the south, Hunza is the land to the the left, and Nagar to the right of the river.